timers

I use old-fashioned timers with the rotating dials. Any brand is probably fine, but I bought outdoor rated ones that have an enclosure to protect against moisture. Make sure you get heavy duty ones rated for 15A if you're going to control your lights with them.

I tried digital timers first, but found that they are more epensive up front, and prone to failure (3 out of 3 digital intermatic timers I was using died in the first 6 months).
 
I use this X-10 Mini Timer, and some appliance (not lamp) modules. I know some folks have issues with X-10 stuff, but I've had my lights and pumps on this thing for two years and it's never once failed to do what it was supposed to. The nice thing about this is that it also has toggle switches on the control box so I can manually turn off anything anytime.

I'm considering going to something like a neptune for a greater variety of control, but for basic timer functions this has been great for me.
 
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