How is the running cost calculated?

Watts ÷ 1,000 × the electricity rate gives cost per hour; the yearly figure uses 6 h/day, 180 days a year at 2,500 W.

Does a higher star rating cut the cost?

Yes — efficiency ratings reduce the draw or energy per use, which scales the cost directly; the low–high wattage band spans efficient to inefficient models.

Why does the state matter?

Each state's usage rate differs, so the same hour costs $0.69–$1.05 depending on the state.

How much does it cost to run a pool/spa heater (electric heat pump)? (2026–27)

Name: Pool/spa heater (electric heat pump) running costs Australia 2026–27
Creator: NCS Pool Heating — heat pump power use
License: https://ncspoolheating.com.au/how-much-power-does-a-pool-heat-pump-use/

At typical draw · official state tariffs

$0.69–$1.05 per hour at 2,500 W

Typical household use — 6 h/day, 180 days a year at 2,500 W — runs $742–$1,132 a year depending on your state's tariff.

Wattage basis: Compressor electrical input (not the 4–7× larger heat output): domestic units 1.0–5.0 kW input; a 32 kW-output unit draws ~4.4 kW.

Pool heat pump running cost by state at typical draw (2026–27 reference tariffs)
State	Tariff c/kWh	Per hour	Typical year
New South Wales	33.1c	$0.83	$895
Victoria	27.5c	$0.69	$742
Queensland	28.0c	$0.70	$755
South Australia	41.9c	$1.05	$1,132
Western Australia	33.3c	$0.83	$898
Tasmania	28.0c	$0.70	$755
Australian Capital Territory	37.0c	$0.92	$998
Northern Territory	31.7c	$0.79	$855

Appliance running-cost calculator

NSW

State

Power draw (watts)

Pool heat pump: 1,000–5,000 W typical range.

Hours per day

Days per year

4–8 h/day in the heating season; far less with a pool cover.

$0.83 per hour · $895/year at your settings

Per day (6 h): $4.97
Per month: $151.11
Per year (180 days): $894.70

Tariff: 33.1c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the Ausgrid network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: NCS Pool Heating — heat pump power use. Full pool heat pump costs in NSW →

Cutting the cost

A pool cover is the single biggest saver here, since most heat escapes from the surface overnight and a cover holds it in. Set a modest target temperature and drop it further out of season. If yours is a heat-pump heater, run it in the warmer part of the day when it works most efficiently. Turn heating off well before you stop swimming for the year.

Frequently asked questions

How is the running cost calculated?: Watts ÷ 1,000 × your electricity rate = cost per hour. A pool heat pump drawing 2,500 W on a 33.1c/kWh tariff costs $0.83 an hour — the calculator above lets you change every input.
Does a higher star rating cut the cost?: Yes — the star rating compresses the power draw or energy per use, which scales this page's figures directly. The low–high band in the table (1,000–5,000 W) roughly spans efficient to inefficient models.
Why does the state matter?: The appliance draws the same power everywhere — but each state's reference usage rate differs, so the same hour of running costs $0.69 in the cheapest state and $1.05 in the dearest. Pick your state above for exact figures.

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

Costs use each state's representative-zone reference usage rate, effective 1 July 2026. 4–8 h/day in the heating season; far less with a pool cover.

How much does it cost to run a pool/spa heater (electric heat pump)? (2026–27)

Appliance running-cost calculator

Cutting the cost

Frequently asked questions

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