How we work it out
Pump power (kW) × hours × your state's rate. We split the year into a summer half with your longer filter runs and a winter half where you can wind right back, then add the two together for the annual figure. The 1.1 kW typical figure matches the median input power of the 400-plus single speed pumps in the energyrating.gov.au registry.
Worked example: a typical 1.1 kW single speed pump in SA doing 8 hours a day in summer: 1.1 × 8 × 38.1¢ = $3.35 a day. That's over $100 a month, and roughly $750 a year once winter's shorter runs are counted. For a machine you never think about, that's real money.
Cutting the cost
A variable speed pump on its eco setting does the same filtering for about a third of the power, so the payback maths is worth running if your single speed is due for retirement. If you've got solar, run the pump in the middle of the day and it filters on sunshine instead of the grid. And most pools are over-filtered anyway. Many only need one full water turnover a day, so try trimming an hour off the run time and see if the water stays happy.
Common questions
How many hours a day should a pool pump run?
Enough to turn the water over once. For a typical backyard pool that's 6 to 8 hours in summer and 3 to 4 in winter. Ask your pool shop for your pool's turnover time, then don't run much past it.
Are variable speed pool pumps worth it?
Usually, yes. Running slower for longer uses dramatically less energy (pump physics is generous like that), with savings of 60 to 80% that repay the higher purchase price in a couple of summers.
Should I run my pool pump at night to save money?
Only if you're on a time-of-use plan with cheap overnight rates and no solar. If you have solar panels, midday running is effectively free filtering.
What this costs, state by state
A typical 1.1 kW single speed pump running 8 hours a day in summer and 4 in winter.
| State | Rate | Per summer month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 32.4¢ | $86.67 | $781 |
| Victoria | 29.8¢ | $79.72 | $718 |
| Queensland | 31.2¢ | $83.46 | $752 |
| South Australia | 38.1¢ | $102 | $918 |
| Western Australia | 33.6¢ | $89.88 | $810 |
| Tasmania | 28.9¢ | $77.31 | $696 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 27.4¢ | $73.30 | $660 |
| Northern Territory | 31.7¢ | $84.80 | $764 |
Reference rates for 2026–27. Your row is highlighted once you set your location.
Sources
Electricity rates: AER Default Market Offer (NSW, SA, south-east QLD), Victorian Default Offer, and each remaining state's regulated tariff, current for 2026–27. Appliance figures: the energyrating.gov.au registration database (July 2026 snapshot). Methods and assumptions are described on each page.