Dumb question

[Centipede2017]

Don't laugh too hard.
Obviously people aren't just going to remove the pool pump every night for storage (above ground easy set pool). But you can't leave the pump plugged in and running all night, right? So what does everyone do? We unplugged ours and set it on our patio overnight. It, of course, rained like crazy for hours and now the plug is all wet.

 

[js12278]

Leave it connected to the pool. Unplug it if there is no timer on the pump.
Doesn't the pump have the GFI with a yellow and red button on it?
Should say TEST and RESET.

 

[Centipede2017]

Yes it does.

 

[js12278]

You can leave it plugged in and press the TEST button. That cuts power to the pump. When you want the pump to run, press the RESET button to turn the pump back on.
Are you using an extension cord with the pump?

 

[Centipede2017]

Ok, good! And no, no extension cord. So it's ok to leave plugged in even if it may get rained on?

 

[dloki]

For it to be in use while raining it will require a "bubble cover" similar to this one (if you don't have one already):

Bubble cover

That will prevent the rain from getting into the GFCI while plugged in.

 

[Zrock]

The plug will not fit into one of those covers. Also the plug on the end of the pump is sealed and would have to be submerged before you had a issue. Remember this is pool equipment its been designed to run in a wet environment

 

[js12278]

Get a big enough Rubbermaid bowl and cut openings big enough to lay the wire through. Enclose the gfi inside the container. It will do enough to keep the plug dry.

 

[js12278]

You can leave it plugged in either way.

 

[Centipede2017]

Really appreciate the help, everyone! We had a bubble cover but we took it off because, like zrock said, the plug didn't fit with it on.

 

[dloki]

In use bubble covers are code per the NEC for any receptacle exposed to the weather.

 

[JEC11718]

I have my plug sitting on top of a upside down bucket, with a second bucket over it. And I run it all night and I use an extension cord! Gasp! LoL

 

[Centipede2017]

In use bubble covers are code per the NEC for any receptacle exposed to the weather.

Yeah, we should probably figure something out with that. ?

 

[pooldv]

Just because you CAN do this or even if it DOES work does not mean you SHOULD do this.

GFCI test/reset buttons are not meant to be on off switches. Extension cords are not recommended by pool manufacturers for a reason. Rain tight outdoor receptacles should be used for all outdoor electric outlets.

When in doubt consult the owners manual for the product you are attempting to install or use. Check with your building code enforcement folks for what is considered to be safe electrical installation codes for your area. They are happy to answer your questions and help keep you safe.

 

[Centipede2017]

Just because you CAN do this or even if it DOES work does not mean you SHOULD do this.

GFCI test/reset buttons are not meant to be on off switches. Extension cords are not recommended by pool manufacturers for a reason. Rain tight outdoor receptacles should be used for all outdoor electric outlets.

When in doubt consult the owners manual for the product you are attempting to install or use. Check with your building code enforcement folks for what is considered to be safe electrical installation codes for your area. They are happy to answer your questions and help keep you safe.

Do you happen to know if there's a cover we can buy that would fit our pump plug?

 

[pooldv]

I don't see any equipment listed in your signature. If it is a 110v pump plugged into an outlet then the rain/weather covers mount to the receptacle enclosure.

Like this, Shop Hubbell TayMac 1-Gang Rectangle Plastic Weatherproof Electrical Box Cover at Lowes.com