Cost to run a pool pump
Big loads · typical wattage 1,500 W (1,000 W-2,500 W)
A pool pump draws about 1,000 W-2,500 W (typically 1,500 W). Run 8 hours a day, it uses about 2,160 kWh/year, which costs roughly $33.41/month and $401/year at the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh (March 2026). At a high-rate state like California (33.35¢) it costs more; at a low-rate state like Washington (14.40¢) it costs less.
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use. Data as of June 2026.
Pool pump at a glance
| Figure | Pool pump |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 1,500 W (1,000 W-2,500 W) |
| Assumed usage | 8 h/day, 180 days/yr |
| Energy used | 2,160 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $33.41 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $401 |
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use; ENERGY STAR product specifications. Data as of June 2026.
Cost at light, typical and heavy use
How the monthly and yearly cost changes with how long you run it, at the US average 18.56¢/kWh:
| Usage | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (4 h/day) | $33.41 | $406 |
| Typical use (8 h/day) | $66.82 | $813 |
| Heavy use (12 h/day) | $100 | $1,219 |
Cost at different state rates
The same pool pump at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $33.41 | $401 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $51.84 | $631 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $59.00 | $718 |
| California (33.35¢) | $120 | $1,461 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Use the calculator to price it at your exact rate, or see all 51 states.
Wattage source & how to save
Single-speed pool pumps draw about 1,000–2,500 W and run many hours a day in season — one of the biggest discretionary home loads.
Tip to cut the cost: A variable-speed pump run longer at low speed can cut pool-pump energy by well over half.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a pool pump?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a pool pump (about 1,000 W-2,500 W, typically 1,500 W) used 8 hours a day costs roughly $33.41 per month and $401 per year. Your cost depends on your exact wattage, usage and local rate. Use the calculator for an exact figure.
How many watts does a pool pump use?
Single-speed pool pumps draw about 1,000–2,500 W and run many hours a day in season — one of the biggest discretionary home loads.
How much electricity does a pool pump use per year?
About 2,160 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 12.00 kWh per day at 8 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a pool pump?
A variable-speed pump run longer at low speed can cut pool-pump energy by well over half.
Keep exploring
Sources & accuracy
Wattage: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use and ENERGY STAR-grade references (typical figures; ranges shown where relevant). Electricity rate: EIA Electric Power Monthly (March 2026). All public domain. Costs are a transparent calculation (see methodology) and are estimates only — your appliance's actual wattage, your usage and your utility rate may differ. Check the appliance label and your bill before relying on these figures.
Last updated: 2026-06-20