Good value for spas and small pools outside low NOx areas, provided it comes from an authorized dealer so the warranty holds.
Amazon $3,023The Raypak Digital 206A rates 3.8 among under 250,000 BTU gas pool heaters; the Pentair MasterTemp 250 rates 2.7 among 250,000 BTU and up ones. The Raypak Digital 206A costs $75 less ($3,023 vs $3,098).

A strong pick for in-ground pools already on Pentair automation, though online buyers get only a short warranty.
Amazon $3,098Prices 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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different size classes (under 250,000 BTU and 250,000 BTU and up), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own size peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Raypak Digital 206A | Pentair MasterTemp 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 35% | 66 $15.19 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,023, 199,000 BTU/h) | 60 $12.39 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,098, 250,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating input 25% | 99 199,000 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 206A | Pentair MasterTemp 250 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Gas input | 199,000 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 | Copper |
| Max water flow | 100 GPM | 120 GPM |
| Installation and controls | ||
| Ignition | Electronic | Electronic |
| Venting | Both | Both |
| Digital controls | Yes | Yes |
| Automation or app | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | - | 133 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |