A compact, low-NOx gas pool and spa heater with a cupronickel heat exchanger in every size. The Hayward Universal H-Series heats in-ground pools and spas on natural gas or propane, with inputs from 150,000 to 399,900 BTU/h. A forced-draft burner, hot surface ignition and a built-in header bypass make it a practical choice for new pools and for replacing an older heater.
Technical specifications
| Heating Type | Gas Heater |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 2026 EXPERT LINE® RESIDENTIAL WARRANTY TERMS All Products* Exceptions listed below In Ground Standard Parts 3 Years Field Labor 1 Year Heaters No additional warranty. Source: Hayward warrantyWarranty is provided by the manufacturer under its own terms. See the source link for full details. |
Key features
- Cupronickel heat exchanger as standard — Hayward fits cupronickel tubes on every Universal H-Series model for resistance to salt water and pool chemicals.
- Built-in low-loss bypass — Hayward's patented header bypass keeps the right flow through the heat exchanger, up to a maximum system flow of 473 L/min (125 US gpm).
- Forced-draft combustion — a combustion blower moves air through the burner at a set rate, so no high-wind stack is needed outdoors.
- Low NOx emissions — meets the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1146.2 low-NOx standard.
- 120 or 240 V power — factory wired for 240 V AC and field-convertible to 120 V AC with the supplied jumper; 5.5 A maximum.
- Front-panel service access — routine service is done from the front, and junction boxes on both sides simplify electrical and automation wiring.
Choosing a size
Hayward sizes the heater by pool surface area. Its recommendation assumes a 17 °C (30 °F) temperature rise, an average wind of 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph) and an elevation up to 610 m (2,000 ft). For an indoor pool, Hayward divides the surface area by three.
| Model | H150FD | H200FD | H250FD | H400FD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool surface area up to | 41.8 m² (450 ft²) | 55.7 m² (600 ft²) | 69.7 m² (750 ft²) | 111.5 m² (1,200 ft²) |
| Time to heat a covered 1,514 L (400 US gal) spa by 17 °C (30 °F) | 48 min | 36 min | 29 min | 18 min |
Specifications
Model comparison
| Model | H150FD | H200FD | H250FD | H400FD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas model | H150FDN | H200FDN | H250FDN | H400FDN |
| Propane model | H150FDP | H200FDP | H250FDP | H400FDP |
| Gas input | 150,000 BTU/h (44.0 kW) | 199,900 BTU/h (58.6 kW) | 250,000 BTU/h (73.3 kW) | 399,900 BTU/h (117.2 kW) |
| Thermal efficiency | 82.7% | 83% | 84% | 84% |
| Minimum water flow | 76 L/min (20 US gpm) | 76 L/min (20 US gpm) | 95 L/min (25 US gpm) | 114 L/min (30 US gpm) |
| Width | 48.3 cm (19 in) | 55.9 cm (22 in) | 63.5 cm (25 in) | 86.4 cm (34 in) |
| Weight | 61.2 kg (135 lb) | 63.5 kg (140 lb) | 74.8 kg (165 lb) | 88.5 kg (195 lb) |
General
| Brand | Hayward |
|---|---|
| Series | Universal H-Series Low NOx (FD models) |
| Product type | Gas heater for in-ground pools and spas |
| Fuel | Natural gas (…FDN) or propane (…FDP), set at the factory |
| Heat exchanger | Cupronickel tubes |
| Ignition | Silicon nitride hot surface ignition |
| Combustion | Forced draft |
Water connections and flow
| Plumbing connections | 2 in × 2½ in CPVC unions |
|---|---|
| Maximum water flow | 473 L/min (125 US gpm), all models; install a manual bypass valve above this flow |
| Bypass | Integral low-loss header bypass |
Gas supply
| Gas connection at heater | ¾ in |
|---|---|
| Inlet pressure, natural gas | 4.5–10.5 in w.c. (1.12–2.62 kPa) |
| Inlet pressure, propane | 10.0–13.0 in w.c. (2.49–3.24 kPa) |
| Manifold pressure | Natural gas 1.8–2.2 in w.c.; propane 6.8–7.0 in w.c. |
| Altitude as shipped | Up to 610 m (2,000 ft); high-altitude kit FDXLHAK1931 above that |
Electrical
| Power supply | 120 or 240 V AC, 60 Hz, single phase (factory wired for 240 V) |
|---|---|
| Maximum current | 5.5 A |
| Recommended circuit protection | 15 A |
Dimensions and clearances
| Height × depth | 61.0 × 74.9 cm (24 × 29½ in), all models; width per model above |
|---|---|
| Clearance, front | 46 cm (18 in) |
| Clearance, back | 15 cm (6 in); 30 cm (12 in) in front of vinyl siding |
| Clearance, sides | 30 cm (12 in) on the water-connection side, 15 cm (6 in) on the opposite side |
| Clearance, top | Unobstructed outdoors; 91 cm (36 in) indoors |
Certification
| Design certification | ETL (USA and Canada); design compliant with ANSI Z21.56 and CSA 4.7 |
|---|---|
| Installation codes in Canada | CAN/CSA B149.1 (gas) and CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 |
| Emissions | SCAQMD Rule 1146.2 (low NOx) |
Before you buy
- Choose the size from your pool's surface area (see the table above); a pool cover reduces heat loss and heating time.
