We are building a new home in two phases, the first phase will just have a pool and pool house with small bar.

Our contractor suggested that I have 220v installed and would only have to install one main breaker box for now which could also be used for the main house later.

This concerns me a bit because when I asked if it was ok to run normal 110v appliances off of 220v he said yes but I dont think he's 100% sure.

He also said that the cost to run the pool pumps would be lower because would would use less amps, which again makes no since to me.

Also should I or would I need another breaker box in the main house latter?

Just so you know, we're in Colombia, South America. Here there is no inspector to look at wiring like you have in the States. And I know from past experience if I ask 2 electricians here I will get 2 answers, one will just try to charge the most money he can and the other will tell me what I want to hear and lower the bid to get the job. Nether of which will give me the best advice.

Thanks hoping someone can help me.

 

You should have a 120/240V service installed here by American standards.

 

@ Justin Smith, thanks for the quick answer but I dont understand what that means, is that certain kind of wire that runs for the meter to the breaker or a special kind of breaker box?

 

In the US the service consists of two legs of 120 volts. Between the two legs you get 240 volts.

 

In Columbia they closely mirror us but they do use a 110v/220v system.

You should have a 220v service installed. You will get 110v and 220v from it.

Normally a larger service would be installed in the house and a sub panel run from there to the pool house..... but based on your building schedule..... you could have a larger service installed in the pool house and then run a sub panel off of that panel to your house in the future.

Just make sure the service is large enough to support both unless you intend to have a second service run in for the house at a future date.

 

@PJmax, thank you for your answer. I will have the 220v installed. I was looking up the US standards and read about split phase 120v/240v. Is that the same thing as you are recommending

 

Yes..... you want to install a 220v service and it will have two 110v legs like ours.

 

Here is generally what the US Layout would look like.

 

thanks for all your help I think I got it now.