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Home » Blog » 2023 Reviews : Best Inground Pool Heater for the Money?

2023 Reviews : Best Inground Pool Heater for the Money?

Last Updated: March 16, 2023 / at: 5:36 am

best 400,000 pool heater
Available in PROPANE as well. Fast Heating. ►Buy from Amazon

The Hayward H-series is available in propane or natural gas and has established its reputation as one of the best inground pool heater money can buy, but it’s not hyour only option.

Table of Contents —
  1. ► 206,000 BTU – 406,000 BTU – Raypak Pool Heater Series
  2. — Buy A Known Brand Pool Heater
    1. ► Raypak R6450ti-E — Best Durable Heat Pump for your inground pool
  3. Next Generation Pool Heater
    1. RAYPAK AVIA / VIDEO
  4. Hayward Propane H-Series
  5. Choosing the Right Inground Pool Heater
  6. Factors to Consider
  7. Which Type of Inground Pool Heater Do You Need?
  8. Electric Pool Heater —
  9. Electric Heat Pump
  10. Natural Gas or Propane Heaters
  11. Which Size Pool Heater Do You Need?
  12. Reviews | Best Inground Pool Heater
    1. Pentair MasterTemp Pool Heaters
      1. A Bigger Inground Pool Heater is Better
      2. What customers don’t like about the Pentair 460736
    2. Pentair 460737 | Propane Gas
    3. Hayward
      1. Choosing the Right Hayward Pool Heater
    4. Hayward H400FDN H-Series | 400,000 BTU
    5. Recommended Alternative
      1. Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm
        1. Details on the Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm

What’s the best inground pool heater in 2023? During this global pandemic? Pool heaters are not the cheapest products you can buy but if you have a pool I’m certain you’ve been spending a lot of time in it since the pandemic. Where else are you going to go to escape? Basically your home is your oasis and the backyard is one place you an go and feel safe. It’s always stressful when you have to spend a lot of money in one go but if your heater isn’t working or you need an upgrade then you have to choose which road you want to take.

In this article I assume that you’re looking for a reliable, fast-heating pool heater for your inground pool. Hayward and Pentair are still dominant brands but Raypak should also be on your list as they make heavy-duty, robust pool heaters, and have been around for decades. In addition, you’ll find that smaller manufacturers have entered the market to increase competition.

We go deep (pun intended) and look at gas inground pool heaters, as well as heat pumps and solar heaters. There should be something here for everyone. Another common question that we answer is : What size pool heater do you need? Don’t guess. We help you do the math.


► 206,000 BTU – 406,000 BTU – Raypak Pool Heater Series

Exceptional corrosion resistance.
Buy on Amazon

Features : (Raypak Series)

  • Cupro-nickel gas pool and spa heater
  • Pagoda design ensures heater stays active in harsh weather conditions
  • Microprocessor controlled thermostat
  • Digital display
  • On-board self diagnostics
  • Remote compatible
  • Powder-coated galvanized metal construction
  • Non-corrosive
  • Prevents rust stains
  • Polymer resin headers
  • Cupro-nickel fin tube


— Buy A Known Brand Pool Heater

► Raypak R6450ti-E — Best Durable Heat Pump for your inground pool

Engineered to last for years and years.
Buy on Amazon

Using a heat pump to heat your pool only works efficiently as long as the outside temperature remains above the 45ºF–50ºF range. A heat pump essentially extracts the heat from the outside air, so if it’s too cold where you live then this isn’t the right type of pool heater for you. But, if you live in areas where it’s relatively warm all year round then you should consider buying a heat pump. These are best suited for southern states, like, Florida, California or Texas.

Features :

  • Exclusive DuraSteel  Powder-Coated Cabinet- Same rugged steel construction used by all the major air conditioner manufacturers.
  • Fully louvered steel jacket protects the evaporation coil from storm debris
  • Quiet Operation – 3 Blade Swept Wing Fan. Precision engineered
  • Durable Composite Base – Rust proof and soundproof base material
  • Scroll compressors are quiet and efficient compared to piston type compressors.  
  • Titanium Heat Exchanger – The spiral titanium tube heat exchanger provides a corrosion-free waterway that can withstand the abuses of harsh pool chemistry
  • Plumbing Connections Off-set 2” PVC union connections
  • Digital Controls – Basic Functions
  • On Board Diagnostics

Before we get to the specific models, it’s important to know some basic information so you don’t waste your money. Remember, buying an inground pool heater might cause you some anxiety because of the price tag but if you view the purchase over the long-term; like a decade, it won’t seem so astronomical to pay. Owning a pool is expensive, much like owning a boat. I think the Summer of 2023 will be a season we never forget as we slowly move out of this global pandemic and step forward into a normal life. Nobody said owning a swimming pool would be cheap — and if they did, well, they lied to you.

