Cost to run a pool/spa heater (electric heat pump) in Western Australia (2026–27)

WA reference tariff · 33.3c/kWh

$0.83 per hour at 2,500 W

Typical use (6 h/day, 180 days a year at 2,500 W) ≈ $898/year on the Western Power (SWIS) rate.

Source: WA Government Standard Electricity Prices 2026–27 (Synergy Home Plan A1), effective 1 July 2026

Pool heat pump cost in WA at 6 h/day, 180 days/year (33.3c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (1,000 W)$0.33$2.00$60.67$359
Typical (2,500 W)$0.83$4.99$151.68$898
High (5,000 W)$1.66$9.98$303.35$1,796

Appliance running-cost calculator

WA

Pool heat pump: 1,0005,000 W typical range.

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

$0.83 per hour · $898/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$4.99
Per month
$151.68
Per year (180 days)
$898.08

Tariff: 33.3c/kWh — WA Government Standard Electricity Prices 2026–27 (Synergy Home Plan A1) for the Western Power (SWIS) network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: NCS Pool Heating — heat pump power use. Full pool heat pump costs in WA

The same appliance in other states

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

What does a pool heat pump cost per hour in WA?
$0.83 at the typical 2,500 W draw on WA's reference rate of 33.3c/kWh (Western Power (SWIS) network). Efficient models run $0.33, high-draw models $1.66.
How is this calculated?
Watts ÷ 1,000 × the tariff = cost per hour, then × hours × days for the period figures. Every figure on this page uses WA's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the WA Government Standard Electricity Prices 2026–27 (Synergy Home Plan A1) usage rate for the Western Power (SWIS) network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See WA rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

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