Best Natural Gas Pool Heaters (2026): 15 Picks
The Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 400,000 BTU leads this list because it states the highest BTU output among the picks and names an inground pool type. This guide compares 15 natural gas pool heaters on the details stated in each listing title, such as BTU, pool type, and brand, and on live prices.
15 picks from 43 pool heaters that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 11 makers. Every price below is live and carries the moment it was read.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- For an inground pool replacing an old pump: The Hayward H-Series 400,000 BTU model names an inground pool type and states the highest BTU in this list, suiting a large inground pool replacement. See pick 1
- For a pool on a natural gas line: The Pentair MasterTemp 400 states natural gas in its title, making it a direct match for a pool already connected to a natural gas supply. See pick 2
- For an above ground pool: The Raypak PR106AENC 105,000 BTU model is the only pick that states an above ground pool type, fitting an above ground installation. See pick 14
- For a smaller pool on a budget: The Pentair EC-462024 states 125,000 BTU, a lower stated output that may suit a smaller pool, without a price promise. See pick 5
The 15 picks
1 Highest stated BTU in this list
Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 400
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 400000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$5,099.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
This Hayward H-Series ranks first because it states the highest BTU output among the 15 picks at 400,000 BTU and names an inground pool type. The title also states the brand and the natural gas type, giving it 3 stated details.
Pros
- States 400,000 BTU, the highest in this list
- Names inground pool type
- Hayward brand stated
Cons
- Does not state a pool size in gallons
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For an inground pool needing a high stated BTU output
- For a buyer who wants a Hayward brand heater
Skip if
- For an above ground pool, as the title names inground only
- If a lower BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A top pick for its stated 400,000 BTU output and inground pool type.
2 Pentair brand with natural gas stated
MasterTemp 400 High Performance Pool and Spa Heater
- Heater type
- Natural gas
$4,065.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
This Pentair MasterTemp 400 ranks second because it states the natural gas type and the brand, giving it 2 stated details, and it follows the highest BTU pick in the pool order.
Pros
- States natural gas type
- Pentair brand stated
- Title names high performance
Cons
- Does not state BTU output
- Does not state pool type
Good fit if
- For a buyer who wants a Pentair brand heater
- For a pool already on a natural gas line
Skip if
- If you need a stated BTU figure
- If you need a heater that names an inground or above ground pool type
Verdict: A solid Pentair choice, though it leaves BTU and pool type unstated.
3 Raypak with 266,000 BTU stated
Raypak Digital 266K BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater Gas Pool and Spa Heater
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 266000 BTU
$3,179.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
This Raypak ranks third because it states 266,000 BTU and the natural gas type, giving it 2 stated details. It follows the Pentair in the pool order.
Pros
- States 266,000 BTU
- States natural gas type
- Raypak brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool type
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For a buyer who wants a Raypak brand heater
- For a pool needing a mid-range stated BTU
Skip if
- If you need a stated pool type
- If a higher BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A strong Raypak option with a clear BTU figure.
4 Inground pool type with 250,000 BTU
Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 250
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 250000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$3,999.00 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
This Hayward H-Series ranks fourth because it states 250,000 BTU and names an inground pool type, giving it 3 stated details. It follows the Raypak in the pool order.
Pros
- States 250,000 BTU
- Names inground pool type
- Hayward brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool size in gallons
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For an inground pool needing a stated BTU
- For a buyer who wants a Hayward brand heater
Skip if
- For an above ground pool, as the title names inground only
- If a higher BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A good inground choice with a clear BTU figure.
5 Lower stated BTU at 125,000
Pentair EC-462024 -Natural Gas 125K Heater
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 125000 BTU
$2,100.00 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
This Pentair EC-462024 ranks fifth because it states 125,000 BTU and the natural gas type, giving it 2 stated details. It follows the Hayward in the pool order.
Pros
- States 125,000 BTU
- States natural gas type
- Pentair brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool type
- Title mentions limited warranty but not details
Good fit if
- For a pool needing a lower stated BTU output
- For a buyer who wants a Pentair brand heater
Skip if
- If you need a stated pool type
- If a higher BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A practical Pentair option with a modest BTU figure.
6 406,000 BTU with digital ignition
Raypak 406,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 406000 BTU
$4,200.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
This Raypak ranks sixth because it states 406,000 BTU, the natural gas type, and digital electronic ignition, giving it 3 stated details. It follows the Pentair in the pool order.
Pros
- States 406,000 BTU
- States digital electronic ignition
- Raypak brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool type
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For a buyer who wants a high stated BTU
- For a pool needing digital ignition
Skip if
- If you need a stated pool type
- If a lower BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A high-output Raypak with digital ignition stated.
7 Inground pool type with 200,000 BTU
Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 200
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 200000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$3,699.00 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
This Hayward H-Series ranks seventh because it states 200,000 BTU and names an inground pool type, giving it 3 stated details. It follows the Raypak in the pool order.