It’s imperative that you buy a pool heater that’s high-quality and will last. Stick with known brands. I can’t stress that enough. You want to make sure you have a long warranty when you spend this much money. Also, reputable brands have a customer support phone line you can call. Cheap brands do not have a phone number because they don’t want to hear from you and they likely won’t be around in three years when your inground pool heater becomes defective. What are you going to do then? People don’t consider the price they pay when they buy cheap products. Don’t be tempted to go cheap with a pool heater. You’ll regret it.



Next Generation Pool Heater

RAYPAK AVIA / VIDEO

YouTube video

The new Raypak AVIA represents a big shift in the pool industry from the traditional industrial style pool heater to a more modern, connected, pool heater. It’s about time as I was beginning to wonder when pool equipment companies were going to streamline their products. If you want a modern pool heater, the AVIA series from Raypak might be what you’re looking for.

  • Have a look at the Raypak AVIA BROCHURE for more details.

Features:

  • Smart pool control automatIon system: automate and manage your pool temperature.
  • learns the AREA of your pool and will let you know when your pool is ready for your set temperature.
  • Integrated Wi-Fi
  • Enables you to manage your heater, pumps, water features and scheduling
  • Raymote Mobile App : Control pool temperature and more, from anywhere
  • Small and Easy to Install : Weighs under 140 pounds and can be installed on a standard 2×2 foot pad.  
  • Self Protection Technology
  • ProTek Shield : Advanced system that protects the heat exchanger from corrosion, prolonging the life of the AVIA pool heater.
  • Generic placeholder image
  • Control your entire pool system with AVIA : AVIA can monitor and control your pool ecosystem including, pumps, lights, or water features so there is no need for expensive, complex external control systems

Hayward Propane H-Series

4 Sizes : 150,0000 (W3H150FDP) / 200,000 (W3H200FDP) / 250,000 (W3H250FDP / 400,000 BTU (W3H400FDP)

Propane is not as popular as natural gas.
Amazon / Learn more

The Hayward H-Series also comes in propane models for those of you using this type of fuel. These are not as popular as natural gas but there’s still a large segment of the population that uses propane. There’s nothing unique about these series other than the fact you get everything you’d expect from Hayward and an inground pool heater, such as:

  • Cupronickel Finn Plate heat exchanger
  • Polymer header design / Hydraulic
  • Forced draft combustion
  • LED Digital control panel

No list would be complete without having a Hayward option on the list, and indeed, this is one of the best propane inground pool heaters on the market.



Choosing the Right Inground Pool Heater

You might need a pool heater to heat your pool not only during the cold months but also during warmer months when you intend to use the pool into the night when it gets a little cold. Heating a large water mass takes a lot of time, money and energy, which is why you need to find a heater that’s efficient.

Two High-Quality Inground Pool Heaters for Homeowners.

Pentair-MasterTemp-vs-Hayward-H-Series-pool-heater
Pentair MasterTemp and the Hayward Universal H-Series.

This is an in depth guide meant to provide you with comprehensive information about how to choose a pool heater and we’ve also included a review of two series of pool heaters, which are categorized as low NOx emission heaters.


Factors to Consider

We will cover two different series in this article: Pentair MasterTemp and the Hayward Universal H-Series. Both are excellent inground pool heaters that are worth your hard-earned money.

Is It Eco-Friendly?

NOx is a generic term for mono-nitrogen oxides, which are produced when oxygen, nitrogen and hydrocarbons react at high temperatures. When the oxides react with moisture, ammonia and other compounds, they produce nitric vapor, which when inhaled can damage our lungs. Inhaling the vapor can also worsen respiratory diseases or aggravate existing heart diseases. Make sure that you purchase a pool heater that specifically designed to reduce NOx emissions.


Which Type of Inground Pool Heater Do You Need?

Before selecting a pool heater, you should keep in mind that whichever type you choose, you should consider the availability and price of fuels in your neck of the woods. There are five types of pool heaters:

🌞 Solar Pool Heater | Smartpool WES601P

Smartpool-WWS601P--pool-heat-pump
Panel array measures 4 feet wide x 20 feet long.
Buy on Amazon

This is probably the cheapest type of pool heater to use. It does not have operating costs and it’s not noisy. It uses a free energy source and has no emissions so it’s considered to be eco-friendly. Unfortunately, this might not be the right choice for you if you live in a cool climate area. The heater requires direct sunlight in order to work but if you decide to install it, make sure you also install a backup heater.


Electric Pool Heater —

► Ecosmart US Smart POOL 27

SMART-POOL-27-27kW-Electric-Pool-Heater
More expensive to heat than gas or heat pumps.
Buy on Amazon

If you own a portable spa or a small therapy pool, this would be an ideal choice for you. However, while it may work well, it requires a substantial amount of electricity to run which makes it less than ideal for most pools.

Despite its small size, it’s expensive to install because it requires heavy duty wiring and circuit breakers with large amperage. On the bright side, they typically cost $2, 000 and do not release gases into the environment.


