Australia has 1.1 million residential swimming pools. For these homes, the pool pump can be the single largest user of electricity.

Pumps are used to filter, sanitise and circulate the water in pools. Around 90,000 pool pumps are installed nationwide each year.

There are many factors that affect the energy consumption of a pool pump, including pool size, filter type and pipework.

Single, multi or variable speed pumps

The most energy-efficient pool pumps are those that can be run at different speeds, rather than a pump running constantly at high speed. 

Pool pumps with more than one speed (dual, multi and variable) can be run slowly for filtering, which consumes less electricity and can be sped up when more power is needed.

Energy rating

Pool pump minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and mandatory labelling regulations will begin in 2020.

The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) program is working with Standards Australia to revise AS 5102.1 2009, Performance of household electrical appliances – Swimming pool pump-units, Part 1: Energy consumption and performance. Early in 2019, E3 will also develop a determination under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012 to set the MEPS levels and requirements for energy labelling of pool pumps.

More information

Swimming pool pumps Energy Rating

Pool fact sheets Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance

Registered pool and sanitising products Australian Government