Any feedback appreciated!

Agree with the comment above - the minimax was not Pentair's best heater - and Raypak is a great heater and very reliable. However we've been installing Pentair MasterTemp Heaters the last few years and have had no problems. We prefer the 400k BTU, especially if its heating the pool - faster and more energy efficient but you would have to defer to your gas company if the line needs to be larger - depends what size is in now, the length of the run, if anything else is pulled off that line. Hope this helps!

Thank you for the responses. I measured the space I have for the heater, and we don't have enough room for the Raypak 406K btu, but we can do the Raypak 336k btu. I am waiting for a price quote from the pool company for this heater & installation. They are pentair dealers, so that is the in-stock heaters that they have. They will order other heaters and install...just waiting to see what the price is. I may consider buying online from inyo pools or someone like that and getting installed, if the local company is too high $.

Just keep in mind that many times equipment bought on the internet does not carry the same warranty if purchased through an authorized dealer and installer. Please double check that before you purchase online and confirm that it is new, not reconditioned. And be upfront with your pool company - let them know what pricing you are getting online and have them confirm it is the exact same model. Maybe they can work with you on pricing, I know we do with our loyal customers. Remember your pool company is picking it up, delivering it, installing it and disposing of the old one. In addition, they are responsible for the warranty on the product. And what happens if it comes damaged, find out what is return policy. Just food for thought from a fellow pool company.

Manufacturers will often have gas pipe sizing chart on their website. Here's an example from Raypak.

I wanted the Raypak 400k ASME heater, the only Raypak dealer in my area refused to order one for me, saying it wasn't needed. He wanted to sell me the non-ASME heater. I certainly understood that it "wasn't needed"...but it's the one I wanted. lol

So I bought one over the internet. The 400k ASME Raypak heater cost me a few hundred less than the local dealer was going to charge me for the non-ASME version.

When it was delivered, I pulled the old Pentair, hooked up the Raypak, tested everything, fired it up, and shut it down. I then called the guys that would not sell me the heater and they came out and did a quick inspection and reset the gas flow at the regulator. I think they charged me $75 or so.

We have using the Jandy heaters for over 30 years (originally Teledyne Laars). Like all the other brands, they have issues on their models here and there over the years.

I don't think there is a big difference between the heater brands and their performance these days. It becomes a matter of choice by a dealer.

What is paramount, is the proper installation. This includes checking the gas the supply to assure the heater will work properly. The proper water flow as well. Maintaining proper water chemistry after the installation. If any of these parameters are not met, the heater will fail and WILL NOT BE COVERED BY WARRANTY.

Most equipment failures are due to improper installation.

We do not install equipment people purchase from the web. We have a relationship with our suppliers who in turn have a relationship with the manufacturer. In the event of a failed product, we can bring it back to our supplier and generally get a replacement immediately. Try doing that with a heater from the web. The customer has to call the web company, get an return authorization, box it up in original packing, wait for a truck and then wait perhaps 2 weeks for a replacement. Kiss the pool parties and some part of the summer goodbye to save a few $. See my point?

Clients pay for our professionalism and knowledge and ability to deliver. It carries a price.

If someone is willing to install a product themselves, knock yourself out. Some manufacturers now require an authorized pro to install a product to claim a warranty.

Hire a pro who will do a follow up on a product they installed.

I am working with a pool company on getting a Rheem/raypak replacement and I wanted to upgrade from my 250K BTU to the 336 BTU for my 24,000 gallon pool with no auto cover. The heater would only be 3 inches wider, but the pool company says I don't have room for the upgrade even though it looks like I do. They propose the Rheem 266 BTU with cupronickel exchanger. I am frustrated with the situation. Thoughts?

Just make sure the gas line is large enough to support the upgrade in BTU size. Your bumping up 100,000 BTU's

The pool company said I don't have room for the Rheem 406 or the Rheem 336. So, if I go with them, I won't be bumping up. A pool guy I used in the past and like very much is coming to look to see if I can put in the Jandy Jxi 400k BTU. I am sure he will check the gas line. I really want to go up in BTU for this pool.

My friend has the RayPak and said it's really nice especially for setting it up yourself.