Jandy Pool Heater Comparison
A lot of thought and research goes into an investment like a swimming pool heater. If the heater is too small for your swimming pool, you won’t notice a temperature change in your water and end up wasting money on energy costs. Alternately, if you purchase a heater that is too big, you not only spent too much for an improperly sized pool heater but you end up paying more money for the additional energy use.
>We’ve put together a comparison of three of Jandy’ s most popular swimming pool heaters to highlight what makes each heater different and what will benefit you the most. Here is a breakdown of the Jandy Hi-E2, LXi and LJ series heaters. For this comparison, all three heaters are natural gas and are in the 350k – 400k BTU range:
![]() |
Jandy Hi-E2 Heater:
|
![]() |
Jandy Hi-E2 Heater:
|
![]() |
Jandy Hi-E2 Heater:
|


















Need replacement for 400k BTU heater. Propane, low elevation unit. Won’t get much use every season. Raypac digital is around my price point. Any suggestions?
Hi Jim, the Raypak Digital 399,000 BTU Propane Gas Pool Heater – 0-2,000′ Elevation – P-R406A-EP-C #57 is a durable, reliable heater option, and would do well as a replacement for your current 400,000 BTU heater. Other options we would recommend include the Pentair MasterTemp Low NOx 400,000 BTU Propane Gas Pool and Spa Heater and the Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm Low NOx 400,000 BTU Propane Gas Pool and Spa Heater, both of which are also durably built and efficient, and are certified for Low NOx emissions, which means they’re also eco-friendly.
If you have further questions about the best heater for your pool, please give us a call, and a customer care agent will be happy to assist you further.
Which is the best pool/spa heater? Have been using a Pentair MiniMax Plus 400 but after 8 years it’s out of service. Pool service company believes Hayward is a better choice for replacement. Your opinion, please.
Hi Charlie, based on our general customer feedback, both the Hayward Universal H-Series Low NOx 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater and Pentair MasterTemp Low NOx 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater are efficient and effective heaters, though both have received mixed reviews.
For the best-in-class efficiency rating and a high performance heater that is built for durability, the Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm Low NOx 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater is an ideal choice. It’s a compact, lightweight heater with a specially designed fueling and ignition process that promotes faster warming of your pool and spa, and it is certified for low NOx emissions, which means it’s also eco-friendly.
The heaters mentioned are all natural gas heaters, but each model is also available for propane. If you have additional questions on the best heater option for your pool, please give us a call, and one of our friendly, knowledgeable customer service representatives will be happy to assist you.
jandy does not make lj model any longer please update info.
Hi Don, Jandy has replaced their LJ Series Heater with the Jandy Legacy LRZ, as mentioned in the header next to the photo of the Jandy LJ Heater on this page. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. Please feel free to browse our selection of Jandy Legacy LRZ Heaters, and contact us if you have any questions. Thanks, and have a great day.
I am looking at replacing my spa heater, a Laars Lite 2, with a Jandy LXi 250 Propone unit. Several questions: Does Jandy honor their warranty for a purchase from you via the internet. And, the product description mentions the need for a “field supplied pump relay (p/n R0467200) and additional field wiring for the “Maintain Temp Control” feature. I’m pretty sure that’s not the temp thermostat function. Just what is that and is it required in a central Florida environment? Finally how does the Jandy LXi 250P compare to the Hayward Universal Low NOx-H250 Propane and are there any water intrusion problems with the location of the control panel on either of these units? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hi Pete, the Maintain Temp Function on the Jandy LXi Low NOx 250,000 BTU Propane Heater is an optional feature that helps you automatically maintain your desired pool temperature by allowing the heater to turn on your pool pump while bypassing the time clock setting. If you choose to use this built-in feature, it will require the installation of the LXI Heater Maintain Pump Relay Kit and additional field wiring.
The Jandy LXi and Hayward Universal H-Series Low NOx 250,000 BTU Propane Heater are both reliable pool and spa heaters that will provide 250,000 BTU and Low NOx emissions. The LXi provides more advanced features, like the Maintain Temp Function, and has offset plumbing and 2″ universal unions that provide flexibility for simplified, direct connections. It also has multiple venting options, including sidewall, top or rear connections, and utilizes a C-Fin heat exchanger that is designed for lower operating costs.
