Intex 3000 GPH timer question...

[gearjammer]

Just added a Intex 3000 GPH Sand filter to my above ground pool and haven't figured out the timer yet.

I set the pump to run for 4 [or any] hours, I come back in 4 hours and the pump shuts off. Next day go out to the pool and the pump is running again, without me turning it on. Why?

Is there a feature that tells it to come on at a certain time, perhaps the time I set it the day before, to come on by itself? Thanks for your anticipated help.

[DaddyValarian]

The pump runs on a 24 hrs timmer if you set it at 4 it will run 4 on 4 off. I set mine to 12 to run 12 at night and shut off for 12 during the day. This I find helps with circulation of my chemicals and let's me backwash before it runs again. If this is the wrong way to do it idk but it seems to work. I asked my local pool guys and they said chemicals work better at night because UV rays can deactivate some of them. Like chlorine, UV rays will break it down before it even has a chance to work. Hope this helps!