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
The AquaCal HeatWave HW160R and the Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120K Heat+Chill are evenly matched, rated 3.2 and 3.2. The Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120K Heat+Chill wins on warranty.
Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120K Heat+Chill
#14 in Large PoolsFull review
For a pool and spa owner who wants one unit to heat in spring and fall and chill a cold plunge in summer.
HaywardPrices 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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120K Heat+Chill for warranty (5-year compressor, 5-year parts, 2-year labor vs 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor).
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 HeatWave HW160R | Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120K Heat+Chill |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Efficiency 25% | 44 COP 5.7 at 80 °F air | 44 COP 5.7 at 80 °F air |
| Cool weather 20% | 46 COP 4 and 61% of its rated output at 50 °F air | 49 COP 4 and 62% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 54 $5,316 for 128,000 BTU ($42 per 1,000 BTU) | 50 no current price (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 54 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor | 65 5-year compressor, 5-year parts, 2-year labor |
| Cold air 10% | 50 lowest operating air temperature not published (neutral score used) | 33 heats in air down to 40 °F |
| Noise 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| AquaCal HeatWave HW160R | Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120K Heat+Chill | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 128,000 BTU | 120,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 78,000 BTU | 75,000 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4 | 4 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 61% | 62% |
| AHRI certified | No | Yes |
| Compressor | Single speed | Single speed |
| Lowest operating air temperature | - | 40 °F |
| Defrost | Yes | Yes |
| Heat and cool | Yes | Yes |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 230 V, 60 A breaker | 230 V, 65 A breaker |
| Water flow | 30 to 70 gpm | 30 to 75 gpm |
| Heat exchanger | titanium (ThermoLink) | titanium |
| Refrigerant | R-410A | R-410A |
| Size (W × D × H) | 34 × 34 × 40 in | 30.5 × 33.6 × 44 in |
| Weight | 253 lb | 240 lb |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | Built in | No |
| App | PoolSync | - |
| Automation compatibility | AquaCal PoolSync Relay Center | - |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 5 yr compressor, 3 yr parts, 3 yr labor, lifetime heat exchanger | 5 yr compressor, 5 yr parts, 2 yr labor, 10 yr 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. | Expert Line in-ground heat pumps (2026 terms): 5 years parts (compressor included), 2 years field labor (3 years from a Hayward Rewards/Totally Hayward partner), titanium tube 10 years; bought from Hayward or an authorized seller. The online W3 (Open Line) version is 1 year parts only, no labor. |
| Released | 2026-01 | 2024-05 |