Cost to run a pool pump in South Australia (2026–27)
SA reference tariff · 41.9c/kWh
Typical use (7 h/day, 365 days a year at 1,000 W) ≈ $1,071/year on the SA Power Networks 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) | $0.13 | $0.88 | $26.76 | $321 |
| Typical (1,000 W) | $0.42 | $2.93 | $89.19 | $1,071 |
| High (2,500 W) | $1.05 | $7.33 | $222.96 | $2,677 |
Appliance running-cost calculator
SAPool pump: 300–2,500 W typical range.
Filtration typically 6–8 h/day, longer in summer.
- Per day (7 h)
- $2.93
- Per month
- $89.19
- Per year (365 days)
- $1,070.81
Tariff: 41.9c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the SA Power Networks network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Canstar Blue — pool pump running costs. Full pool pump costs in SA →
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 SA?
- $0.42 at the typical 1,000 W draw on SA's reference rate of 41.9c/kWh (SA Power Networks network). Efficient models run $0.13, high-draw models $1.05.
- 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 SA'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 SA Power Networks network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See SA rates by zone.
Related
- SA electricity prices
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- Split-system aircon in SA
- Portable aircon in SA
- Ceiling fan in SA
- Reverse-cycle heating in SA
- Canstar Blue — pool pump running costs
- Australian Energy Regulator — DMO 2026–27 final determinationverified
Filtration typically 6–8 h/day, longer in summer.