How Many Amps Does a Pool Heat Pump Use?
Pool Heat Pump draws about 21 amps at 240 volts (5,000 watts running) and briefly spikes to around 38 amps at startup. Pool Heat Pump runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — plan on a 30-50 A breaker, per the unit's nameplate MOCP.
Amps = watts ÷ volts. Enter the wattage from your appliance's nameplate or label for an exact figure.
Current draw — a pool heat pump
21 A
- At 240 V
- 5,000 W
This appliance's circuit is sized from its nameplate per the NEC, not from wattage — see the circuit guidance below.
Pool Heat Pump amperage at 120 V and 240 V
Same 5,000 W load — the current halves when the voltage doubles. Pool Heat Pump is typically a 240 V appliance in US homes.
| Draw | Watts | Amps at 120 V | Amps at 240 V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running | 5,000 W | 42 A | 21 A |
| Starting (surge) | 9,000 W | 75 A | 38 A |
The startup surge lasts a fraction of a second — it matters for generator sizing and breaker trip curves, not for your electric bill.
Breaker and circuit for a pool heat pump
Pool Heat Pump runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — plan on a 30-50 A breaker, per the unit's nameplate MOCP. Pool heat pumps are hermetic compressor equipment sized from nameplate MCA/MOCP under NEC Article 440, not from average wattage.
Guidance only — actual circuit sizing depends on your unit's nameplate, wire run length, and local code. Confirm with a licensed electrician. See the wire & breaker size chart for the full NEC ampacity table.
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