VEVOR VDPYCA-110 38,220 BTU
#1 in Above-GroundFull review
A cheap single-speed heat pump for above-ground pools up to about 13,000 gallons, for buyers who want the lowest price per BTU.
Amazon $973.07$973.07
The VEVOR VDPYCA-110 38,220 BTU is the better pool heat pump overall, rated 4.1 to 2.9. The VEVOR VDPYCA-110 38,220 BTU leads on efficiency, cool weather and cold air. The TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU wins on warranty and noise. The TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU costs $423.08 less ($549.99 vs $973.07).
TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU
#11 in Above-GroundFull review
A plug-in heater for small above-ground pools up to about 6,000 gallons, for owners who swim in the warm months and don’t want to wire a 240 V circuit.
Amazon $549.99$549.99
Prices were last checked October 27, 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 VEVOR VDPYCA-110 38,220 BTU for efficiency (COP 6.6 at 80 °F air vs COP 5.5 at 80 °F air), cool weather (COP 4.1 and 68% of its rated output at 50 °F air vs COP 2.9 and 45% of its rated output at 50 °F air) and cold air (heats in air down to 20 °F vs heats in air down to 41 °F).
- Choose the TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU for warranty (5-year compressor, 2-year parts vs 1-year compressor, 1-year parts) and noise (48 dB(A) vs 52 dB(A)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every above-ground pool heat pump; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | VEVOR VDPYCA-110 38,220 BTU | TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Efficiency 25% | 100 COP 6.6 at 80 °F air | 31 COP 5.5 at 80 °F air |
| Cool weather 20% | 70 COP 4.1 and 68% of its rated output at 50 °F air | 0 COP 2.9 and 45% of its rated output at 50 °F air |
| Value 20% | 98 $973 for 38,220 BTU ($25 per 1,000 BTU) | 82 $550 for 18,000 BTU ($31 per 1,000 BTU) |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year compressor, 1-year parts | 26 5-year compressor, 2-year parts |
| Cold air 10% | 100 heats in air down to 20 °F | 30 heats in air down to 41 °F |
| Noise 10% | 70 52 dB(A) | 90 48 dB(A) |
Specifications
| VEVOR VDPYCA-110 38,220 BTU | TURBRO Manatee M18 18,000 BTU | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating ratings | ||
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 38,220 BTU | 18,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 6.6 | 5.5 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 26,100 BTU | 8,095 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4.1 | 2.9 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 68% | 45% |
| AHRI certified | No | No |
| Compressor | Single speed | Single speed |
| Lowest operating air temperature | 20 °F | 41 °F |
| Defrost | Yes | Yes |
| Heat and cool | Yes | Yes |
| Sound level | 52 dB(A) | 48 dB(A) |
| Installation | ||
| Power | 230 V | 115 V |
| Recommended pool size | Up to 13,209 gal | Up to 6,000 gal |
| Heat exchanger | titanium | titanium tube |
| Refrigerant | R-410A | R-32 |
| Size (W × D × H) | 39.4 × 15.7 × 26 in | - |
| Weight | 143 lb | - |
| Features | ||
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Warranty and models | ||
| Warranty | 1 yr compressor, 1 yr parts | 5 yr compressor, 2 yr parts |
| Warranty terms | VEVOR's store-wide standard 12-month manufacturer's warranty (free repair of defects); no separate compressor or heat exchanger term. Paid protection plans add 1 to 3 years. Labor not stated. | 2-year limited warranty on the unit (3 years if registered at turbro.com/warranty) and 5 years on the compressor; repair or replacement of parts, non-transferable. Labor and heat exchanger terms not stated. |
| Released | - | 2024-08 |