Raypak Digital 266A
Good value for in-ground pools outside low NOx areas, provided it comes from an authorized dealer so the warranty holds.
Amazon $3,249$3,249
The Raypak Digital 266A is the better gas pool heater overall, rated 2.9 to 2.3. The Raypak Digital 266A leads on value, warranty and heating input. The Hayward H-Series H250FD wins on efficiency. The Raypak Digital 266A costs $750 less ($3,249 vs $3,999).
Hayward H-Series H250FD
A low NOx, salt tolerant in-ground pool heater for owners who buy online and can live with a short warranty.
Amazon $3,999$3,999
Prices were last checked October 31, 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 Raypak Digital 266A for value ($12.21 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,249, 266,000 BTU/h) vs $16 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,999, 250,000 BTU/h)), warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty) and heating input (266,000 BTU/h vs 250,000 BTU/h).
- Choose the Hayward H-Series H250FD for efficiency (84% thermal efficiency vs 82% thermal efficiency).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 250,000 BTU and up gas pool heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Raypak Digital 266A | Hayward H-Series H250FD |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.9/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Value 35% | 62 $12.21 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,249, 266,000 BTU/h) | 28 $16 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,999, 250,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating input 25% | 11 266,000 BTU/h | 0 250,000 BTU/h |
| Efficiency 20% | 33 82% thermal efficiency | 67 84% thermal efficiency |
| Warranty 20% | 50 2-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Raypak Digital 266A | Hayward H-Series H250FD | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Gas input | 266,000 BTU/h | 250,000 BTU/h |
| Gas type | Natural gas or propane | Natural gas or propane |
| Thermal efficiency | 82% | 84% |
| Condensing | No | No |
| Low NOx | No | Yes |
| Heat exchanger | Copper | Cupro-nickel |
| Max water flow | 100 GPM | 125 GPM |
| Installation and controls | ||
| Ignition | Electronic | Electronic |
| Venting | Both | Both |
| Digital controls | Yes | Yes |
| Automation or app | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | - | 165 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |