In general, pool heat pumps aren’t expensive to run — especially when sized correctly and operated under the right conditions. For many Australian pool owners, they are one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the swim season.

That’s because these systems are designed for long-term savings, using far less electricity to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature.

When paired with smart habits, like using a pool cover or running the pump during off-peak hours, your energy bills can stay surprisingly low.

That said, exact running costs depend on several factors, including your pool’s size, how warm you like the water, your local climate, and how often you use it.

In this guide, we’ll break down how much a pool heat pump costs to run, the factors affecting this price, and how to get the most value from your investment.

What is a pool heat pump, and how does it work?

A pool heat pump is a highly energy-efficient system that heats your pool by drawing warmth from the surrounding air, rather than generating heat itself like a traditional gas heater.

A pool heat pump operates by using a refrigeration cycle to extract heat from the air and transfer it into your pool water. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

1. Air intake: A fan inside the unit pulls in warm ambient air from outside.
2. Heat absorption: This air passes over an evaporator coil containing a refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs the heat and turns into a gas.
3. Heat intensification: The warm gas is then compressed, significantly increasing its temperature.
4. Water heating: The hot gas flows through a heat exchanger, transferring its heat to the water circulating through the pool system.
5. Cycle restart: After releasing its heat, the gas cools back into a liquid, and the process repeats.

Because they rely on ambient air temperature, pool heat pumps work best in mild to warm climates, especially where the temperature stays above 7–10°C.

In these conditions, they’re an economical and eco-friendly way to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature throughout much of the year.

This makes them a smart choice for Australian pool owners looking to extend their swim season without skyrocketing energy costs.

How much does it cost to run a pool heat pump?

The cost to run a pool heat pump depends on your electricity rate, the system’s efficiency, how much power it uses, and how often it runs—factors all influenced by your local climate and pool usage.

That said, it’s generally more affordable than other pool heating options thanks to its energy-efficient design.

To give you a rough idea of costs, let’s say your heat pump draws 2 kW of power and electricity costs around $0.30 per kWh:

• Hourly cost: 2 kW x $0.30 = $0.60/hour
• Daily cost (8 hours): $0.60 x 8 = $4.80
• Monthly cost (30 days): $4.80 x 30 = approximately $144

 
Of course, this is just an example. Let’s take a closer look at the factors influencing the precise cost to run your pool heat pump.

Factors affecting how much a pool heat pump costs to run

Several factors influence how much it costs to run your pool heat pump each day.

Climate

Climate plays a key role in how efficiently a pool heat pump operates—and, ultimately, how much it costs to run.

Because these systems don’t generate heat but instead pull it from the surrounding air, their performance is directly tied to outdoor temperatures.

In warmer weather, they work more efficiently and use less electricity, making spring through autumn an ideal time for operation in most parts of Australia.

If you live in a cooler region or are trying to heat your pool during the off-season, the heat pump needs to work harder and run longer to achieve your set temperature. This increased effort means higher energy usage and higher costs.

That said, pairing your heat pump with a solar pool heating system can reduce or even eliminate these added expenses.

By using excess solar power to run the unit, you can offset electricity costs and get better value year-round, regardless of the climate.

Energy efficiency

Pool heat pump efficiency has a direct impact on how much it costs to run.

The key metric to look for is the Coefficient of Performance (COP), which measures how much heat the pump produces compared to how much electricity it uses.

A higher COP means the unit is more efficient, generating more warmth for less energy.

While models with higher COP ratings may come at a higher initial price, they tend to cost less to run over time, offering better long-term value.

Another factor to consider is the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF), which gives a broader picture of how the unit performs throughout the year, factoring in fluctuations in climate.

Because efficiency can drop slightly in cooler months, the SPF offers a more realistic view of energy use across different seasons.

Many of the best pool heat pumps also include features like corrosion-resistant components and advanced heat exchangers, which not only improve efficiency but also extend the lifespan of the unit.

Pool and heat pump size

How well a heat pump can warm the volume of water in your pool also affects whether it is expensive to run.

If a heat pump is too small for your pool, it will struggle to maintain the temperature, working harder and running longer, leading to higher power bills and faster wear.

On the flip side, an oversized unit may switch on and off too frequently (called short cycling), which also wastes energy and can reduce the system’s lifespan.

To choose the right size, consider your pool’s surface area, how much warmer you want the water compared to the surrounding air, and local factors like wind exposure, humidity, and night-time temperatures.

All of these affect how much heat is lost and how much energy is needed to maintain comfort.

Pool covers

Evaporation is the biggest source of heat loss in a swimming pool, accounting for a large portion of wasted energy. When warm water evaporates, so does the heat you’ve paid to generate.

In turn, your heat pump has to work harder and run longer to maintain your desired temperature.

That’s why using a pool cover is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the cost of running your heat pump.

By using a pool cover, you dramatically reduce evaporation and trap heat in the water, especially overnight or on cooler days.

This keeps your pool warmer for longer and cuts down how often—and how long—your heat pump needs to operate.

The result?

Lower energy usage, longer equipment life, and noticeable savings on your power bill.

A smart long-term investment

Investing in a pool heat pump might feel like a significant upfront cost, but it’s a decision that tends to pay for itself in the long run.

While installation costs are usually higher than those of a gas heater, the difference quickly evens out thanks to how efficiently heat pumps run.

As mentioned above, instead of burning through energy, they draw warmth from the air and use far less electricity to keep your pool at the right temperature.

For most Aussie pool owners, the real savings start to show after just a few seasons!

Get a cost-effective pool heat pump with NCS

So, are pool heat pumps expensive to run?

Not when you choose the right one and use it wisely.

With the correct setup tailored to your pool size, climate, and usage habits, a heat pump offers one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your pool warm.

By choosing an energy-efficient model, keeping up with maintenance, and using simple strategies like a pool cover, you can enjoy extended swim time for less.

At NCS Pool Heating & Filtration Systems, we provide pool heat pumps across Newcastle, Sydney, the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, and the Mid North Coast.

From selecting the right system to professional installation, we make it easy to enjoy warm water without the worry of high running costs. Get in touch today.