Raypak AVIA HD NiTek 404A
For salt pool owners who want the AVIA features with a tougher heat exchanger and will pay extra for it.
Amazon $4,923$4,923
The Raypak AVIA HD NiTek 404A is the better gas pool heater overall, rated 4.3 to 3.9. The Raypak AVIA HD NiTek 404A leads on warranty and efficiency. The Raypak Digital 406A wins on value. The Raypak Digital 406A costs $501.83 less ($4,421.17 vs $4,923).
Raypak Digital 406A
Good value for in-ground pools outside low NOx areas, provided it comes from an authorized dealer so the warranty holds.
Amazon $4,421.17$4,421.17
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 HD NiTek 404A for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and efficiency (84% thermal efficiency vs 82% thermal efficiency).
- Choose the Raypak Digital 406A for value ($11.08 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,421.17, 399,000 BTU/h) vs $12.34 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,923, 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 HD NiTek 404A | Raypak Digital 406A |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Value 35% | 60 $12.34 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,923, 399,000 BTU/h) | 74 $11.08 per 1,000 BTU/h ($4,421.17, 399,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating input 25% | 99 399,000 BTU/h | 99 399,000 BTU/h |
| Efficiency 20% | 67 84% thermal efficiency | 33 82% thermal efficiency |
| Warranty 20% | 100 3-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Raypak AVIA HD NiTek 404A | Raypak Digital 406A | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Gas input | 399,000 BTU/h | 399,000 BTU/h |
| Gas type | Natural gas or propane | Natural gas or propane |
| Thermal efficiency | 84% | 82% |
| Condensing | No | No |
| Low NOx | - | No |
| Heat exchanger | Nitek | Copper |
| Max water flow | 100 GPM | 100 GPM |
| Installation and controls | ||
| Ignition | Electronic | Electronic |
| Venting | Both | Both |
| Digital controls | Yes | Yes |
| Automation or app | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |