How Many Amps Does a Pool Pump Use?
Pool Pump draws about 4.6 amps at 240 volts (1,100 watts running) and briefly spikes to around 10 amps at startup. Pool Pump runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — a 1,100 W load calls for at least a 15 A double-pole breaker (your unit's nameplate may require more).
Amps = watts ÷ volts. Enter the wattage from your appliance's nameplate or label for an exact figure.
Current draw — a pool pump
4.6 A
- At 240 V
- 1,100 W
- Typical breaker
- 15 A
Breaker figure is guidance for a simple resistive load, sized at 125% for continuous running — confirm against the nameplate and a licensed electrician.
Pool Pump amperage at 120 V and 240 V
Same 1,100 W load — the current halves when the voltage doubles. Pool Pump is typically a 240 V appliance in US homes.
| Draw | Watts | Amps at 120 V | Amps at 240 V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running | 1,100 W | 9.2 A | 4.6 A |
| Starting (surge) | 2,400 W | 20 A | 10 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 pump
Pool Pump runs on its own dedicated 240 V circuit — a 1,100 W load calls for at least a 15 A double-pole breaker (your unit's nameplate may require more). For a dedicated circuit, guidance is a 15 A breaker with 14 AWG copper (75°C terminations) — sized at 125% of the running current because it runs 3+ hours at a time (NEC 210.20).
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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