Cost to Run a Pool Heater (Heat Pump) in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 33.3¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 81% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (4 hours/day), a pool heater (heat pump) here costs $202 per month.
Per hour
$1.66
at 4,000–11,000 W
Per day
$6.66
4 hours/day
Per month
$202
608 kWh
Per year
$2,431
7,300 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2 hrs/day) | $3.33 | $101 | $1,215 |
| Typical (4 hrs/day) | $6.66 | $202 | $2,431 |
| Heavy (8 hrs/day) | $13.32 | $405 | $4,862 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a pool heater (heat pump) in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a pool heater (heat pump) with typical usage costs about $6.66 per day, $202 per month, or $2,431 per year.
Is running a pool heater (heat pump) in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $202 per month here versus $112 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 33.3¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.