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 is the better pool heat pump overall, rated 3.2 to 3.1. The AquaCal HeatWave HW160R leads on warranty and value. The AquaCal HeatWave HW160R costs $595 less ($5,316 vs $5,911).
Jandy VersaTemp 130,000 BTU
#19 in Large PoolsFull review
For a large pool or pool and spa on Jandy AquaLink that needs heat, cooling and chilling from one unit.
Amazon $5,911$5,911
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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the AquaCal HeatWave HW160R for warranty (5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor vs 5-year compressor, 2-year parts) and value ($5,316 for 128,000 BTU ($42 per 1,000 BTU) vs $5,911 for 130,000 BTU ($45 per 1,000 BTU)).
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 | Jandy VersaTemp 130,000 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 | 50 COP 4 and 63% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 54 $5,316 for 128,000 BTU ($42 per 1,000 BTU) | 46 $5,911 for 130,000 BTU ($45 per 1,000 BTU) |
| Warranty 15% | 54 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor | 26 5-year compressor, 2-year parts |
| Cold air 10% | 50 lowest operating air temperature not published (neutral score used) | 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 HeatWave HW160R | Jandy VersaTemp 130,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 128,000 BTU | 130,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 5.7 | 5.8 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 78,000 BTU | 82,000 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4 | 4 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 61% | 63% |
| AHRI certified | No | - |
| Compressor | Single speed | Single speed |
| Defrost | Yes | Yes |
| Heat and cool | Yes | Yes |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 230 V, 60 A breaker | 230 V, 50 A breaker |
| Water flow | 30 to 70 gpm | 30 to 70 gpm |
| Heat exchanger | titanium (ThermoLink) | titanium twisted coil |
| Refrigerant | R-410A | R-410A |
| Size (W × D × H) | 34 × 34 × 40 in | 32 × 32 × 45 in |
| Weight | 253 lb | 252 lb |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | Built in | No |
| App | PoolSync | iAquaLink |
| Automation compatibility | AquaCal PoolSync Relay Center | Jandy AquaLink |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 5 yr compressor, 3 yr parts, 3 yr labor, lifetime heat exchanger | 5 yr compressor, 2 yr parts, 5 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. | Heat pump 2 years; compressor and heat exchanger 5 years; labor not covered. Requires a licensed or experienced professional installer. Not valid for units bought through the Internet or other e-commerce platforms. |
| Released | 2026-01 | 2022-02 |