Pool Pump Install - Electrician or Pool Company?

[Kcdc42]

Hi, my single speed pool pump died and I am am looking to replace it with a variable speed pool pump. Do I hire an electrician for the job or are the pool companies better equipped to handle this kind of job? It needs to be professionally installed (for warranty purposes).

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Zrock]

Well technically if u hired a pool company then the installer would also have to have a electrical ticket as well or they would have to call a electrician to do the hookup after they plumbed it in..

 

[KarenNJ]

Most pool companies around here won't touch the electric. They do everything up to that point.

 

[tstex]

If you can buy a Pentair or the like, do that, but do not buy a Hayward Variable Speed pump.

If you want to keep the warranty, then you need to hire a company that the pump manufacturer authorizes. As mentioned, the pool company will be prime, then they will sub-out the trades as needed. To pass inspection, it will need licensed electricians and plumbers.

Post your zip code KC Mo and see if some forum members can refer you to a reputable pool dealer. Most folks on here will steer you right and have your best interest. If you pull a pool contractor from the I-net, you better make sure you do a BBB or reference check on them. I would rely on the members here in your areas to help you.

good luck and keep us posted - tstex

 

[joseywales]

I'm confused. If he's replacing a pump, isn't it plug n' play? All the wiring is in. I light upgrade to a variable speed pump, does that require additional electric?

 

[KarenNJ]

My electrician had to change the cord for the pump/filter and grounded it.

 

[Zrock]

I'm confused. If he's replacing a pump, isn't it plug n' play? All the wiring is in. I light upgrade to a variable speed pump, does that require additional electric?

The better pumps are directly wired to the breaker. These are not the same pumps u get at your local big box store

 

[joseywales]

Gotcha. Do they typically draw more than 12 AMPs? Obviously on low speed, probably not. Just curious.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

Gotcha. Do they typically draw more than 12 AMPs? Obviously on low speed, probably not. Just curious.

My Pentair VS required 20amp GFCI, it'll never probably hit that, but that's what it asked for. Your pump manual will have specs for what you need. If the old pump was on a timer, either bypass or disable the timer so the pump is always on.

Right now I'm 85 watts @ 950 rpms for 15 hours, then 120 watts @ 1200 rpms for 9 hrs for chlorine production. Nowhere near 20 amps.

 

[Kcdc42]

I need to get the pump professionally installed for the manufacturers to honor the full warranty (2-5 years depending on the manufacturer), otherwise it's 60 or 90 days I believe for self-installs. I am in the Kansas City area so if anybody has good experiences with any pool companies in the KC area, I'd love to hear about any recommendations.

I am seriously considering the Jacuzzi J-Vsp150 variable pump from Leslie's. Jacuzzi is a relatively unknown brand (Made in Australia) but Leslie's has been exclusively selling it for a few years. I have heard good things about it. The biggest thing for me is the 5-year warranty (which is better than Pentair or Hayward). It's a 1.5 HP pump and with the $50 special right now, it's around $800.

I called my regular pool company but they are about a week out before they can do anything. They have quoted me around $275 to get the thing installed. If I get the Jacuzzi, I will probably use Leslie's since they are the exclusive dealer for this, it's probably best to use them for any warranty purposes.