Pool pump energy cost calculator

Short answer: multiply watts by hours, divide by 1,000, then multiply by your electricity price per kWh. For a variable-speed pump, add the energy used at each operating setting. This calculator handles up to three non-overlapping segments of one pump's day.

No product testing or savings guarantee is implied. Our method · Affiliate disclosure. There are no shopping links in this tool.

Enter your own schedule

All fields start blank. For a single-speed schedule, fill only segment 1; leave unused segments entirely blank. Enter the electricity rate in dollars per kWh (15 cents = 0.15), not cents. Operating days means days using this same schedule, from 1 to 365—not calendar days the pool is closed.

What the estimate includes—and what it does not

• One pump's electricity consumption for the entered schedule and operating days. Include priming and higher-flow periods as separate non-overlapping segments where applicable.
• A constant $/kWh rate. Use consumption-dependent charges from your plan; fixed monthly charges do not change with pump use. Time-of-use pricing, tier changes and taxes may require a separate calculation.
• No heater, salt cell, booster pump or other equipment energy unless separately calculated. Do not overlap different devices in the same 24-hour schedule.
• No installation price, maintenance, financing or guaranteed savings. A lower cost does not prove that a schedule is safe or adequate for your pool.

Safety: do not open electrical equipment or improvise electrical measurements. Use available power information appropriate to your equipment or ask a qualified professional. Nameplate horsepower, amps, and maximum wattage are not a substitute for actual running watts at each setting. Have a qualified professional establish a schedule that meets filtration, heater, sanitizer and feature requirements; this tool does not recommend reducing runtime.

Formula and a worked example

Daily kWh = Σ (running watts ÷ 1,000 × hours at that setting). Daily cost = daily kWh × $/kWh. Period cost = daily cost × operating days. Full precision is used in the calculation; results are rounded only for display.

Hypothetical example—not product measurements or a recommended schedule: 350 W for 12 hours plus 1,500 W for 2 hours uses 7.2 kWh per day. At $0.15/kWh, that costs $1.08 per operating day or $32.40 for 30 operating days. Other equipment and fixed charges are excluded.

Compare before buying

Calculate the existing and proposed schedules separately using the same electricity rate and comparable operating days. Subtract proposed cost from existing cost; a negative difference means the proposed schedule costs more. Do not use a manufacturer's best-case percentage as a measured input.

Start with the variable-speed pool pump guide, then compare complete installed replacement quotes and simple payback. The Super Pump VS vs. SuperFlo VST comparison explains why exact model and installation details matter.

Common questions

Can I use this in Texas or another state?

Yes. The formula does not assume a Texas-average rate. Enter your own applicable electricity rate and operating schedule.

Is the result my monthly bill?

No. It estimates only this pump's variable electricity cost for the operating days entered. For a 30-day month with the same daily schedule, enter 30. Your whole bill includes other loads and charges.

What if my schedule changes by season?

Calculate each season separately with its own watts, hours, rate and operating days, then add the seasonal costs. Do not multiply a winter schedule by 365 and treat it as a measured annual total.

Source and method

The U.S. Department of Energy's guide to estimating appliance energy use covers calculation of electricity consumption and operating cost. This original tool implements unit conversion and arithmetic, not a manufacturer performance model. Inputs are processed in your browser; the form does not transmit or store them.