It’s highly recommended never to use an extension cord to power a pump of an above ground swimming pool. A pool pump requires a great deal of power and that you can’t provide with a normal extension cord. You’d need one with a #12-gauge wire or a #10-gauge wire.
Can you use extension cord 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.
Does a pool pump need to be on its own circuit? You want a thicker extension cord, because a pool pump requires a good amount of electricity to run. … Also, because the pump uses a lot of power, the outlet that you plug the extension cord into should be on what is called a “dedicated circuit”.
Can you plug an Intex pool into an extension cord?
For most smaller pools (such as Intex, Summer Waves, or Coleman temporary pools) the 12AWG extension cord is fine. For larger pools, or pools with Saltwater systems, then we recommend the 10AWG extension cord.
How long can a pool pump cord be?
Except for storable pools, the cord must not exceed 3 ft. The NEC does not specify a maximum length for storable pools. It does not allow for extension cords to be used but a properly fitted longer cord of the proper outdoor rated material can be fitted.
What gauge extension cord do I need for my pool pump?
A pool pump requires a great deal of power and that you can’t provide with a normal extension cord. You’d need one with a #12-gauge wire or a #10-gauge wire. A thicker extension cord would work just as well to redirect power to the above ground swimming pool.
Which is better 10 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord?
Round down = 10 Gauge. Most devices will do fine with 12 gauge extension cords. Power hungry devices such as lawnmowers, heavy machines, require a lower gauge such as 10AWG. Keep in mind, the lower the gauge means the thicker the cord.
Is it OK to run pool pump 24 hours a day?
Although it’s generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time. … If your pool is in constant use, you may need to run the pump for up to eight hours per day, frequently checking the water clarity and chemical balance.
How many amps does a pool pump use?
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.
What size breaker do I need for a inground pool?
You have 18 amps so a 20 amp breaker on 12 gauge wire should be sufficient.
What wire do I use for pool pump?
The one and only choice for a wire material for a pool pump is copper. Copper has a lower resistance than aluminum which is the other common wire choice. Copper’s low resistance lessens voltage drop. The higher the motor horsepower, the more electricity it requires.
Can I bury an extension cord?
In general, you can’t bury the outside extension cord. Using a standard extension cord is designed initially only for temporary use. Instead, you can use a more suitable cable type for any permanent outdoor purposes, such as a direct burial UF cable.
Can a pool pump cord get wet?
Yes, the cord can get wet.
What happens if you don’t run pool pump?
If you don’t, the pool will have decreased water flow which means reduced filtration and ultimately, the dreaded algae bloom. The pump basket should be cleared out weekly and even more frequently during the fall and spring when there is more debris in the pool.