A pool pump is a vital contributor to proper pool maintenance as it is the source of water circulation, keeping the water temperature stable throughout the pool, prevents stagnant water, and keeps things clean by forcing water through the filter. One of the most important things to learn is how to wire a pool pump.
The entire pump or just the wire harness which connects the pump to the power source will eventually need to be replaced after many years of running. It is also helpful to understand the electrical setup of your pump in case any protective casings or housings get cracked or if any of the wires become exposed.
How To Wire A Pool Pump: A 7-Step Program
Hiring a licensed electrician is always a recommended option, but knowing the basics of setting up and running the pump will make your responsibilities as pool owner more convenient.
Step 1
Determine whether it is 230-240V or 115-120V. Typically inground pool pumps have reversible voltage, meaning the pump can accept 115V or 230V. Pumps for above ground pools are typically 115V whereas larger pumps for inground pools are preset at the manufacturer at 230V.
Motors come in different styles so although there are variations on the setup there are several similarities and electrical standards they comply with so this guide will serve as the base information for any pump, and any additional technicalities will be listed on their included wiring diagram for that specific model.
Step 2
Cut the power to the pump at the breaker box and make sure the timer is also set to the off position.
Step 3
Unhook the pump from the electrical by removing the pump cover to gain access to the connectors. This is done easily by just removing a few screws that hold in in place. It is recommended to use an insulated screw driver. The cover will be located at the back of the motor.
Step 4
Identify the wires and feed them through the conduit. Some pumps come with dual wiring but there are typically just three wires with the green one as the ground. On 230V there will also be a red and black wire which are both hot, and on a 115V there will be a neutral white and hot black wire in addition to the green ground one.
You will also want to make sure the wire sizes are appropriate for the HP rating and distance from the power source as wire sizes range from 14-10AWG.
Step 5
Connect the wires in accordance to the specific motor -a wiring diagram specific to that particular model will be present on the side of every pool pump motor as there will be different configurations depending on the voltage. It is good practice to hook the ground one first so plug that in by connecting under the green screw.
To attach a wire to a screw you will want to wrap the bare end of the wire underneath the screw in a clockwise direction. Once the screw tightens, it will pull the wire into the screw to secure a tight connection. Making sure there is no wire casing where you are tightening will ensure there is no disruption to the contact the wire needs to make.
- On a 230V, the red wire will go to the L1 terminal and the black one will go to the L2 terminal.
- For a 115V, the white wire will go to the L1 terminal and the black wire will go to L2.
Step 6
Resecure the motor cover back as it was originally positioned. Then turn the breaker back on and test it to make sure it powers on and runs properly. Once that is confirmed you can cut the power supply one more time for the completion of the last step.
Step 7
It is important to make sure motor is bonded and done so in accordance with the local electrical code requirements. There will be a copper wire to run from the rebar to the metal framing inside the pool and up to all the equipment so all the electrical components should stay on the same line to prevent potentially getting into the water and shocking people.
How To Wire A Pool Pump: All Set!
Now your motor is ready to go! Once it is installed into the system piping you can resupply the power, test things out, and get to swimming!