VEVOR VBPYCA-210 70,730 BTU
#4 in Above-GroundFull review
A cheap inverter heat pump for above-ground or in-ground pools up to about 20,000 gallons, for buyers who put price first and can live with a one-year warranty.
Amazon $1,899.90$1,899.90
The VEVOR VBPYCA-210 70,730 BTU is the better pool heat pump overall, rated 3.8 to 2.8. The VEVOR VBPYCA-210 70,730 BTU leads on efficiency, value and cool weather. The AquaCal TropiCal T70 Inverter wins on warranty. The VEVOR VBPYCA-210 70,730 BTU costs $1,411.10 less ($1,899.90 vs $3,311).
AquaCal TropiCal T70 Inverter
#14 in Above-GroundFull review
A compact inverter heat pump for smaller in-ground or above-ground pools up to about 20,000 gallons, for owners who want heat and cool from a 20 A circuit.
Inyo Pools $3,311 HVACDirect $3,311$3,311
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 VEVOR VBPYCA-210 70,730 BTU for efficiency (COP 6.9 at 80 °F air vs COP 5.3 at 80 °F air), value ($1,900 for 70,730 BTU ($27 per 1,000 BTU) vs $3,311 for 63,000 BTU ($53 per 1,000 BTU)) and cool weather (COP 4.8 and 50% of its rated output at 50 °F air vs COP 4 and 40% of its rated output at 50 °F air).
- Choose the AquaCal TropiCal T70 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 above-ground pool heat pump; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | VEVOR VBPYCA-210 70,730 BTU | AquaCal TropiCal T70 Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Efficiency 25% | 100 COP 6.9 at 80 °F air | 19 COP 5.3 at 80 °F air |
| Cool weather 20% | 60 COP 4.8 and 50% of its rated output at 50 °F air | 14 COP 4 and 40% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 93 $1,900 for 70,730 BTU ($27 per 1,000 BTU) | 32 $3,311 for 63,000 BTU ($53 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% | 15 63 dB(A) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| VEVOR VBPYCA-210 70,730 BTU | AquaCal TropiCal T70 Inverter | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 70,730 BTU | 63,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 6.9 | 5.3 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 35,210 BTU | 25,500 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4.8 | 4 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 50% | 40% |
| 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 | 63 dB(A) | - |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 230 V | 230 V, 20 A breaker |
| Water flow | 20 gpm minimum | 20 to 60 gpm |
| Recommended pool size | Up to 19,812 gal | Up to 20,000 gal |
| Heat exchanger | titanium | titanium |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-32 |
| Size (W × D × H) | 45.9 × 17.7 × 30.5 in | 43 × 19 × 28 in |
| Weight | 177 lb | 139 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. |