Pool heating, pumps and running costs

Owning a pool brings ongoing costs: electricity for the pump and any heating, chemicals, water top-ups and maintenance. The good news is that some simple choices can reduce them substantially. The Australian Government's household energy advice points to pool pumps and heating as important areas to manage for pool owners.

This guide explains how covers, pumps, run times and heating options affect running costs, without guessing at typical bills, which vary too much between households, climates and energy plans. Use your own energy bills and equipment specifications to estimate costs, and get quotes from licensed installers for any upgrade.

Start with a pool cover

A pool cover is one of the simplest ways to cut running costs. Covers can:

• reduce evaporation, so you top up less water;
• retain heat overnight, especially important if you heat your pool;
• keep out leaves and debris, reducing cleaning and chemical demand;
• reduce chemical loss from sunlight and evaporation.

Types include bubble (solar) covers, thermal foam covers, automatic covers and enclosures. Covers must be removed fully before swimming. Some covers can trap a child, so follow the manufacturer's safety instructions and never rely on a cover as a safety barrier unless it is specifically designed and certified for that purpose where permitted.

Pumps and filtration

The pump circulates water through the filter and any chlorinator or heater. It's often one of the bigger energy users in a home with a pool.

Pump types

• Single-speed pumps run at one speed, often higher than needed for everyday filtration.
• Two-speed pumps offer a high and a low speed.
• Variable-speed pumps can be set to many speeds.

Pump power use drops sharply as speed decreases, a relationship described by the pump affinity laws. That's why variable-speed pumps, run at a lower speed for longer, can use less energy for the same amount of filtration.

Energy rating labels

Australia has a voluntary energy rating label for swimming pool pumps. More stars mean greater efficiency. When replacing a pump, compare star ratings and choose a pump correctly sized for your pool and equipment.

Run times

Run the pump long enough to turn the water over and keep it clean, but not longer than needed. Use our pool calculator to estimate how long one turnover takes. In practice:

• run longer in summer and less in winter;
• consider running during daylight if you have rooftop solar, or during cheaper tariff periods if your plan has them;
• keep baskets and filters clean so the pump works efficiently.

Heating options

Heating extends your swimming season but can be a major cost. The main options are:

The best system depends on your climate, pool size, how often and when you swim, and your energy prices. Many owners combine a cover with solar or a heat pump.

Water use

Pools lose water through evaporation, splash-out, backwashing and leaks. To save water:

• use a cover;
• reduce splash-out by keeping the water level appropriate;
• backwash only as needed, as your filter manufacturer advises;
• fix leaks promptly (a bucket test can help identify evaporation versus leaks);
• check local water restrictions, which may affect filling and topping up pools.

Chemicals and running costs

Balanced water reduces chemical waste. When water is out of balance, chlorine works less effectively and you may use more product. Testing regularly and adjusting little and often is usually cheaper than fixing a green pool. See our water chemistry guide.

Upgrading equipment

When an old pump, heater or filter needs replacing, it's a good time to consider more efficient options. Before you buy:

• check energy ratings and running cost estimates from manufacturers;
• make sure equipment is sized for your pool volume and plumbing;
• ask about noise levels if equipment is near bedrooms or neighbours;
• use licensed electricians, plumbers and gas fitters for installation;
• check whether any rebates or incentives apply in your state at the time.

Questions to ask a pool professional

When you're replacing equipment or considering heating, ask:

1. What size pump does my pool actually need, based on its volume and filter?
2. Is a variable-speed pump suitable, and what is its energy star rating?
3. What run times do you recommend in summer and winter?
4. Which heating option suits my climate and how I use the pool?
5. How much roof area or space does a solar or heat pump system need?
6. What cover would work for my pool, and is a roller practical?
7. What servicing does the equipment need, and who can do it?

Ask for written quotes that list the equipment model, warranty terms and installation details, and use licensed electricians, plumbers and gas fitters.

Common mistakes

• Heating an uncovered pool, which lets much of the heat escape.
• Running the pump for the same long hours all year.
• Buying an oversized pump that uses more energy than needed.

Key points

A pool cover is the simplest way to reduce evaporation, heat loss and debris. Efficient, correctly sized pumps, particularly variable-speed pumps run at lower speeds, can cut energy use, and Australia has a voluntary energy rating label for pool pumps. Set run times by season, choose heating that suits your climate and swimming habits, keep water balanced and fix leaks. Use your own bills and specifications to estimate costs.

Related guides

Read pool water chemistry basics, saltwater versus chlorine pools and pool deck maintenance.