- Check that your gas meter or propane tank can supply the heater's full input on top of your other gas appliances. Propane tanks must be outdoors and sized for vaporization at the lowest expected temperature.
- Your pump must deliver at least the model's minimum flow, with a dirty filter and any in-floor cleaner running. Above 473 L/min (125 US gpm) a manual bypass valve is required.
- Plan a dedicated 120 V or 240 V circuit with 15 A protection, and a gas shut-off valve outside the cabinet within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the heater.
- Indoor installations need Hayward's indoor vent kit for the heater size; installations above 610 m (2,000 ft) need the high-altitude kit.
- Fuel is set at the factory. Changing between natural gas and propane needs a Hayward conversion kit installed by a qualified service agency, where local codes allow it.
- Hayward specifies installation by a qualified technician in line with CAN/CSA B149.1, the Canadian Electrical Code and local codes.
Not sure which size suits your pool? Request a quote and we will confirm the right configuration, pricing and availability.
Frequently asked questions
What heat exchanger material is used in the Hayward Universal H-Series?
The Universal H-Series features a cupronickel finned-tube heat exchanger that provides superior corrosion resistance against pool chemistry fluctuations, high flow velocities, and saltwater chlorination systems compared to standard copper.
What is the thermal efficiency rating of the H-Series gas heater?
The Hayward Universal H-Series achieves an 83% to 84% thermal efficiency rating, utilizing forced-draft combustion and insulated ceramic combustion chambers to maximize heat transfer to pool water.
What electrical connection does the heater require?
The internal electronic ignition and digital control circuitry feature a universal dual-voltage transformer configured for 120 V or 240 V single-phase 60 Hz electrical supply.
What water flow rate is needed for the H250FD?
The H250FD (250,000 BTU/h) requires a minimum water flow rate of 30 GPM (114 L/min) and supports maximum flow up to 125 GPM (473 L/min) using its internal automatic bypass valve.
What gas supply pressure is required for natural gas operation?
Natural gas models require an incoming manifold supply pressure between 5.0 inches and 10.5 inches water column (W.C.). A dedicated licensed gas technician must measure supply pressure under full firing load per CSA B149.1.
Can this heater be converted from natural gas to propane?
Yes. Hayward provides official certified conversion kits containing factory orifices and gas valve spring regulator parts. Conversions must be completed and tagged by a licensed gas technician.
What plumbing pipe size connects to the water header?
The heater includes 2-inch by 2.5-inch CPVC union plumbing nuts that connect directly to standard 2-inch Schedule 40 PVC swimming pool plumbing.
Does the heater produce low emissions?
Yes. The forced-draft low-NOx combustion system complies with clean air standards, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions below 40 ng/J.
Can the heater be installed indoors?
Yes. When installed indoors, an official Hayward indoor direct-vent adapter kit and ULC-S636 approved Category III/IV venting must be installed following local building codes and CSA B149.1.
How is the Hayward H-Series winterized for Canadian winter?
Turn off the gas supply shutoff valve and power disconnect. Remove both drain plugs located on the front and rear plastic water headers. Disconnect CPVC union collars, and blow low-pressure compressed air through the exchanger to remove all trapped water.
Documents
- Owner's manual — Universal H-Series (H150FD–H400FD), 51300004201 Rev E (PDF)
- Quick reference guide — Universal H-Series (PDF)
- Brochure — Universal H-Series (Hayward Canada, bilingual, LITUHS22C) (PDF)
- Brochure — Universal H-Series (LITUHSBRO23) (PDF)
- Indoor vent kit instructions — Universal H-Series (PDF)
- Cupronickel heat exchanger sell sheet — Hayward (PDF)
- Dimensional drawing — Universal H-Series Low NOx (PDF)
Specifications from Hayward's In-Ground Pool/Spa Gas Heaters owner's manual (51300004201 Rev E), Hayward Canada product pages for each model, and the Universal H-Series bilingual brochure (LITUHS22C, 2022) for sizing and spa heat-up times. kW and metric values converted from Hayward's imperial figures. Specifications are subject to change by the manufacturer. View the Hayward Universal H-Series owner's manual (PDF).
Common questions
Is installation included?
No. AVL Shop sells equipment only. Installation is done by an independent licensed contractor that you hire.
How is freight charged?
Freight cost is included in your written quote before you pay.
What warranty does this product have?
The manufacturer warranty applies. Where we have the manufacturer’s exact wording, it is shown in the Warranty row of the specifications on this page, with a link to the source.
How do I get a quote?
Use Request a quote on this page and send the model and your city or postal code.