Electric Heat Pump

Hayward HeatPro Series | Read our Full Review

Heat Pumps are extremely efficient and affordable but slower to heat than gas.
Buy on Amazon

There are two types of heat pumps: water source and air source. Water source pumps transfer heat from water while air pumps transfer heat from the air to the water. They are relatively cheap to operate and you should expect to spend an average $50-$150 per month on operation costs.

They also considered to be eco-friendly since they have no emissions and are built to last. One of the biggest disadvantages of the electric heat pump is that it may not be effective in colder temperatures. It also takes a while to heat up an average or large-sized pool and the cost of purchase is high. Grid energy generation might emit greenhouse gases.


Natural Gas or Propane Heaters

Hayward H-series pool heater
Natural Gas is the most popular pool heater.

This is the most widely used type of pool heater and is considered the best option. They heat up a pool relatively fast regardless of the air temperature. They are, however, expensive to operate and may not be as fuel efficient as other heating options.

On average, you should expect to spend about $500-$750 per year to fuel a natural gas pool heater. Don’t forget that you also need to hire a professional to install the unit which adds to the initial cost of the heater.

Wood Burning Pool Heaters

wood-burning-pool-heater
Keep your pool warm the old-fashioned way.

These are similar to outdoor furnaces and just like the other heaters, they require pumps to circulate the pool water. The two greatest disadvantages of the wood burning heater is that it is not Eco-friendly because you need to cut down trees to provide firewood and you also need to keep adding firewood every 60-90 minutes during the heating process.

So to summarize, if you live in an area with plenty of sunshine, the solar heater would be most convenient for you. If you only heat your pool occasionally, the gas heater would be ideal. If you are looking for fuel efficiency and minimum operating costs, then the electric heat pump or electric resistance pool heater would be a great choice.


Which Size Pool Heater Do You Need?

Okay, so we are going to do a little simple math here so that you get an idea of how things work. First, you need to know the capacity of your pool. The best way to do this is to use an online pool calculator and thankfully Pentair has an excellent tool to take the guesswork for you. I highly recommend using it : Calculate your Pool Volume.

Sizing your swimming pool.
Do yourself a favor and use the Pentair Pool Volume calculator. Click image.

Once you know how much water your pool has, we can get to the nitty-gritty of how much heating capacity you will need.

What is a BTU?

The British thermal unit (BTU or Btu) is a traditional unit of work equal to about 1055 joules. It is the amount of work needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit (Physical analogue: one four-inch wooden kitchen match consumed completely generates approximately 1 BTU). In science, the joule, the SI unit of energy, has largely replaced the BTU… (Learn more on Wikipedia)

First, heating capacity for pool heaters is measured in BTU.One BTU raises 1 pound of water by 1 degree (Fahrenheit). In one gallon of water, there is 8.33 pounds of water. So if you want to heat up 30,000 gallons of water (that’s a 20’ X 40’ pool), you will have to calculate how many pounds of water there are.

As per our example: 30,000 X 8.33= 249, 900 pounds.

To find out how many BTUs you need per hour to raise the temperature of your pool by one degree in a day, you will need to divide the total pounds of water by 24hours.

249, 900 / 24 = 10, 412

So you will need 10,412 BTUs per hour for a 1 degree rise in 24 hours.

what-size-pool-heater-do-you-need-chart

Let’s say your pool is at 60 degrees and you want to increase the temperature by 20 degrees. We already know that 1 BTU increases temperature by 1 degree and we already know that you need 10,412 BTUs per hour to increase the heat in your pool by 1 degree in 24 hours. Now we need to find out how many BTUs will be needed to increase the temperature of your pool by 20 degrees.

10, 412 X 20 = 208, 240 BTUs

So from the calculations, you’ll need to purchase a pool heater that is capable of at least 210,000 BTU per hour. But, if you want to heat up your pool super-fast without using too much fuel, you’ll need to purchase a higher capacity heater.


Reviews | Best Inground Pool Heater

Out of all the different types of pool heater, natural gas heaters seem to be the most popular. We have, therefore included a review of the Pentair and Hayward series of pool heaters.

Pentair MasterTemp Pool Heaters

Pentair MasterTemp 400 pool heater natural gas.
A well-built pool heater to keep your inground pool warm.
Buy on Amazon

You have probably heard about the quality and reputation of Pentair aquatic systems. They manufacture a variety of pool products that include: automation systems, lights, cleaners, heaters, filters, pool pumps and much more.

We will focus on two types of pool heaters, with a focus on the most popular and common size for each series — Pentair 460736 (Natural Gas) and the Pentair 460737 (Propane). These are both 400,000 BTUs, which homeowners seem to buy in droves.