The Universal H-Series heater boasts a corrosion-resistant Cupro Nickel heat exchanger that is great for salt water pools or coastal environments, and a hot surface Silicon Nitride Ignition System for dependable lighting and reliable operation. The H-Series heater is also equipped with a state-of-the-art Finn Plate heat exchanger and insulated Fire Tile combustion chamber that help extend its life and gives it the ability to maintain heat and heat more quickly.
Both heaters have advanced digital controls located at the top of the unit. While water intrusion should not be a problem for either, both do currently come with a one year manufacturer warranty that will be honored by the manufacturers when you purchase from PoolSupplyWorld.
If you have further questions, please feel free to give us a call, and a friendly, knowledgeable customer service representative will be happy to assist you.
What is the Replacement warranty on the different Swimming Pool Water Heaters? Commercial Size ( 400,000 BTU ) thank you
Hi Patrick, warranties for swimming pool heaters can change, but currently Pentair and Sta-Rite 400,000 BTU heaters have a two year warranty, while Jandy, Hayward and Raypak residential and commercial 400,000 BTU heaters have a one year warranty. Determining the best heater for your pool will depend on a number of factors, including the type of gas you have access to, the altitude where you live and the features you desire on the heater. Please feel free to give us a call, and a customer service representative will be happy to provide you with further information and help you find the heater that is right for your pool.
I have an 18×35 3 to 9 foot depth inground indoor pool. I’m looking to replace the natural gas heater. I would like your recommendation for the most efficient lowest cost replacement. The space in the heater closet is limited
Hi Sam, thank you for your question regarding an efficient, low cost natural gas heater for your indoor, in-ground pool. We have forwarded your inquiry to our customer service and support team, and a representative will be in contact with you shortly to help you find the heater that is right for you.
I am sending this email in order to inquire about the jandy lite 2 lj Heater. I have one installed at the hotel its about 3years old and I was wonder what the price would be for that part. Or if its even replaceable. If not then I need informnation on how much a new Jandy lite 2 lj heater will cost. The one we currently have is also 250,000 BTU. Sincerely, Naresh Bhakta
Hi Naresh, is there a particular part you are trying to find for your Jandy Lite 2 LJ Heater, or are you simply looking to replace the entire heater? If you are looking for a new heater, the Jandy Lite 2 LJ Heater has been replaced by the Jandy Legacy LRZ, and to replace your current 250,000 BTU unit, we would recommend either the Jandy Legacy LRZ Pool and Spa Heater – 250K BTU, Digital, Natural Gas, Cupro-Nickel Tubes, Polymer Headers or the Jandy Legacy LRZ Pool and Spa Heater – 250K BTU, Digital, Propane Gas, Cupro-Nickel Tubes, Polymer Headers.
The proper replacement heater depends on whether your current heater is a natural gas or propane model. If you have further questions or need help locating a particular part for your Jandy Lite 2 LJ, please feel free to contact us for immediate assistance.
We have a 15×30 oval above ground pool within a green-house structure above 2000 feet in western Montana. It is also a salt system. We want to heat the pool water year round. The greenhouse is keeping ambient air temperature between 50 (no sun) and 90 (with sun) even with night temps for the past month down into 20s. We also have an air heater for that. We have natural gas on the property but not connected near the pool. Thanks
Hi Joanne, because your 15′ x 30′ indoor above-ground pool is over 2,000 feet in elevation, your ambient air temperature ranges from 50 degrees to 90 degrees and you have natural gas access, we would recommend the Raypak Digital 399,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater – 2,000′-6,000′ Elevation – P-R406A-EN-C #51. This heater is a high altitude heater, meant to operate in lower oxygen levels, and has a digital dial which automatically turns the heater on when it is needed.
If the automatic, digital dial does not matter to you, the Raypak Millivolt 399,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater – 2,000′-6,000′ Elevation – P-R406A-MN-C #51 is basically the same heater, but has a manual dial and constant pilot.
In order to properly install the heater in your greenhouse, you will need the Raypak, Inc. Indoor Stack Kit, R406A, R407A, which is a draft hood designed for indoor heater applications. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us for immediate assistance.
I have a Jandy Model # LJ250P that needs replacing. What model is suggested to replace this?
