Currently I have a circuit with a 15 amp GFCI breaker inside , 14/2 wire to a switch before going outside through underground conduit to a pool shed . In there it powers the pool pump etc. The pump can be wired to 110 or 220.

Can I ..... use a double pole 15 amp GFCI breaker, same gauge wire (eliminate that switch) and run both the new hot lines thru the black/white underground (what used to be hot / neutral) and have 220 power into the pool shed? Is that how that would work safely without having to dig and run new conduit or new line underground?

I don't think it would work because I don't know how a neutral would get outside then?

 

Welcome to the forums.

Our North American power grid supplies 120/240v.

You can convert the circuit to 240v use but then there would no longer be any access to 120v. At your pool shed there will be 240v only.

 

So I would be okay if I was happy with powering just the pump , but with only 240v , then any desire to add light fixture, outdoor receptacle etc - at least on that circuit, would be gone, right?

 

Yes, but by code you could not run a second circuit to the shed so you couldn't run a 120v circuit. To have both 240v and 120v you need a subpanel.

 

Just to add to Ray's reply..... you'd also need to replace the two wire cable with ground to the appropriate three wire cable with ground*.
You'd need fours wire to properly supply a 120/240v sub panel.


* or four separate conductors in conduit.