Short Interval Timer on AGP Pump - GFCI trip

[robwillishu]

So, I have just installed my first AGP. Initially it was fairly easy but as the family uses it I have been forced to make "improvements". The wife won't use it unless it is warmer.

This led to the installation of a solar heater. However it seems that the most effective use of the solar heater is to set your pump on a short interval timer(SIT). Seemed easy enough...
I purchased a SIT set it up per directions and plugged everything in. It appeared to work at first but at the first stop the GFCI got tripped. Now to be clear there is a GFCI built into the power cord on the pump. This is the GFCI that keeps tripping. Here is my dilemma; How do I keep that from tripping every cycle?

 

[ajw22]

What model SIT did you use?

What model pump?

 

[robwillishu]

What model SIT did you use?

What model pump?

I am trying to use - Century Products - BN Link Repeat Cycle Timer with Day, Night or 24 Hr operation. Every time the cycle goes to off it trips the GFCI that is built into the pump cord.

The pump is a BestWay Flowclear 2500.

 

[ajw22]

This the timer -

BN-LINK Short Period Repeat Cycle Timer Day Night Or 24 Hours Operation - BN-LINK

BN-LINK Short Period Repeat Cycle Timer Day Night Or 24 Hours Operation

www.bn-link.com

That is a smart timer which means it is stealing some power from the circuit for the electronics module. The GFCI in the pump cord is seeing that stealing of power as an imbalance between the neutral and hot lines that it cannot account for an tripping the GFCI.

Use a dumb mechanical timer or try one of their outdoor timers...

Bnlink Outdoor Timers - BN-LINK

BN-LINK Outdoor Timer Outlet Series, including Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer, Mechanical Programmable Dual Outlet Timer, and Smart Wifi Outlet Timer. Easy to set up and Weatherproof rated for extra protection against the elements for great versatility and functionality.

www.bn-link.com

Or you can try plugging the timer into a GFCI outlet and then cutting off the GFCI on the cord and making it into a regular plug. That is not recommended as it makes it easy for someone to plug the pump into a non-GFCI outlet and not have GFCI protection. But I want to mention it because I am sure someone will suggest it.

 

[robwillishu]

Yep, that is the timer. I looked at the other timers and none of them are the same short interval type timer as far as I can tell. I really want the short interval type to cycle the pump on and of at 15 min intervals for the solar heater to make the most impact.
The timer is plugged into an outlet that is wired through a GFCI outlet so it has some protection. I did think about cutting off the plug and changing it but don't feel entirely comfortable with that.
I may reach out to BN Link directly for assistance in selecting a timer.
Thank you for your help.