400k BTU POOL HEATER HAYWARD H400fdn Review (2024)

Want to enjoy your pool all year round without worrying about the pool’s temperature? If the answer is yes, then, you should invest in a pool heater that will provide you with pleasant pool swimming experience all year along. When the weather is beautiful outside it’s not essential that you need a pool heater, but if you want to keep using your pool all year round then a pool heater is ideal.

A pool heater heats up the pool or spa up to the desired temperature and makes a perfect environment for the user to enjoy a quality time. If you are also interested in buying one then you must surely read this article. In this article we will be looking at Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater and will also be discussing its features and functions to determine whether or not this pool heater would be an ideal choice.

400k BTU POOL HEATER HAYWARD H400fdn Review (1)

Product TypePool Heater
ManufacturerHayward
Pool TypeSpa/Hot Tub
Pool TypeIn Ground
Installation TypeResidential
Heater Dimensions36-1/2" Width x 29-1/2" Depth x 24" Height
WeightApprox. 214 lbs
Voltage110V / 220V
Heat Output400,000 BTU
Heat ExchangerCupro-Nickel
Fuel TypeNatural Gas
ControlsDigital
IgnitionElectronic
EmissionLow NOx
Elevation0 - 10,100 ft
DisplayDigital LED display
Fire tileFor trapping heat
Energy EfficientYes
Eco-FriendlyYes
Heating plateFinn Plate heat exchanger
Totally Managed FlowProvides exceptional corrosion resistance and erosion protection
Thermal efficiency83-84%
Plumbing Connections2" or 2-1/2"
ConnectionsHigh and low voltage
Ignition systemSilicon nitride ignition system
Gas Connection3/4" gas connection at heater
Cupro-Nickel Heat ExchangerCompatible with almost all pools
Hydraulic performanceSaves energy by reducing circulation pump run time
Price rangeUnder 5000$
Warranty2-Year
Official WebsiteCheck Here
Online ReviewsRead Here
Affordable AlternativeCheck Here

400k BTU POOL HEATER HAYWARD H400fdn Review (2)

FEATURES

POOL TYPE – Hayward 400k pool heater is aimed at large sized pools or for those that wish to heat their pool or spa rapidly. One may choose the H400 because of the surface area and/or the volume of water one has to heat. The Hayward pool heater can be used in any environment where you need to heat a pool or spa both in-ground and above ground. Its well suited to be used in both the pool types. The speed at which you can heat your pool is directly related to how powerful the heater is. And said that H400 is one of the most powerful pool heaters and offers up plenty of power for the largest of pools and spas. The H400 can raise the water temperature of a 300-gallon spa in under 15 minutes which is an impressive factor to consider.

INSTALLATION – The heater is not much difficult to install for someone with basic DIY and plumbing skills as the user manual provides all the necessary information required to install the device. The heater has to be connected to gas and there are several others pipes that are needed to be connected into the heater and also the heater comes without power cord and plug. Hence, it is advised to call for a professional help to assist the user while installing the device.

OPERATION – After installing the heater switch it on to heat up your pool or spa. The maximum temperature before the heater automatically shuts off is 104 degrees. The ideal temperature for a heater is not really the issue as the heater is more than capable of heating the water to whatever level you desire within the operating range of the heater. Always remember to cover the pool and keep the kids out of reach whenever the heater is in operation. Another thing the user can do is place the heater inside an enclosure for added safety but, when doing so the user must ensure adequate airflow into the unit and sufficient venting of gasses outwards. The normal water temperature range for a swimming pool is 78-82 while the normal range for a spa or hot tub is 100-102. But again, the temperature levels can be altered to suit the user.

CUPRO-NICKEL HEAT EXCHANGER – All gas pool heaters operate by running water from the pool through a heat exchanger. But most heat exchangers in modern gas pool heaters are entirely made from copper. Copper works great in transferring heat to the pool water but a thing to note is that copper is both expensive and delicate. And as heat exchangers are the most expensive part in a pool heater, it becomes important to protect them. Heat exchangers that are made entirely of copper are more prone to failure and hence, Hayward 400k uses Cupro-Nickel, (a copper-nickel alloy). The Cupro-Nickel heat exchanger that resides in Hayward 400k is an alloy of copper and nickel where the nickel aids in corrosion resistance from saltwater pools and those consisting of unbalanced water. Saltwater and unbalanced pool water have low pH levels that can corrode copper over time. Corrosive pool water can wreak havoc quickly on pool heaters by dissolving the copper into the pool water. And for a high heat capacity 400k BTU pool heater like the Hayward, having a corrosion-resistant heat exchanger is especially good.