Natural Gas Models:

  • Pentair 460736 | 400,000 BTU | Natural Gas
  • Pentair 460805 HD | 400,000 BTU | Heavy-Duty
  • Pentair 460775 ASME | 400,000 BTU
  • Pentair 460734 | 300,000 BTU
  • Pentair 460771 ASME | 250,000 BTU
  • Pentair 460732 | 250,000 BTU
  • Pentair 460730 | 200,000 BTU | Natural Gas
  • Pentair 460792 | 175,000 BTU

There are some variations to the heater, depending on the model.

  • HD : Stands for Heavy-duty, which means it has a Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger.
  • ASME: Designed for commercial applications, with enhanced features.
    • Upgrades to thermal regulator include a governing stainless steel sleeve for better wear protection.
    • All internal components of the bronze header are now plastic for lightweight, corrosion and wear protection.
    • Ignition Control Module includes more diaphragm spring force for better gas control and robust operation.
    • Fuller pre-mixed system with highly efficient air and gas mixture allows for faster heat up times.

Common Features —

Compact design enables it easy to fit in small spaces. A completely pre-mixed system with an efficient air and gas mixture allows your MasterTemp to heat up fast.

  • Hot surface ignition (no pilot light) and push-button, digital controls. Easy to operate and monitor a snap.
  • Rotating digital display makes it easy to view regardless of how MasterTemp is positioned.
  • MasterTemp is ultra-quiet and won’t be noticeable when you’re lounging in your pool. Durable, rustproof composite exterior is engineered to handle the heat and weather.
  • Eco-friendly, MasterTemp is low NOx emissions and outperforms industry standards.
  • Includes a variety of safety features, including: a water pressure switch that senses the pump is running to prevent overheating; high limit switches assure the heater turns off if water temperature exceeds factory set limits; manual gas shut-off when service is required; stack flue sensor also guards against overheating.
  • Approved for installation on combustible surfaces.
Pentair-MasterTemp-400-pool-heater-natural-gas-pool-sizing

A Bigger Inground Pool Heater is Better

This isn’t a marketing ploy, it really is true. Bigger is better when it comes to buying an inground pool heater.

Remember, it’s always better to get an inground pool heater that’s a little more powerful than what you need rather than ‘under-powered.’ A higher rated pool heater (BTU’s) will enable your pool to be heated at the correct temperature without straining and stressing the heater.

For example, if you buy a 400,000 BTU pool heater and your pool size requires you to have a 300,000 BTU pool heater, well, that means you can run the 400,000 BTU inground pool heater at a maximum of 75% of it’s total power at any given time. This will mean that the unit is never being overburdened, allowing it to run cooler, be more efficient and in the long run, will actually last longer than if you bought the exact correct size.

All of these Pentair MasterTemp inground pool heaters are essentially identical. Since they belong to the same series, the have the same main features, so bear this in mind when reading the information. The only difference is the size in terms of BTU’s, which directly affects the size of pool it can heat and also the overall size (dimensions) of the unit. As you would expect, a higher BTU rating heater translates to a heavier and larger (in dimensions) unit.

Pentair 460736 (review) | Natural Gas | 400,000 BTU

Pentair MasterTemp best Pool Heater review.
Not much to look at but it’s a great piece of pool equipment.

At first glance, this heater doesn’t look like much at all. In fact, it doesn’t look like a cutting edge piece of pool heating technology that’s going to make your life easier. But since we are talking about a pool heater here and not a show piece for your back yard, we will put these reservations aside.

The Pentair 460736 is a natural gas pool heater that’s proven to be reliable, energy efficient and long lasting for home owners. It comes with an easy digital display that makes it easy to operate and monitor the heater. Unlike other pool heaters, it is engineered to be ultra-quiet.

The control panel has five led lights that will show you the status of your system and will indicate when your pool heater needs to be serviced. It also displays the water temperature. The system is compatible with control systems from other manufacturers so you don’t have to worry about mixing and matching.

Pentair MasterTemp Pool Heater.
Read the manual for more details.

When you compare it to the Pentair MasterTemp 460805, you’ll find that it’s made of standard copper material while the Pentair 460805 is made of a copper-nickel alloy that’s much stronger. Nickel significantly improves the overall corrosion resistance and strength of copper. Just to give you a clearer picture of how cool the alloy is, imagine a metal that can bend, stretch or deform under stress but still maintain it’s strength. The Pentair 460805 will obviously cost you more money.

But if you are an average homeowner, the Pentair 460736 will serve you just as well. If, however, your pool gets a lot of consistent usage all year round or you are running a salt-water system, we recommend you get the Pentair 460805.

What People Like Most About the Pentair 460736?

Most people who have bought the pool heater appreciate the fact that it is 100% certified for low NOx emissions. It’s nice to know that you have installed an energy efficient and safe system in your home. They also appreciate that it heats up the pool in no time thanks to the massive 400, 000 BTU propane heating system.

What customers don’t like about the Pentair 460736

The high cost of this machine probably turns many people off since there are cheaper products in the market out there. The upside is that it performs better than pretty much any of those cheaper models so you will get value for your money.


