Is 24volts safe in a pool float switch?

[skeeter_ca]

I'm building a automatic pool water level system. I am thinking of running the power supply for the water solenoid directly to the level float switch. It uses 24volts. Would that be safe or do i need to step down the switch voltage and use a relay.

skeeter

 

[Bama Rambler]

24 volts is ok but it has to come from a source listed for use in a pool or spa. The transformer power also has to be on a gfci.

 

[skeeter_ca]

What is the difference from say a universal 24v power transformer from radio shack?

skeeter

 

[Bama Rambler]

Those listed for pool/spa use have to meet a set of criteria to ensure that they operate safely and fail safely when and if they fail. The universal transformers can have a failure that allows the high side to short to the low side, for example.