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 and the AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ140R are evenly matched, rated 3.3 and 3.3. The AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ140R wins on cool weather and value. The AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ140R costs $867 less ($4,652 vs $5,519).
AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ140R
#11 in Large PoolsFull review
AquaCal’s long-running SuperQuiet design for a typical in-ground pool, for owners who want strong cool-weather heating and the option to chill.
Amazon $5,600 HVACDirect $4,652$4,652
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 SuperQuiet SQ140R for cool weather (COP 4 and 63% of its rated output at 50 °F air vs COP 4.2 and 51% of its rated output at 50 °F air) and value ($4,652 for 114,000 BTU ($41 per 1,000 BTU) vs $5,519 for 123,000 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 TropiCal T130 Inverter | AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ140R |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.3/5 |
| 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 | 51 COP 4 and 63% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 47 $5,519 for 123,000 BTU ($45 per 1,000 BTU) | 55 $4,652 for 114,000 BTU ($41 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 SuperQuiet SQ140R | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 123,000 BTU | 114,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 63,000 BTU | 72,000 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4.2 | 4 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 51% | 63% |
| 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 | 252 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. |