Raypak Digital 206A
Good value for spas and small pools outside low NOx areas, provided it comes from an authorized dealer so the warranty holds.
Amazon $3,023$3,023
The Raypak Digital 206A is the better gas pool heater overall, rated 3.8 to 3.3. The Raypak Digital 206A leads on warranty and value. The Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 wins on efficiency. The Raypak Digital 206A costs $627 less ($3,023 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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Raypak Digital 206A for warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty) and value ($15.19 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,023, 199,000 BTU/h) vs $18.25 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,650, 200,000 BTU/h)).
- Choose the Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 for efficiency (84% thermal efficiency vs 82% thermal efficiency).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every under 250,000 BTU gas pool heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Raypak Digital 206A | Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 35% | 66 $15.19 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,023, 199,000 BTU/h) | 40 $18.25 per 1,000 BTU/h ($3,650, 200,000 BTU/h) |
| Heating input 25% | 99 199,000 BTU/h | 100 200,000 BTU/h |
| Efficiency 20% | 33 82% thermal efficiency | 67 84% thermal efficiency |
| Warranty 20% | 50 2-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Raypak Digital 206A | Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Gas input | 199,000 BTU/h | 200,000 BTU/h |
| Gas type | Natural gas or propane | Natural gas or propane |
| Thermal efficiency | 82% | 84% |
| Condensing | No | No |
| Low NOx | No | 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 | 2 years | 1 year |