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Use the calculator for an instant estimate, or read on for a full breakdown of how this cost is calculated.
Quick Answer
$30–$90/month
Varies by equipment & usage
Pool pump energy use is calculated from the motor's horsepower rating and how many hours per day it runs. A 1 HP single-speed pump draws roughly 750–1,000 watts. Running it 8 hours a day at the U.S. average rate of $0.16/kWh comes to about $35–$46 per month.
Variable-speed pumps are dramatically more efficient because they run at lower RPMs for most of the day. At low speed (around 1,500 RPM) a 1 HP variable-speed pump may draw only 150–200 watts — cutting monthly costs to $6–$10 for those low-speed hours.
The formula: (HP × 745.7 watts/HP) ÷ 1,000 × hours/day × days/month × $/kWh = monthly cost. Service factor (typically 1.15–1.25) is applied to the HP to get actual motor draw.
Estimate Your Cost
Motor size
Pump type
Hours per day
8
hrs
Electricity rate
0.16
$/kWh
Est. monthly cost
$34.85
~2,614 kWh/year
Motor horsepower (common sizes: 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2 HP)
Single-speed vs. variable-speed — variable-speed can save 50–75%
Daily run time — most pools need 8–12 hours in summer, less in winter
Electricity rate in your area (national average ~$0.16/kWh)
Pool size — larger pools need longer filtration cycles
Climate — warmer climates require more filtration to prevent algae
Pro Tip
The biggest savings usually come from upgrading the least efficient items first. Use Watt Wisdom to see exactly which loads are driving your bill before spending money on improvements.
Watt Wisdom calculates your full household energy profile — every appliance, your climate zone, and your usage habits — and tells you exactly what's driving your bill.
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