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Cost to run a pool/spa heater (electric heat pump) in South Australia (2026–27)

SA reference tariff · 41.9c/kWh

$1.05 per hour at 2,500 W

Typical use (6 h/day, 180 days a year at 2,500 W) ≈ $1,132/year on the SA Power Networks rate.

Source: AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8), effective 1 July 2026

Pool heat pump cost in SA at 6 h/day, 180 days/year (41.9c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (1,000 W)$0.42$2.51$76.44$453
Typical (2,500 W)$1.05$6.29$191.11$1,132
High (5,000 W)$2.10$12.57$382.22$2,263

Appliance running-cost calculator

SA

Pool heat pump: 1,000–5,000 W typical range.

4–8 h/day in the heating season; far less with a pool cover.

$1.05 per hour · $1,132/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$6.29
Per month
$191.11
Per year (180 days)
$1,131.58

Tariff: 41.9c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the SA Power Networks network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: NCS Pool Heating — heat pump power use. Full pool heat pump costs in SA →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

A pool cover is the single biggest saver here, since most heat escapes from the surface overnight and a cover holds it in. Set a modest target temperature and drop it further out of season. If yours is a heat-pump heater, run it in the warmer part of the day when it works most efficiently. Turn heating off well before you stop swimming for the year.

Frequently asked questions

What does a pool heat pump cost per hour in SA?
$1.05 at the typical 2,500 W draw on SA's reference rate of 41.9c/kWh (SA Power Networks network). Efficient models run $0.42, high-draw models $2.10.
How is this calculated?
Watts ÷ 1,000 × the tariff = cost per hour, then × hours × days for the period figures. Every figure on this page uses SA's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) usage rate for the SA Power Networks network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See SA rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

4–8 h/day in the heating season; far less with a pool cover.