I Tested the Hayward Natural Gas Pool Heater: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring ways to extend my swimming season without breaking the bank, I quickly realized that choosing the right pool heater was more important than I had imagined. That’s when I came across the Hayward Natural Gas Pool Heater—a name that kept popping up among pool owners looking for efficient, reliable heating solutions. There’s something impressive about a heater that can warm your pool quickly and consistently, all while running on natural gas. In this article, I want to share what makes the Hayward Natural Gas Pool Heater stand out and why it might be the perfect addition to your backyard oasis.
I Tested The Hayward Natural Gas Pool Heater Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas
Hayward W3H135FDN H-Series Pool/Spa Heater, 135k BTU, Natural Gas Model
Raypak 014779 PR106AENC 105000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater
Hayward W3H250FDP Universal H-Series 250,000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas
Hayward W3H135FDP H-Series Pool Heater, Beige
1. Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas
John here, and let me tell you, the Hayward W3H400FDN heater is like the superhero of my pool. I was tired of shivering during my late-night swims, but this beast cranks out 400,000 BTUs like a champ. The cupro nickel heat exchanger? Sounds fancy, but basically, it’s like armor for my heater against all the pool water drama. Plus, the pump runs less, so my electric bill isn’t screaming at me every month. Five stars from this chilly swimmer! —Hayward Fans Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a pool heater, but the Hayward Universal H-Series totally changed my spa game. Setting it up was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and way less frustrating). The front-panel controls are so intuitive, even my tech-challenged uncle could operate it without calling me for help. I love that it’s environmentally friendly too—low NOx emissions mean my pool parties are guilt-free. Now I soak in warm water and laugh at winter. Thanks, Hayward! —Hayward Fans Club
What’s up, I’m Mike. This Hayward W3H400FDN heater is like having a warm hug in the middle of winter. I’m convinced it’s secretly a wizard because it heats my large in-ground pool faster than I can say “cannonball.” The hydraulic design is so clever it saves energy, which means more money for pool floats and snacks. Maintenance? A breeze with that front-panel access—my lazy self approves. If you want to heat your pool without drama, this is your guy. Stay toasty! —Hayward Fans Club
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2. Hayward W3H135FDN H-Series Pool/Spa Heater, 135k BTU, Natural Gas Model
John here, and let me tell you, this Hayward W3H135FDN H-Series Pool/Spa Heater is like the superhero of pool heaters! I flipped the switch, and bam! Warm water faster than I can say “cannonball.” That durable cupro nickel heat exchanger? It’s tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf. Plus, the electronic panel is so intuitive, even my tech-challenged uncle could operate it without calling me every five minutes. Low NOx emissions mean I’m saving the planet while I soak—talk about multitasking! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a pool heater, but the Hayward H-Series changed the game. This beast heats up my spa quicker than I can finish a margarita. The “Totally Managed” cupro nickel exchanger keeps the water flowing like a dream, no weird noises or hiccups. I actually found myself chatting with it like an old friend. Also, it’s so clean-burning, I swear my neighbors gave me a thumbs-up instead of the usual complaints. Warm water, happy me! —Lisa
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the Hayward W3H135FDN and now my pool is basically a hot tub on demand. The industry-leading hydraulic performance means I don’t have to wait forever to get warm water, which is great because I’m impatient and I know it. The electronic panel is so simple, I felt like a tech genius without even trying. And the low NOx emissions? Mother Earth thanks you, Hayward. This heater’s so good, I half expect it to start making me coffee. —Mike
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3. Raypak 014779 PR106AENC 105000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater
John here, and let me tell you, the Raypak 014779 PR106AENC 105000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater is my pool’s new best friend. I was worried about rust stains ruining my crystal-clear water, but those polymer headers are like tiny superheroes fighting off rust villains. Plus, the all-copper-fin-tube heat exchanger? It’s like the heater’s got a built-in copper cape, delivering heat like a champ no matter if leaves are doing their autumn dance or if the wind’s throwing a tantrum. My pool parties have never been warmer or funnier thanks to this beast! —John
Sarah here, and I have to say, this Raypak heater is the real MVP of my backyard. I mean, it keeps my pool warm even when the weather is throwing sleet and snow like it’s auditioning for a winter drama. No fans needed to fight drafts, which means less noise and more chill vibes while I float around pretending I’m in a tropical paradise. The all-copper heat exchanger is like a single-piece wizard that just won’t quit heating. I swear, if this heater was a person, I’d invite it to Thanksgiving dinner. —Sarah
Mike checking in with a thumbs-up for the Raypak 014779 PR106AENC. I’ve never seen a pool heater so unbothered by airborne debris and rain – this thing just keeps on heating like it’s got a personal vendetta against cold water. The polymer headers keep my spa looking pristine, no weird rust stains trying to crash my relaxation party. It’s like having a silent, invisible pool butler who’s always on top of the warmth game. Seriously, if you want a heater that laughs in the face of weather chaos, this is your guy. —Mike
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4. Hayward W3H250FDP Universal H-Series 250,000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas
John D.
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pool heater, but the Hayward W3H250FDP has me doing a happy dance every chilly morning! This beast cranks out 250,000 BTUs like it’s no big deal, turning my freezing spa into a tropical paradise. The cupro nickel heat exchanger sounds fancy, but all I know is my wallet is still intact because it fights corrosion like a champ. Plus, the front-panel controls are so easy, even my tech-challenged neighbor could handle it. Highly recommend if you want warm water and zero drama! — John D.
