Cost to run a pool pump in Queensland (2026–27)

QLD reference tariff · 28.0c/kWh

$0.28 per hour at 1,000 W

Typical use (7 h/day, 365 days a year at 1,000 W) ≈ $715/year on the Energex rate.

Source: AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8), effective 1 July 2026

Pool pump cost in QLD at 7 h/day, 365 days/year (28.0c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (300 W)$0.08$0.59$17.86$214
Typical (1,000 W)$0.28$1.96$59.53$715
High (2,500 W)$0.70$4.90$148.82$1,787

Appliance running-cost calculator

QLD

Pool pump: 3002,500 W typical range.

Filtration typically 6–8 h/day, longer in summer.

$0.28 per hour · $715/year at your settings
Per day (7 h)
$1.96
Per month
$59.53
Per year (365 days)
$714.75

Tariff: 28.0c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the Energex network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Canstar Blue — pool pump running costs. Full pool pump costs in QLD

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 QLD?
$0.28 at the typical 1,000 W draw on QLD's reference rate of 28.0c/kWh (Energex network). Efficient models run $0.08, high-draw models $0.70.
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 QLD'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 Energex network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See QLD rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

Filtration typically 6–8 h/day, longer in summer.