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How Much Electricity Does an In-Ground Pool Really Use?

How Much Electricity Does an In-Ground Pool Really Use?

There’s no denying owning an in-ground pool will noticeably increase your electric bill. Even the most minimalist pool setup will need to power some basic pumps. However, you don’t have to resign yourself to paying an excessive amount. Understanding the electrical usage of in-ground pools will help you make smart choices that save you money.

How Much Electricity Does an In-Ground Pool Use?

There’s a huge amount of variety in electricity usage for a pool. The standard in-ground pool uses around 300 to 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy each month. However, some small in-ground pools with minimal features use around 200 kWh per month, while large pools with a lot of luxuries can use upward of 1,000 kWh each month.

Why Do Pools Use Electricity?

You might think the only utility your pool uses is water. However, every pool also needs a pump to circulate the water. Many pools also have heaters and lights that use up more electricity. If you have pool fountains, vacuums, or other additional features, you can expect additional energy usage.

Check out how custom features like colorful lighting, waterfalls, and fountains add a touch of drama and sophistication to the pools and spas we build in San Diego:

Do In-Ground or Above-Ground Pools Use More Electricity?

The standard in-ground pool will consume more electricity than an above-ground pool. This difference in cost is mostly down to size. In-ground pools are usually much larger, so they need more powerful pumps that use more electricity.

 

How Can You Reduce Electricity Usage with an In-Ground Pool?

If you’re concerned about your electric bill, the most important thing to do is to pick the right pump. Modern pool pumps are often very energy-efficient, so you can find ones that don’t use much electricity. Your

San Diego pool builder

can install a variable-speed motor instead of a single-speed one so you aren’t using electricity to run your pump at maximum capacity all the time. You can also reduce electricity usage by using your pool features selectively. Avoid running heaters, fountains, and other items when no one is using the pool.

Choosing the right equipment from the start makes a real difference. A recent San Diego Pools customer, Adele P., put it simply:

“The equipment they recommended works very well. Our hot tub heats up quickly. Our swim jets are powerful. The large filter makes quick work of the dog hair and other things that fall into the pool.”

When it comes to managing your pool’s energy costs, it all starts with the right team guiding you through the process. As Sara S. summed it up:


“Josh and Cory guided us with the design and build process, gave us realistic timelines and price ranges, and gave us the backyard retreat of our dreams.”

When you’re ready to add an in-ground pool to your home, reach out to the experienced pros at San Diego Pools. We’re the family-owned

pool contractors San Diego

homeowners have trusted for more than 40 years to transform their visions into reality with customized designs and high-quality construction. Give us a call today to learn how we can build the pool of your dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does your electric bill go up with a pool?
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Most people who have pools report their bills increase by around $30 to $100 a month with a pool.

How much does it cost to heat a pool?
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Depending on your fuel source and the outside temperature, heating a pool can cost anywhere from $50 to $400 per month.

Do you have to heat your pool?
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Skipping a pool heater is the easiest way to save on electricity, but it might make it hard to use your pool during the colder months of the year.

Can you run a pool on solar power?
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If you want to save energy, solar swimming pool heaters are a helpful and cost-efficient way of warming a pool

About the Author

Katie King-Acosta

Katie King-Acosta is the Office Manager at San Diego Pools and a lifelong San Diego native. Raised in East County, she grew up immersed in the pool industry as the daughter of Ken, gaining firsthand exposure to the business from an early age. She studied Business at San Diego State University and has been part of San Diego Pools for as long as she can remember. In her role as Office Manager, Katie oversees day-to-day operations while also representing San Diego Pools at home shows and the San Diego County Fair. Her deep roots in the company and the community give her a unique perspective on what homeowners value most: trust, clear communication, and quality craftsmanship. With a strong understanding of both the business and customer experience sides of the industry, Katie plays an essential role in ensuring each project reflects the standards and values San Diego Pools has upheld for almost 50 years.