How many watts does a Pool Pump (1.5 HP) use?

Running watts

1,500 W

Starting watts

4,500 W

Startup surge

+3,000 W

A Pool Pump (1.5 HP) draws 1,500 watts continuously once it's running, but its motor needs a brief surge of up to 4,500 watts to start. A generator has to cover that starting surge, not just the running load, or the motor won't start.

Generators that can run this

Westinghouse iGen4500
3,700 W run · 4,500 W start · ~$950
Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel (100592)
3,800 W run · 4,750 W start · ~$550
Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower
5,000 W run · 6,500 W start · ~$1,000

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