Pool Running Cost Calculator
Estimate what your pool costs to run each month and year. The pump's electricity is calculated exactly from its power and run time; add your chemicals and heating to see the full picture and where the money goes.
Pump (electricity)
Other monthly costs
- Pump electricity
- $55/mo
- Total per month
- $95
- Total per year
- $1,138
- Pump energy
- 365 kWh/mo
The pump is usually the biggest controllable cost, and it is calculated exactly here. A single-speed pump draws roughly 1,500 to 2,500 watts; a variable-speed pump running slowly uses a fraction of that, which is why they pay back. Chemicals and heating vary a lot, so those are yours to enter. This estimates running cost, not the one-time cost of the pool.
The pump is where the money is
Run-cost surprises almost always come from the pump. A single-speed pump on all day is the most expensive way to circulate water, which is why a variable-speed pump usually pays for itself. See best pool pumps for the upgrade, and the pump size calculator to size the flow you actually need.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a pool?
Most of the controllable running cost is the pump's electricity, plus chemicals and any heating. A single-speed pump running 8 hours a day can cost roughly 40 to 80 dollars a month in electricity alone, depending on your rate, while a variable-speed pump cuts that sharply. Add chemicals, usually 20 to 60 dollars a month, and heating if you use it.
What is the biggest cost of owning a pool?
Month to month, the pump's electricity is usually the largest controllable cost, followed by heating if you heat the pool. Chemicals are steadier and smaller. Switching to a variable-speed pump is the single biggest lever on running cost, and a cover slashes heating cost.
How can I lower my pool running costs?
Three things move the needle most: a variable-speed pump running long and slow instead of a single-speed pump, a cover to stop heat and water loss, and keeping chemistry balanced so you are not wasting chemicals correcting swings. The pump and the cover are where the real savings are.
How much does pool heating cost?
It varies widely with the heater type, your climate, and whether you use a cover. Gas heating costs the most per hour; a heat pump costs far less to run. A cover dramatically reduces either by stopping overnight heat loss. Enter your own monthly heating estimate above, since it is too site-specific to assume.