How much does it cost to run a pool pump?
By Sithum Imarsha Last reviewed
A 1,100 W single-speed pump running 6 hours uses 6.6 kWh: $2.18 a day at NSW's 33.1c/kWh.
Your result
Running cost
$771a year
2,409 kWh a year × 32c/kWh = $771
- Per hour of use
- $0.35
- Energy an hour
- 1.1kWh
- Per day of use
- $2.11
- Energy a day
- 6.6kWh
- Per load
- —
- Energy a load
- —kWh
- Per wash
- —
- Energy a wash
- —kWh
- Rate used
- 32c/kWh ·
Australian average import rate - Worked from
- Watts × hours ·
share at full power 100% (Estimate)
A thermostat switches it on and off, so it does not draw full power all day. Lower the share of time at full power under Advanced settings.
Choosing a heater? Compare heater types, including reverse-cycle air conditioning.
Controlled load? If it is on a controlled-load tariff, type that rate under Advanced settings.
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How we calculated this
- Energy in a year comes from the watts and the hours of use, or from the energy label scaled to your use.
- It is priced at the usage rate only. The daily supply charge is not a running cost.
- On your own solar, the cost is the feed-in credit you give up.
Full method, tables and sources: Appliance running cost calculator
Energy in a year
1,100 W × 100% × 6 h × 365 days ÷ 1,000 = 2,409 kWh
Pick the rate
32c/kWh (Australian average import rate)
Work out the cost
2,409 kWh × 32c/kWh = $771 a year
Cost an hour of use
1.1 kWh × 32c/kWh = $0.35 an hour
| State | Import c/kWh | Feed-in c/kWh | Cost a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 33.1 | 5 | $797 |
| Victoria | 27.2 | 3 | $655 |
| Queensland | 27.9 | 5 | $672 |
| South Australia | 41.5 | 5 | $1,000 |
| Western Australia | 33.2621 | 3 | $801 |
| Tasmania | 28.8 | 9.276 | $694 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 32.1 | 5 | $773 |
Uses each state's import rate, or its feed-in rate when Power from is set to solar. Your own rate is not used here. Import rates: Dated third-party source, except Western Australia (Official source). Feed-in rates: Estimate, except Tasmania (Official source).
This version starts with a 1,100 W single-speed pump running 6 hours a day, all year. Pick the variable speed pump in the list to compare, and lower the hours or days for winter.
Pool pump: what the sources say
Official source
- In regional Queensland a pool pump can go on Ergon tariff 33, which supplies at least 16 hours a day (QCA). If your pool pump is on a controlled-load tariff, type that rate under Advanced settings.
Not yet checked
- A 5-star variable speed pump uses 55% less energy than a 1-star single-speed pump (energy.gov.au).
Dated third-party source
- Canstar Blue (25 Sep 2024): a pool pump typically runs 6 to 8 hours a day.
New to running costs? Read how it is worked out on the main appliance running cost calculator.
Questions
How many hours should a pool pump run?
Long enough to turn the pool water over. Canstar Blue (25 Sep 2024): a pool pump typically runs 6 to 8 hours a day.
How much does a variable speed pump save?
A 5-star variable speed pump uses 55% less energy than a 1-star single speed (energy.gov.au). It runs longer at a low speed, about 300 W.
Can a pool pump go on controlled load?
In regional Queensland, yes, on Ergon tariff 33 with at least 16 hours of supply a day (QCA). The pump must run inside the supply window. Check with your network.
What does the kWh on a pool pump label mean?
The energy the pump uses to move 50,000 litres of water a day (energy.gov.au).