Timer Tripper drift?

[Pamofferman]

Hello everyone!

I’m a first-time pool owner doing my best against the hard water here in Arizona. Thanks to these forums most of my challenges make sense. I’ve used the search function a lot and appreciate all the contributions.

I woke up up to a weird situation this morning. My pump usually runs overnight and quits a bit before 9am. I know the pump was running just before 5am but then shut off around 6am. When I went to investigate, sure enough the tripper has moved itself up by a few hours.

I moved it it back to it’s regular spot and tightened the screw with a wrench. I’m wondering if this was just a loosened screw, or could it be something more serious?

Thanks so much!

• 9900 gallon IG plaster pool, Hayward cartridge filter, Hayward 1HP NorthStar pump, Zodiac MX8 Elite side suction vacuum, Taylor K-2006 Test kit
• Pool built by original owners in 2003, we moved in June 2018

 

[JohnT]

Welcome to TFP!

I'd say it is likely just a loose tripper.

 

[Pamofferman]

I apologize for my lack of signature - I thought I saved it but apparently not! I'll re-do it ASAP.

 

[TheMerk]

Loose screw is my bet too. In my experience these Intermatic timers keep very good time, for decades. The OCD in my hates that I cannot set the time EXACTLY though

Welcome to TFP btw!

 

[Pamofferman]

Everything seems normal again this morning with the tripper tightened back where it should be and the pump quitting at the correct time.

Not being able to set an exact time time is a major frustration for me! I’m on an “on-peak, off-peak” pricing plan with the electric company which is why I’d like the pump to run until just before 9am but not one minute over. Trying to get the tiny tripper screw tight, but also to the cheap electric side of 9am was not fun!