Advice · 6 min read
What does it cost to heat a pool?
Written by Belinda
- Last updated:
The short answer
Running cost equals the heat your pool loses multiplied by the price of making that heat. Climate, target temperature, season length, wind and cover use change heat loss far more than the brand of heater.
In this guide
The two halves of the bill
First, heat lost: evaporation, convection to air, radiation at night and conduction into the ground. Evaporation is usually the largest share for an uncovered outdoor pool.
Second, cost per unit of heat: for a heat pump that is your electricity rate divided by its efficiency (COP) in your conditions; for gas it is the gas price divided by burner efficiency.
The biggest levers
- Cover hours: the more hours covered, the less evaporation
- Target temperature: each extra degree raises losses
- Season length: winter months cost far more than summer ones
- Wind exposure and shade around the pool
- Your tariff: off-peak or solar self-consumption can change the picture
Why we do not publish savings claims
Two identical pools in the same suburb can have very different costs because of wind, shade and habits. The sizing tool shows month-by-month estimates for your inputs, with and without a cover, and lists every assumption so you can see what drives the number.
Equipment purchase, installation and filtration pump electricity are separate from heating running costs.
Keep reading
General guidance from The Pool Heating Chick. It is not a substitute for advice about your specific site.
