Robotic pool cleaner vs. variable-speed pool pump: running cost
A robotic pool cleaner is cheaper to run: about $5 a year versus $115 for a variable-speed pool pump at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $110 difference.
| Robotic pool cleaner | Variable-speed pool pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 180 W | 350 W |
| Watt range | 100–250 W | 100–2,000 W |
| Typical use | 2.5 hours a day, 3 days a week for 5 months a year | 12 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 29 kWh | 639 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 3.2¢ | 6.3¢ |
| Cost per day | 3.5¢ | 76¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.06 | $23.00 |
| Cost per year | $5 | $115 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $13 | $278 |
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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.
- Variable-speed pool pump: Because pump power falls with the cube of speed, running longer at low speed moves the same water for far less energy; a typical schedule averages 300-400 W over 12 hours.
Ways to cut either cost
Uses far less power than pressure-side cleaners with a booster pump.
See options on AmazonENERGY STAR certified pumps can save 3,000+ kWh a year versus single-speed.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a robotic pool cleaner or a variable-speed pool pump?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a variable-speed pool pump costs about $115 a year versus $5 for a robotic pool cleaner. That's $110 more, or 21.8× as much.
How many watts do robotic pool cleaner and variable-speed pool pump use?
A robotic pool cleaner typically draws 180 W (range 100–250 W). A variable-speed pool pump draws 350 W (range 100–2,000 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.