Cost to Run a Pool Heater (Heat Pump) in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 35.3¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 88% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (4 hours/day), a pool heater (heat pump) here costs $215 per month.
Per hour
$1.76
at 4,000–11,000 W
Per day
$7.06
4 hours/day
Per month
$215
608 kWh
Per year
$2,577
7,300 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2 hrs/day) | $3.53 | $107 | $1,288 |
| Typical (4 hrs/day) | $7.06 | $215 | $2,577 |
| Heavy (8 hrs/day) | $14.12 | $429 | $5,154 |
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 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a pool heater (heat pump) with typical usage costs about $7.06 per day, $215 per month, or $2,577 per year.
Is running a pool heater (heat pump) in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $215 per month here versus $114 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 35.3¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.