TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU
#11 in Above-GroundFull review
A plug-in heater for small above-ground pools up to about 6,000 gallons, for owners who swim in the warm months and don’t want to wire a 240 V circuit.
Amazon $549.99$549.99
The TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU and the Hayward HeatPro 50,000 BTU are evenly matched, rated 2.9 and 2.8. The TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU leads on value and warranty. The Hayward HeatPro 50,000 BTU wins on cool weather and efficiency. The TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU costs $2,449.01 less ($549.99 vs $2,999).
Hayward HeatPro 50,000 BTU
#12 in Above-GroundFull review
A compact heat-and-cool unit for an above-ground or small pool from a big-name maker, best bought through a dealer to get the longer warranty.
Amazon $2,999$2,999
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 TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU for value ($550 for 18,000 BTU ($31 per 1,000 BTU) vs $2,999 for 47,000 BTU ($64 per 1,000 BTU)) and warranty (5-year compressor, 2-year parts vs 2-year compressor, 2-year parts, 1-year labor).
- Choose the Hayward HeatPro 50,000 BTU for cool weather (COP 4 and 61% of its rated output at 50 °F air vs COP 2.9 and 45% of its rated output at 50 °F air) and efficiency (COP 6 at 80 °F air vs COP 5.5 at 80 °F air).
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 | TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU | Hayward HeatPro 50,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.9/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Efficiency 25% | 31 COP 5.5 at 80 °F air | 63 COP 6 at 80 °F air |
| Cool weather 20% | 0 COP 2.9 and 45% of its rated output at 50 °F air | 46 COP 4 and 61% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 82 $550 for 18,000 BTU ($31 per 1,000 BTU) | 15 $2,999 for 47,000 BTU ($64 per 1,000 BTU) |
| Warranty 15% | 26 5-year compressor, 2-year parts | 15 2-year compressor, 2-year parts, 1-year labor |
| Cold air 10% | 30 heats in air down to 41 °F | 33 heats in air down to 40 °F |
| Noise 10% | 90 48 dB(A) | 50 noise not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU | Hayward HeatPro 50,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 18,000 BTU | 47,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 5.5 | 6 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 8,095 BTU | 28,500 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 2.9 | 4 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 45% | 61% |
| AHRI certified | No | Yes |
| Compressor | Single speed | Single speed |
| Lowest operating air temperature | 41 °F | 40 °F |
| Defrost | Yes | Yes |
| Heat and cool | Yes | Yes |
| Sound level | 48 dB(A) | - |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 115 V | 230 V, 35 A breaker |
| Water flow | - | 16 to 25 gpm |
| Recommended pool size | Up to 6,000 gal | - |
| Heat exchanger | titanium tube | titanium |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-410A |
| Size (W × D × H) | - | 44.5 × 17.9 × 25.6 in |
| Weight | - | 152 lb |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 5 yr compressor, 2 yr parts | 2 yr compressor, 2 yr parts, 1 yr labor, 5 yr heat exchanger |
| Warranty terms | 2-year limited warranty on the unit (3 years if registered at turbro.com/warranty) and 5 years on the compressor; repair or replacement of parts, non-transferable. Labor and heat exchanger terms not stated. | Expert Line above-ground heat pumps (2026 terms): 2 years parts (compressor included), 1 year field labor (3 years parts from a Hayward Rewards partner), titanium tube 5 years. The online W3 (Open Line) version is 1 year parts only, no labor. |
| Also sold as | - | Hayward W3HP50HA2 (Open Line, sold online) |
| Released | 2024-08 | - |