Lifestyle

Keep your pool energy smart this summer

pool

EnergyAustralia Social Media Team
October 2026

Summer’s nearly here, and for around 1.1 million Australian homes that means pool season. A pool is a great way to cool off, but the pump that keeps it clean can use a fair bit of energy. The Australian Government says a pool pump accounts for nearly 18 percent of the electricity used in the average home with a pool.

Here’s how to keep your pool running efficiently, and what your pump might cost to run.

How much does your pool pump cost to run?

It depends on the type of pump, the size of your pool and how many hours a day the pump runs. As a guide, here’s what each pump type can cost over a year, using an example rate of 33c/kWh.

Pump typeEnergy use a yearCost a yearCost a month
Single speedabout 1,280 to 3,000 kWhabout $420 to $1,000about $35 to $83
Dual or multi speedusually less than single speedcheck your labelcheck your label
Variable speed (6 to 9 star models)about 305 to 657 kWhabout $100 to $215about $8 to $18

These are estimates, not a quote. Your rate will be different, so check your bill. The higher single speed figure assumes a 1,035 W pump running six to eight hours a day.

Every pool pump sold in Australia carries an Energy Rating Label showing its star rating and estimated yearly energy use. To estimate your running cost, multiply the kWh on the label by the rate on your bill. The label is based on a standard amount of running time, so if your pump runs longer, expect to pay more. You can compare pumps on the Energy Rating website.

Cover up and conserve

A quality pool cover is one of the simplest ways to make your pool more efficient. It can cut water evaporation by up to 97 percent and keeps heat in, so your heater (if you have one) doesn’t have to work as hard. It also keeps leaves and debris out, which means less cleaning.

Choose an energy-efficient pump

If you’re upgrading or installing a new pump, look for a variable speed or multi speed model with a high star rating. These pumps can run slowly for everyday filtering and speed up only when you need more power, such as for a pool cleaner.

Compare pumps of a similar size. A larger pump uses more energy than a smaller one at the same star rating. The more stars, the less energy it uses and the cheaper it is to run.

Add chemicals at night

Adding chlorine and other chemicals after the sun goes down helps stop them breaking down too quickly in UV light. Your pool stays balanced for longer, so you need fewer top-ups.

Run your pump smarter

If you have a smart meter or a time-of-use plan, you can schedule your pump to run when energy demand is lower. Night-time or weekend running can ease pressure on the grid. Check your local council rules first, as some areas have noise restrictions at certain hours.

Your pool pump might also be on controlled load. This is electricity used by a stand-alone appliance that’s metered separately from the rest of your home. It’s most often used for hot water systems, but pool pumps can be connected too. Controlled load appliances can only switch on during set hours, which vary by state and distribution area and are usually set by your distributor. Find out more on our controlled load page.

Keep it clean through winter

It’s tempting to switch everything off when it cools down, but light maintenance all year round is better for efficiency. Run the filter for a few hours each day and clean it regularly. That keeps your system in good shape, so it’s ready when swimming season returns.

Dive into an energy-smart summer

A few small changes can keep your pool clean, clear and efficient all year. When the next hot day arrives, you can jump in knowing your pump isn’t costing more than it needs to.

Dive into an energy-efficient summer

With a few mindful tweaks, your pool can stay clean, clear and energy smart throughout the year. When the next heatwave hits, you’ll be ready to dive in, knowing your backyard oasis is running as efficiently as possible.

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