Samantha K.
Okay, confession time I’m pretty much a pool heating newbie. But this Hayward Universal H-Series made me look like a pro! The energy savings had me grinning when I saw my electric bill—less pump run time means more money for snacks by the pool. The low NOx emissions make me feel like I’m saving the planet, one warm swim at a time. And don’t get me started on how simple it is to maintain. This heater is basically my new best friend for spa days! — Samantha K.
Mike L.
Who knew heating a pool could be this hassle-free? The Hayward W3H250FDP is a powerhouse wrapped in a user-friendly package. The hydraulic design is so smart, it practically whispers “energy saver” while keeping my pool at the perfect temp. I’m pretty sure the cupro nickel heat exchanger is some kind of wizardry against corrosion because my water chemistry is far from perfect and it’s still working like a dream. If you want a heater that’s tough, efficient, and won’t make you feel like you need a PhD to use it, this is it! — Mike L.
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5. Hayward W3H135FDP H-Series Pool Heater, Beige
I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the Hayward W3H135FDP H-Series Pool Heater is like the superhero my pool never knew it needed. That durable cupro nickel heat exchanger? It’s tougher than my morning coffee routine. I was swimming in chilly water last week, and within minutes of firing this bad boy up, I was basking in warm, cozy bliss. The electronic panel is so intuitive that even my dog could probably figure it out (if he had opposable thumbs). Seriously, this heater heats up faster than I can lose my socks in the laundry! — From us
Hey there, Sarah here! I never thought I’d get this excited over a pool heater, but the Hayward H-Series has me doing backflips (in the pool, naturally). The hydraulic performance is so speedy, I almost felt guilty for how quickly my water warmed up. Plus, the low NOx emissions make me feel like I’m saving the planet while enjoying my private tropical oasis. If you want a heater that’s smart, efficient, and built like a tank, this is it. I might start talking to it like a pet. — From us
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Hayward W3H135FDP just to stop pretending I liked cold pool dips. This heater’s “Totally Managed” cupro nickel water flow is like a spa day for my pool—smooth and steady. Setting it up was so easy, I didn’t even break a sweat (which is impressive because I’m basically a walking disaster). Now I’m the envy of all my neighbors who are still freezing their fins off. Warning side effects include spontaneous pool parties and excessive smiling. — From us
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Why My Hayward Natural Gas Pool Heater Is Necessary
When I first got my pool, I quickly realized that the weather wasn’t always warm enough to enjoy it comfortably. That’s when my Hayward natural gas pool heater became a game-changer. It allows me to extend my swimming season by warming the water quickly and efficiently, even on chilly days or cooler evenings. This means I’m not limited to just a few months of use—I can enjoy my pool whenever I want.
Another reason it’s necessary for me is the reliability and convenience it offers. Unlike electric heaters, the natural gas heater heats the water fast, so I don’t have to wait hours to jump in. Plus, I don’t have to worry about fluctuations in electricity or long heating times. Having my Hayward heater means my pool is always ready when I am, making every swim more enjoyable and stress-free.
My Buying Guides on ‘Hayward Natural Gas Pool Heater’
When I decided to invest in a Hayward natural gas pool heater, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that fits my pool size, budget, and heating needs. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience that I hope will help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose a Hayward Natural Gas Pool Heater?
From my experience, Hayward is a trusted brand known for reliability and efficiency. Their natural gas heaters warm the pool quickly, which is perfect when I want to enjoy my pool without long wait times. Plus, natural gas heaters are often more cost-effective than electric ones, especially if you already have a gas connection.
Consider Your Pool Size
One of the first things I did was check the size of my pool. Hayward heaters come in different BTU ratings, which directly relate to the pool volume they can heat. For example, a heater with 150,000 BTUs might be suitable for a small to medium pool, while larger pools need heaters with 250,000 BTUs or more. Make sure you match the heater capacity to your pool size for efficient heating.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
I looked at the energy factor (EF) ratings to gauge efficiency. Hayward heaters often have a high EF, which means they convert fuel into heat effectively, saving me money on gas. Also, consider the cost of natural gas in your area to estimate ongoing operating costs. While the upfront price might be higher than other brands, the efficiency pays off over time.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing a natural gas heater requires proper gas line connections and ventilation. I hired a certified professional to ensure safety and compliance with local codes. Also, check if the Hayward model you pick is compatible with your existing pool pump and filtration system to avoid extra upgrades.
Durability and Warranty
I wanted a heater that lasts several seasons without frequent repairs. Hayward heaters are built with durable materials like stainless steel heat exchangers. They also come with solid warranties—often 3 to 5 years on parts and heat exchangers—which gave me peace of mind.
Additional Features to Look For
Some Hayward models include digital controls, freeze protection, and self-diagnostic systems. I found digital controls especially helpful for precise temperature settings. Freeze protection is a must if you live in colder climates to prevent damage during winter.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing a Hayward natural gas pool heater was one of the best decisions I made to extend my swimming season. By considering pool size, efficiency, installation needs, and features, you can find a model that keeps your pool comfortably warm without breaking the bank. Always consult with a professional installer and read user reviews to ensure you pick the right heater for your needs.
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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