For a mid-to-large in-ground pool where running cost matters, with cooling and cold-plunge chilling built in.
Amazon $5,499The Jandy VersaTemp 116,000 BTU is the better pool heat pump overall, rated 3.5 to 3.3. The Jandy VersaTemp 116,000 BTU leads on efficiency. The AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ140R wins on warranty and value. The AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ140R costs $847 less ($4,652 vs $5,499).
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 $4,652Prices 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 Jandy VersaTemp 116,000 BTU for efficiency (COP 6.5 at 80 °F air vs COP 5.7 at 80 °F air).
- Choose the AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ140R for warranty (5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor vs 5-year compressor, 2-year parts) and value ($4,652 for 114,000 BTU ($41 per 1,000 BTU) vs $5,499 for 116,000 BTU ($47 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 | Jandy VersaTemp 116,000 BTU | AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ140R |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Efficiency 25% | 94 COP 6.5 at 80 °F air | 44 COP 5.7 at 80 °F air |
| Cool weather 20% | 52 COP 4.1 and 60% of its rated output at 50 °F air | 51 COP 4 and 63% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 42 $5,499 for 116,000 BTU ($47 per 1,000 BTU) | 55 $4,652 for 114,000 BTU ($41 per 1,000 BTU) |
| Warranty 15% | 26 5-year compressor, 2-year parts | 54 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor |
| 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
| Jandy VersaTemp 116,000 BTU | AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ140R | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 116,000 BTU | 114,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 6.5 | 5.7 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 70,000 BTU | 72,000 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4.1 | 4 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 60% | 63% |
| AHRI certified | - | No |
| Compressor | Single speed | Single speed |
| Defrost | Yes | Yes |
| Heat and cool | Yes | Yes |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 230 V, 50 A breaker | 230 V, 60 A breaker |
| Water flow | 20 to 70 gpm | 30 to 70 gpm |
| Heat exchanger | titanium twisted coil | titanium (ThermoLink) |
| Refrigerant | R-410A | R-410A |
| Size (W × D × H) | 32 × 32 × 42 in | 34 × 34 × 40 in |
| Weight | 242 lb | 252 lb |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | No | Built in |
| App | iAquaLink | PoolSync |
| Automation compatibility | Jandy AquaLink | AquaCal PoolSync Relay Center |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 5 yr compressor, 2 yr parts, 5 yr heat exchanger | 5 yr compressor, 3 yr parts, 3 yr labor, lifetime heat exchanger |
| Warranty terms | 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. | 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 | 2022-02 | - |
