What a pool pump costs to run in each state
The table assumes a 1.1 kW single speed pump running six hours a day, every day.
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $49.69 | $596 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $56.16 | $674 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $56.60 | $679 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $63.60 | $763 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $66.52 | $798 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $66.77 | $801 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $74.18 | $890 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $84.13 | $1,010 |
Pump size and type
| Type | Power | Cost an hour | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single speed pump, 0.75 kW | 750 W | 25c | $544 |
| Single speed pump, 1.1 kW | 1,100 W | 36c | $798 |
| Single speed pump, 1.5 kW | 1,500 W | 50c | $1,089 |
| Variable speed pump on low | 350 W | 12c | $254 |
The SA Government lists typical filter pumps at 0.75 kW to 1.5 kW, which works out to about 26c to 53c an hour at the 35c rate it uses. A variable speed pump can run for longer at low speed and still use far less energy, because power use falls steeply as the motor slows.
Everything that runs on a pool
| Equipment | Typical power | Cost an hour |
|---|---|---|
| Filter pump | 0.75-1.5 kW | 25c-50c |
| Solar heating pump | 0.5-0.75 kW | 17c-25c |
| Chlorinator | 0.12-0.2 kW | 4c-7c |
For a home with an in-ground pool, energy.gov.au says pool equipment can be as much as 30% of the household energy bill. Heating the water adds a large extra cost. See our pool heater running costs.
How to cut pool running costs
Run the pump for fewer hours
Ask a pool professional how few hours your pool needs to stay clean, especially in winter when far less filtering is needed.
Run it in cheap hours
On a time-of-use plan, or with rooftop solar, run the pump in the middle of the day. Avoid the evening peak.
Upgrade to a variable speed pump
Choose a pump with at least a 5-star rating, sized to your pool. A bigger pump is not better if it is oversized.
Use a pool cover
A cover keeps out leaves and debris, which cuts filtering time, and reduces heat loss from heated pools by up to 75%.
Check for controlled load
In some areas a pool pump can be wired to a controlled load circuit at a lower rate. Ask your retailer and an electrician whether it is possible on your network.
Questions about pool pump running costs
On the Ausgrid reference rate, a 0.75 kW pump costs about 25c an hour and a 1.5 kW pump about 50c. A variable speed pump on low can cost around 12c.
The SA Government says a swimming pool typically uses between 2,000 and 3,000 kWh a year, depending on the pump, how long it runs and whether the pool is heated.
Usually. energy.gov.au says a 5-star variable speed pump uses 55% less energy than a 1-star single speed pump. On a pump that costs $798 a year to run, that is a large saving every year.
It depends on the pool size, the pump and the season. Pools need more filtering in hot weather and far less in winter. A pool professional can tell you the minimum for your pool.
In the middle of the day if you have solar or a time-of-use plan with a cheap midday rate, and never in the evening peak. On a flat rate, the time of day does not change the cost.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.