I've had 2 Timers so far for Our Backyard Pool... A Home Hardware special Plastic Housing with spike to shove into the ground, kind of sun dial design.. 1st one I got a season and half the 2nd one just one season.. Honestly I believe as there is more than one pair of hands setting the Timer from time to time... lol.. You know not turning dial to the left and scroll down as they should but rather turning to the Right from start thereby eventually rendering the mechanizem useless.. Anyway has anyone heard of this theory, as we are attempting to cut down our Monthly Hydro Consumption... Talking with Hydro One and going over our Bill during Peak Times and so on.. The Lady tells the Wife.. Using a Timer for the Pool Pump not really effective as the Timers do Break Down??

Good timers are available. I just installed one for my water heater which is excellent. Workers on multi-voltage systems without a DIP switch (recognizes the incoming voltage digitally), clock works on same voltage as load etc. Switch to override timer or turn off completely and lockable.
Similar to: http://www.intermatic.com/~/media/Intermatic/Documentation/Specifier%20Guide/010_GM40_2pgs.ashx

I also suggest Intermatic for pool timing (like the last user who posted). When you are searching online they are the most prominent in terms of who pops up for swimming pool timers

They have a great product selection and good warranty... and you can setup Intermatic timers to work on multiple systems for your pool

Here is another link to Intermatic swimming pool timers

Control your hydro bill with a swimming pool timer - Sauna Showcase (http://www.saunashowcase.com/pools-pool-houses/control-hydro-bill-with-swimming-pool-timer.php)