Pros
- States 200,000 BTU
- Names inground pool type
- Hayward brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool size in gallons
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For an inground pool needing a stated BTU
- For a buyer who wants a Hayward brand heater
Skip if
- For an above ground pool, as the title names inground only
- If a higher BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A reliable inground choice with a clear BTU figure.
8 400,000 BTU with inground pool type
Pentair | SR400NA | Max-E-Therm 400
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 400000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$4,499.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
This Pentair Max-E-Therm ranks eighth because it states 400,000 BTU, names an inground pool type, and states natural gas, giving it 3 stated details. It follows the Hayward in the pool order.
Pros
- States 400,000 BTU
- Names inground pool type
- Pentair brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool size in gallons
- Title mentions high-efficiency but no data
Good fit if
- For an inground pool needing a high stated BTU
- For a buyer who wants a Pentair brand heater
Skip if
- For an above ground pool, as the title names inground only
- If a lower BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A high-BTU Pentair for inground pools.
9 150,000 BTU with natural gas stated
Raypak 014784 PR156AENC 150000 BTU Natural Gas Heater
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 150000 BTU
$2,499.00 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
This Raypak ranks ninth because it states 150,000 BTU and the natural gas type, giving it 2 stated details. It follows the Pentair in the pool order.
Pros
- States 150,000 BTU
- States natural gas type
- Raypak brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool type
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For a pool needing a mid-range stated BTU
- For a buyer who wants a Raypak brand heater
Skip if
- If you need a stated pool type
- If a higher BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A straightforward Raypak with a clear BTU figure.
10 Inground pool type with 150,000 BTU
Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 150
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 150000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$2,999.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
This Hayward H-Series ranks tenth because it states 150,000 BTU and names an inground pool type, giving it 3 stated details. It follows the Raypak in the pool order.
Pros
- States 150,000 BTU
- Names inground pool type
- Hayward brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool size in gallons
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For an inground pool needing a stated BTU
- For a buyer who wants a Hayward brand heater
Skip if
- For an above ground pool, as the title names inground only
- If a higher BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A solid inground option with a moderate BTU figure.
11 200,000 BTU with Pentair brand
Pentair Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200K BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater.
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 200000 BTU
$3,650.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
This Pentair Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm ranks eleventh because it states 200,000 BTU and the natural gas type, giving it 2 stated details. It follows the Hayward in the pool order.
Pros
- States 200,000 BTU
- States natural gas type
- Pentair brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool type
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For a pool needing a stated BTU
- For a buyer who wants a Pentair brand heater
Skip if
- If you need a stated pool type
- If a higher BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A dependable Pentair with a clear BTU figure.
12 206,000 BTU with digital ignition
Raypak 206,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 206000 BTU
$2,838.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:01 PDT - Details)
This Raypak ranks twelfth because it states 206,000 BTU, the natural gas type, and digital electronic ignition, giving it 3 stated details. It follows the Pentair in the pool order.
Pros
- States 206,000 BTU
- States digital electronic ignition
- Raypak brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool type
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For a buyer who wants a high stated BTU
- For a pool needing digital ignition
Skip if
- If you need a stated pool type
- If a lower BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A high-output Raypak with digital ignition.
13 Inground pool type with OmniX
Hayward Pool Heater for Inground Pools Universal H-Series 135
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 135000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$2,699.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
This Hayward ranks thirteenth because it states 135,000 BTU, names an inground pool type, and mentions OmniX, giving it 3 stated details. It follows the Raypak in the pool order.
Pros
- States 135,000 BTU
- Names inground pool type
- Mentions OmniX in title
Cons
- Does not state pool size in gallons
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For an inground pool needing a stated BTU
- For a buyer interested in OmniX automation
Skip if
- For an above ground pool, as the title names inground only
- If a higher BTU output is preferred
Verdict: An inground Hayward with a moderate BTU and OmniX mention.
14 Only pick stating above ground pool type
Raypak PR106AENC 105
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 105000 BTU
- Pool type
- Above ground
$1,999.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
This Raypak ranks fourteenth because it states 105,000 BTU, names an above ground pool type, and states natural gas, giving it 3 stated details. It is the only pick that names an above ground pool type.
Pros
- States 105,000 BTU
- Names above ground pool type
- Raypak brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool size in gallons
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For an above ground pool
- For a buyer who wants a Raypak brand heater
Skip if
- For an inground pool, as the title names above ground only
- If a higher BTU output is preferred
Verdict: The only above ground pick in this list, with a clear BTU figure.
15 105,000 BTU with natural gas stated
Raypak 105,000 BTU Swimming Pool and Spa Heater
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 105000 BTU
$1,999.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
This Raypak ranks fifteenth because it states 105,000 BTU and the natural gas type, giving it 2 stated details. It follows the above ground Raypak in the pool order.
Pros
- States 105,000 BTU
- States natural gas type
- Raypak brand stated
Cons
- Does not state pool type
- Does not state WiFi or inverter features
Good fit if
- For a pool needing a lower stated BTU
- For a buyer who wants a Raypak brand heater
Skip if
- If you need a stated pool type
- If a higher BTU output is preferred
Verdict: A simple Raypak with a modest BTU figure.
