Pool Pump Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate your pool pump's running cost and see how much a variable-speed pump could save.
Variable-Speed Pump Savings
Switching to a VSP (avg 250W, 12 hrs/day) vs. your current pump: —/year savings
Pool Pump Comparison
Based on $0.16/kWh, 10 hrs/day, 6 months/year
| Pump Type | Avg Watts | kWh/Season | Cost/Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-speed (0.75 HP) | 900W | 1,620 | $259 |
| Single-speed (1 HP) | 1,200W | 2,160 | $346 |
| Single-speed (1.5 HP) | 1,500W | 2,700 | $432 |
| Two-speed (avg) | 650W | 1,170 | $187 |
| Variable-speed (avg low) | 200W | 360 | $58 |
| Variable-speed (avg med) | 350W | 630 | $101 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity does a pool pump use?
A standard single-speed pool pump (1–1.5 HP) uses 1,000–1,500W and runs 8–12 hours per day during pool season. At $0.16/kWh, running a 1,200W pump 10 hrs/day costs about $70/month or $350–$560/year. Pool pumps are one of the top 3 energy consumers in homes with pools, often exceeding air conditioning costs.
How much does a variable-speed pool pump save?
Variable-speed pumps (VSPs) save 50–90% on pumping energy by running at lower speeds for filtration and higher speeds only for cleaning. A VSP running at 1,500 RPM uses ~150–250W vs. 1,200W for a single-speed pump at the same flow. The DOE estimates VSPs save $300–$600/year. Most VSPs pay back in 2–4 years.
How many hours per day should I run my pool pump?
Your pool water should turn over completely at least once every 24 hours. Divide pool volume by pump flow rate to find minimum run time. A 20,000-gallon pool with a 50 GPM pump needs 400 minutes (6.7 hours) minimum. Single-speed pumps often have excess flow and can run 6–8 hours. VSPs run longer at lower flow, achieving better filtration with less energy.
Is it cheaper to run my pool pump at night?
If your utility offers time-of-use pricing with off-peak rates, running the pump at night (typically 9PM–6AM) can reduce costs by 20–50%. Check with your utility. Even without TOU pricing, running the pump during off-peak hours helps grid stability. A timer or smart pump controller makes nighttime scheduling easy.
How long do pool pumps last?
Single-speed pool pumps last 8–12 years. Variable-speed pumps last 10–15+ years due to lower heat generation from running at lower speeds. When replacing, always choose a VSP — California, Arizona, and several other states now mandate VSPs for new pool installations. The energy savings more than cover the higher upfront cost.