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 VS 120,000 BTU are evenly matched, rated 3.2 and 3.1. The AquaCal HeatWave HW160R leads on cool weather. The Hayward HeatPro VS 120,000 BTU wins on warranty.
Hayward HeatPro VS 120,000 BTU
#17 in Large PoolsFull review
For a Hayward Omni pool where quiet running matters most; single-speed units heat better in cool spring air.
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 AquaCal HeatWave HW160R for cool weather (COP 4 and 61% of its rated output at 50 °F air vs COP 4 and 54% of its rated output at 50 °F air).
- Choose the Hayward HeatPro VS 120,000 BTU 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 VS 120,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Efficiency 25% | 44 COP 5.7 at 80 °F air | 50 COP 5.8 at 80 °F air |
| Cool weather 20% | 46 COP 4 and 61% of its rated output at 50 °F air | 33 COP 4 and 54% 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 VS 120,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 128,000 BTU | 120,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 5.7 | 5.8 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 78,000 BTU | 65,000 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4 | 4 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 61% | 54% |
| AHRI certified | No | Yes |
| Compressor | Single speed | Variable speed |
| Lowest operating air temperature | - | 40 °F |
| Defrost | Yes | Yes |
| Heat and cool | Yes | Yes |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 230 V, 60 A breaker | 230 V, 60 A breaker |
| Water flow | 30 to 70 gpm | 28 to 75 gpm |
| Heat exchanger | titanium (ThermoLink) | titanium |
| Refrigerant | R-410A | R-410A |
| Size (W × D × H) | 34 × 34 × 40 in | 33.8 × 36.2 × 44.2 in |
| Weight | 253 lb | 286 lb |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | Built in | No |
| App | PoolSync | OmniLogic |
| Automation compatibility | AquaCal PoolSync Relay Center | Hayward Omni |
| 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. Expert Line only; no online version. |
| Released | 2026-01 | 2022 |