Pentair Max-E-Therm® 200 Natural Gas Pool & Spa Heater 200K BTU
The Pentair Max-E-Therm® 200 Natural Gas Pool & Spa Heater 200K BTU lets you save money and energy without compromise. Already known for dependability and efficiency, the Max-E-Therm now offers smart features and an optional energy-saving automatic bypass to help ensure your pool is ready whenever you are.
Built by Pentair (Sta-Rite) with an 84% efficiency rating — rated first in its class — the Max-E-Therm 200 features a lightweight, compact Dura-Glas® rustproof matte black enclosure, Low NOx certification, and direct compatibility with Sta-Rite System:3 Mod Media filters. CSA certified for indoor and outdoor use. Backed by a 2-year warranty.
⚠️ Professional Installation Required. Pool heater installation involves gas line connections and electrical wiring. Always use a licensed contractor to ensure safety, code compliance, and warranty validity.
Key Features
200,000 BTU — 84% Efficiency
Rated first in its class for highest energy efficiency at the 200K BTU level.
Lightest Heater in Its Class
Lightweight design makes installation easier and reduces labor costs.
Compact Retrofit Design
Ideal for retrofit installations where space is limited on an existing equipment pad.
Optional Automatic Bypass
Energy-saving automatic bypass option helps optimize operating costs.
Easy Gas Source Switching
Convert between natural gas and propane with installation of a separate orifice.
Dura-Glas® Rustproof Housing
Sleek matte black enclosure resists rust and corrosion for long service life.
Low NOx — Environmentally Friendly
All units are Low NOx certified.
Sta-Rite System:3 Compatible
Direct-connects to Sta-Rite System:3 Mod Media filter or fits other systems easily.
Indoor and Outdoor Certified
CSA certified for both indoor and outdoor pool and spa installations.
2-Year Warranty
Pentair residential warranty coverage.
Who It's For
- Pool and spa owners who want the highest efficiency 200K BTU natural gas heater available
- Retrofit installations where a compact, lightweight heater is essential
- Sta-Rite System:3 filter owners who want direct heater integration
- Anyone who may want the flexibility to switch between natural gas and propane in the future
Specifications
Heating Performance
| BTU Input | 200,000 BTU |
| Thermal Efficiency | 84% |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas (convertible to LP) |
| Emissions | Low NOx |
| Flow Rate | 20–120 GPM |
Construction
| Enclosure | Dura-Glas® (Rustproof, Matte Black) |
| Control Type | Digital |
Installation
| Voltage | 120V / 240V |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Phase | Single |
| Application | Indoor / Outdoor / Pool / Spa |
Physical
| Product Weight | 131 lb |
| Cabinet Dimensions | 25.15 W × 30 D × 26 H in |
| Shipping Dimensions | 27.75 × 34.25 × 32 in |
Approvals & Warranty
| Certifications | CSA Certified |
| Energy Efficient | Yes (Green Certified) |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
What's in the Box
- Pentair Max-E-Therm 200 Natural Gas Pool & Spa Heater
- Union Fittings
- User Manual
Warranty
The Max-E-Therm 200 comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty from Pentair. Clearflow Pool Supply is an authorized Pentair dealer and will assist with any warranty service needed.
Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Max-E-Therm 200 compare to the MasterTemp 200K?
Both are 200K BTU Pentair natural gas heaters. The Max-E-Therm features the Dura-Glas rustproof enclosure, 84% efficiency rating, and a different cabinet footprint optimized for compact and retrofit installations. The Max-E-Therm also directly integrates with Sta-Rite System:3 filters and is convertible to LP with a separate orifice kit.
Can I convert this to liquid propane?
Yes. The Max-E-Therm can be converted from natural gas to liquid propane by installing a separate LP orifice kit (sold separately).
Does this heater require professional installation?
Yes. Gas heater installation involves connecting to a natural gas supply line, electrical wiring, and proper venting. A licensed pool contractor or plumber must perform the installation to ensure safety, local code compliance, and warranty validity.
What is the automatic bypass option?
The optional automatic bypass diverts flow around the heater when it's not actively heating, reducing hydraulic resistance and lowering pump energy consumption — an energy-saving add-on for installations where efficiency is a top priority.
What size pool is the 200K BTU suitable for?
As a general guideline, 200,000 BTU is typically suited for pools in the 15,000–20,000 gallon range depending on climate, desired temperature rise, and heat loss factors. A licensed pool professional can calculate the correct BTU requirement for your specific pool and location.