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 $3,489.52$3,489.52
The Raypak AVIA 264A rates 3.4 among 250,000 BTU and up gas pool heaters; the Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 rates 3.3 among under 250,000 BTU ones. The Raypak AVIA 264A costs $160.48 less ($3,489.52 vs $3,650).
Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200
A Pentair built heater for owners on Pentair automation who want low NOx and high efficiency; compare prices with the MasterTemp first.
Amazon $3,650$3,650
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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different size classes (250,000 BTU and up and under 250,000 BTU), 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 AVIA 264A | Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 35% | 52 $13.22 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,489.52, 264,000 BTU/h) | 40 $18.25 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,650, 200,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating input 25% | 9 264,000 BTU/h | 100 200,000 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 | Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Gas input | 264,000 BTU/h | 200,000 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 | - |
| Installation and controls | ||
| Ignition | Electronic | - |
| Venting | Both | Both |
| Digital controls | Yes | Yes |
| Automation or app | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |