Category: Pool Electricity

swimming pool in backyard with a lot of trees around

How Much Amount of Electricity Does Pool Equipment Consume?

Posted on | by K Hopkins

swimming pool in backyard with a lot of trees aroundWhen 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.

Pool Safety Tips by Santa Monica Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

Before you dive into the pool for the first time this summer, you need to take some steps to ensure it is safe. Whether your pool is in ground or one of the above ground styles, you will likely be using electricity to run your filters, pumps, lights and/or heaters. Everyone knows water and electricity don’t mix. Do what you can to protect yourself by ensuring there are no electrical hazards threatening your lives and the lives of your family members and guests who are hoping to enjoy a fun day at the pool. An electrician in Santa Monica has a few tips for you to follow. If you have more questions or would prefer a safety inspection, give The Electric Connection a call today.

1. Use GFCI outlets to plug in any of your pool equipment. If you don’t have any available, you can purchase portable GFCIs or have your current outdoor outlets replaced with the GFCI by a Santa Monica electrician.
2. Keep all electrical cords and devices at least 10 feet away from the pool to avoid any water splashing on the cord.
3. Never set your pool up under or near power lines.
4. Have any electrical equipment that will be used with the pool professionally installed by an electrician. Santa Monica residents will need to ensure everything, including the pumps, lights and heaters is properly grounded. This is best left to the professionals.
5. Keep outdoor outlets and receptacles properly covered to avoid any water splashing in or on the outlets.
6. Make sure you never pick up any of your electrical devices or handle the cords when your hands are wet or you are in the pool.
7. Have your pool inspected by an electrician before opening every year to make sure there are no potential threats.

If you are itching to jump in the pool, be safe and call The Electric Connection do a quick electrical inspection to ensure everything is safe and ready for you to enjoy your summer swimming.

Updating Pool Lighting with Beverly Hills Electrician

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

With spring upon us and summer just around the corner, you are probably itching to get the pool uncovered so you can host the first pool party of the season. Before you do that, you may want to consider upgrading, adding or replacing your existing pool lights. Pool lights add a certain quality to a pool while providing a layer of safety. However, there are several lights to choose from and you need to know which lights are best for your needs. An electrician in Beverly Hills has some tips for you to use when choosing your pool lights. If you have any other questions, you can call The Electric Connection.

There are two main options available for your pool lighting needs; in-ground and above ground. The above ground option is the cheapest. The in-ground tends to be a favorite simply because it provides a more uniform look.

Above Ground Options

Floating pool lights are inexpensive and do not require a Beverly Hills electrician to install. Simply pop the lights in the pool and it is done. The lights are festive, but they can interfere with swimming. You will also not have the benefit of the lights being stationary. It seems they tend to congregate and float to one area of the pool. For soft-sided pools, there are magnetic lights that stick to the side. These are again very easy to install and reliable.blog_electrician

In Ground Options

LED bulbs are extremely bright and will last for around 10,000 hours. The lights are sealed in a waterproof housing. You can expect the bulbs to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years depending on how often the lights are used. Fiber optic lights are another option. However, they do tend to be much more expensive and the bulbs do not last nearly as long. In either case, you would need the pool lights installed by an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners need to hire a professional to ensure the lights are installed safely and do not pose an electrical hazard. Give The Electric Connection a call today to schedule your pool light installation.

Pool Installation Requires Electrician in Pasadena

Posted on | by Kim Hopkins

If you are thinking about beating the heat this summer with a new pool in your backyard, you will need to hire an electrician in Pasadena to complete the wiring. A new pool is an exciting toy that will lead to hours of fun for the whole family and of course, family friends. There are plenty of tools needed to keep your pool clean and safe to use. Tools like filters, pumps and heaters if desired, all require electricity. Water and electricity do not mix so it is important an experienced electrician, like those at The Electric Connection, complete the wiring for the pool to ensure it is safe. Even if you are choosing to go with an above ground pool, there is still some electrical that will be needed to operate the filter and pump.

The following are some of the things that will need to be addressed when bringing your pool up to Pasadena electrical codes.

*Depth of the wiring must be buried at least 18 inches for PVC conduit or 6 inches deep for EMT conduit. Your electrician can discuss this in more detail with you.

*Your pool will need a dedicated breaker and outlets to run on. The outlet needs to be no closer than 6 foot from the pool’s edge and no farther than 20 feet from the pool. This is the receptacle that will be used to power your filtration system, pump, heater and an automatic pool cover if you choose.

*Lighting inside the pool and around the pool area will also need to be installed by an electrician.

If you home’s electric panel is already maxed out, you may need to have a sub-panel installed to run the various equipment needed to keep your pool in tip-top condition. Give The Electric Connection a call and schedule an appointment to discuss your pool installation needs.