While power usage varies depending on your pool size, location, and unit model, heat pumps tend to consume between 1.0 to 5.0 kilowatts (kW) per hour when operating.

One of the most energy-efficient heating options available, these systems draw warmth from the surrounding air and use a small amount of electricity to transfer that heat into your pool water.

This clever process means you can enjoy comfortable swim temperatures for much of the year, without breaking the bank.

Here, our pool specialists break down what affects the power usage of a heat pump, how much it might cost you to run one, and tips to make your setup even more energy-efficient.

What is a pool heat pump?

A pool heat pump is an energy-efficient system that warms your swimming pool by transferring heat from the surrounding air — it doesn’t generate heat directly like a gas pool heater.

Here’s how it works:

1. The heat pump uses a built-in fan to draw in warm air from outside. This air passes over an evaporator coil filled with a liquid refrigerant.

2. As the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air, it transforms into a warm gas. This gas is then compressed, raising its temperature even further.

3. The hot gas flows through a heat exchanger, where the heat is transferred to your pool water as it circulates through the pump system.

4. Once the heat is transferred, the gas cools, turns back into a liquid, and the cycle starts again.

Because heat pumps rely on ambient air temperature, they perform best in mild to warm climates — ideally where the air stays above 7–10°C (around 45°F).

In these conditions, they can operate very efficiently, often costing far less to run over time than gas heaters.

Do pool heat pumps use a lot of power?

No, heat pumps are designed to be energy-efficient and use far less electricity than traditional pool heaters.

Unlike systems that generate heat by burning fuel or using high-resistance electric coils, a pool heat pump works by extracting warmth from the surrounding air and transferring it to your pool water.

This process requires only a modest amount of electricity to power the fan, compressor, and internal components.

Importantly, the performance of a heat pump is measured using its Coefficient of Performance (COP).

Most pool heat pumps have a COP between 4 and 7, meaning that for every 1 kW of electricity consumed, the system can generate 4 to 7 kW of heat.

That’s a significant return on energy input, making heat pumps one of the most cost-effective options for heating your pool.

Of course, these are only estimates.

Actual power usage depends on several factors:

• Pool size: Larger pools require more energy to heat and maintain temperature.
• Desired temperature: The higher the target temperature, the more energy is needed.
• Outside air temperature: Heat pumps work best in warm climates where they can draw heat efficiently from the air.
• Heat pump efficiency: Higher-quality models with better COP ratings will consume less electricity for the same output.

 
Let’s take a closer look at the key factors affecting power usage.

Factors affecting how much power a heat pump uses

Several key elements influence how much energy your pool heat pump consumes. Understanding these can help you choose the right unit and operate it more efficiently, saving on electricity costs in the long run.

Outside temperature

Your local weather conditions play a major role in how much electricity your heat pump will use to keep your pool warm.

Because heat pumps work by drawing warmth from the air, the warmer the outside temperature, the more efficiently they can operate.

In mild to warm climates, the unit doesn’t have to work as hard to extract and transfer heat, resulting in lower energy consumption.

In cooler regions or during the off-season, the system must run longer and harder to achieve your desired pool temperature, which naturally leads to higher power usage.

That’s why it’s important to choose a model suited to your climate zone.

Size

Choosing the correct size heat pump for your pool volume is critical when it comes to how much power it uses.

If the unit is too small for your pool, it will run harder in an attempt to maintain the desired temperature, driving up energy usage and increasing wear on the system.

An oversized unit may short-cycle (turn on and off frequently), which also reduces efficiency and shortens its lifespan.

Quality

Not all heat pumps are created equal. Higher quality models from trusted brands like Rheem are designed with superior components such as titanium heat exchangers and energy-efficient compressors.

These materials resist corrosion, improve heat transfer, and extend the unit’s lifespan, often lasting 10 to 20+ years with proper care.

When comparing models, pay attention to the COP rating (Coefficient of Performance).

A higher COP means more heat is produced per unit of electricity consumed, translating to greater savings over time.

Installation location

Heat pump placement has a major impact on power draw.