Pentair 460737 | Propane Gas

Approved for installation on combustible surfaces.
Buy on Amazon

If you are living in states with low NOx emission standards, then this is definitely one of the best pool heating systems around. It’s smaller than most other high performance heaters out there and it’s also quite easy to install.

You’ll notice that it’s engineered to run quietly in the background unlike other heating systems which are loud and always humming in your ear.

You also don’t need to wait for hours on end just to get your pool heated. The Pentair comes with a fully pre-mixed gas and air mixture which heats up the water super-fast.

It doesn’t come with a pilot light, which are known to blow out at the worst possible times. It actually has a hot surface ignition that fires up the heater with the press of a button. It’s also easy to operate thanks to a rotating display and convenient indicator lights.

Pentair MasterTemp Pool Heater.
Easy to use control panel.

What People Like Most About the Pentair 460737

Most people who bought this heater appreciate that Pentair built it with safety in mind. They installed a stack flue sensor, a water pressure switch and a high limit switch which ensure that the system never overheats and it always functions properly. They also like how eco-friendly, reliable and convenient it is to use. The Pentair 460737 can heat up a pool in a very short time regardless of how big it is.

What People Don’t like

The fact that the system uses propane gas makes it a little more expensive to operate than other smaller units.

How Do They Differ From the ASME Models?

ASME stands for American Society of mechanical engineers. ASME heaters are tested after manufacturing to comply with ASME quality control standards. They also have a superior warranty. However, just because a pool heater doesn’t have the ASME code symbol, doesn’t mean it is inferior or less safe. Your local building codes might, however, require you to install a pool heater that bears the ASME code symbol for units rated 200, 000 BTU or higher.

Documents Pentair MasterTemp series.

  • View or download the MANUAL.
  • View or download the BROCHURE.
  • View or download the INSTALLATION CHECKLIST.
  • View or download the Bypass access plug kit (472648z).

Hayward

Universal H-Series Pool Heaters

Hayward Universal H-Series natural gas pool heaters.
Available in a wide range of sized, even a 500,000 BTU model.
Buy on Amazon

Features:

  • Standard Cupro nickel heat exchanger for superior value and reliability.
  • Patented polymer header and bypass valve design for the ultimate in hydraulic efficiency and reliability.
  • Hayward Universal design for easy and versatile professional installation.
  • Environmentally responsible low NOx emissions to meet or exceed air quality emission standards in all Low NOx regions.
  • 83% thermal efficiency for energy-efficient performance.
  • Universal design independent left- or right-side electric, water and gas connections ensures the easiest and  most versatile installation.
  • 2″ x 2½” CPVC unions and plumbing fittings.
Features-heat-exchanger-Hayward-H-Series-pool-heater
Superior components enable the heater to perform optimally for years.

The universal H-series swimming pool heaters are a great choice if you are looking to upgrade your current heating system or you are looking to install a new one.

We review the H400FDP later there are a wide range of models powered by either natural gas or propane, and they all share the same great features. Here is a full overview of all the Hayward H-series gas pool heaters:

Natural Gas Models:

  • Hayward H150FDN — 150,000 BTU | Width 21″
  • Hayward H200FDN — 200,000 BTU | Width 25″
  • Hayward H250FDN — 250,000 BTU | Width 28″
  • Hayward H300FDN — 300,000 BTU | Width 30″
  • Hayward H350FDN — 350,000 BTU | Width 33″
  • Hayward H400FDN — 400,000 BTU | Width 36″
  • Hayward H500FDN — 500,000 BTU | Width 41″ (requires 1.0″ Gas Line connection)

Propane Models:

The model number for the propane gas heaters end in “FDP.”

  • Hayward H150FDP | 150,000 BTU | Width 21″
  • Hayward H200FDP | 200,000 BTU | Width 25″
  • Hayward H250FDP | 250,000 BTU | Width 28″
  • Hayward H300FDP | 300,000 BTU | Width 30″
  • Hayward H350FDP | 350,000 BTU | Width 33″
  • Hayward H400FDP | 400,000 BTU | Width 36″
  • Hayward H500FDP | 500,000 BTU | Width 41″ (requires 1.0″ Gas Line connection)

Choosing the Right Hayward Pool Heater

Hayward H400FDN Pool Heater H-Series 400,000-BTU Natural Gas.

Read the press release for the introduction of the 500,000 BTU heaters.

Documents for the H-Series Pool Heaters / View or download by clicking the links below:

  • MANUAL
  • SERVICE / INSTALLATION
  • BROCHURE ENERGY SOLUTIONS
  • BUYING GUIDELINES
  • PARTS

Hayward H400FDN H-Series | 400,000 BTU

Hayward H-series pool heater
Consumer satisfaction is very high with the Hayward H-Series.
Buy on Amazon

Purchasing the H400FDN won’t save the earth from climate change just because it is a low NOx emission heater. But you will rest easy knowing you made the best choice possible.

