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Reliable Construction
Made of the highest-quality copper-nickel fin tube heat exchangers, the unit will resist even the harshest applications such as low pH, high flow, or heavy use. Specially designed to provide you with highly efficient outcomes and many years of use, the copper-nickel construction is extremely resistant to bad and oscillating water chemistry thanks to the tough surface and massive fin tube. Besides, forget about corrosion, as the Raypak water heating system features the ultimate header design technology. This means it uses a polymer header, which makes it even more resistant. Polymer headers avoid rust from damaging the pool surface pleasing you with long-lasting performance and hassle-free swimming experiences.
Performance
With 406,000 BTU heating element, the Raypak unit will heat your basin with no effort. It maintains thermal efficiency above 83% and also keeps the water temperature above 105°F, so it’s an efficient choice for every pool owner. As it was specially designed for outdoor applications, it will please you with a premium low profile design, ideal for every swimming pool. What’s great about it is that it protects itself from damaging stuff like falling leaves, debris, wind, rain, snow, and many other more. You’ll enjoy constant heating performance regardless of all, especially harsh weather conditions.
Digital Controls
Together with all the characteristics mentioned above, you’ll get even more convenience with the following ones:
- Temperature Control – Set the temperature easily with the built-in thermostat by just pressing the up and down control button.
- Effortless Troubleshooting – The on-board diagnostic controls let you know what’s going with the unit anytime. In case of inconveniences, the digital display will immediately identify the problem in the control circuit.
- Remote Compatible – As it’s compatible with most remote systems, any 2-wire or 3-wire remote can easily connect to the Raypak unit.
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CONS
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- Installation is a breeze
- The ability to provide constant heat
- The quiet operation
- Resists even the harshest applications
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| VERDICT
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With this one, you don’t have to worry about anything else, as it’s able to accordingly perform no matter the weather. The highly efficient heating technology it uses is one of the main aspects to consider when shopping for it. The self-diagnostic system is reliable and helpful, as well.
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If you are looking for an eco-friendly unit, Pentain might be exactly what you need. Heating your pool or spa has never been easier, as it’s able to heat fast, getting you rid of the long waits. The improved design features a tough, rust-resistant exterior so that it can please you with endurance over time. Even so, it is compact enough to install it even in the tightest places. As well as, it’s able to resist all weather conditions, with no inconveniences. Offering 300,000 BTU power, it’s an easy-to-operate heating system, with push buttons, and digital controls. With this model, you’ll enjoy user-friendly indicator lights that make operation and monitoring a breeze. The LCD and diagnostics include front-facing error messages and icons, so it will immediately detect the problem. MasterTemp is certified for low NOx emissions, surpassing the industry standards. It’s also an energy-efficient unit, so you don’t have to worry about high costs.
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CONS
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- The quiet operation
- The sturdy and reliable design
- Raises the temperature quickly
- Resists to harsh weather conditions
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- It’s a little difficult to maintain
- Technical support could be better
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| VERDICT
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The great heating ability together with the eco-friendly design make this unit one of the most popular customers’ choices. Design is worth considering, as well, as it was specially crafted to resist rain, snow, and other severe elements.
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Raypak 266,000 Pool Heater
3. Raypak 266,000 Pool Heater
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This is another reliable item that can heat your spa or pool quickly and efficiently, with no noise. This is because of the 266,000 BTU high heat element, which is powerful enough to offer the right temperature. With this model, you don’t have to worry about anything as it’s designed with simple controls for user-friendly operation. The thermostat can be easily controlled the way you need, as you just have to set it and let it do its job. You’ll also get a self-diagnostic system, which is very helpful since it’s able to detect various issues quickly. As well as, it can report how long it has run and how many times it has fired. Regarding the design, it’s able to resist wind, rain, snow, but also debris. Both the cabinet and internal parts are rust and corrosion-resistant, while the copper fine tubes allow for peak heat performance.
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CONS
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- Easy to install and use
- Quiet when operating
- Heats the pool quickly
- Comes with self-diagnostic technology
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- It requires some quality improvements
- Some have dealt with corrosion issues
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| VERDICT
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The reason why people shop for this product is the outstanding quality as it features PolyTuf powder coating, making it resistant and durable over time. The user-friendly design and self-diagnostic controls are other relevant aspects users consider when choosing it.
