
Having a disconnect is mandatory to cut off power to the pool pump. In emergency situations and for maintenance purposes a disconnect can become es s ential. A disconnect switch is also known as a disconnector or an isolator.
What is a maintenance disconnect on a pool pump?
A maintenance disconnect is required for shutting off power to pool or spa pumps, filters, and other utilization equipment. The disconnect must be installed within sight of the pool or spa but can be no closer than 5 feet from the pool or spa so that you cannot be leaning out of the water to turn power on or off.
How far should a pool disconnect be from the pool?
The disconnect must be installed within sight of the pool or spa but can be no closer than 5 feet from the pool or spa so that you cannot turn the power on or off while leaning out of the water. Public spas must have an emergency disconnect that is visible and at least 5 feet from the spa, but this rule does not apply to single-family dwellings.
What is the NEC requirement for a maintenance disconnect at pool?
What is the NEC requirement for a maintenance disconnect at a pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub? A. A maintenance disconnecting means is required for the permanently installed pool, storable pool, outdoor spa, outdoor hot tub, or fountain equipment, other than lighting for these water bodies [680.12].
What is a maintenance disconnecting means?
A. A maintenance disconnecting means is required for the permanently installed pool, storable pool, outdoor spa, outdoor hot tub, or fountain equipment, other than lighting for these water bodies [680.12].

Does a pool pump have to be on a switch?
A pool pump is responsible for aerating and circulating the water through a swimming pool. The pump has a toggle switch that activates the power used by the pump; this switch must be replaced if it becomes defective.
Does an above the ground pool need a disconnect?
If you have an above-ground pool, you usually just need to disconnect the hoses to and from the pump and filter and plug the wall outlets. Cover the pool: A tight fit of your pool cover is essential.
Do you disconnect pool pump in the winter?
PRO of Disconnection Keeping pumps away from accumulating moisture (assuming you live in a place that gets considerable rain/snowfall) during the winter is a good way to protect the equipment. Heavy snow is a danger to pool equipment that remains outdoors.
When a swimming pool has a circulation pump the disconnecting means must not be more than 50 from the pump?
A maintenance disconnecting means is required for the permanently installed pool, storable pool, outdoor spa, outdoor hot tub, or fountain equipment, other than lighting, for these water bodies. and not more than 50 ft from one to the other. and it can be up to 15 ft long [680.42(A)(2)].
Do pool pump motors have to be GFCI protected?
-NEC requires GFCI protection for all pool pumps. A pool builder or electrician cannot install power to your pool pump per code without one.
Does a pool pump have to be on a GFCI breaker?
1. What Is Needed GFCI Breaker For A Pool Pump? On average any water source that you come in contact to that has electricity will need to have GFCI protection. This GFCI protection or ground fault circuit protection will detect anything over 5 mA of leakage to ground to trip the breaker if anything were to happen.
Can I leave my pool cover pump outside all winter?
While covered throughout winter, water is sure to build up on the pool cover. This is when a cover pump is essential to keeping water off the cover. Automatic pumps can be left on the cover. But Aqua Pools recommends removing the pump, including the hose, and bringing it inside during freezing weather.
Will pool pump freeze if running?
For Pools That Are Still Running During a Freeze Moving water can't freeze, so the first step is to make sure your filtration and auxiliary pool pumps are running continuously. Many pumps have a built-in freeze guard that will automatically kick into action once the outside air reaches a certain temperature.
How do I protect my pool pump in the winter?
How to protect your pool equipment in freezing weatherKEEP THE WATER MOVING. ... Make sure that all your pumps are freeze protected. ... Make sure your lines are all flowing. ... KEEP THE WATER LEVEL UP IN YOUR POOL. ... KEEP YOUR POOL MAINTENANCE UP TO DATE. ... IF THE POWER GOES OUT, WINTERIZE YOUR SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT.More items...•
How far away can a pool pump be from the pool?
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.
Why do pools need junction boxes?
Older pools typically have what's called an “In Deck Junction Box” or J-Box installed just above the fight fixture on the pool deck. In most cases it's directly under a diving board and a few inches from the coping edge . This box is where the cord from the pool light connects to a 110VAC power source.
