In the case of a pool pump breaker size, a 20-amp CB is the best choice to safely support a 240V/ 10-amp (usual setup for pool pumps) electrical system. A 20-amp circuit breaker is a common thing for residential homes.
The National Electric Code requires that all swimming pool pumps be connected to a GFCI breaker.
Booster pumps for pool cleaners or solar systems can be operated with 110V or 220V, and are usually connected to a separate timeclock, powered with a dedicated 15 or 20 amp breaker. The wiring of the motor is identical to the wiring for the main pool pump.
A typical above ground pool pump will require a 20-amp breaker and use #12 gauge wire to deliver the electricity.
1 HP is 746 watts x 1.5 HP = 1,119 watts. 1,119watts ÷ 120volts= 9.325 amps.
Since it's an aboveground pool pump it's an uprated model and probably draws in the neighborhood of 10 to 12 amps at 120 volts.
Connect an 8-gauge wire to the metal posts of the pool, the pump, and the metal plate on the skimmer and then wire that to the pump to bond the entire pool.
Running your pump with an extension cord voids the warranty in most cases. Running the pool pump motor with an extension cord that is not adequately paired for the filter's power will damage the motor. At times, pool owners, however, use extension cords in lieu of a costly job to bury a power line beneath the ground.
A common question that comes up a lot with new owners is, “Do above ground pools need electricity?” Well, if your pool has a water pump, you're definitely going to need access to electricity.
Speaking from experience (both professionally and having a pool at home), you need a minimum of 12 ga wire for a dedicated circut and thats pushing it being 80' away. 10 ga would be better especially if you plan to add anything else (lighting, cl2 generator, etc).
Since it's an aboveground pool pump it's an uprated model and draws in the vicinity of 10 to 12 Amps at 120 volts. It might draw less depending on your plumbing.
Receptacles for pumps and motors must be located between 6 and 10 feet from the pool walls, and they must be GFCI-protected and locked. Outlet receptacles for general use can be no closer than 20 feet from a pool or in-ground spa if they are not GFCI-protected, and no closer than 6 feet away if they are GFCI protected.
A swimming pool will typically use around 2000kWh - 3000kWh of electricity per year depending on the type & size of the pump, how long the pump is run for each day & if the pool is heated. Running costs are typically between $800.00 & $1200.00 per year at 2018/19 prices.
Pool heat pumps come with union attachments, so you can easily disconnect it and drain the heat pump for winter. Heat pumps require a dedicated circuit with a fairly large circuit breaker. Depending on the heat pump size, it will need a 30 to 50 amp breaker.
Plug in the pool pump and cover it with a weatherproof cover. With the main service off to the house, wire in GFCI circuit breakers to the electrical panel. Connect an 8-gauge wire to the metal posts of the pool, the pump, and the metal plate on the skimmer and then wire that to the pump to bond the entire pool.
It's best to run your pool pump during the day
Not only does sunlight give fuel for algae to grow, it also destroys your pool chlorine and this is why you should always run your pool during the day!
The extra filtering will help clean out the impurities rain has introduced into your pool's water. Pool pumps are made to withstand rain and it is beneficial to run your pump during or after rain.
A standard pool pump is typically 1½ to 2 hp and operates using a single-speed induction motor generating excessive filtration flow rates. This volume of water is achieved by a 3,450 rpm rate that requires between 1,500 and 2,500 watts of electricity depending on the service factor of the motor.
If you need to know the electrical requirements for your inground pool, here is a list of common pool equipment and the approximate volts and amps required for each: Pool Pump: 240v, 10amps. Salt Water Chlorinator: 240v, approx 5-8 amps. Pool Heat Pump: 240v, 50 amps.
(1) Install a 20 amp GFCI at the main breaker panel for the dedicated 240 line for the pool pump. Neutral wire from GFCI attaches to ground/neutral bus which is the same at the main. (2) Add 240 Disconnect by pool pump. (3) Add Intermatic PS3000 surge protector by connecting it to disconnect.
Most Energy Efficient Pool Pumps
Calculating Pool Pump Energy Use: Each horsepower uses 746 watts. For a 1.5 hp pool pump, multiply 746 watts by 1.5 hp, for a total of 1,119 watts. Most utilities charge from 10¢ to 15¢ per kilowatt-hour, and to know kilowatt-hours, multiply watts X hours and divide by 1,000.
A 2 hp pump won't pull twice as many amps as our 1 hp example motor UST1102, but it will be more, about 25% more, up to 20/10 amps. The EE version of our example motor, the UCT1102 'The Conservationist', uses 11 / 5.5 max load amps, or a reduction of just over 25%.
Heat pumps do not require a GFCI. Heat pumps fall under NEC 680.45 as a "circulation heater" which requires a GFCI when supplied by a brach circuit of 150 volts or less. Any pool Heat Pump that runs on 240 volts then does not require a GFCI.