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Manufactured from cupro-nickel, it will lead to many years of performance, delivering constant heat to your basin. It uses 250,000 BTU heating power, being able to properly perform in the larger pools, as well. The machine will please you with a premium hydraulic system that protects against corrosion and saves energy, too. Hence, the heating efficiency will increase, without leading to further harmful effects. We’re also speaking of a forced draft combustion system that moves air via a combustion chamber with an exact flow rate to eliminate all the obstacles that won’t allow for proper heating performance. Hayward has been designed for ease-of-use and handiness, this is why it’s equipped with a user-friendly digital panel, where you can find all the settings for appropriate application. Hence, there’s the temperature readout, together with the diagnostics and electronic lock-out. With this LED, you won’t have to worry about inaccurate heating outcomes. The low NOx emissions make it an environmentally-safe machine, which is even better.
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CONS
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- Ease of installation
- The solid and reliable construction offers many years of performance
- Heats up quickly even the larger basins
- Resists rust and corrosion
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- Some have dealt with unpleasant smells
- Digital display needs some improvements
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| VERDICT
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Overall, it’s an option worth considering for both small and large spas and pools, as it can efficiently heat water in no time. Additionally, it’s rust-resistant, prolonging the lifespan to provide you with many years of peak performance. The environmentally-safe design makes it even more wanted by people.
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Sta-Rite is the lightest heating unit in its class, featuring a compact design that can work great for retro-fit installation. Besides, it’s rated first in its class for the highest energy efficiency, as it has low operating costs. With 200,000 BTU heating element, the unit will heat pools and spas in no time. Some of the most important features to consider when shopping for it are the weather-proof frame, easy controls, and eco-friendly design. Thus, it makes the best deal for a heating unit that can perform no matter the weather conditions, be it windy or rainy. The effortless operation is really helpful, as it doesn’t require too much time to make it work. Hence, with this model, you’ll get a LED with dual thermostat controls, 6-position control panel, and PVC union connections. The self-troubleshooting system is another of the highly impressive features it comes with, as well as the low NOx emissions certification.
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CONS
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- The ease of installing
- Delivers powerful heat in no time
- Great for limited amounts of space
- Has a good value
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- Some say it isn’t completely weather-proof
- Customer service could be better
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| VERDICT
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If you want to heat a smaller pool or a hot tub, there’s no better choice than the Sta-Rite unit. Featuring a compact design, it can easily fit into any limited surface, heating the water quickly with no effort. Aside from being small, it’s also more lightweight compared to other models in its class.
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Specially designed for above ground pools, smaller in-ground pools, and spas, the Raypak unit uses 105,000 BTU of heating power. It has a compact, robust, and reliable construction, able to withstand rough weather conditions but also to offer handiness during usage. It comes with a standard 120V power cord that can be easily converted to 220V for added power. The system is very easy to operate as it features a simple analog thermostat for accurate temperature settings. More to be mentioned, an opening gas valve makes lighting the pilot a breeze. Regarding the design details, it features a thick-walled copper exchanger with polymer headers, which is also rust and corrosion-resistant for more convenience over time. At the same time, the exchanger features a built-in valve meant to balance the flow. The unit is also warranted for 1-year in case of potential inconveniences.
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CONS
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- It’s easy to work with
- The lightweight and compact design is very practical
- The study materials make it weather-resistant
- Comes backed by a 1-year warranty
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- The heating element could be improved
- Customer service could be better
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| VERDICT
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If you are looking for a user-friendly unit, with simple controls, this can be the winning choice as it’s very handy and versatile. Even though it has a lower BTU amount than other models in its class, it’s still an efficient product to consider for both above-ground and in-ground pools.
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Using induced draft technology, the Hayward heating system is able to assure premium heating and all-weather performance for areas measuring less than 450 square feet. The unit uses 100,000 BTU of heating power, which is ideal for heating smaller pools and spas. Installation is a breeze, as it features direct spark ignition for automatic control and a simple plug-in 120V electric cord. Even so, it isn’t recommended to install it at an elevation greater than 2,000 feet above sea-level. Concerning design elements, we’re talking about a compact and lightweight unit that weighs only 74.5 pounds and that can be easily mounted. The design is simple and it doesn’t require too much space for proper operation. More to be mentioned, the cabinet’s surface stays cool-to-the-touch in order to avoid potential accidents.
