How Much Does Aboveground Pool Electrical Installation Cost? [2024 Guide]
Normal range: $350 - $4,000
Electric installation for an above-ground pool costs $1,000 on average. Most homeowners spend between $350 and $4,000.
Installing an above-ground pool can be an easier and more affordable alternative to an in-ground pool. But before you undertake this project, it’s important to understand the cost of running electricity to your new pool to operate its pump. If you have a standard-sized pool that’s close to your house, you could pay as little as $350 for electric installation. On the other hand, if your pool is far from the house, you could pay $4,000 or more to account for the additional trenching and materials.
- Average
- $1,000
- Low end
- $300
- high end
- $5,000
Aboveground Pool Electrical Install Cost Breakdown
The main factors that affect the cost of aboveground pool electricity installation include your breaker panel capacity, underground wiring installation, bonding, grounding of your pool, and the upgrade costs for a poolside electrical panel.
Location
If your filter and equipment are located far away from the pool itself, this impacts the overall cost of an electric installation. Why is that? First of all, your builder will use a longer pipe to make all of the necessary connections, and these materials add up. The installation is also more complex in these scenarios, taking more labor time and materials.
Depending on the additional distance between the pool and associated components, installation prices increase from $500 to $1,500. Talk with your pro about ways to alleviate this added cost, including shifting the design to accommodate the layout of your property.
Breaker Panel Capacity
Whether or not your existing breaker panel has the capacity to handle adding on your aboveground pool’s electrical needs depends on the size of your pool. Smaller pools won’t draw as much electricity as larger ones.
Assuming a standard-sized pool, you can expect to pay $150 to $250 to run electricity out toward the pool.
If you have a larger pool and your breaker panel cannot handle the additional load, you’ll require a sub-panel separate from your main breaker panel. The cost of a sub panel, including its installation, is generally $350 to $550.
Underground Wiring Installation
| Wiring Service | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Trench | $8 |
| Cable Installation | $12–$17 |
| Backfill | $1.60 |
To get electricity from your panel to your pool, your electrician needs to run wire and conduit underground. This process has two parts: digging a trench and running the cable.
In most cases, your electrician will not dig a trench. The electrician can contract out this service, or you can find your own contractor. The average cost to dig a trench is $8 per linear foot. This means that if your pool is 50 linear feet from your breaker panel, you’ll pay about $400 for the trenching part of the project.
To run electrical wire and its protective conduit, you can expect an electrician to charge $12 to $17 per linear foot. Using the same 50-linear-foot example above, running wire will cost $600 to $850.
After the pro runs the pool’s electric wiring, they must backfill your trench, or cover it back up. It costs as little as $1.60 per linear foot, with a national average of $4.50 per linear foot.
Pool Bonding and Grounding
Pool bonding and grounding are important steps in running electricity to an aboveground pool. These processes help prevent electrical shock and give electricity a safe way to the ground in the event it escapes your system.
Assuming your electrician creates four to six bonding points and installs two grounding rods, you can expect this portion of the installation project to cost $200 to $300.
Poolside Electrical Panel
Running electricity from your home to your pool culminates at a poolside electrical panel. As this panel could be exposed to water, it will include GFCI protection to prevent electrical shock.
The cost of a poolside electrical panel, its installation, and the installation of your pool pump and optional pool heater typically runs from $250 to $500.
Labor
This is a job that demands specific experience, so hire a pro who is familiar with electric-based pool installations and is familiar with the various components, such as the GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter). Most professional electricians charge an hourly rate instead of a per-project rate, so look to pay $50 to $100 per hour.
Setting up pool-related electrical components takes eight to 20 hours of work, depending on job complexity, translating to a cost of $400 to $2,000 for labor. These costs typically represent around 50% of the overall price, as master electricians charge more than apprentice and journeyperson electricians.
