How much does it cost to run a variable-speed pool pump?
A variable-speed pool pump costs about 6.3¢ per hour, 76¢ a day, $23.00 a month and $115 a year at typical use (12 hours a day for 5 months a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. 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.
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Cost by setting
| Setting | Watts | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (filtration) | 200 | 3.6¢ | 43¢ | $13.14 | $66 |
| Medium | 350 | 6.3¢ | 76¢ | $23.00 | $115 |
| High (cleaning/spa) | 1,200 | 22¢ | $2.59 | $78.85 | $394 |
At 12 hours a day for 5 months a year and 17.99¢/kWh.
Cost by hours of use
| Hours per day | kWh/day | Per day | Per month | Per year (all year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.35 | 6.3¢ | $1.92 | $23 |
| 2 hours | 0.70 | 13¢ | $3.83 | $46 |
| 4 hours | 1.40 | 25¢ | $7.67 | $92 |
| 8 hours | 2.80 | 50¢ | $15.33 | $184 |
| 12 hours | 4.20 | 76¢ | $23.00 | $276 |
| 24 hours | 8.40 | $1.51 | $46.00 | $552 |
Cost to run a variable-speed pool pump in every state
The same variable-speed pool pump costs $79 a year in North Dakota and $278 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | 4.3¢ | $15.75 | $79 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 4.4¢ | $16.17 | $81 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 4.5¢ | $16.44 | $82 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 4.5¢ | $16.61 | $83 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 4.7¢ | $17.03 | $85 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 4.7¢ | $17.08 | $85 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 4.7¢ | $17.17 | $86 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 4.7¢ | $17.33 | $87 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 4.8¢ | $17.51 | $88 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 4.8¢ | $17.69 | $88 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 4.9¢ | $17.79 | $89 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 4.9¢ | $17.83 | $89 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 4.9¢ | $17.91 | $90 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 4.9¢ | $18.05 | $90 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 4.9¢ | $18.06 | $90 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 5.0¢ | $18.15 | $91 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 5.2¢ | $18.88 | $94 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 5.2¢ | $18.88 | $94 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 5.3¢ | $19.29 | $96 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 5.3¢ | $19.33 | $97 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 5.4¢ | $19.58 | $98 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 5.4¢ | $19.67 | $98 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 5.4¢ | $19.69 | $98 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 5.4¢ | $19.79 | $99 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 5.4¢ | $19.81 | $99 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 5.5¢ | $19.99 | $100 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 5.6¢ | $20.40 | $102 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 5.7¢ | $20.74 | $104 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 5.8¢ | $21.02 | $105 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 5.8¢ | $21.07 | $105 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 5.8¢ | $21.20 | $106 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 5.9¢ | $21.66 | $108 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 6.2¢ | $22.74 | $114 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 6.4¢ | $23.33 | $117 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 6.6¢ | $23.96 | $120 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 6.6¢ | $24.02 | $120 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 7.2¢ | $26.46 | $132 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 7.4¢ | $26.88 | $134 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 7.4¢ | $26.91 | $135 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 8.3¢ | $30.40 | $152 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 8.3¢ | $30.43 | $152 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 8.5¢ | $30.94 | $155 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 9.3¢ | $34.09 | $170 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 9.4¢ | $34.32 | $172 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 9.8¢ | $35.78 | $179 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 9.9¢ | $36.29 | $181 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 10¢ | $37.42 | $187 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 10¢ | $37.47 | $187 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 11¢ | $38.90 | $195 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 12¢ | $42.17 | $211 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 15¢ | $55.62 | $278 |
Most efficient variable-speed pool pump models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models in the most common size (1.4–1.9 hp), out of 213 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $171 a year to run. The least efficient costs $300. Same size, $129 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | Motor | Watts | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQUAGEM TECHNOLOGY LIMITED | AI SUNBLAZER INVERTECH PUMP AI17 (120V) | 1.7 | 522 | $171 | Amazon |
| Hayward | HL2350020VSP (230V) +7 variants | 1.7 | 527 | $173 | Amazon |
| Hayward | HCP3020VSP (115V) +1 variant | 1.5 | 603 | $198 | Amazon |
| Hayward | HCP2500VSP (115V) +9 variants | 1.5 | 627 | $206 | Amazon |
| DAB | E.SWIM 150 | 1.7 | 642 | $211 | Amazon |
| Pentair | 011065 +3 variants | 1.5 | 659 | $217 | Amazon |
| STA-RITE | 013065 +3 variants | 1.5 | 659 | $217 | Amazon |
| Hayward | HL2670020VSP (230V) +4 variants | 1.7 | 661 | $217 | Amazon |
| AQUAGEM TECHNOLOGY LIMITED | MOOV AI PUMP MP165AIDV (230V) | 1.7 | 713 | $234 | Amazon |
| AQUAGEM TECHNOLOGY LIMITED | AI SUNBLAZER INVERTECH PUMP AI17 (240V) | 1.7 | 722 | $237 | Amazon |
Yearly cost at 12 hours a day for 5 months a year and 17.99¢/kWh. Look up any model in the calculator with “Look up my exact model”. Source: ENERGY STAR, updated 2026-10-21. Amazon links search for the exact model; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How to cut the cost
- Run most of the day at the lowest speed that keeps the skimmer working (often 1,200-1,800 RPM).
- Use high speed only for 1-2 hours for vacuuming or a cleaner.
- Check for your utility's variable-speed pump rebate ($100-$500 is common).
- Clean filters regularly to keep pressure low.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
ENERGY STAR certified pumps can save 3,000+ kWh a year versus single-speed.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variable-speed pool pump | 350 | 12 hours a day for 5 months a year | $23.00 | $115 |
| Pool pump (single-speed) | 1,700 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $74.47 | $372 |
| Pool heat pump | 5,500 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $145 | $723 |
| Robotic pool cleaner | 180 | 2.5 hours a day, 3 days a week for 5 months a year | $1.06 | $5 |
| Inflatable hot tub | 2,000 | 24 hours a day for 6 months a year | $91.99 | $552 |
| Hot tub | 4,000 | 3,000 kWh a year | $44.97 | $540 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a variable-speed pool pump per hour?
A variable-speed pool pump drawing 350 watts uses 0.35 kWh per hour. At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 6.3¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 4.3¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 15¢.
How much does it cost to run a variable-speed pool pump per month?
At typical use (12 hours a day for 5 months a year), a variable-speed pool pump costs about $23.00 a month while in use and $115 a year over the 5 months it's typically used, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does a variable-speed pool pump use?
Most variable-speed pool pumps use 100 to 2,000 watts, depending on the setting (low (filtration) 200 W, medium 350 W, high (cleaning/spa) 1,200 W). Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a variable-speed pool pump use?
About 4.20 kWh a day and 639 kWh a year at typical use (12 hours a day for 5 months a year).
Does a variable-speed pool pump use a lot of electricity?
It's a moderate load: 639 kWh a year is about 6% of the average U.S. home's yearly use.
Is it cheaper to run a variable-speed pool pump or a pool pump (single-speed)?
At typical use, a variable-speed pool pump costs about $115 a year versus $372 for a pool pump (single-speed). So the variable-speed pool pump is cheaper by about $257 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a variable-speed pool pump?
- Run most of the day at the lowest speed that keeps the skimmer working (often 1,200-1,800 RPM).
- Use high speed only for 1-2 hours for vacuuming or a cleaner.
- Check for your utility's variable-speed pump rebate ($100-$500 is common).
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.