Pool Running Cost Calculator
Estimate your pool's daily, monthly, and annual operating costs including pump electricity, heating fuel, and seasonal usage.
Pump
HP
hrs
Heater
Energy Rates
$/kWh
$/therm
months
Per Day
—
daily cost
Per Month
—
30 days
Per Season
—
annual
How Pool Running Costs Are Calculated
Pool operating costs are dominated by two things: the pump and the heater. This calculator uses the following formulas:
- Pump cost: HP × 0.746 kW/HP × hours/day × $/kWh
- Electric heater cost: BTU/hr ÷ 3,412 × hours/day × $/kWh
- Gas heater cost: BTU/hr × hours/day ÷ 100,000 × $/therm (assuming ~80% efficiency)
- Heat pump: Uses electricity at a COP of 4 (4 BTU out per BTU of electricity in)
The biggest savings opportunities are switching to a variable-speed pump (up to 90% pump energy savings), using a solar cover to reduce heating load, and running the pump during off-peak electricity hours. A well-maintained pool with a variable-speed pump and solar cover can cost as little as $20–$40/month to operate.