Arlington Pool Operating Costs: Energy & Utilities
Pool electricity costs in Arlington depend on your pump type and local electric rates. Here's what
you need to know about running a pool in the DFW electric market.
Arlington's electrical infrastructure has been designed to handle massive event-driven demand spikes from major sporting events and concerts, creating exceptional grid reliability that benefits residential users. During peak summer months when other areas might experience brownouts, Arlington's robust electrical system maintains stable voltage that protects sensitive pool equipment and automation systems.
The city's large commercial energy usage creates opportunities for residential customers to benefit from utility demand response programs. Many Arlington pool owners can reduce electricity costs by participating in programs that slightly reduce pool pump speeds during peak demand periods, earning credits that offset monthly usage charges without significantly affecting pool maintenance.
Pool Pump Electricity Costs in Arlington
The biggest ongoing electric expense for your pool is the pump. Based on current DFW electric rates
(9.0-9.6¢/kWh), here are real monthly costs:
- Variable Speed Pump (250W, 12 hrs/day): ~$11/month
- Single Speed Pump (1000W, 8 hrs/day): ~$29/month
- Large Single Speed (1500W, 6 hrs/day): ~$26/month
Pro tip: Variable speed pumps cost more upfront but save $200-300/year in electricity.
The payback period is typically 2-3 years.
Arlington Water Utility Pool Rates & Fees
Arlington Water Rates (2025)
Arlington uses tiered summer pricing, so a pool fill can get expensive:
- Base: $16.40/month (includes first 2,000 gallons)
- Next 8,000 gallons: $3.92 per 1,000 gallons
- Next 15,000 gallons: $5.27 per 1,000 gallons
- Over 25,000 gallons: $6.57 per 1,000 gallons
Example: Filling a 15,000-gallon pool in summer costs approximately $74 in water charges.
The good news about Arlington water: it's generally well-balanced chemically, so you won't be fighting
extreme pH or hardness issues like some other Texas cities.
Arlington's Municipal Water Excellence: Arlington operates award-winning water treatment facilities that consistently exceed state and federal quality standards. The city's water blend from multiple regional sources creates naturally balanced chemistry with pH typically around 7.8-8.2 and optimal mineral content for pool use. This careful blending process means Arlington pool owners enjoy some of the most stable starting water chemistry in the DFW region.
The city's investment in modern distribution infrastructure includes pressure monitoring systems that prevent the water pressure fluctuations that can damage pool fill valves and automatic leveling systems. Arlington's water quality consistency is so reliable that many pool professionals consider it the benchmark for initial pool chemistry calculations throughout North Texas.
Arlington Pool Electric Bill Impact
Adding a pool typically increases your electric bill by $11-50/month depending on equipment:
- Pump only (variable speed): +$11/month
- Pump + LED lights: +$13/month
- Pump + heater (seasonal): +$50-150/month when heating
- Full automation system: +$15-35/month
Arlington electric rates: Shop around - rates vary from 9.0¢ to 12¢/kWh depending on your plan.
Where to Buy Pool Chemicals in Arlington, TX - Store Price Comparison
You have several good options right in town:
Leslie's Pool Supplies (2626 N Josey Ln) - The pool specialist with knowledgeable staff and free water testing.
Their 2-pack acid deal at $9.75/gallon is actually competitive.
Walmart Supercenters - Multiple Arlington locations carry Pool Essentials liquid chlorine.
Currently the best liquid chlorine value at $5.67/gallon.
True Value Hardware - Local hardware store with CDS liquid chlorine at $6.99/gallon and HTH tablets.
Good middle-ground option when you need chemicals but don't want to drive to big box stores.
Ace Hardware - Transchem muriatic acid at $9.99/gallon. Local service with pool chemical expertise.
Sam's Club - Drive to Plano or Irving for Member's Mark 40lb tablet buckets at $149.98.
The membership pays for itself if you maintain your own pool.