Wiring new pump & swcg

[ManiacalMama]

I need some guidance.
My scenario: I currently have an old single speed pump running on a 15amp 220v circuit connected to an Intermatic mechanical timer. I want to upgrade my whole system to Circupool equipment (vsp pump, filter, swcg).
My original idea was to hardwire the pump and connect the swcg to the timer. That sounded easy enough, but considering I only have one electrical source out there at the pad, I'm not sure how to do that, or if I can, or if I should. Can the pump be pigtailed to bypass the timer? And is 15 amps even enough?
Considering my situation...how would you go about doing this?
Our pump is totally on it's last leg right now so I was about to pull the trigger and just order everything all at once, but I'm thinking for now I might just have to order the pump by itself and do the rest later.
I'm willing to call in an electrician if I need to upgrade the breaker or something, as long as I don't end up having to rewire my entire house.

Your advice is greatly appreciated...I've went round and round with this and I've only succeeded in confusing myself more than I already was.

Thanks!

 

[PoolStored]

Can the pump be pigtailed to bypass the timer?

Yes

And is 15 amps even enough?

Yes, pump would have to consume 3600W to trip the breaker. My Pentair superflow, at 1400RPM consumes 200W and at 2200 consumes 550W. Higher it will consume more, would be surprised you would consume 3600W. You could ask circupool breaker requirements. Not listed in the manual. You could also change out the breaker. Easy to do. However, you likely will want to check the gauge of the feed, should be 12 gauge for 20 amps and 10 for 30 amps. If the wire doesn't match these specs, then you likely will want to run a new feed line.

Considering my situation...how would you go about doing this?

Run pump from feed. Run Timer from Feed and connect to SWG...make sure to jumper the SWG for 220.

 

[ajw22]

NEC states that a CB shall not be loaded more than 80% of capacity - 12 amps max load on a 15 amp CB; 16 amps on a 20 Amp CB.

SWG pulls 2-3 amps. If you stay with a 1.5 or 2.0 Circupool VS pump you should be ok with a 15 amp CB. the 3.0 pump may be pushing it.

 

[ManiacalMama]

Yes

Yes, pump would have to consume 3600W to trip the breaker. My Pentair superflow, at 1400RPM consumes 200W and at 2200 consumes 550W. Higher it will consume more, would be surprised you would consume 3600W. You could ask circupool breaker requirements. Not listed in the manual. You could also change out the breaker. Easy to do. However, you likely will want to check the gauge of the feed, should be 12 gauge for 20 amps and 10 for 30 amps. If the wire doesn't match these specs, then you likely will want to run a new feed line.

Run pump from feed. Run Timer from Feed and connect to SWG...make sure to jumper the SWG for 220.

Good to know that I can pigtail off the feed, just don't know how to do it. I think I'll be calling an electrician in the end. My brain hurts from overthinking everything.

 

[PoolStored]

Good to know that I can pigtail off the feed, just don't know how to do it. I think I'll be calling an electrician in the end. My brain hurts from overthinking everything.

Good choice.

 

[ManiacalMama]

NEC states that a CB shall not be loaded more than 80% of capacity - 12 amps max load on a 15 amp CB; 16 amps on a 20 Amp CB.

SWG pulls 2-3 amps. If you stay with a 1.5 or 2.0 Circupool VS pump you should be ok with a 15 amp CB. the 3.0 pump may be pushing it.

View attachment 375811

Considering the breaker in the box is only 15A and isn't GFCI, I guess I need to call someone in. When I was just barely starting to think about all of this, I had it in my head that I wanted to oversize the pump in case in the future we wanted to add solar heat. Can a 2 HP typically handle solar heat?

 

[cowboycasey]

It can.. You are on to something, get the biggest VS pump you can... The 3hp will move more water at a lower RPM and save you more money in the long run... The 2hp will also work with no issue but you will have to run it at a higher RPM to move the same amount of water the 3HP will...

 

[ajw22]

Can a 2 HP typically handle solar heat?

If you are planning for Solar heat you should get a VS pump that is compatible and whose speeds can be controlled by the solar controller you intend to use.

AFAIK the Circupool VS pump Vs speeds cannot be controlled by the popular solar controllers.

For example the Pentair Solartouch controller will increase the speed of an IntelliFlo pump when the solar panels are on and turn it down when the solar panels are off.

You should plan with your end in mind and get equipment that will ultimately work together efficiently.