How Much Does a Pool Cost per Month in Electricity? [2026 Data]

In 2026, running a pool adds a national average of $50 to your electricity bill, or between $30 and $120. Monthly energy costs can vary widely depending on your pool pump type, pool size, and local utility rates, with costs reaching as high as $300 for less efficient setups. If you think you're paying too much, this guide walks you through the key factors driving your pool's energy costs.

Monthly Electrical Cost Factors for a Pool

When weighing the cost to build a pool, don't overlook the ongoing monthly electricity costs that come with owning one. Your pool's monthly electrical usage depends on a combination of the following factors.

Type of Pool Pump

Your pool pump is the single biggest driver of monthly electricity costs, with monthly bills ranging from $10 for an efficient variable-speed model to $300 for a heat pump on a large pool. The three most common types are single-speed, variable-speed, and heat pumps, each with a different impact on your energy bill. If you're unsure which type you have, a local pool service professional can inspect your system and help determine if a more cost-effective option makes sense for your pool.

Size

The larger your pool, the more energy your pump and heater must use to circulate and warm the full volume of water. While you can't change your pool's size, upgrading to a more energy-efficient pump is a practical way to reduce monthly electricity costs regardless of pool size.

Pump Running Time

Even an energy-efficient pump will drive up your electricity bill if it runs constantly, so limiting operation to times when you're actively using the pool is the most effective way to cut costs. Turning the pump off does invite more debris into the water, but investing in the cost of a pool cover helps keep leaves and bugs out while the pump is off.

Location

Your geographic location affects pool electricity costs in two ways: regional utility rates vary widely across the country, and cooler local climates mean your pool heater works harder and runs longer. You can check statewide average electricity rates through the U.S. Energy Information Administration to see how your area compares.

Pool Lights

Pool lights add safety and ambiance but also contribute to your monthly electricity costs every time they're on. Switching halogen bulbs to LEDs by reviewing the cost of replacing pool lights is worth considering, since LED bulbs are five times less expensive to run than halogen bulbs despite a higher upfront cost.

Monthly Electricity Cost by Type of Pool Pump: By Pump Type

A pool pump circulates water and chemicals throughout your pool while filtering out debris, and the type you have is the primary factor determining your monthly electricity costs. Here's a breakdown of national average electrical costs by pump type:

• Variable-Speed Pump: $10 to $50 per month

• Single-Speed Pump: $40 to $150 per month

• Heat Pump: $100 to $300

• Heat Pump (With Pool Cover): $25 to $100 per month

Variable-Speed Pumps

Running a variable-speed pump costs $10 to $50 per month in electricity, making it the most energy-efficient option available. These pumps use different speed settings for different tasks, with lower speeds improving filter performance and higher speeds handling vacuuming, which is why they're the best choice for most pools.

Single-Speed Pump

Running a single-speed pump costs $40 to $150 per month in electricity because these pumps always operate at maximum speed, consuming more energy than variable-speed models. If you have a single-speed pump and want to lower your bill, upgrading to a variable-speed model is worth evaluating against the potential monthly savings.

Heat Pump

Running a pool heat pump costs $100 to $300 per month in electricity, with costs rising as pool size increases or preferred water temperature goes up. Adding a pool cover can significantly reduce this expense by retaining heat, which lowers how often the pump needs to run.

How You Can Save on Monthly Electrical Costs for Your Pool 

If you look at your energy bill and feel there's room for improvement, a few changes to your pool system can help you save money. If you have a single-speed pump, hire a pool electrician to help you weigh the cost of a new pool pump against the potential savings from a variable-speed pump. In most cases, the new pump will pay for itself in the first year or two thanks to energy savings.

If you have a heat pump, you could simply lower the temperature setting on your pump. However, consider investing in a pool cover to save without losing heat. A cover can help contain heat without the need to continue running your pump. This can lower your monthly costs from an average of $200 per month to $25 to $100 per month.