What is considered a storable pool?
STORABLE POOLS ARE THOSE THAT ARE CONSTRUCTED ON OR ABOVE THE GROUND, AND ARE CAPABLE OF HOLDING WATER TO A MAXIMUM DEPTH OF 42 IN., OR A POOL, SPA, OR HOT TUB WITH NON METALLIC, MOLDED POLYMERIC WALLS, OR INFLATABLE FABRIC WALLS REGARDLESS OF DIMENSION.
What electrical is needed for above ground pool?
Minimum ground wire size #12 AWG. 4. 20 Ampere locking type receptacle required for filter motor for above ground pools located at a minimum of 6 feet from pool wall.
Can I install an above ground pool myself?
If your space is level or can be made level with just a little excavating, you can easily put the pool up yourself. Otherwise, you will probably need a professional. Purchase one of our kits. We sell above ground pool kits for customers to install themselves.
How do you electrically bond an above ground pool?
0:527:02Above Ground Pool Electric Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe pool bonding is done by digging a trench around the pool 18 to 24 inches from the pool wall fourMoreThe pool bonding is done by digging a trench around the pool 18 to 24 inches from the pool wall four to six inches deep and laying a number eight solid copper wire.
How do I run electricity to my above ground 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.
Does a pool heater need a GFCI breaker?
If you have an inground pool, chances are you also have a pool heater. And if you have a pool heater, you probably have a GFCI breaker. But do you...
Does a hot water heater require a disconnect?
If you have an electric water heater, then it is required to have a disconnect. This is to ensure that if there is ever an issue with the water hea...
Can a pool heater be plugged into an extension cord?
Yes, a pool heater can be plugged into an extension cord as long as the extension cord is rated for the amps and watts required by the pool heater....
Can I run pool pump and heater on same circuit?
You can indeed run your pool pump and heater on the same circuit. In fact, many pool owners do just that. However, there are a few things you need...
Why do pool pumps need more power?
Another reason why pool pumps need more power is that they operate for a long time. It is important to keep your pool pump on for long periods to maintain a clean backyard oasis. Nonetheless, you have to know your pool’s size to identify the accurate time of leaving your pump on. At times, pool owners can leave it on for 24 hours.
How many amps does an above ground pool pump use?
Usually, a normal above ground pool uses a size breaker of 20 amperages. On the other hand, inground pool pumps use a subpanel of 100 amperages.
Can a pool pump work with electricity?
They can only function with electricity. They should get fixed to a strong power source since they use a lot of electricity. A dependable pool professional often advises you to use a thick extension cord to run the equipment. Additionally, since pool pumps function with high power, they need a dedicated circuit.
Do pool pumps need a dedicated circuit?
Typically, a pool pump needs to be on a dedicated circuit. Pool pumps use a lot of power; hence they function best when they have their circuit. But it is always best to save on energy by regulating the time the pump is on. If you have a residential pool, you can reduce the time you turn on your equipment.
How to Set Up A Pool Heat Pump?
Installing a pool heat pump mainly involves plumbing and electrical works. But placement is also very important which many forget to address. Here is how you can set up a pool heat pump step by step:
Do You Need a GFCI Breaker for the Pool Heat Pump?
Yes, you do. GFCI is similar to a fuse but it is much more sophisticated. Fuse is intended to protect your household devices from a sudden power surge while a GFCI breaker serves a life-saving purpose. GFCI is the abbreviation of ground fault circuit interrupter.
Key Things to Remember When Installing A Pool Heater
Everything I have discussed above might sound casual so here are some vital points to keep in mind when installing a pool heater. There shouldn’t be any difficulty if you follow these points correctly:
Conclusion
If it’s your first time installing a pool heat pump then it might seem difficult, which it isn’t. Follow everything I have described above precisely and everything should be okay and if you’re still not confident enough then don’t be afraid to call a professional for help.
How far away from pool should electrical outlets be?
The rules for electrical outlets are aimed at preventing the possibility of shock: 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.