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CONS
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- Installation is effortless
- The compact size allows for practical operation
- Draft technology increases performance
- The great value
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- It takes a while to reach the desired temperature
- Cleaning might be tricky
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| VERDICT
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Induced Draft Technology is one of the main reasons that makes this unit a popular pick among the customers. Even more, the ease of use is worth considering, too, as it can be easily operated by anyone. It’s also an eco-friendly option, without noxious emissions.
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Gas vs. Electric Pool Heater
Both gas and electric heat sources are used for heating pools. Even so, some people go for gas, while others choose the electric heating sources. Surely, each option is powered by specific reasons, so each of them comes with both advantages and downsides. If you haven’t yet decided which is the best choice for your pool, we’re here to help you out. Let’s see how both of them work and what’s required to properly install them.
Gas
When using a gas heating source, the water through the heater is pumped, while gas is used to warm the water before it’s charged back into the pool. This type is extremely common in the industry and one of the main reasons is the cost-effectiveness it offers. Even so, it’s also high-performance and efficient, offering proper heating capacity. They are also very easy to install, which is another consideration homeowners look at. However, they represent a good choice especially for smaller pools for shorter periods. Hence, this is why they are more common in warmer climates, where heating the water is not as compulsory as when speaking of colder regions.
Electric
On the other hand, the electric sources are heat pumps that heat the water by running it through a pump that eliminates the outside air and brings the heat into the water by the cooling cycle. Then, the warm water is driven back into the pool to reach the desired temperature. In this case, we’re speaking of less energy used and more effective application compared to the gas heating system. Otherwise, if you have a larger pool, an electric heater will do its job properly, as the heating power is increased. Thus, those who live in colder climates could reliably go for the electric choice.
After analyzing their characteristics, together with similarities and differences, determining which one is the winner is now easier. Hence, it’s all based on your needs but also on the climate type. Even more, it’s also important to consider the placement and size of the pool to make sure you make the correct decision.
Pool Heater Sizing – What Size Do I Need?
The biggest concern when it comes to choosing a pool heater is definitely its size. The size is extremely important as it’s related to heating efficiency. The smaller it is, the lowest performance it will bring. Small units operate slower, thus they will take longer to properly heat the water. On the other hand, a larger machine delivers a higher number of BTU, offering greater heating performance, but also faster heating. This is why, before purchasing a heater, you have to make sure you’ve chosen the proper dimensions that will also suit the pool’s needs. If you still have doubts, take a closer look at the steps you should consider before making the final choice.
- Gas Heaters – Usually used for residential basins and large spas, this type has the highest BTU rating, ranging from 100,000 BTU to 500,000 BTU. Hence, it’s recommended to go for a powerful machine with a great amount of BTU so that it can quickly heat the pool and provide peak performance. If the pool’s surface is approximately 1000-1200 square feet, then you should go for a high-capacity heater.
- Electric Pumps – With an electric pump, the BTU number ranges from 50,000 to 150,000. It produces lower amounts of heat, but they are quieter, and safer to operate. Thus, if you have a smaller pool, it’s recommended to use a lower-BTU powered machine.
- Solar Heaters – When it comes to solar power, things are easier. For instance, for a 600-square feet basin, it’s recommended to have at least 300 square feet of solar panel area. Nevertheless, it depends on the amount of sunlight the panel gets. To bring the best outcomes, a solar system needs up to 10 hours of sun exposure per day.
| Pool’s Surface |
Heater’s Size |
| Up to 300 sq. ft. |
100,000 – 200,000 BTU |
| Up to 500 sq. ft. |
200,000 – 300,000 BTU |
| Up to 800 sq. ft. |
300,000 – 400,000 BTU |
| Up to 1200 sq. ft. |
400,000 BTU |
Even if you own a small above-ground pool or a large in-ground pool, heating is compulsory if you want to enjoy it regardless of the season. All of the products above were specially picked for your needs and requirements, as there’s a various range with both high-end and less pricey models.
Therefore, if you want advanced features, premium heating ability, reliable design with high-quality elements, you should confidently go for the Raypak RAY-014941 unit. With 406,000 BTU heating capacity, it will surely suit all your needs when it comes to a properly heated pool. By the same token, the digital controls it uses are very practical and efficient. It’s a heavy-duty system with a solid construction meant to please you with long-lasting performance anytime required.
Any other way, Pentair 460734 is worth considering, too, as it’s both powerful and energy-efficient. This model has been rated the best-in-class for energy-efficiency, thus you won’t have to support high costs during usage. Alongside, it’s certified for low NOx emissions, which is another plus to look at.