Hi Dave, if you are looking for a similar heater to replace your Jandy LJ250P, the Jandy Legacy LRZ 250,000 BTU, Digital, Propane Gas, Polymer Headers Pool and Spa Heater is an ideal replacement. For proper installation and optimal performance, the Legacy LRZ requires standard 2″ PVC piping and a gas pipe/heater gas valve connection of 3/4″ NPT, so please verify that your current set up accommodates these requirements.
The Legacy LRZ circulates up to 125 GPM, for fast heating times, and its digital control panel makes it simple to adjust desired temperature ranges, depending on weather and your pool’s existing temperature. If you would like more detailed information, please feel free to contact us for immediate, one-on-one assistance.
I also have access to both natural gas and propane. Which one provides the best performance to cost?
Hi Tom, natural gas and propane pool heaters both provide excellent performance, so long as they are properly sized for your pool, but natural gas heaters tend to be slightly more cost effective than their propane counterparts. If you already have piping laid for natural gas, and, again, depending on your pool size, a heater such as the Jandy LXI Low NOx 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater would be an excellent option.
A higher BTU heater will not only be able to accommodate a larger pool, but also heat pool water more quickly. The Jandy LXI is constructed of light, strong composite material, features a technologically innovative control system and its high efficiency C-Fin heat exchanger is designed for lower operating cost and better savings.
If you would like more information on heater options that would be right for your pool, please feel free to contact us, and one of our customer service representative will be happy to steer you in the right direction.
I have a 16′ x 32′ x 52″ intenex disposable pool. I live north of Philadelphia and I want to heat my pool. Old age has made me a wimp and I need the temp at 85 degrees. holds over 16000 gallons. how much power do I need? Wouldn’t mind extending my season some too, but not full year.
Hi Tom, thank you for your question! A member of our sales team will be in contact with you as quickly as possible to let you know what type of power you’ll need to heat your Intex pool, as well as a recommendation on a model that would work best for you.
I have a 12 x 24 oval pool 3-6 ft deep in northern FL, a block back from the beach. I want to be able to use the pool year round. Which heater would you recommend?
Hi, thank you for your question! You have a lot of options available to you, and your preferences are going to impact your ultimate decision. A member of our sales team will be in contact with you as quickly as possible to ask you some basic questions and make a few preliminary recommendations. You are always welcome to contact us for immediate assistance. Have a great day!
I have a 16 foot round pool (42 inches deep). I only have access to 110 volt. Do you have a recommendation? I only need to heat it up about 10 degrees over a few days. It is used only in the summer as well. Thanks! Jim
Hi Jim, based on the size of your pool and your need to heat it up about 10 degrees over a few summer days, we recommend the Jandy Legacy LRZ 175,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater or Jandy Legacy LRZ 175,000 BTU Propane Heater. Jandy heaters are known for reliability and great performance, and the Legacy line is no exception. Which model to select depends whether you prefer propane or natural gas.
Some states have restrictions on what type of gas heater a pool owner can use, and some require a pool heater be Low Nox. Should you be required to use a Low NOx heater, we would recommend the Jandy LXi Low NOx 250,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater or Jandy LXi Low NOx 250,000 BTU Propane Heater. Any of these heaters will easily be able to heat your pool 10 degrees in a few days, though we do recommend using a solar cover, such as Natural Chemistry COVERfree, to help retain your pool’s heat.
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.
I have a Pentair MiniMax 400,000 but unit that is badly rusted (e.g., burners and burner mounting unit). The pool is about 25,000 gals. What Jandy models should I consider? John
Hi John, thank you for your question regarding a replacement Jandy pool heater for your Pentair MiniMax 400,000. For your 25,000 gallon pool, we recommend the Jandy Legacy LRZ 399,000 BTU, Digital, Natural Gas, Polymer Headers Pool and Spa Heater or the Jandy Legacy LRZ 399,000 BTU, Digital, Propane Gas, Polymer Headers Pool and Spa Heater. Jandy is the number one selling brand of pool heaters on the market, and with their industry-leading 24-point quality check system, their heaters provide performance and reliability you can depend on for years to come. Both Legacy models we recommended will be able to heat your pool with ease. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance.
