Robotic pool cleaner vs. pool pump (single-speed): running cost
A robotic pool cleaner is cheaper to run: about $5 a year versus $372 for a pool pump (single-speed) at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $367 difference.
| Robotic pool cleaner | Pool pump (single-speed) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 180 W | 1,700 W |
| Watt range | 100–250 W | 800–2,500 W |
| Typical use | 2.5 hours a day, 3 days a week for 5 months a year | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 29 kWh | 2,070 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 3.2¢ | 31¢ |
| Cost per day | 3.5¢ | $2.45 |
| Cost per month | $1.06 | $74.47 |
| Cost per year | $5 | $372 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $13 | $901 |
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What drives the difference
- Robotic pool cleaner: Corded robotic cleaners draw 150-200 W for a 2-3 hour cycle, about 0.5 kWh per cleaning; they let you skip running a booster pump.
- Pool pump (single-speed): A 1.5 HP single-speed pump draws about 1.7 kW and running 8 hours a day uses roughly 2,000 kWh in a 5-month season (over 5,000 kWh where pools run year-round).
Ways to cut either cost
Uses far less power than pressure-side cleaners with a booster pump.
See options on AmazonMoves the same water at low speed for 60-80% less energy.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a robotic pool cleaner or a pool pump (single-speed)?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a pool pump (single-speed) costs about $372 a year versus $5 for a robotic pool cleaner. That's $367 more, or 70.5× as much.
How many watts do robotic pool cleaner and pool pump (single-speed) use?
A robotic pool cleaner typically draws 180 W (range 100–250 W). A pool pump (single-speed) draws 1,700 W (range 800–2,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.