A strong pick for a typical in-ground pool with Pentair automation, backed by one of the longest compressor warranties.
Leslie's $5,999.99The Pentair UltraTemp 110 is the better pool heat pump overall, rated 3.4 to 2.8. The Pentair UltraTemp 110 leads on efficiency, cool weather and warranty. The AquaCal TropiCal T100 Inverter wins on value. The AquaCal TropiCal T100 Inverter costs $1,229.99 less ($4,770 vs $5,999.99).
AquaCal’s inverter model for a typical 20,000 to 30,000 gallon in-ground pool, for owners who want quiet heat and cool on a smaller breaker than the SuperQuiet line needs.
Inyo Pools $4,770 HVACDirect $4,770Prices 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 Pentair UltraTemp 110 for efficiency (COP 6.1 at 80 °F air vs COP 5 at 80 °F air), cool weather (COP 4 and 64% of its rated output at 50 °F air vs COP 4.2 and 43% of its rated output at 50 °F air) and warranty (10-year compressor, 2-year parts, 2-year labor vs 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor).
- Choose the AquaCal TropiCal T100 Inverter for value ($4,770 for 108,000 BTU ($44 per 1,000 BTU) vs $6,000 for 110,000 BTU ($55 per 1,000 BTU)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every in-ground pool heat pump; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Pentair UltraTemp 110 | AquaCal TropiCal T100 Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Efficiency 25% | 69 COP 6.1 at 80 °F air | 0 COP 5 at 80 °F air |
| Cool weather 20% | 52 COP 4 and 64% of its rated output at 50 °F air | 29 COP 4.2 and 43% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 29 $6,000 for 110,000 BTU ($55 per 1,000 BTU) | 48 $4,770 for 108,000 BTU ($44 per 1,000 BTU) |
| Warranty 15% | 67 10-year compressor, 2-year parts, 2-year labor | 54 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor |
| Cold air 10% | 50 lowest operating air temperature not published (neutral score used) | 100 heats in air down to 5 °F |
| Noise 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Pentair UltraTemp 110 | AquaCal TropiCal T100 Inverter | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 110,000 BTU | 108,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 6.1 | 5 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 70,000 BTU | 46,000 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4 | 4.2 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 64% | 43% |
| AHRI certified | Yes | No |
| Compressor | Single speed | Variable speed |
| Lowest operating air temperature | - | 5 °F |
| Defrost | No | Yes |
| Heat and cool | No | Yes |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 230 V, 70 A breaker | 230 V, 40 A breaker |
| Water flow | 30 to 120 gpm | 30 to 70 gpm |
| Recommended pool size | - | Up to 30,000 gal |
| Heat exchanger | titanium | titanium |
| Refrigerant | R-410A | R-32 |
| Size (W × D × H) | - | 47 × 21 × 35 in |
| Weight | - | 207 lb |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | No | Built in |
| App | - | PoolSync |
| Automation compatibility | Pentair IntelliTouch, Pentair EasyTouch | AquaCal PoolSync Relay Center |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 10 yr compressor, 2 yr parts, 2 yr labor, lifetime heat exchanger | 5 yr compressor, 3 yr parts, 3 yr labor, lifetime heat exchanger |
| Warranty terms | Heat pump 2 years parts and labor, compressor 10 years, titanium heat exchanger lifetime, from installation; register to activate. Requires professional installation (otherwise 1 year parts only). Internet purchases, even from authorized online resellers, get 1 year parts 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. |
