What size breaker do I need for pool pump?

Author: Prof. Jon Wehner PhD  |  Last update: Friday, June 17, 2022

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. It won't be a surprise if you find one in your electrical box.

What kind of breaker do I need for pool pump?

The National Electric Code requires that all swimming pool pumps be connected to a GFCI breaker.

How many amps does a 1.5 HP pool pump draw?

1 HP is 746 watts x 1.5 HP = 1,119 watts. 1,119watts ÷ 120volts= 9.325 amps.

What size breaker do I need for a 220V pool pump?

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.

Does a pool pump need its own breaker?

A typical above ground pool pump will require a 20-amp breaker and use #12 gauge wire to deliver the electricity.

4 Most Common Pool Pump Questions

How do I run electricity to my pool?

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.

Can I run an extension cord to my pool pump?

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.

How many amps does a 1 HP pool pump draw?

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. Depending on your plumbing it may draw less.

How many amps does an above ground pool pump draw?

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.

Why is my pool pump tripping breaker?

The most common reasons for a pool pump circuit breaker to trip are an overloaded motor, underrated pump breaker, bad motor windings or other earthing issue, moisture in the motor or moisture in the wiring.

How much electricity does a 1.5 HP pool pump use?

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.

How many amps does a 2hp pool pump draw?

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%.

Does an above ground pool need its own circuit?

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.

How many amps is a pool heater?

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.

How many amps is a Intex pool pump?

Intex fitler pumps draw 1.3 to 4.0 amps of current. Normal households have 15 amp outlets.

Is it better to run a pool pump at night or day?

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!

How much electric does a pool pump use?

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.

Should pool pump run during rain?

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.

How do you wire a GFCI breaker for a pool pump?

(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.

How close can an electrical outlet be to a pool?

Electrical Outlet Receptacles

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.

How many amps does a 230 volt well pump use?

A general summary of circuit breaker sizes and Generator sizes for various 230 volt pumps are as follows: A 15 amp circuit breaker means the pump is smaller than . 5 hp and will use ~5 amps/700 watts during operation and will require at least 1.2 KW internally regulated generator to start/operate the pump.

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