Swimming pool energy suppliers, tariffs and costs

Swimming pool businesses require a significant amount of energy to operate efficiently. Managing energy consumption is crucial due to the constant need to heat large volumes of water, maintain clean and safe environments, and operate various equipment like pumps and lighting. These businesses face unique challenges in balancing cost-efficiency with maintaining optimal conditions for both the pool and its users. By understanding energy usage patterns and exploring the best tariffs available, swimming pool operators can make informed decisions to optimise their energy expenditure while ensuring a great experience for their clients.

How much does energy cost for a swimming pool?

There is no published price list for swimming pools. What a swimming pool pays depends on how much it uses in a year, when it agreed its contract and for how long, wholesale prices at that time, the standing charge, meter type, payment method and credit history. The most recent government figures, for the second quarter of 2026 (April to June, provisional), put the average price paid by UK non-domestic customers at 24.51p per kWh for electricity and 5.28p per kWh for gas, including the Climate Change Levy and standing charges and excluding VAT. A year earlier the averages were 24.03p and 5.31p. Smaller users typically pay more per unit: businesses using under 20,000 kWh of electricity a year averaged 38.36p per kWh, and those using under 278,000 kWh of gas averaged 9.31p per kWh.

Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Prices of fuels purchased by non-domestic consumers in the UK (Quarterly Energy Prices tables 3.4.1 and 3.4.2), published 29 September 2026. Q2 2026 figures are provisional; next update 17 December 2026. Prices are fully delivered averages including the Climate Change Levy and all other elements except VAT, so standing charges are already spread across the units. Averages across every UK business in a band, not quotes, and not comparable with a supplier’s unit rate.

Working out a monthly figure for your business

Take the annual kWh from your latest bill or annual statement, find the band above and multiply for a rough benchmark. A site using 15,000 kWh of electricity a year sits in the very small band: 15,000 × 38.36p is about £5,750 a year, or roughly £480 a month before VAT. A site using 60,000 kWh of gas a year: 60,000 × 9.31p is about £5,590 a year, or roughly £465 a month. The bands are statistical groupings used by the government, not supplier price breaks, so treat them as a guide to what similar-sized sites paid rather than a price you will be offered. To judge an actual quote, compare its total annual cost (unit rate × your annual kWh, plus the daily standing charge × 365) with what you pay now.

VAT and the Climate Change Levy on business energy

The prices above exclude VAT. Business energy normally carries VAT at 20% plus the Climate Change Levy (CCL). HMRC applies the 5% reduced rate, with no CCL, in three cases. First, low usage: supplies averaging no more than 33 kWh of electricity a day (1,000 kWh a month) or 145 kWh of gas a day (4,397 kWh a month) are treated as domestic use whoever the customer is. Second, fuel and power for domestic use, which HMRC defines to include homes providing care for the elderly or disabled, children’s homes, hospices and school or university residential accommodation. Third, a charity’s non-business activities. From 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, electricity that qualifies for the reduced rate is charged at 0% VAT instead of 5% in England, Scotland and Wales; qualifying gas stays at 5%, qualifying electricity in Northern Ireland stays at 5%, and electricity returns to 5% from 1 April 2027. HMRC has not changed which supplies qualify or the certificate process; the same rules decide whether a supply gets 0% or 20%. Where a site is mixed, 60% or more qualifying use means the whole supply gets the reduced rate; below that the supply is split between the two rates, and the customer gives the supplier a certificate declaring the qualifying percentage. Source: HMRC VAT Notice 701/19 (sections 2.8, 3.2 to 3.5, 4.2 and 5.2, updated 5 February 2025), gov.uk VAT rates and HMRC Revenue and Customs Brief 10 (2026).

Do Ofgem’s microbusiness protections apply to swimming pools?

Ofgem treats a business as a microbusiness if it has fewer than 10 employees (or their full-time equivalent) and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of no more than £2 million, or if it uses no more than 100,000 kWh of electricity or 293,000 kWh of gas a year. A business can be a microbusiness for one fuel and not the other. Independent swimming pools that meet either test are covered by Ofgem’s microbusiness rules, which give extra protections around contract terms and renewals (Ofgem: get energy for your business).

Do business energy rates vary by region?

Yes. Part of every unit rate covers the cost of the local electricity distribution network, and Great Britain has 14 licensed distribution areas each with its own charges, so identical contracts are priced differently in, for example, the north of Scotland and London. DESNZ does not publish non-domestic prices by region, so regional figures quoted elsewhere are supplier or broker estimates rather than official statistics.

Which energy supplier is best for swimming pools?

There is no single answer. Suppliers price business contracts individually rather than publishing standard tariffs for swimming pools, so the cheapest supplier for one business is often not the cheapest for the next: each prices on the consumption, meter type, contract length and credit profile in front of it. Compare the total annual cost of like-for-like contract lengths rather than the headline unit rate, and check the standing charge and what happens when the contract ends before signing.

How swimming pools use energy

Swimming pools have specific energy needs largely driven by the requirement to heat water and maintain air quality within the facility. Pools must consistently operate filtration systems and pumps, which run continuously to ensure water quality. Lighting is another significant component, especially for indoor pools, where both ambient and underwater lighting are essential. Additionally, ventilation and humidity control systems are crucial to prevent condensation and maintain a comfortable atmosphere. These factors contribute to a high demand for energy, which can vary depending on the size of the pool and how frequently it is used.

What affects energy bills for swimming pools

Several factors can influence energy costs for swimming pool businesses, including:

• Pool size and volume, which impact heating and pumping requirements.
• Frequency of use and peak operational times.
• Type and efficiency of heating systems.
• Insulation quality and energy efficiency measures in place.
• Local climate and seasonal variations.
• Tariff type and contract terms with energy suppliers.

How to compare tariffs

To effectively compare energy tariffs for swimming pool businesses, consider the following checklist:

• Assess your current energy usage and identify peak consumption times.
• Review existing contracts for early termination fees or renewal dates.
• Compare fixed vs variable rate tariffs to determine which suits your operational needs.
• Check for any additional charges such as standing charges or minimum usage requirements.
• Look for suppliers offering renewable energy options if sustainability is a priority.
• Consider the customer service reputation of potential suppliers.

Gas or electricity: what matters most

For swimming pools, both gas and electricity play crucial roles. Gas is often used for heating the large volumes of water efficiently, making it a cost-effective option for many pools. Electricity, on the other hand, is essential for operating pumps, lighting, and other essential equipment. Understanding the balance between these two energy sources can help pool operators optimise their energy strategy, ensuring both cost and operational efficiency are maintained.

How switching works

Switching energy suppliers for your swimming pool business can be straightforward. Here are the steps involved:

1. Review your current energy contract and note any termination clauses.
2. Collect detailed information on your energy usage patterns.
3. Compare different suppliers and tariffs to find a better deal.
4. Contact your chosen supplier to initiate the switch.
5. Provide necessary details and agree on a switching date.
6. Your new supplier will handle the transition and notify your current supplier.
7. Ensure all final bills are settled with your previous supplier.

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