How much does it cost to run a pool pump?
A typical pool pump draws about 1500 watts. Used 8 hours a day, that works out to roughly $2.04 per day, $30.60 per month, and $367.20 per year on an average electricity rate of 17¢ per kWh. Single-speed pool pumps are notorious energy hogs in warm climates.
Pool Pump running cost calculator
- Per day
- $2.04
- Per month
- $30.60
- Per year
- $367.20
- CO₂ / year
- 864 kg
Based on 2160 kWh per year. Adjust the price per kWh to match your latest electricity bill for an exact figure.
The number that matters most is your own electricity rate. Rates range from under 11¢ per kWh in some regions to over 30¢ in others, so the same pool pump can cost two or three times as much depending on where you live. Enter your exact rate in the calculator above to get a figure tailored to your bill.
Over a full year this pool pump uses about 2160 kWh of electricity and is responsible for roughly 864 kg of CO₂ emissions on an average grid. Reducing run time, or switching to a more efficient model, lowers both the cost and the footprint.
If this pool pump is one you use daily, even small efficiency gains compound. Cutting its usage or wattage by 20% would save around $73.44 every year — money that an efficient replacement can recover over its lifetime.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to run a pool pump per hour?
- At 1500 watts and a 17¢/kWh rate, a pool pump costs about $0.26 per hour to run.
- How much electricity does a pool pump use per month?
- Running 8 hours a day, a pool pump uses roughly 180.0 kWh per month, costing about $30.60.
- Is a pool pump expensive to run?
- Yes — at around $367.20 per year, a pool pump is one of the more costly appliances to run, so efficiency upgrades pay off quickly.
- How can I reduce my pool pump running costs?
- Use it during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing, reduce daily run time, and consider an ENERGY STAR rated pool pump, which uses less power for the same job.