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
2.8/5
A compact inverter heat pump for smaller in-ground or above-ground pools up to about 20,000 gallons, for owners who want heat and cool from a 20 A circuit.
- 63,000 BTUOutput (80 °F air)
- 5.3COP (80 °F air)
- 25,500 BTUOutput (50 °F air)
- Variable speedCompressor
- 5 °FRuns down to
- 5 yr compressorWarranty
Check price at Inyo Pools$3,311Check price at HVACDirect$3,311
Price checked October 26, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- Runs on a 20 A circuit, so it often fits an existing pool subpanel without an upgrade
- Light (139 lb) and compact, so it is easy to place
- Can also chill the pool, and keeps running in air down to 5 °F
- Built-in Wi-Fi for the PoolSync app, no extra module to buy
Cons
- Loses most of its output in cool air: about 25,500 BTU at 50 °F, 40% of its rated output
- AquaCal lists its certifications as still pending
The AquaCal TropiCal Inverter family
Every AquaCal TropiCal Inverter model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own pool size.
| Model | Output (80 °F air) | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AquaCal TropiCal T70 Inverter (this one) | 63,000 BTU | 2.8/5 | $3,311 |
| AquaCal TropiCal T100 Inverter | 108,000 BTU | 2.8/5 | $4,770 |
| AquaCal TropiCal T130 Inverter | 123,000 BTU | 3.3/5 | $5,519 |
How it scores
The rating comes from 6 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its pool size. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | T70 |
|---|---|
| Heating ratings | |
| Output, 80 °F air / 80% RH / 80 °F water | 63,000 BTU |
| COP, 80 °F air | 5.3 |
| Output, 50 °F air / 63% RH / 80 °F water | 25,500 BTU |
| COP, 50 °F air | 4 |
| Output kept at 50 °F | 40% |
| AHRI certified | No |
| Compressor | Variable speed |
| Lowest operating air temperature | 5 °F |
| Defrost | Yes |
| Heat and cool | Yes |
| Installation | |
| Power | 230 V, 20 A breaker |
| Water flow | 20 to 60 gpm |
| Recommended pool size | Up to 20,000 gal |
| Heat exchanger | titanium |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Size (W × D × H) | 43 × 19 × 28 in |
| Weight | 139 lb |
| Features | |
| Wi-Fi | Built in |
| App | PoolSync |
| Automation compatibility | AquaCal PoolSync Relay Center |
| Warranty and models | |
| Warranty | 5 yr compressor, 3 yr parts, 3 yr labor, lifetime heat exchanger |
| Warranty terms | National warranty (contiguous US, bought through an authorized dealer, installed after 1 Jan 2025): parts and on-site labor years 1-3 (trip fees waived); limited parts years 4-5 covering compressor, heat exchanger and evaporator coil (trip/shop fee may apply); limited lifetime parts-only cover on the ThermoLink titanium tubing. Original owner and site only. |
Alternatives in this pool size
Hayward HeatPro 50,000 BTU
#12 in Above-GroundFull review
A compact heat-and-cool unit for an above-ground or small pool from a big-name maker, best bought through a dealer to get the longer warranty.
Amazon $2,999$2,999
Hayward HeatPro 70,000 BTU
#13 in Above-GroundFull review
A side-discharge heat-and-cool unit for above-ground or small in-ground pools, best for owners who already run a Hayward Omni system.
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