what kind of breaker to use for filter/pump?

[rastoma]

Do I need to use a special breaker when running a line for the pump?

The pump will still be plugged into a 110 outlet, but I'm running a line from that outdoor outlet to the breaker box.

[CarlD]

Yes. You absolutely must have a ground-fault breaker installed. You probably need at least a 20amp GFI breaker as well. Running ANYTHING outdoors without GFI is begging for a tragedy.

[rastoma]

Yes. You absolutely must have a ground-fault breaker installed. You probably need at least a 20amp GFI breaker as well. Running ANYTHING outdoors without GFI is begging for a tragedy.

What do you mean a ground-fault breaker AND a GFI breaker as well? So two separate breakers for one circuit?

[CarlD]

What do you mean a ground-fault breaker AND a GFI breaker as well? So two separate breakers for one circuit?

No. GFI stands for "Ground Fault Interruption". They are the same thing.

[rastoma]

Ok... thought I had it. Just got back from Lowe's.

Guy there said to get a 20a GFI breaker and a GFI outlet.

I get home.

Call electrician. He says NOT use a GFI breaker AND a GFI outlet at the same time, only one or the other.

So which is it?

[rastoma]

Now I'm being told I need to have a 7ft long copper ground rod driven into the ground and ground the pool, to the pump to that rod ?!?!

[CarlD]

The electrician is absolutely correct.

EITHER a GFI breaker or outlet, but not both. They do the same exact thing, it's just where the GFI is located. I like it as a breaker in the box because you KNOW it shuts down all the wiring from the breaker box out, whereas the outlet leaves the wires attached to it live.

And, for 20amp, you'll almost certainly need it to be the breaker anyway. I don't think they make a 20a GFI outlet--or if they do, it's harder to come by than a 20a GFI breaker.

As for the ground and rod, check with the electrician again and ask him about "banding" the pool. There may be a better way to do it other than a grounding rod--there usually is. It probably should be something called an "electrical ground" and not a "mechanical ground". The difference is that the EG is wired and the MG is to something like metal conduit or pipes.

Hope this helps.