Variable-speed pool pump vs. pool heat pump: running cost
A variable-speed pool pump is cheaper to run: about $115 a year versus $723 for a pool heat pump at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $608 difference.
| Variable-speed pool pump | Pool heat pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 350 W | 5,500 W |
| Watt range | 100–2,000 W | 3,000–7,500 W |
| Typical use | 12 hours a day for 5 months a year | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 639 kWh | 4,018 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 6.3¢ | 59¢ |
| Cost per day | 76¢ | $4.75 |
| Cost per month | $23.00 | $145 |
| Cost per year | $115 | $723 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $278 | $1,748 |
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What drives the difference
- 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.
- Pool heat pump: Pool heat pumps draw 4-7 kW and deliver 4-6 times that in heat, but heating a pool still takes a lot of energy; using a solar cover is the biggest savings.
Ways to cut either cost
ENERGY STAR certified pumps can save 3,000+ kWh a year versus single-speed.
See options on AmazonStops evaporation, the main way pools lose heat.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a variable-speed pool pump or a pool heat pump?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a pool heat pump costs about $723 a year versus $115 for a variable-speed pool pump. That's $608 more, or 6.3× as much.
How many watts do variable-speed pool pump and pool heat pump use?
A variable-speed pool pump typically draws 350 W (range 100–2,000 W). A pool heat pump draws 5,500 W (range 3,000–7,500 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.