Cost to run a pool pump in New South Wales (2026–27)
NSW reference tariff · 33.1c/kWh
Typical use (7 h/day, 365 days a year at 1,000 W) ≈ $847/year on the Ausgrid rate.
Source: AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8), effective 1 July 2026
| Model band | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficient (300 W) | $0.10 | $0.70 | $21.15 | $254 |
| Typical (1,000 W) | $0.33 | $2.32 | $70.52 | $847 |
| High (2,500 W) | $0.83 | $5.80 | $176.29 | $2,117 |
Appliance running-cost calculator
NSWPool pump: 300–2,500 W typical range.
Filtration typically 6–8 h/day, longer in summer.
- Per day (7 h)
- $2.32
- Per month
- $70.52
- Per year (365 days)
- $846.66
Tariff: 33.1c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the Ausgrid network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Canstar Blue — pool pump running costs. Full pool pump costs in NSW →
The same appliance in other states
Cutting the cost
The pump is often the second-biggest load in the house. Run it during daylight if you have solar, or on any cheaper off-peak period, and split filtration into shorter blocks rather than running flat out all day. A variable-speed pump on a low setting cleans the same water for much less. Trim the run time through the cooler months when the pool sees little use.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a pool pump cost per hour in NSW?
- $0.33 at the typical 1,000 W draw on NSW's reference rate of 33.1c/kWh (Ausgrid network). Efficient models run $0.10, high-draw models $0.83.
- 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 NSW's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
- Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
- It's the AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) usage rate for the Ausgrid network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See NSW rates by zone.
Related
- NSW electricity prices
- Average bill NSW
- Ducted aircon in NSW
- Split-system aircon in NSW
- Portable aircon in NSW
- Ceiling fan in NSW
- Reverse-cycle heating in NSW
- Canstar Blue — pool pump running costs
- Australian Energy Regulator — DMO 2026–27 final determinationverified
Filtration typically 6–8 h/day, longer in summer.