Question regarding a pool pump disconnect...

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c2500

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The house I have been wiring will have a pool pump located in the garage at a later date. The pool company said I would need a 30 amp DP circuit. The garage will be drywalled. I was thinking i could place a metal box in the wall, and come back at the pool pump installation time and place a disconnect over that box using a cover plate with a knockout and a small nipple. I have never dealt with a pool before, or the need for future power that requires a disconnect, so all suggestions are welcome and by all means let me know if I am over looking something.

Thanks,

c2500
 
If it was me, I'd figure out a way to just put in an empty pipe or feed a small panel in that location. The reason I say this is because I'm suspicious of the 30 amp, 2-pole requirement. That's more what you'd feed a pool heat pump at, and not so many pumps draw that much. Because of this apparent confusion, coupled with the fact that I believe all pool guys are idiots, don't hem yourself in. Figure out a way to put something in a little flexible, like an empty pipe or small panel.
 
Ask them for the specific pump model they are installing so you can get the nameplate info from the manufacturer. I think they are jerking you around so that they can use thier own guy bring this up to the owner.
 
mdshunk said:
If it was me, I'd figure out a way to just put in an empty pipe or feed a small panel in that location. The reason I say this is because I'm suspicious of the 30 amp, 2-pole requirement. That's more what you'd feed a pool heat pump at, and not so many pumps draw that much. Because of this apparent confusion, coupled with the fact that I believe all pool guys are idiots, don't hem yourself in. Figure out a way to put something in a little flexible, like an empty pipe or small panel.
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Ugggh...more idiots in the world...pool guys:grin: I briefly met the installers, and they said a 30 amp two pole would be plenty. Of course I did not ask specifics, because he takes it from the disconnect. The heater will be a 419,000BTU gas heater. (thankfully, I don't have to pay the gas bill) This all said, I am only 20 feet from the garage panel. Aside from the questionable amperage, does my idea for the rest of it make any sense?

c2500
 
c2500 said:
Aside from the questionable amperage, does my idea for the rest of it make any sense?

c2500
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Is the actual motor going to be in the garage? If that is the case then your method will be fine. I would feed a box with a dp switch in it then stub out to another box for the pump connection.
 
bradleyelectric said:
why not ask the pool guy for a cut sheet on the equipment?
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They are still getting estimates. You think electrical has a broad range? They have estimates ranging for $40K to $80K. (The guys I met are the ones they are leaning toward using.) Not knowing who they are going with, and knowing I have to have a rough in before the final decisions are made, I have to plan ahead as best I can.

And yes, the pump will physically be in the garage.

c2500
 
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Dennis Alwon said:
Is the actual motor going to be in the garage? If that is the case then your method will be fine. I would feed a box with a dp switch in it then stub out to another box for the pump connection.
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Yes, the motor will be in the garage.

Thanks.
 
heres an example of the stellar work done by pool guys. piece of 16/3 sjtw (looked like a hacked up computer power cord, the ground was yellow with green stripe). the ground was cut off. and the other end of this was run through a KO, no clamp, on the side of the timer. 1 HP pump wired for 120v.
 
this doesn't regard a pool, but an incident where the installer wanted a 30A.

I was working on a remodel and the HO was having an electric gate installed at the highway. The HO called me and said the gate installer was there and they were ready for power. HO puts gate installer on the phone ----

ME - "what are the power requirements of your operator?"

Gate Guy - "Man, I just need regular 'ol house plug on a 30A breaker."

Me - "Sorry, no can do."

GG - "That's what it takes. I been doing this for xx years and I know what it takes."

Me - "I'll be there in 10."

I show up, and the gate is 12vdc powered of a deep cycle marine battery connected to a .30A trickle charger.
 
c2500 said:
Does anyone know the typical amperage of pool pumps? I know I can resaerch it but this is an off the cuff question.

Thanks
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One horse pumps seem to be pretty popular, but I've seen pool pumps all over the map
 
Most of the pools we do are 1hp. Around 16amps at 120v and 8amps at 240v. We also ran a circuit for pool lights. Our pools were heated by gas. I think you plan on atleast 4 circuits, this way you should be covered. A electric heater we draw alot of amps. I can't help you on that.
 
guschash said:
Most of the pools we do are 1hp. Around 16amps at 120v and 8amps at 240v. We also ran a circuit for pool lights. Our pools were heated by gas. I think you plan on atleast 4 circuits, this way you should be covered. A electric heater we draw alot of amps. I can't help you on that.
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I can't remember the exact current draw of the heaters, but all the ones I've connected run on a 20A circuit @ 120v.
 
I won't take exception to any of the previous comments on pool guys. :D We never did any shoddy work, and always had a specific EC that we worked with. To top it off, when we did jobs with interesting or larger set-ups we just faxed over all of the specs for the equipment straight to the EC. Of course, I also know how the "pool guys" got the bad name.

Gus had it right for the average pump. The only time you'll run into larger demands is with a heat pump, or larger swimming resistance or jet pumps.

Edit: Most electronic ignition heaters only draw about 5-7 amps at start-up; after that its about 2-3 amps.
 
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hey_poolboy said:
Edit: Most electronic ignition heaters only draw about 5-7 amps at start-up; after that its about 2-3 amps.
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So, knowing there is a 419,000 BTU heater, you would want a single 20 for the heater to plug into? Also, are the heaters notrmally plug in or hard wired? My problem is the electrical will be roughed long before the pool is done so I am covering myself. (I have never dealt with a pool before) 240 for the pump, something for the light (which may be leds) and a circuit for heater ignitor?

Does the light just need a switch box? I can easily put the power source close to the pump in the garage and the switch in the house.

Thanks,

c2500
 
You don't need a switch for the igniter. You will most likely have a timer, I would come out of the timer box to feed the igniter.
 
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