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 3.7. The Raypak AVIA 404A leads on warranty. The Raypak AVIA 404A costs $78.73 less ($4,420.27 vs $4,499).
Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 400
A Pentair built heater for owners on Pentair automation who want low NOx and high efficiency; compare prices with the MasterTemp first.
Amazon $4,499$4,499
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).
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 | Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 35% | 74 $11.08 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,420.27, 399,000 BTU/h) | 72 $11.25 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,499, 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 | Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 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 | - |
| Installation and controls | ||
| Ignition | Electronic | - |
| Venting | Both | Both |
| Digital controls | Yes | Yes |
| Automation or app | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |