You can program it to say turn on at 8:00 and off at 8:05 for every day of the week. I think it can hold 14 on off per day (which would probably be more than you need). They are very easy to program and use.
yup go with the timer, never have to worry about watering, just got to refill the tub, lol. i got mine at home depot for 10bucks or so. gots 12 different set times, and it was just enough and has like a small backup battery, dont think it wouldnt matter tho because if the power went out the water pump still wouldnt work.