The system has stainless steel burners, insulated fire tile combustion chambers and corrosion resistant heat exchangers. All these help the system to trap heat more efficiently. The LED control panel is easy to understand and you can monitor the overall performance of the heater.

If you have a pool with salt water this would be the right heater for you because it is made of CuproNickel, which is one of the strongest metal alloys out there.

Hayward H-series pool heater

Many variables can affect the amount of time and even the way your pool gets heated. So what Hayward has done with this model in order to get rid of these variables, is they have included a forced draft combustion system. The system moves air through the combustion chamber at a precise flow rate thereby eliminating all variables that can affect heating performance.

High flow conditions can encourage erosion that ultimately starts to eat up material used to make the heater. But, the H400FDN has a patented polymer header design that not only protects against the damaging effects of erosion but also provides superior hydraulic performance to save energy.

Hayward H400FDN Pool Heater H-Series 400,000-BTU Natural Gas.
Match your pool size to the right Hayward Heater.

What People Like About the H400FDN

Apart from being eco-friendly, it heats up the pool super fast. It can raise the temperature of a 25, 000-gallon pool by 10 degrees in 25 minutes.

What People Don’t Like

Seems like there are people who feel the heater is too loud when it’s running. The upshot is that if you are not sensitive to noise, you can go ahead and purchase it as it does its job really well.

Hayward H400FDP

The H-Series pool heaters are identical so a review of the H400FDN applies to the H400FDP. This means that all the features for the H400FDN are also true for the H400FDP. The only notable difference is in the size, weight and BTU.

For starters both the H400FDN and H400FDP are a powerful 400, 000 BTU, have 83% thermal efficiency and a width of 36 inches. The indoor vent pipe diameter for the H400FDN is 6 inches while for the H400FDP it’s 8 inches.

To learn more read our in-depth review of the Hayward H400FDN.

VIDEO | Hayward H-Series Installation, Start-up & Troubleshooting

YouTube video

VIDEO | Learn more about Hayward

YouTube video

Recommended Alternative

Sta-Rite Max-E-ThermSta-Rite Max-E-Therm Pool Heater.

Unique rounded design make it compact and lightweight.

Buy on Amazon

We’ve dedicated a full article to the Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm pool heater so to avoid repeating ourselves we recommend reading our full review. It’s a fantastic inground pool heater and a good option to consider.

Comes in a variety of sizes:

  • Sta-Rite SR400LP | 400,000 BTU
  • Sta-Rite SR333LP | 333,000 BTU
  • Sta-Rite SR200LP | 200,000 BTU

Documents:

  • View or download the MANUAL.
  • View or download the BROCHURE.

Features:

  • Lightweight – Lightest heater in its class
  • Best in class energy efficiency*
  • Compact Design – Ideal for retro-fit installations
  • Easy to Switch – Change gas sources with installation of separate orifice
  • Environmentally Friendly – All units are low NOx
  • Rustproof Housing – Sleek, matte black enclosure is made of Dura-Glas – an exclusive Sta-Rite material that handles the heat and weathers the elements
  • Lower Operating Costs – 84% efficiency rating – rated first in its class for highest energy efficiency
  • Custom or Retrofit – Direct-connects to Sta-Rite System:3 Mod Media filter or easily fits other systems
  • Certified for outdoor and indoor installations.

Spa and Pool Chart for the Max-E-Therm | Inground Pool Heater

Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm Pool Heater.Details on the Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm
Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm Pool Heater.
Probably the best looking pool heater on the market — in my opinion.

Last Updated: March 16, 2023 at 5:36 AM / by Chainsaw Journal

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☄️ Home Emergency Backup

2023 Reviews : Best 9500 Watt Generators / New Models with CO Sensors

2023 Reviews : Best 9500 Watt Generators / New Models with CO Sensors

Last Update ► January 5, 2023

Look no further, above you will see the Westinghouse WGen9500c generator --- one of the best 9500 watt generators you can buy. Period!

🐶 Keep A Tidy Yard…

Reviews : Best Resin Shed in 2023? Backyard Storage, Big & Small

Reviews : Best Resin Shed in 2023? Backyard Storage, Big & Small

Last Update ► February 26, 2023

Resin backyard storage sheds are a great addition to any home or garden. Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, these sheds offer a convenient and secure way to store tools, equipment, and other outdoor essentials.

🐷 Editors’ Picks

🐱 The Future is Cordless

Best Cordless Chainsaw 2023 Buying Guide – Chainsaw Journal

Best Cordless Chainsaw 2023 Buying Guide – Chainsaw Journal

Last Update ► March 7, 2023

What's the best cordless chainsaw for 2023? If you're smart you'll take our advice and choose from our list of fantastic battery-powered chainsaws.