How far can you run underground wiring under a pool?
Underground wiring is not allowed under a pool or spa, and can be run no closer than 5 feet from any sidewall of a pool or spa.
How high should electrical lines be above pool?
A swimming pool or spa installation must follow a couple of rules when it comes to overhead electrical lines: 1 Utility power lines that run over a pool or spa must be at least 22.5 feet above the water level or base of a diving platform. 2 Communications cable must be at least 10 feet above the water level or diving platform.
How far from a pool should a light fixture be?
Light fixtures less than 10 feet from a pool or spa edge, unless the fixture is more than 5 feet above the water level
How far above the water level should a pool power line be?
A swimming pool or spa installation must follow a couple of rules when it comes to overhead electrical lines: Utility power lines that run over a pool or spa must be at least 22.5 feet above the water level or base of a diving platform.
Can you install a pool well away from electrical lines?
It is always preferable to install a pool or spa well away from any electrical lines, or vice versa. The water is one thing to worry about; another is the use of pool cleaning nets with very long, metal handles that you lift high into the air, which may accidentally come into contact with those overhead lines.
Do you need an electrician for a pool?
Pools and spas come in every shape and size, and most require some electrical equipment to maintain water quality, power lights, run pumps, and more. These electrical installations must be done according to the electrical code in your area—and usually must be installed by a licensed electrician. The following are just a few of the most common code requirements from the National Electrical Code (NEC). Local rules may vary, although they generally follow the NEC fairly closely.
What is maintenance disconnecting?
A. A maintenance disconnecting means is required for the permanently installed pool, storable pool, outdoor spa, outdoor hot tub, or fountain equipment, other than lighting for these water bodies [680.12]. The maintenance disconnecting means must be readily accessible and located within sight and at least 5 ft from the permanently installed pool , ...
What is a building/structure disconnect?
Building/structure disconnecting means for buildings or structures supplied by a feeder or branch circuit, Grounding electrode conductor if of sufficient size, or. Grounding electrode system. This rule doesn’t require the bonding of sheet metal framing members (studs) or the metal skin of a wood frame building.
How many breakers does a panel need to disconnect?
So as long as the panel has 6 or less breakers it is the required disconnect. Light and pad utility outlet on the same breaker is fine.
What is a pull out switch?
While a switch technically meets code, using a pull-out or lockable switch ensures that if you're performing maintenance on the equipment you can positively disconnect power from the equipment. With the pull-out you can just stick the cartridge in your pocket and that ensures no-one can re-energize the power.
Is a properly rated and installed DPST switch wired in either before or after the timer adequate?
Is a properly rated and installed DPST switch wired in either before or after the timer adequate? Yes, but AI would select after the timer so you don't have to reset the time
Does a sub panel pump have GFCI?
In addition, the sub-panel supplying this area does not have GFCI breakers for the pump motors. I don't believe this was required at the time of install back in the 90s. But it is now.
Do the boxes below the timer have a switch?
The three boxes below the timer each have a switch. I don't know if they're SPST or DPST. I do know that either of the bottom two switches will turn off the water feature pump. My guess is that each switch is a SPST switch on one of the hots. Those switches were most likely installed in an attempt to meet the disconnect code, and technically they do as long as they break both hot legs.

So, Does A Pool Pump Need A Disconnect? #
Operating The Pump #
- Another reason why pool pumps need more power is that they operate for a long time. It is important to keep your pool pump on for long periods to maintain a clean backyard oasis. Nonetheless, you have to know your pool’s size to identify the accurate time of leaving your pump on. At times, pool owners can leave it on for 24 hours. It all depends on the condition of your po…
What Size Breaker Do I Need For The Pool Pump? #
- Usually, a normal above ground pooluses a size breaker of 20 amperages. On the other hand, inground pool pumps use a subpanel of 100 amperages.
Conclusion #
- Typically, a pool pump needs to be on a dedicated circuit. Pool pumps use a lot of power; hence they function best when they have their circuit. But it is always best to save on energy by regulating the time the pump is on. If you have a residential pool, you can reduce the time you turn on your equipment.