Monthly Electrical Costs to Run a Swimming Pool: What Should You Expect?

Potential swimming pool owners often times wonder how much they'll spend on a monthly basis for electrical/power usage with their new swimming pool. Such a question makes quite a bit of sense. Long-term costs on a pool should certainly factor into one's purchasing decision.

Unfortunately, every pool is different in terms of how much electrical it uses, and therefore the monthly costs can vary significantly as well.

So keep this in mind, as these are general guidelines.

Electricity costs for an inground pool

1. A 2-speed or variable-speed pump/filter system: $30–$50 per month
2. A 1-speed pump: $75–$150 per month
3. Heat pumps: $50–$250 per month
4. Inground hot tub: $100–$300 each month

2-Speed and Variable Speed Pump/Filter Systems (includes salt)

Pump manufacturers have become much more energy- and cost-conscious over the past 10 years or so.

Most pool companies now make 2-speed and variable speed pumps a standard part of their basic installation.

In the majority of cases we've seen, pool owners will run a 2-speed pump on low speed 24/7 during the summer, which is a very good idea because it allows for constant filtration and sanitation.

They use the high speed at times, especially when vacuuming. Still, the pump is not running full-speed nearly as often.

Typical monthly cost on electric bill: $30–$50

1-Speed Pump (includes salt)

For whatever reason, and much to my dismay, there are still a decent amount of companies out there that are only installing 1-speed pumps on new pool installations.

This leaves the homeowner with 2 choices:

1. Run the pump on high speed 24/7
2. Have it on a timer, turning on and off at 8-hour (average) intervals

As you can imagine, both these options have their drawbacks.

Average monthly cost: $75–$150

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use electric instead of gas or propane.

They're a relatively efficient way to heat (and also cool) a swimming pool.

The size of a heat pump does make some difference. However, the biggest factor on its electrical consumption has to do with the pool's location/region and ambient temperature outside.

Average monthly cost: $50–$250, depending on their use

Inground Hot Tubs

This is a tough one to answer because there are many ways to build an inground hot tub.

Notwithstanding, running an inground hot tub can often times consume as much if not more electrical power than an inground pool, especially if it uses an electric heater.

Typical monthly power consumption: $100–$300

So there are some general guidelines for those of you looking for expected energy costs and consumption. Keep in mind also that I've listed monthly (not yearly) costs in this article because most pools in the United States are not open year-round.

River Pools operates through independent installers. Get in touch with one in your area today to begin your pool journey!

Questions? Comments? What have been your experiences? What are the numbers in your area? As always, we'd love to hear from you.

Editor's note: This blog article was updated on August 27, 2018.