Since heat pumps draw warmth from the air, they are best installed outdoors in well-ventilated areas with unobstructed airflow.

Meanwhile, indoor installations require special ventilation to manage the intake and discharge of air efficiently.

Other considerations include:

• Noise levels: Install away from living areas or use sound shields if needed.
• Plumbing setup: Can be integrated with the existing filter system or a separate heating loop.
• Power supply: Most domestic systems run on single-phase electricity; larger pools may require three-phase.
• Tariff timing: Connecting to an off-peak or time-of-use electricity plan can reduce operating costs.

 

Controls

Efficient temperature and flow control play a direct role in how much electricity your pool heat pump uses.

Without proper regulation, your system could run longer than necessary, leading to excessive energy consumption and higher power bills.

That’s why all heat pumps should include a flow control mechanism to ensure the unit only operates when water is circulating properly.

Most heat pumps come with one of two types of temperature controls:

• Analogue dials – Easy to use and dependable, though less precise in maintaining exact temperatures.
• Digital controllers – Offer more accurate temperature settings, often with displays that help you fine-tune your energy usage.

 
Many modern systems also feature timers, pump interlocks, or smart automation, which let you schedule heating during off-peak electricity periods or ensure the heat pump only runs when it’s most efficient to do so.

These features can significantly reduce unnecessary run-time and help lower your overall energy costs.

Pool cover

Using a pool cover significantly reduces heat loss, particularly through evaporation—which is one of the biggest causes of energy waste in pool heating.

The result? Less heat lost, less energy needed, and lower electricity bills.

Usage

It’s a common misconception that turning your heat pump off when not in use will save power. In reality, keeping your heat pump running consistently is often more efficient.

Why?

Maintaining a stable temperature requires less energy than reheating a cold pool each time.

This approach also reduces the strain on your system, helping it last longer and perform better.

Maintenance

Routine upkeep is essential to keeping your heat pump operating efficiently.

Here’s what to check regularly:

• Clean air filters
• Remove leaves and debris from around the unit
• Inspect coils and fan blades for damage or blockages
• Schedule annual servicing with a licensed technician

 
By addressing small issues early, you’ll avoid breakdowns and ensure your heat pump runs as effectively as possible year after year.

How long does it take for a heat pump to warm up a pool?

The time it takes for a heat pump to heat your swimming pool depends on several factors, including the size of the pool, the starting water temperature, your target temperature, and the current weather conditions.

On average, a heat pump can raise the water temperature by around 11°C (20°F) in 24 to 72 hours. Smaller pools or warmer climates may heat faster, while larger pools or cooler weather will likely take longer.

To speed things up, consider using a pool cover to retain heat and reduce heat loss overnight.

Tip: For ongoing comfort, many pool owners keep their heat pump running continuously during swimming season to maintain a steady temperature.

How much will a pool heat pump affect my power bills?

The cost of heating your pool varies based on a few factors, including your pool’s size, how much you need to raise the temperature, how often you heat it, and the local climate.

For example, heating a standard 7×4 metre pool in a mild climate with semi-regular use could add around $200 to $400 to your annual electricity bill.

In comparison, using a gas pool heater can cost more than $600 annually for similar usage, and traditional electric resistance heaters may push your bills up to $500 per month.

Therefore, while heat pumps might have a higher upfront cost, they’re often more economical in the long run thanks to lower energy usage.

Get an energy-efficient pool heat pump with NCS

While pool heat pumps do use electricity, they’re far from energy guzzlers.

Thanks to their smart heat transfer technology, these units deliver significantly more heat than the power they consume, making them one of the most efficient pool heating options on the market.

From pool size and climate to the quality of your equipment and how often you use it, several factors will influence your overall power usage.

But with the right setup, regular maintenance, and a few smart habits like using a pool cover, you can keep your pool comfortable without the high energy bills.

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

From the initial assessment to full installation, our team takes care of everything, so you can enjoy warm water year-round with lower running costs.

We supply and install pool heat pumps and solar pool heating systems throughout Newcastle, Sydney, the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, and the Mid North Coast.

Get in touch today, and let us help you create a pleasant swimming experience all year round.