Best Gas Pool Heaters for In-Ground Pools Ranked

12 gas pool heaters of 250,000 BTU and up.

Last updated: October 31, 2026

A 250,000 to 400,000 BTU/h heater suits a typical or large in-ground pool, or a pool with an attached spa that you want hot fast. The 400,000 BTU/h size is the most common choice: it heats about twice as fast as a 200,000 BTU/h unit for not much more money, but needs a gas meter and line that can supply it.

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.

Full ranking 12

  1. Raypak AVIA 404A
    #1 of 124.4Full review

    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
    399,000 BTU/h84%3 years
  2. Raypak AVIA HD NiTek 404A
    #2 of 124.3Full review

    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
    399,000 BTU/h84%3 years
  3. Pentair MasterTemp 400
    #3 of 123.9Full review

    A strong pick for in-ground pools already on Pentair automation, though online buyers get only a short warranty.

    Amazon $4,079
    $4,079
    400,000 BTU/h84%1 year
  4. Raypak Digital 406A
    #4 of 123.9Full review

    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
    399,000 BTU/h82%2 years
  5. Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 400
    #5 of 123.7Full review

    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
    400,000 BTU/h84%1 year
  6. Hayward H-Series H400FD
    #6 of 123.5Full review

    A low NOx, salt tolerant in-ground pool heater for owners who buy online and can live with a short warranty.

    Amazon $5,099
    $5,099
    399,900 BTU/h84%1 year
  7. Raypak Digital 336A
    #7 of 123.5Full review

    Good value for in-ground pools outside low NOx areas, provided it comes from an authorized dealer so the warranty holds.

    Amazon $3,615
    $3,615
    332,000 BTU/h82%2 years
  8. Raypak AVIA 264A
    #8 of 123.4Full review

    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
    264,000 BTU/h84%3 years
  9. Raypak AVIA HD NiTek 264A
    #9 of 123.2Full review

    For salt pool owners who want the AVIA features with a tougher heat exchanger and will pay extra for it.

    Amazon $4,004.42
    $4,004.42
    264,000 BTU/h84%3 years
  10. Raypak Digital 266A
    #10 of 122.9Full review

    Good value for in-ground pools outside low NOx areas, provided it comes from an authorized dealer so the warranty holds.

    Amazon $3,249
    $3,249
    266,000 BTU/h82%2 years
  11. Pentair MasterTemp 250
    #11 of 122.7Full review

    A strong pick for in-ground pools already on Pentair automation, though online buyers get only a short warranty.

    Amazon $3,098
    $3,098
    250,000 BTU/h84%1 year
  12. Hayward H-Series H250FD
    #12 of 122.3Full review

    A low NOx, salt tolerant in-ground pool heater for owners who buy online and can live with a short warranty.

    Amazon $3,999
    $3,999
    250,000 BTU/h84%1 year