What a spa costs to run in each state
The table assumes a 2.4 kW heater element running for three hours a day on average. A well-insulated spa with a lid needs less, and one used in winter without a lid needs much more.
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $54.20 | $650 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $61.26 | $735 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $61.75 | $741 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $69.38 | $833 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $72.57 | $871 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $72.84 | $874 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $80.93 | $971 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $91.78 | $1,101 |
Heaters and pumps
| Type | Power | Cost an hour | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor spa heater element | 2,400 W | 80c | $871 |
| Spa bath pump | 900 W | 30c | $327 |
| Spa bath heater | 1,000 W | 33c | $363 |
| Outdoor spa filter pump | 250 W | 8c | $91 |
The SA Government notes that running cost depends on how often the spa is used, whether it is kept full and heated between uses, and how much heat it loses to the air. A spa filled and heated from the household hot water system shifts the cost to your hot water bill instead.
How to cut spa running costs
Keep the lid on
A fitted, insulated cover is the single biggest saving for an outdoor spa.
Lower the temperature between uses
Holding the water at a lower temperature when nobody is using it, then raising it before use, can reduce heating hours. Check your model's guidance.
Heat in cheaper hours
On solar or a time-of-use plan, schedule heating for the middle of the day rather than the evening peak.
Look after the pump and filter
A clean filter lets the pump do its job in less time.
Running a pool too?
Pool filtering and heating usually cost more than a spa. See our pool pump and pool heater pages.
Questions about spa running costs
A 2.4 kW heater averaging three hours a day uses about 220 kWh a month, around $73 on the Ausgrid reference rate. Pumps, lights and blowers add to that.
The SA Government puts a typical spa bath pump at about 900 W. That costs around 30c an hour on the Ausgrid reference rate, plus about 33c an hour if a 1 kW heater runs too.
With a good insulated lid, keeping it warm can cost less than reheating from cold for frequent users. For spas used once a week or less, letting the temperature drop between uses usually saves more.
The heater. The SA Government says heating is the main running cost of an outdoor spa. Pumps and blowers draw less and run for shorter periods.
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.