Raypak AVIA 404A
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 $4,420.27$4,420.27
The Raypak AVIA 404A is the better gas pool heater overall, rated 4.4 to 3.9. The Raypak AVIA 404A leads on warranty. The Pentair MasterTemp 400 wins on value. The Pentair MasterTemp 400 costs $341.27 less ($4,079 vs $4,420.27).
Pentair MasterTemp 400
A strong pick for in-ground pools already on Pentair automation, though online buyers get only a short warranty.
Amazon $4,079$4,079
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 AVIA 404A for warranty (3-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
- Choose the Pentair MasterTemp 400 for value ($10.20 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,079, 400,000 BTU/h) vs $11.08 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,420.27, 399,000 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 404A | Pentair MasterTemp 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 35% | 74 $11.08 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,420.27, 399,000 BTU/h) | 84 $10.20 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,079, 400,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating input 25% | 99 399,000 BTU/h | 100 400,000 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 404A | Pentair MasterTemp 400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Gas input | 399,000 BTU/h | 400,000 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 |