AquaCal TropiCal T130 Inverter
#10 in Large PoolsFull review
AquaCal’s largest inverter model, for big pools up to about 40,000 gallons where a 40 A circuit and heat-and-cool matter.
Inyo Pools $5,519 HVACDirect $5,519$5,519
The AquaCal TropiCal T130 Inverter is the better pool heat pump overall, rated 3.3 to 3.2. The AquaCal HeatWave HW160R costs $203 less ($5,316 vs $5,519).
AquaCal HeatWave HW160R
#13 in Large PoolsFull review
A high-output AquaCal for large in-ground pools, slotting between the SQ140R and SQ200R in size.
HVACDirect $5,316$5,316
Prices were last checked October 27, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every large pools pool heat pump; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | AquaCal TropiCal T130 Inverter | AquaCal HeatWave HW160R |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Efficiency 25% | 44 COP 5.7 at 80 °F air | 44 COP 5.7 at 80 °F air |
| Cool weather 20% | 41 COP 4.2 and 51% of its rated output at 50 °F air | 46 COP 4 and 61% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 47 $5,519 for 123,000 BTU ($45 per 1,000 BTU) | 54 $5,316 for 128,000 BTU ($42 per 1,000 BTU) |
| Warranty 15% | 54 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor | 54 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor |
| Cold air 10% | 100 heats in air down to 5 °F | 50 lowest operating air temperature not published (neutral score used) |
| Noise 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| AquaCal TropiCal T130 Inverter | AquaCal HeatWave HW160R | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 123,000 BTU | 128,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 63,000 BTU | 78,000 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4.2 | 4 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 51% | 61% |
| AHRI certified | No | No |
| Compressor | Variable speed | Single speed |
| Lowest operating air temperature | 5 °F | - |
| Defrost | Yes | Yes |
| Heat and cool | Yes | Yes |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 230 V, 40 A breaker | 230 V, 60 A breaker |
| Water flow | 30 to 70 gpm | 30 to 70 gpm |
| Recommended pool size | Up to 40,000 gal | - |
| Heat exchanger | titanium | titanium (ThermoLink) |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-410A |
| Size (W × D × H) | 46 × 21 × 47 in | 34 × 34 × 40 in |
| Weight | 271 lb | 253 lb |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| App | PoolSync | PoolSync |
| Automation compatibility | AquaCal PoolSync Relay Center | AquaCal PoolSync Relay Center |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 5 yr compressor, 3 yr parts, 3 yr labor, lifetime heat exchanger | 5 yr compressor, 3 yr parts, 3 yr labor, lifetime heat exchanger |
| Warranty terms | National warranty (contiguous US, bought through an authorized dealer, installed after 1 Jan 2025): parts and on-site labor years 1-3 (trip fees waived); limited parts years 4-5 covering compressor, heat exchanger and evaporator coil (trip/shop fee may apply); limited lifetime parts-only cover on the ThermoLink titanium tubing. Original owner and site only. | National warranty (contiguous US, bought through an authorized dealer, installed after 1 Jan 2025): parts and on-site labor years 1-3 (trip fees waived); limited parts years 4-5 covering compressor, heat exchanger and evaporator coil (trip/shop fee may apply); limited lifetime parts-only cover on the ThermoLink titanium tubing. Original owner and site only. |
| Released | - | 2026-01 |