Cost to Run a Pool Heater (Heat Pump) in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 33.6¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 84% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (4 hours/day), a pool heater (heat pump) here costs $204 per month.
Per hour
$1.68
at 4,000–11,000 W
Per day
$6.72
4 hours/day
Per month
$204
608 kWh
Per year
$2,453
7,300 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2 hrs/day) | $3.36 | $102 | $1,226 |
| Typical (4 hrs/day) | $6.72 | $204 | $2,453 |
| Heavy (8 hrs/day) | $13.44 | $409 | $4,906 |
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 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a pool heater (heat pump) with typical usage costs about $6.72 per day, $204 per month, or $2,453 per year.
Is running a pool heater (heat pump) in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $204 per month here versus $111 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 33.6¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.