Permits
You aren’t getting this done without a permit or two. Many parts of the country require both a pool-building permit and an electrical pool permit to proceed with the installation. Your pro handles the specifics, but the price gets added to the total cost of the project. These costs vary depending on where you live but count on paying $100 to $300 for a swimming pool building permit and $50 to $350 for an electrical pool permit. All told, that adds up to $150 to $650 just to get started.
Additionally, some areas require post-job pool inspections and electric installations. The cost of a pool inspection ranges from $125 to $250, depending on the rules and regulations in your area.
DIY Pool Electrical Installation Cost vs. Hiring a Pro
The combination of water and electricity is hazardous, to say the least. If not done properly, it can also lead to extensive property damage or serious injury. Unless you have experience with electrical work, it’s best to hire a local electrician for the job.
When hiring a pool electrician, they can do the work in less time and help prevent costly pool repairs later on, whether working with an above or inground pool. Pros are also aware of local guidelines and regulations to keep the electrical work up to code. Check out references and qualifications to find someone who will do quality work and ensure the safety of the electrical installation.
How to Save Money on Electrical Installation for an Aboveground Pool
If you’re dreaming of lazy days spent in your new aboveground pool, first you’ll need to budget for this project. However, there are ways you can save on electrical installation costs to make this home improvement project more affordable.
Purchase Equipment During the Off-Season
Swimming pool season coincides with warm weather, so if you can wait until the cooler months roll in, you may be able to score a discount on some of your pool accessories, including the pool pump.
Minimize the Pool’s Distance From Your Home
As trench diggers and electricians charge by linear foot to install underground electrical wire, the closer you can position your pool to your home, the less you’ll pay in material and labor.
Dig Your Own Trench
Depending on the length of the trench you need to run electricity from your home to your pool, it may make sense to dig your own trench. To adhere to building codes, trenches must be 18 inches deep, assuming you place your underground wiring in an area where cars will not drive over it.
Digging an 18-inch-deep trench by hand is no easy task. For longer distances, you should rent a micro-trencher at the cost of about $125 per day.
Again depending on the length of your trench, backfilling it yourself may also be an option. Should you decide to take on this job, remember that you’ll need to place burial tape six inches from the surface of the ground. This tape (should) protect anyone who may dig over the wire in the future; they’ll hit the tape before they reach the wire.
Lawrence Bonk contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you should not use an extension cord with an aboveground pool pump. In addition to being dangerous as a tripping hazard, use of an extension cord could void your pool pump’s warranty. This is because using an extension cord not rated for use with the pool filter pump could damage this equipment.
Most of the time, though there may be some code variations on the local level, a water source like a pool requires a GFCI breaker. These breakers detect electrical leaks of 5 mA or more and trip the breaker. However, the size of the pool and motor type determine the exact GFCI needs. A GFCI outlet with a reset button may be enough for an aboveground pool with a small motor or pump. Consult a pool electrician to determine the appropriate installation and protection measures needed for your pool.
The only pools that don’t need grounding are those without electrical components, such as small inflatable pools. Any outlet around a pool should be a GFCI to cut the current if the outlet gets too wet. At the very least, the pool’s electrical should be plugged into a GFCI outlet, if not a dedicated GFCI breaker. Check local guidelines and requirements to ensure you’re following all safety regulations.
Depending on the size and model you choose, the cost to install an aboveground pool generally runs from $800 to $5,000. This includes the pool itself, its accessories, and installation labor. The labor costs alone for this type of project are typically $1,000 to $3,000. The initial estimate may not include the aboveground pool electrical installation costs. Make sure you know whether or not your estimate includes the electrical work for the pool, and plan your budget accordingly.
Whether or not a pool needs a dedicated circuit depends on the electrical needs of the motor, lights, and pump. Keep in mind that pool motors can use a lot of electricity. A dedicated circuit can prevent the breaker from tripping whenever you use the pool. A small motor for an equally small pool may only need a GFCI outlet. It’s best to plug it directly into the outlet rather than using an extension cord. You should also consult an electrician to ensure your pool’s electrical system is in accordance with local regulations.