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 is the better pool heat pump overall, rated 3.3 to 3.2. The AquaCal TropiCal T130 Inverter leads on cold air. The Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120,000 BTU wins on cool weather and warranty.
Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120,000 BTU
#16 in Large PoolsFull review
A larger heat-only in-ground pool heater with a long dealer warranty, for buyers who don’t need cooling.
HaywardPrices 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 TropiCal T130 Inverter for cold air (heats in air down to 5 °F vs heats in air down to 45 °F).
- Choose the Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120,000 BTU for cool weather (COP 4 and 62% of its rated output at 50 °F air vs COP 4.2 and 51% of its rated output at 50 °F air) and warranty (5-year compressor, 5-year parts, 2-year labor vs 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor).
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 | Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.2/5 |
| 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 | 49 COP 4 and 62% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 47 $5,519 for 123,000 BTU ($45 per 1,000 BTU) | 50 no current price (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 54 5-year compressor, 3-year parts, 3-year labor | 65 5-year compressor, 5-year parts, 2-year labor |
| Cold air 10% | 100 heats in air down to 5 °F | 17 heats in air down to 45 °F |
| Noise 10% | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| AquaCal TropiCal T130 Inverter | Hayward HeatPro MCHX 120,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 123,000 BTU | 120,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 63,000 BTU | 75,000 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4.2 | 4 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 51% | 62% |
| AHRI certified | No | Yes |
| Compressor | Variable speed | Single speed |
| Lowest operating air temperature | 5 °F | 45 °F |
| Defrost | Yes | No |
| Heat and cool | Yes | No |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 230 V, 40 A breaker | 230 V, 65 A breaker |
| Water flow | 30 to 70 gpm | 30 to 75 gpm |
| Recommended pool size | Up to 40,000 gal | - |
| Heat exchanger | titanium | titanium |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-410A |
| Size (W × D × H) | 46 × 21 × 47 in | 30.5 × 33.6 × 44 in |
| Weight | 271 lb | 233 lb |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | Built in | No |
| App | PoolSync | - |
| Automation compatibility | AquaCal PoolSync Relay Center | - |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 5 yr compressor, 3 yr parts, 3 yr labor, lifetime heat exchanger | 5 yr compressor, 5 yr parts, 2 yr labor, 10 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. | Expert Line in-ground heat pumps (2026 terms): 5 years parts (compressor included), 2 years field labor (3 years from a Hayward Rewards/Totally Hayward partner), titanium tube 10 years; bought from Hayward or an authorized seller. The online W3 (Open Line) version is 1 year parts only, no labor. |
| Also sold as | - | Hayward W3HP21205T (Open Line, sold online), Hayward HCB1205T |
| Released | - | 2024-05 |