Pool pump
How much electricity does a pool pump use?
1,000–2,500 W · 6–8 hours/day · $80–$300 per month
Pool pumps are the overlooked giant. A 1.5 HP single-speed pump draws about 1,500 W and typically runs six to eight hours a day to turn the water over twice — about 270–360 kWh a month.
Wattage by pump size
- 0.75 HP: 800–1,000 W
- 1.0 HP: 1,000–1,300 W
- 1.5 HP: 1,400–1,800 W
- 2.0 HP: 1,800–2,400 W
- Variable speed at low RPM: 150–400 W
Why variable speed wins
Pump power rises with the cube of speed. Halving the speed cuts power to roughly one eighth, while still moving half the water. Running a variable-speed pump at low RPM for longer achieves the same filtration for a fraction of the energy — this is the single best energy decision a pool owner can make.
Runtime rules of thumb
The common guidance is one hour of filtration per 10°C of water temperature. In practice most pools are filtered longer than necessary, especially in climates where the pool is covered or lightly used.
Other savings
Use a pool cover — it cuts evaporation, which cuts both heating demand and the debris the filter has to handle. Backwash only when the pressure gauge shows a 8–10 psi rise, not on a fixed schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts does a pool pump use?
1,000–2,500 W. The figure on the rating label is the maximum draw; actual use varies with settings, age and usage pattern.
How much does it cost to run a pool pump per month?
With the defaults above it comes to the monthly figure shown in the calculator. At 16.5¢/kWh — the US residential average — that is a realistic middle estimate. Your own bill may be 30% lower or higher depending on state.
Is it cheaper to run a pool pump at night?
Only if your utility offers a time-of-use plan and you avoid the 4pm–9pm peak window. On a flat-rate plan, the time of day makes no difference to the total.
Does the calculator account for real-world duty cycles?
Not automatically — you enter the effective hours yourself. For compressing appliances like refrigerators and AC units, enter the running watts and roughly the proportion of time the compressor is on, which is usually 30–50%.
Will a newer pool pump actually save money?
Compare the kWh figure in the calculator against an Energy Star model's stated annual use. If the difference is a few hundred kWh a year, the payback on a replacement is usually long; if it is over 500 kWh, it is worth pricing out.