When everyone thinks of their dream house, there’s almost always a pool. Most people want a pool in their house, and so if you’re planning to have one installed, welcome to the club!
However, there are very crucial factors that must be considered before embarking on such a task. One of such factors is if your electrical service can sustain the extra power needed for a swimming pool? To which end, there is a great need to know how much electricity the pool equipment you seek to install will consume.
You need not worry any further. We’ve written this article to let you know just how much electricity installing a new pool will cost you and help you know if upgrading your electrical service will be needed.
A swimming pool comprises several types of equipment that consume quite an awful lot of power.
Below is a list of the common pool equipment and their electricity requirements.
- Salt Water Chlorinator: 240v, approx 5-8 amps
- Automatic Pool Cover: 220v, 5-7 amps OR 110v, 11-13 amps
- Pool Lights: 12v, 3.5 watts each
- Self-Contained Hot Tub: 240v 50 amps
- LP/NG Pool Heater: 240v, 3 amps
- Pool Heat Pump: 240v, 50 amps
- Pool Pump: 240v, 10 amps
These numbers might seem confusing and that’s because these things are better handled by a professional electrician to fully ascertain the state of your electrical service and circuits.
Would I Need An Upgrade On My Electrical Service To Install a Swimming Pool?
A service upgrade occurs when your electrician and the power company increase the capacity of your home’s electrical system.
There are a few DIY assessments you can carry out to find out if your home’s electrical service can cope with the installation of a swimming pool.
The availability of more space in your panel box is a sign that your current electric service will most likely be able to manage a regular pool pump and pool lights. You should consult an electrician if you decide to install more power-demanding equipment like a pool heat pump or a hot tub.
What Amount Of Electricity Does A Pool Pump Use?
Pool pumps take about 2,500 kWh per year to filter and circulate about 20,000 gallons of water, which is roughly 5,000 gallons more than the average human will drink in a lifetime. The pool pump is the largest power-using equipment in an average swimming pool, aside from the air conditioner. According to research reports, a pool pump can add up to $300 to an annual electric bill.
If you find it difficult to diagnose the situation yourself, as is often the case, then contact us at The Electric Connection. We not only offer proper guidelines but also offer expert services for every household electrical fixes and installations.