Raypak AVIA 264A
The best rounded in-ground pool heater here for most owners: efficient, low NOx and app controlled with a longer warranty, if bought from an authorized dealer.
Amazon $3,493$3,493
The Raypak AVIA 264A is the better gas pool heater overall, rated 3.4 to 2.8. The Raypak AVIA 264A leads on warranty. The Pentair MasterTemp 300 wins on heating input. The Raypak AVIA 264A costs $606.99 less ($3,493 vs $4,099.99).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pentair MasterTemp 300
For a typical in-ground pool on Pentair automation that wants faster heat than a 250 without the gas line a 400 needs.
Amazon $4,099.99$4,099.99
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Raypak AVIA 264A for warranty (3-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
- Choose the Pentair MasterTemp 300 for heating input (300,000 BTU/h vs 264,000 BTU/h).
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 AVIA 264A | Pentair MasterTemp 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 35% | 52 $13.23 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,493, 264,000 BTU/h) | 48 $13.67 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,099.99, 300,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating input 25% | 9 264,000 BTU/h | 33 300,000 BTU/h |
| Efficiency 20% | 67 84% thermal efficiency | 67 84% thermal efficiency |
| Warranty 20% | 100 3-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Raypak AVIA 264A | Pentair MasterTemp 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Gas input | 264,000 BTU/h | 300,000 BTU/h |
| Gas type | Natural gas or propane | Natural gas or propane |
| Thermal efficiency | 84% | 84% |
| Condensing | No | No |
| Low NOx | Yes | 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 | - | 136 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |