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Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Gas Pool Heater vs PRO Inverter Pool Heat Pump 100,000 BTU

The Raypak is the pick for a large in-ground pool or spa on natural gas that needs fast, powerful heat and a long service life. Its 266,000 BTU output and copper exchanger heat far bigger volumes than the PRO, and the digital controls, Unitherm governor and Protek Shield address the corrosion that kills heaters. The PRO is the better fit for smaller pools up to about 26,000 gallons, especially where gas isn't available: the inverter heat pump is far more efficient, quieter, and adds cooling and app control. Owners rate the PRO highly and praise its quiet operation and app, but warn it underperforms when undersized or in cold weather.

  • Choose the Raypak if you have a natural gas line, a large pool or spa, and want the fastest heat and the simplest, most durable gas setup.
  • Choose the PRO if your pool is under about 26,000 gallons, you want low running costs, quiet operation, cooling in summer and app control.

Prices

  • Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Gas Pool Heater: $3,249.00 at Pool Cleaning Parts (last seen Nov 7)
  • PRO Inverter Pool Heat Pump 100,000 BTU: $1,199.00 at AQUASTRONG (checked today)
  • Difference: the PRO Inverter Pool Heat Pump 100,000 BTU is $2,050.00 cheaper than the Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Gas Pool Heater at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 14)
Raypak
Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition

Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Gas Pool Heater

Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition

4(25 ratings)
$3,249.00at Pool Cleaning PartsChecked Nov 7
See all prices and details
Visit Pool Cleaning Parts
Pros
  • High 266,000 BTU output heats large pools and spas quickly
  • Copper heat exchanger with Protek Shield corrosion protection
  • Unitherm governor limits condensation damage
  • Digital controls and high-wind cabinet
  • Two-year warranty
Cons
  • Requires a natural gas line and outdoor placement
  • No cooling function and no app control
  • Loud next to a heat pump
  • Venting for indoor installs is extra
PRO
PRO Heat Pumps, Up to 100,000 BTU Inverter, for Pools up to 26,000 Gallons, 120V/220V

PRO Inverter Pool Heat Pump 100,000 BTU

PRO Heat Pumps, Up to 100,000 BTU Inverter, for Pools up to 26,000 Gallons, 120V/220V

4.6(1,007 ratings)
$1,199.00at AQUASTRONGChecked 21 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit AQUASTRONG
Pros
  • Inverter heat pump with 15.8 COP cuts running costs sharply
  • Heats and cools for year-round swimming
  • Quiet at about 55 dB
  • App control with schedules and energy tracking
  • Titanium exchanger works with saltwater pools
Cons
  • Lower BTU output suits only smaller pools
  • Heating falls off in cold weather
  • Undersizing or poor airflow ruins performance
  • Condensate drain must be fitted to stop dripping

What separates them

Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Gas Pool HeaterPRO Inverter Pool Heat Pump 100,000 BTU
Fuel and heat sourceNatural gas burner, 266,000 BTUElectric inverter heat pump, 22,000–100,000 BTU
Pool size coveredAbout 25,000 gallons, in-ground pool and spa7,000–26,000 gallons
Heating speedVery fast recovery for large volumesHours to heat; slower as outdoor air cools
EfficiencyGas efficiency; exceeds federal and state standards15.8 COP inverter, roughly 40% more efficient than gas
CoolingHeating onlyHeats 47–104°F and cools 47–83°F
NoiseGas burner and blower; louder in operationAbout 55 dB, as low as 46 dB
ControlsDigital panel, no appApp and panel with schedules and energy tracking
InstallationOutdoor only; 120V; venting sold separately for indoorOutdoor; 120V/220V; needs airflow and a condensate drain

Price history

$3,742.00$3,249.00
Nov 7Nov 14
  • Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Gas Pool Heater: lowest $3,249.00 on Nov 7 at Pool Cleaning Parts; $3,742.00 on Nov 14.

Prices at every store

Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Gas Pool Heater

  • Pool Cleaning PartsNew

    In stock

    $3,249.00Free shippingChecked Nov 7
    Visit Pool Cleaning Parts
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by In The SwimReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $3,374.00Free shippingChecked 21 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Home DepotNew

    Availability unknown

    $3,374.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Home Depot
  • Lowe'sNew

    Availability unknown

    $3,374.00+ $79.00 shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Lowe's

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 17 stores and price history →

PRO Inverter Pool Heat Pump 100,000 BTU

  • AQUASTRONGNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $1,199.00Checked 21 min ago
    Visit AQUASTRONG
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecRaypak 266,000 BTU Digital Gas Pool HeaterPRO Inverter Pool Heat Pump 100,000 BTU
Heating TypeNatural Gas—
Power SourceNatural Gas—
Voltage120V—
BTU Output266,000 BTU—
Energy EfficiencyExceeds all federal and state standards—
Heating Capacity266,000 BTU—
Heat Exchanger TypeCopper—
Temperature Range0 - 2000' elevation—
Flow RateUp to 125 gallons per minute—
Pool Size25000 gallons (approx)—
Pool TypeIn Ground, Pool and spa—
Climate0 - 2,000 ft (elevation)—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecRaypak 266,000 BTU Digital Gas Pool HeaterPRO Inverter Pool Heat Pump 100,000 BTU
Control TypeDigital—
Depth28 in—
Height40 in—
Width23 in—
Durability FeaturesHigh-wind resistance—
Electrical Requirements120V—
Installation TypeOutdoor—
Location RequirementsOutdoor—
Venting RequirementsVenting system must be purchased separately (fo…—
Safety Features

What reviewers say

Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Gas Pool Heater

  • 4 / 525 ratings

Owners rate it 4 out of 5 across 25 ratings. Most praise how fast it heats and how simple the digital controls are. Complaints center on installation quirks and parts that fail early.

What people mention
  • Heating speedPraisedOwners say it brings a 20,000–25,000-gallon pool up to temperature in hours, not days.
  • ControlsPraisedThe digital panel is described as straightforward to set and read.
  • ReliabilityMixedMany units run for years, but some owners report failures in the first few seasons.
  • InstallationCriticisedOwners say the gas and electrical hookup is a job for a licensed installer.

PRO Inverter Pool Heat Pump 100,000 BTU

  • 4.6 / 51,007 ratings

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from about 1,000 ratings, buyers mostly praise the dual heating and cooling, fast warm-up, app control and quiet inverter operation. Complaints center on units that fail to heat when undersized, weak performance in cold weather, and installation mistakes such as poor airflow or reversed plumbing.

What people mention
  • Heating and coolingPraisedOwners like having both heat and cool modes so the pool stays comfortable across seasons.
  • Heating speedPraisedBuyers report the pool warms quickly, especially when the unit is correctly sized.
  • App controlPraisedThe app and control panel for remote temperature, schedules and energy tracking get positive mentions.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a large pool?
The Raypak. At 266,000 BTU it heats far bigger volumes than the PRO, which tops out around 26,000 gallons. For a large in-ground pool with gas available, the Raypak recovers heat much faster.
Which costs less to run?
The PRO heat pump, by a wide margin. Its inverter compressor reaches 15.8 COP, and the maker claims about 40% better efficiency than gas systems. The Raypak burns gas, which is usually the pricier way to heat water.
Which lasts longer?
Both are built for years of outdoor service. The Raypak's copper exchanger with Protek Shield and Unitherm governor targets corrosion, the main killer of gas heaters. The PRO's titanium exchanger resists salt and pool chemicals, but the compressor and fan are the parts that wear.
Can the PRO cool the pool?
Yes. It cools from 47–83°F as well as heating to 104°F. The Raypak only heats.
Do I need a gas line for the Raypak?
Yes. It runs on natural gas at 120V for the ignition and controls, and must be installed outdoors unless you buy venting for an indoor install. The PRO needs only electricity, 120V or 220V.
Is the PRO worth stepping up to over the Raypak?
Only if your pool is under about 26,000 gallons and you want lower running costs, quiet operation, cooling and app control. If you need fast heat for a big pool and have gas, the Raypak is the stronger choice.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best pool heaters
Unitherm governor prevents condensation
—
Dimensions31" x 30" x 45"—
BTU rating266k BTU—
Fuel typeNatural Gas—
Ignition typeElectrical—
ControlsDigital—
Heat exchangerCopper—
Weight210 lbs.—
Water connections2" PVC connections—
Model numberP-R266A-EN-C—
Elevation rangesea level to 2,000 feet—
DisplayLCD digital display—
Capacity266K BTU—
colorCopper—
size31" x 28" x 44.5"—
BrandRaypak—
FeaturesCorrosion Resistant—
Power typeGas—
Has written warrantyNo—
Noise
Praised
Reviewers describe the inverter unit as quiet in normal running.