Side by side
| # | Pool heater | Heater type | Heating output | Pool type | Pool size | Voltage | Inverter heat pump |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 400 | Natural gas | 400000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 2 | MasterTemp 400 High Performance Pool and Spa Heater | Natural gas | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | Raypak Digital 266K BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater Gas Pool and Spa Heater | Natural gas | 266000 BTU | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 4 | Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 250 | Natural gas | 250000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 5 | Pentair EC-462024 -Natural Gas 125K Heater | Natural gas | 125000 BTU | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 6 | Raypak 406,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater | Natural gas | 406000 BTU | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 7 | Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 200 | Natural gas | 200000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 8 | Pentair | SR400NA | Max-E-Therm 400 | Natural gas | 400000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 9 | Raypak 014784 PR156AENC 150000 BTU Natural Gas Heater | Natural gas | 150000 BTU | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 10 | Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 150 | Natural gas | 150000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 11 | Pentair Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 200K BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater. | Natural gas | 200000 BTU | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 12 | Raypak 206,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater | Natural gas | 206000 BTU | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 13 | Hayward Pool Heater for Inground Pools Universal H-Series 135 | Natural gas | 135000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 14 | Raypak PR106AENC 105 | Natural gas | 105000 BTU | Above ground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 15 | Raypak 105,000 BTU Swimming Pool and Spa Heater | Natural gas | 105000 BTU | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
How we picked
This guide covers 15 natural gas pool heaters from a pool of 43 listings whose titles state natural gas. The products are compared on the details stated in each listing title: type, BTU, pool type, and any other named features. The ordering rule ranks picks by the number of stated details (type, BTU, pool, and any extras), then by stated BTU from largest to smallest, then by the order in the pool file. No product is ranked by price or popularity. Installation and gas supply are for a licensed installer, as the group rule states.
How to choose
Inground or above ground: what the title names
Some natural gas pool heater listings name the pool type they are made for, such as inground or above ground. The Hayward H-Series models in this list state inground, while the Raypak PR106AENC states above ground. If a title does not name a pool type, the seller has not stated it, and the reader should check the maker's sizing page and manual.
BTU figures and what they leave out
The BTU figure in a title states the heating output the seller lists. This guide quotes those figures, such as 400,000 BTU or 105,000 BTU, but it does not match a BTU to a pool size or promise a heating time. The maker's sizing page and the installer are the places to confirm what output a pool needs.
Heat pump, gas or solar heater
Natural gas heaters are one kind of pool heater, alongside heat pumps and solar heaters. This guide covers only natural gas models. Gas heaters need a gas supply set up by a licensed installer, as the group rule states. The EIA pages on natural gas and propane explain what each fuel is, but they are not used here for claims about a pick.
Who installs and wires pool equipment
A natural gas pool heater is connected to a gas line by a licensed gas installer, following the maker's manual. Electrical connections, if any, are done by a licensed electrician. This guide does not give installation, wiring, or gas line instructions. The reader should rely on the manual and the installer.
Rules to check before you buy: local code, permits and utility
Local building offices and utilities may have rules about gas heaters, including permits and code requirements. This guide does not state any specific rule or rebate. The reader should check with the local building office and the utility for what applies to a natural gas pool heater.
What this guide leaves out (and why)
This guide compares natural gas pool heaters on the details stated in each listing title, such as BTU, pool type, and brand. It does not cover energy use, operating cost, heating time, noise, or durability, because the catalogue has no data for them. The maker's sizing page, the manual, and a licensed installer are where to get those answers.
Questions
Does this guide cover energy use, operating cost, sizing or installation?
No. This guide compares natural gas pool heaters on the details stated in each listing title, such as BTU, pool type, and brand. It does not state energy use, operating cost, heating time, or sizing matches, because the catalogue has no data for them. Installation and gas supply are for a licensed installer, and the maker's sizing page and manual are the places to get those details.
What does the BTU figure in a title mean?
The BTU figure is the heating output the seller states in the listing title. This guide quotes those figures, such as 400,000 BTU or 105,000 BTU, but it does not match a BTU to a pool size or promise a heating time. The maker's sizing page and the installer are the places to confirm what output a pool needs.
Can a natural gas pool heater be used for an above ground pool?
Some listings state the pool type they are made for. In this guide, the Raypak PR106AENC states an above ground pool type, while the Hayward H-Series models state inground. If a title does not name a pool type, the seller has not stated it. The reader should check the maker's sizing page and manual for the intended pool type.
Who should install a natural gas pool heater?
A natural gas pool heater is connected to a gas line by a licensed gas installer, following the maker's manual. Electrical connections, if any, are done by a licensed electrician. This guide does not give installation or wiring instructions. The reader should rely on the manual and the installer for all installation steps.
Are there local rules for natural gas pool heaters?
Local building offices and utilities may have rules about gas heaters, including permits and code requirements. This guide does not state any specific rule or rebate. The reader should check with the local building office and the utility for what applies to a natural gas pool heater in their area.
Recent updates
- : First published.