👂🏼 Quiet RV Power

2023 Picks : Best RV Generator | Quiet Inverter & Power Stations

2023 Picks : Best RV Generator | Quiet Inverter & Power Stations

Last Updated March 12, 2023

What's the best RV generator for you in 2023? Lucky for you, big brands offer some exceptional inverter generators in a wide range of power output and price points. So, don't worry, there's something here for everyone. I'm focusing on inverter generators because it's essential to have a quiet generator for your RV

🐭 Quiet Backup Power

2023 Reviews – Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator / Top Rated Models

2023 Reviews – Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator / Top Rated Models

Last Update ► March 23, 2023

Choosing the best dual-fuel inverter generator is a little more difficult today than it was only a year ago as many new, high-quality models have entered the market, & they're fantastic...

🌲 Firewood Facts…

2023 : How Much is a Cord of Wood? — & More Firewood Facts.

2023 : How Much is a Cord of Wood? — & More Firewood Facts.

Last Updated February 24, 2023

This article focuses on the always popular topic of firewood. It’s an essential thing for many people. Wood, we need it.

⚡️ Powerful Generators…

2023 Reviews : Best 12000 Watt Generators | New Top Rated Models

2023 Reviews : Best 12000 Watt Generators | New Top Rated Models

Last Updated January 23, 2023

What do you need it for and what's your budget? We take a deep dive and review many great 12000W generators.

🪑 The Craft of Wood Turning

Reviews – Best Wood Lathes from WEN, JET, Powermatic & More

Reviews – Best Wood Lathes from WEN, JET, Powermatic & More

Last Update ► March 21, 2023

There are some tools that separate the best from the rest. I consider a wood lathe to be one of these. A machine that shows you’re a true craftsman. If you’re interested in buying the best wood lathe, you have my greatest respect. Using these machines, you’re able to turn perfectly molded ornate pieces, cut precision holes for screwless joins, and a lot more.

🌟 Clean, Portable Power

2023 Reviews : Best Camping Generator & RV / Quiet Inverter & Battery Power

2023 Reviews : Best Camping Generator & RV / Quiet Inverter & Battery Power

Last Updated March 7, 2023

Generators come in a variety to types, which you may or may not be aware of. Everyone has different needs when it comes to choosing the best camping generator their needs. The question is how much power do you need? What's your budget? Are you looking for an inverter generator or a portable power station?

🔥 Intelligent Pool Heaters

Review Guide − Best 400,000 BTU Pool Heater / NG + Propane

Review Guide − Best 400,000 BTU Pool Heater / NG + Propane

Last Update ► February 15, 2023

Back in 2020 I'm sure a lot of us wondered if we'd ever make it to 2023, and here we are. We made it! The world is slowly going back to normal and now we're looking to find a fast-heating and energy efficient, 400,000 BTU pool heater. Why?

🌍 Clean Energy Chainsaws

Guide to the Best Electric Chainsaws for 2023 — Expert Reviews

Guide to the Best Electric Chainsaws for 2023 — Expert Reviews

Last Updated February 6, 2023

You'll find a lot of differing opinions on what the best electric chainsaw is. The reason is because there is no right answer. I know, this might...

💨 Prepare for the Worst

2023 REVIEWS : Best Portable Power Station for CPAP / Top Picks

2023 REVIEWS : Best Portable Power Station for CPAP / Top Picks

Last Update ► February 14, 2023

What's the Best Portable Power Station for a CPAP? If you're using a CPAP machine at night the last thing you want to worry about is having the power go in the middle of the night ---

🪑 For Work or Play

Reviews – What’s the Best Table Saw Under $1000?

Reviews – What’s the Best Table Saw Under $1000?

Last Updated February 10, 2023

A good portable table saw can easily be had for under $1000, but you won't be able to find a quality cabinet saw for that amount. This guide will save you a lot of time.

🌿 Powerful String Trimmers

2023 Reviews – Best Commercial Weed Eater / PRO String Trimmers

2023 Reviews – Best Commercial Weed Eater / PRO String Trimmers

Last Update ► March 25, 2023

If you're interested in a true professional-grade cordless string trimmer then you need to seriously consider the Makita 40V model.

☄️Never Let the Power Die

Reviews— Best Dual Fuel Portable Generator / Gas & Inverters

Reviews— Best Dual Fuel Portable Generator / Gas & Inverters

Last Update ► February 12, 2023

What's the best dual-fuel portable generator in 2023? Well, like the answer to most questions in life, my answer is, "It depends."

🔥 Affordable Log Splitters

Reviews of the Best Log Splitters under $1000 for Winter 2023/23

Reviews of the Best Log Splitters under $1000 for Winter 2023/23

Last Updated March 21, 2023

A log splitter is the evolution of the axe in the same way that cars are the evolution of horse drawn carriages. If you use a lot of firewood in the winter then investing in a high quality log splitter is probably a wise choice.

🌒 Whisper-Quiet Clean Power

2023 Update : Westinghouse iGen4500 Review / iGen4500c CO Sensor

2023 Update : Westinghouse iGen4500 Review / iGen4500c CO Sensor

Last Update ► March 6, 2023

Well, the Westinghouse Electric Company built their first commercial electric power station in 1886 to supply Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Since then...

