Pool Pump Running Cost Calculator
Estimate the daily, monthly and annual running cost of your swimming pool pump based on its wattage and hours of operation.
Your results
Calculation breakdown
- Energy
- kWh/day = (watts / 1000) × hours run
Worked example
A 1,100 W pool pump run 7 hours a day at 30c/kWh costs about $2.31 a day, roughly $70 a month.
Assumptions
- Assumes constant power draw; variable-speed pumps will use less at lower settings.
- Excludes daily supply charge.
- Running hours needed vary by pool size, pump flow rate and filtration cycle requirements.
How this calculator works
Enter your pool pump's power draw in watts, the hours it runs each day and your electricity rate to estimate running costs. Pool pumps are often one of the largest single electricity loads in a household, so reducing run time or upgrading to a variable-speed pump can meaningfully cut costs.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours should a pool pump run?
This varies by pool size and pump capacity, but many households run pumps 6–8 hours a day in summer and less in winter.
Do variable-speed pumps really save money?
Yes, they can use significantly less power than a single-speed pump for the same filtration turnover, though upfront cost is higher.
Should I run my pump during off-peak or solar hours?
If you have solar panels, running the pump during the day can use free self-generated electricity; on time-of-use tariffs, off-peak overnight periods may be cheaper.
Actual prices, usage, efficiency and savings vary by provider, equipment, location and behaviour.