A low-priced 100,000 BTU-class inverter for in-ground pools up to about 28,000 gallons, for buyers who want big output without a premium-brand price.
Amazon $2,501.91The VEVOR VBPYCA-310U 104,790 BTU is the better pool heat pump overall, rated 3.4 to 2.8. The VEVOR VBPYCA-310U 104,790 BTU leads on efficiency, value and cool weather. The AquaCal TropiCal T100 Inverter wins on warranty. The VEVOR VBPYCA-310U 104,790 BTU costs $2,268.09 less ($2,501.91 vs $4,770).
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 VEVOR VBPYCA-310U 104,790 BTU for efficiency (COP 5.9 at 80 °F air vs COP 5 at 80 °F air), value ($2,502 for 104,790 BTU ($24 per 1,000 BTU) vs $4,770 for 108,000 BTU ($44 per 1,000 BTU)) and cool weather (COP 4.6 and 44% of its rated output at 50 °F air vs COP 4.2 and 43% of its rated output at 50 °F air).
- Choose the AquaCal TropiCal T100 Inverter for warranty (5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor vs 1-year compressor, 1-year parts).
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 | VEVOR VBPYCA-310U 104,790 BTU | AquaCal TropiCal T100 Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Efficiency 25% | 54 COP 5.9 at 80 °F air | 0 COP 5 at 80 °F air |
| Cool weather 20% | 50 COP 4.6 and 44% of its rated output at 50 °F air | 29 COP 4.2 and 43% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 100 $2,502 for 104,790 BTU ($24 per 1,000 BTU) | 48 $4,770 for 108,000 BTU ($44 per 1,000 BTU) |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year compressor, 1-year parts | 54 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor |
| Cold air 10% | 100 heats in air down to 5 °F | 100 heats in air down to 5 °F |
| Noise 10% | 10 64 dB(A) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| VEVOR VBPYCA-310U 104,790 BTU | AquaCal TropiCal T100 Inverter | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 104,790 BTU | 108,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 5.9 | 5 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 46,170 BTU | 46,000 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4.6 | 4.2 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 44% | 43% |
| AHRI certified | No | No |
| Compressor | Variable speed | Variable speed |
| Lowest operating air temperature | 5 °F | 5 °F |
| Defrost | Yes | Yes |
| Heat and cool | Yes | Yes |
| Sound level | 64 dB(A) | - |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 230 V | 230 V, 40 A breaker |
| Water flow | 30 gpm minimum | 30 to 70 gpm |
| Recommended pool size | Up to 27,738 gal | Up to 30,000 gal |
| Heat exchanger | titanium | titanium |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-32 |
| Size (W × D × H) | 31.8 × 29.6 × 37.6 in | 47 × 21 × 35 in |
| Weight | 260 lb | 207 lb |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | Built in | Built in |
| App | Smart Life | PoolSync |
| Automation compatibility | - | AquaCal PoolSync Relay Center |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 1 yr compressor, 1 yr parts | 5 yr compressor, 3 yr parts, 3 yr labor, lifetime heat exchanger |
| Warranty terms | VEVOR's store-wide standard 12-month manufacturer's warranty (free repair of defects); no separate compressor or heat exchanger term. Paid protection plans add 1 to 3 years. Labor not stated. | 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 | 2026-01 | - |
