How to Cut Your Pool Energy Bill in Half (Florida Guide)
Updated February 2026 • 9 min read
Your pool pump is probably the second-largest energy consumer in your home—right after air conditioning. In Central Florida, where we run pools year-round, that adds up fast. The good news? Modern equipment and smart practices can cut pool energy costs by 50-70%.
Where Pool Energy Goes
Average Florida Pool Energy Breakdown
- Pool Pump: 60-80% of total pool energy
- Heater: 10-30% (when used)
- Cleaner: 5-10%
- Lights & Other: 2-5%
Focus on the pump first—it's running 6-12 hours daily, 365 days a year.
#1: Switch to a Variable Speed Pump
This is the single biggest energy saver available. Here's why:
The Physics of Pump Energy
Pump energy follows the "affinity laws"—when you cut speed in half, energy drops to 1/8th. A pump running at 1,500 RPM uses roughly 75% less electricity than the same pump at 3,000 RPM.
Real Numbers for Florida Pools
| Pump Type | Daily Run Time | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Speed (1.5 HP) | 8 hours | $80–$120 |
| Two-Speed (low) | 10 hours | $50–$70 |
| Variable Speed (optimized) | 10-12 hours | $25–$45 |
*Based on Florida electric rates of $0.12-$0.15/kWh
The math: Variable speed pumps cost $800-$1,500 installed. At $50-$80/month savings, payback is 12-24 months. After that, it's pure savings for the 10-15 year pump lifespan.
Our equipment replacement service installs Pentair IntelliFlo, Jandy VS FloPro, and Hayward variable speed pumps with full optimization.
#2: Optimize Your Pump Schedule
Take Advantage of Off-Peak Rates
Duke Energy and other Florida utilities charge less for electricity during off-peak hours (typically 9 PM - 7 AM). Running your pump primarily at night can save 20-30% on pumping costs.
The Optimal Florida Schedule
For most Central Florida pools with variable speed pumps:
- Night cycle (10 PM - 6 AM): Low speed (1,200-1,500 RPM) for filtration
- Midday boost (11 AM - 2 PM): Medium speed for chemical distribution and surface skimming
- Total run time: 10-12 hours at much lower energy than 8 hours at full speed
Pool Automation Makes This Easy
With pool automation, you set optimal schedules once and forget them. The system adjusts pump speed automatically based on time of day, and you can override from your phone when needed.
#3: Reduce Heating Costs
Use a Pool Cover
A solar cover or liquid solar blanket reduces evaporation—and evaporation is the #1 source of heat loss. Covering your pool at night can reduce heating costs by 50-70%.
Heat Smarter, Not Longer
- Lower the thermostat: Each degree costs 10-15% more energy
- Heat on demand: Only heat before you'll use the pool
- Use solar first: Prioritize solar heating when available
- Maintain your heater: Dirty heat exchangers waste energy
Our pool heater service includes efficiency checks that can identify energy-wasting problems.
Consider a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are 5-6x more efficient than gas heaters in Florida's mild climate. While they heat more slowly, the energy savings are substantial for pools used regularly.
Want an Energy Audit for Your Pool?
We'll analyze your equipment and provide specific recommendations to cut your energy costs.
#4: Maintain Equipment for Efficiency
Clean Filters Regularly
A dirty filter restricts flow, forcing the pump to work harder. When filter pressure rises 8-10 PSI above clean baseline, it's time to clean. In Florida's pollen season, this might be every 2-4 weeks.
Check for Air Leaks
Air in the system makes pumps run less efficiently and can cause premature wear. Bubbles in the pump basket or return jets indicate an air leak that should be fixed.
Maintain Water Chemistry
Scale buildup from high calcium or pH restricts flow in pipes and heat exchangers. Proper weekly pool service prevents efficiency-killing scale.
#5: LED Pool Lights
If you still have incandescent pool lights, LED replacements use 80% less energy and last 10x longer. A 500W incandescent bulb can be replaced with a 50W LED that's actually brighter.
Energy Savings Summary
Potential Monthly Savings
- ✓ Variable speed pump: $40-$80/month
- ✓ Optimized scheduling: $10-$25/month
- ✓ Smart heating practices: $20-$60/month (heating months)
- ✓ Proper maintenance: $5-$15/month
- ✓ LED lights: $5-$10/month
Total potential savings: 50-70% reduction in pool energy costs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a pool in Florida?
The average Florida pool costs $100-$300/month in electricity, primarily from the pump (60-80% of pool energy use), heater (when used), and cleaner. With a variable speed pump and smart practices, this can be reduced to $40-$100/month.
Do variable speed pool pumps really save money?
Yes. Variable speed pumps save 50-80% on pumping energy. A single-speed pump running 8 hours costs $80-$120/month. The same filtration from a variable speed pump at low speed costs $25-$40/month. Most pumps pay for themselves in 1-2 years.
When should I run my pool pump in Florida?
Run your pump during off-peak hours (typically 9 PM - 7 AM) for lower electric rates. A split schedule works well: 4-6 hours at night at low speed, plus 2-3 hours midday for chemical distribution.
Ready to Cut Your Pool Energy Costs?
Central Florida Pool & Spa helps pool owners across Orlando, Kissimmee, Davenport, and surrounding areas save money through energy-efficient equipment and smart maintenance.
Request an energy assessment or call (863) 353-6873 to discuss your options.