💎 The Most for your Money

2023 Reviews : Best Chainsaws for the Money  / Top Value Models

2023 Reviews : Best Chainsaws for the Money / Top Value Models

Last Update ► March 10, 2023

We have a chainsaw for a wide range of applications and budgets. I know the needs of consumers vary and there's no such thing as the "best" chainsaw for everybody. Whether you have a budget of under $100 or over $300 to buy a PRO-grade chainsaw, I have options for you to consider.

🔋 Compare New Explorer PRO

REVIEW — Jackery Explorer 1000 + PRO E1000 / Best Solar Power Station

REVIEW — Jackery Explorer 1000 + PRO E1000 / Best Solar Power Station

Last Update ► March 11, 2023

Welcome to my review of the the Jackery Explorer 1000. Jackery stands out as one of the best manufacturers of portable battery power stations and solar generators.

🍀 Shred Yard Debris

Reviews : Best Chipper/Shredder in 2023 — Gas & Electric

Reviews : Best Chipper/Shredder in 2023 — Gas & Electric

Last Updated February 22, 2023

What's the best chipper/shredder for 2023? Keeping your lawn neat, tidy and clean requires a lot of work and tools. A chipper/shredder is one of better ways to spend your money for your home, alongside of a generator, lawn mower and chainsaw.

🔥 Time to Split Firewood

Reviews – Best 22 to 30-Ton Log Splitters / New Top Rated Models

Reviews – Best 22 to 30-Ton Log Splitters / New Top Rated Models

Last Update ► March 11, 2023

Welcome! 2023 is a great year to buy a log splitter. New machines are here for us to discuss. The Swisher LS22E is one of the best 22-ton electric log splitters available today. You can see it above. It's a standout among the crowd of "me too" models. It's a 120V electric 22-ton splitter and works with any standard home outlet.

👩🏻‍🦰 Watch Out Trees!

2023 Review — Husqvarna 460 Rancher / Top Rated Gas Chainsaws

2023 Review — Husqvarna 460 Rancher / Top Rated Gas Chainsaws

Last Update ► March 16, 2023

The 460 Rancher is designed for homeowners, farmers and ranchers who have a need to fell large trees in a single cut (or two), to cut firewood or to harvest large timber.

🍂 Ergonomic Leaf Blower

2023 Reviews : Best Backpack Leaf Blower / Top Rated Models

2023 Reviews : Best Backpack Leaf Blower / Top Rated Models

Last Update ► March 4, 2023

I think you'll be surprised to learn that in 2023, reputable brands are making cordless backpack leaf blowers that are equal to, or more powerful than many gas backpack leaf blowers --- and they're cheaper.

🍰 Generator Sweet Spot

Reviews — Best 7500 Watt Generators for the Money / New Models

Reviews — Best 7500 Watt Generators for the Money / New Models

Last Update ► January 24, 2023

As far as value, you won't find a better overall generator than this WGen7500 series from Westinghouse. For starters, Westinghouse has been in business since 1886 so they know how to make generators, among other things. For 2023, this is the best 7500 watt generator for homeowners looking for emergency backup power.

💡 The Power of 3 Fuels

Reviews : Champion 100416 vs DuroMax HXT — Best Tri-Fuel Generator

Reviews : Champion 100416 vs DuroMax HXT — Best Tri-Fuel Generator

Last Update ► February 20, 2023

A tri-fuel generator is quite a novel concept. I’m sure not too many folks are aware they even exist. Hybrid generators have become common. Most of us know a bit about dual-fuel generators. These can run on propane or gasoline, making them very convenient. An obvious question, I’m sure many of you are asking has to be: What is a tri-fuel generator?

👷🏼 For DIY & Construction

Reviews : What’s the Best Jackhammer in 2023? Electric & Pneumatic

Reviews : What’s the Best Jackhammer in 2023? Electric & Pneumatic

Last Updated February 21, 2023

What's the Best Jackhammer for you? How much breaking force do you need? For work or for home? We cover a wide range of jackhammer's so you can choose the one that matches your needs (and budget)

🥾 Heavy-Duty Generators

Reviews : Best Jobsite Generators  — Buying Guide : OSHA / GFCI

Reviews : Best Jobsite Generators — Buying Guide : OSHA / GFCI

Last Updated March 1, 2023

2023 has been an incredible year for the portable generator market. The biggest brands have been releasing innovative new models at very competitive prices. The Champion PRO 100430 is a new commercial generator, packed with practical features you'll need if you're a contractor.

✨ Versatile Generator

2023 Reviews : Best 240 Volt Inverter Generators / New Models

2023 Reviews : Best 240 Volt Inverter Generators / New Models

Last Updated March 19, 2023

If you’re looking for a 240V inverter generator, it can be challenging. There simply aren’t too many on the market. This buying guide and review is the best place to begin your search for a 240V inverter generator.

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