Electrical question

[mohawk]

When the electrician ran the line out to our pool, he cut off the 3 prong plug from the pump and installed a 5 prong plug. He also put the same type of outlet on the post. Any idea why he did this? Can I change it out to a normal plug and box? I can't find a timer to go with type of plugin so I have to plug it in and out every day to turn the pump on and off. I got so tired of it last year that I left it on--Big electric bill then. Thanks

[JohnT]

When the electrician ran the line out to our pool, he cut off the 3 prong plug from the pump and installed a 5 prong plug. He also put the same type of outlet on the post. Any idea why he did this? Can I change it out to a normal plug and box? I can't find a timer to go with type of plugin so I have to plug it in and out every day to turn the pump on and off. I got so tired of it last year that I left it on--Big electric bill then. Thanks

Code probably requires a locking plug. Just have a timer hardwired before the outlet. Intermatic is the most common brand. A little more info about your pool and pump would be helpfull in getting you a better answer.

[mohawk]

Sorry I didn't give more details on the pool and pump. The pool is a 30' round with a 1 1/2 HP sta-rite pump with a 21'' tank. When the electrician ran the line out, he ran one for the pump and one from the firstpost to a post 3 feet behind it. That post has a regular 3 prong box on it. That was for code here in Minnesota.