I am considering replacing my Heyward pool heater which I have had for 10 years. I have an above ground oval pool which is 18×35 ft and 5 feet deep. What BTU range should I consider to obtain the most efficient heating. Thank you Bill
Hi Bill, thank you for your question regarding the Jandy Pool Heater Comparison. We would recommend anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 BTU. Although, you might want to stay with the same BTU you currently have to prevent any installation issues with your gas line.
Which heater is the best of the 3 Jandy 250,000 models and what are the pros and cons of each
Hi Carol, thank you for your question regarding the Jandy Pool Heater Comparison blog. Making a choice between these heaters really depends on what you’re looking for in a pool heater as well as your budget. Of these three heaters, the Jandy HI-E2 is the best in terms of heating efficiency and features, but it is also the most expensive. It has a 95% heating efficiency and is Low NOx, which means it produces low emissions and is environmentally friendly. The Jandy Lxi weighs less than the HI-E2 and is actually available in a range of 250k-400k BTU to accommodate your pool size. The LXi is also Low NOx for reduced emissions. In terms of price, the Lxi is mid-range, and the price will vary based on the BTU sizing. Finally, the Jandy Lite 2 LJ’s ceramic fiber combustion makes it the lightest and most compact out of the three choices. This heater cannot be operated indoors, so bear that in mind when you are making your choice. We hope this information has been helpful. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
I have a 18 X 38 in ground, salt water pool (9ft to 3 ft deep) with an additional 12 X 8 beach entry. I live in NW AR & would like to extend my swim season on front & back of summer. What specific heater would you recommend in terms of size, & cost to operate for this size of salt water pool?
Hi Ina, determining the proper pool heater for your in-ground, salt water pool will depend on a number of factors beyond just pool size, including: elevation of your home, type of heater you prefer (natural gas, propane or electric) and how quickly you would like to heat your pool water. First and foremost, pools in elevations greater than 2,000 feet above sea level require high-altitude heaters, designed to operate in lower oxygen levels. Is the elevation in your part of Northwest Arkansas higher or lower than 2,000 feet?
Once we determine whether or not you need a high-altitude heater, the next step will be determining the type of heater you prefer. This is where pool size can become a factor. The necessary BTU size for your pool heater will depend on the surface area of your pool; your 18′ x 38′ pool has a surface area of 684′. Thus, you will need a pool heater equal to or greater than 200,000 BTU. While electric pool heaters can be a good heating option, for a pool of your size, your choices become natural gas or propane. The type of gas you can use is sometimes predetermined by the area of the country in which you reside, so you should check with your county engineer to see if you are limited to one of either natural gas or propane.
When selecting a pool heater, it is important to know that the higher the BTU of the heater, the more quickly it will heat your pool water, so if you would like to heat your pool water quicker, we would recommend sizing up your heater to at least 250,000 BTU. Regardless which heater you decide upon, we highly recommend using a solar cover to help prevent heat loss from your pool, especially in the early-season and late-season months, and a solar cover reel, which will make handling the cover easier while also keeping it clean (which can help prevent phosphate containing dirt and debris from getting into your pool and potentially causing algae).
At PoolSupplyWorld, we offer a variety of “Lo Nox”, low emission gas heaters, as well as energy efficient options. Please contact us and let us know a few more details about your pool, and one of our customer service representatives will be more than happy to help you find the specific heater that will work best for you.
I am considering purchasing a heater for my in-ground fiberglass pool. It is 12 X28 approx 9000 gal. We also have a spa that spills over into the tub. The proposed heater would need to do both bodies of water. We live on a lake that gets a lot of wind. We are looking to heat the 300gal spa year round (few times a month) and to extend the pool season on the front and back end of the summer here in Charleston, SC. I want a natural gas product as I hear they do a better job in my climate. What size would you recommend and what particular heater. I want a dual thermostat obviously with the pool/spa and electronic ignition. We also are considering a Pentair Mastertemp. Sell me on the Jandy positives. Thanks
Hi Heather, thanks for your excellent question. We would recommend the Jandy LXi Low NOx 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater. This is an extremely efficient heater and will be able to handle both your pool and spa. It has a minimum water flow rate of 30 GPM and a maximum flow rate of 125 GPM. We would be more than happy to answer any specific questions you have about this heater. We’re always happy to help!