UNIQUE HEATER BYPASS CARTIDGE DESIGN – A bypass is an important feature in a pool heater as it prevents overly-high water flow rates from going through the heater. A bypass prevents potentially exceeding water pressure levels from passing through the heater that is not designed to handle those pressure levels. And Hayward 400k pool heater consists a built-in heater bypass that protect heater from too much water pressure. The bypass is a spring-loaded cartridge which is less complicated than digital sensors. The bypass is auto adjusting and has a maximum allowable flow rate. So, if your pool water pump exceeds the max flow rate excessively the bypass will make the heater shut down.

STAINLESS STEEL GAS BURNERS – In a pool heater the burners are where natural gas ignites and burns. Pool heater burners needs to be strong enough to withstand on and off heating cycles. They should also continue to burn consistently even though they may be exposed to debris and moisture. Hayward 400k pool heaters possess stainless steel gas burners that are long lasting, corrosion resistant, easier to clean, and relatively inexpensive to replace. Natural gas pool heaters containing stainless steel burners are usually pretty standard as any lesser material will degrade faster. Stainless steel burners are also easier to clean if they become covered in debris or soot. Burners eventually do need to be replaced as moisture acts on the burners and corrodes them over time but this can be reversed by using good quality stainless steel burners like those in the Hayward 400k gas pool heater.

LED CONTROL PANEL WITH DIGITAL DISPLAY – The fact that Hayward H400FDN can be fully controlled by such a small and easy to use control panel is a definite advantage. The digital control panel of Hayward H400FDN allows the user complete command of the pool water temperature with the press of a button. The pool water temperature can be raised or lowered to a desired point with aptly-coloured red and blue buttons. Various indicator lights display the heater status and any error codes on the digital display.

LOW EMISSIONS / LOW NOx – Hayward H400FDN gas pool heater runs efficiently, yet meets air quality and emissions standards. It is a low emissions NOx (mono-nitrogen oxides) gas pool heater and is an environmentally conscious choice when compared to gas pool heaters that are not rated for low emissions. The pool heater meets clean air quality standards and is also better for the environment.

WARRANTY – Hayward has a pretty standard warranty for their gas pool heaters:

1. The warranty is one year if you install the heater yourself.

2. The warranty is two years if you have a licensed and qualified pool professional install the heater.

PROS AND CONS

Now let’s hop into some of the advantages and disadvantages of Hayward H400FDN gas pool heater.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • It can raise the temperature of 800-gallon pool 30 degrees in less than an hour
  • Stainless steel burners that are corrosion resistant and easy to clean
  • Corrosion-resistant Finn Plate heat exchangers with Cupro-nickel
  • Insulated Fire Tile combustion chambers
  • LED control digital panel that monitors heater performance for an added convenience
  • Superior hydraulic performance
  • Low NOx emissions pool heater that meets clean air quality standards and is better for the environment.
  • Built-in heater bypass to protect heater from too much water pressure.

Cons

  • The heater is noisy
  • The replacement parts can be expensive
  • The users can expect a higher gas bill

400k BTU POOL HEATER HAYWARD H400fdn Review (3)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What are the dimensions of the unit?
    The heater’s dimensions is 36-1/2″ Width x 29-1/2″ Depth x 24″ Height and weight is approx. 214 lbs.
  • Does Hayward H400FDN come with unions?
    Yes, Hayward H400FDN gas pool heater comes with 2″ threaded unions.
  • What heat exchanger type is associated with Hayward H400FDN gas pool heater?
    The heat exchanger type associated with Hayward H400FDN gas pool heater is Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger.
  • Is Hayward H400FDN gas pool heater Low NOx?
    Yes, Hayward H400FDN gas pool heater meets all state air quality regulations.
  • What size gas supply pipe is needed?
    A licensed plumber will have to review the home gas distribution system to make that calculation.
  • What does the H400FDN model code name in Hayward gas pool heater mean?
    The breakdown the H400FDN model code is as follows: (1) H identifies the heater as part of the Hayward H-Series pool heater range. (2) 400 defines the size of the heater in BTU and shows that the unit is rated at 400,000BTU. (3) FD identifies the unit as a Forced Draft Low NOx Heater. (4) N identifies the unit is designed for a Natural Gas fuel source.
  • Is Hayward 400k pool heater suitable for above-ground and in-ground pools and spas?
    Yes, Hayward 400k pool heater is suitable for above-ground and in-ground pools and spas.
  • Is the unit easy to install?
    The pool heater is easy to install for someone who possess basic DIY and plumbing skills. The user manual and guide come with the necessary information required for installation but it’s still recommended that a professional should be called to connect the heater to the gas main and get it tested for leaks.
  • Does the unit come with power cord and plugs?
    No, the unit doesn’t come with power cord and plug instead the unit should be hard wired into an isolated electric hook-up.
  • What gas pressure does Hayward 400k pool heater needs to operate?
    The minimum gas pressure to operate the H400FDN is 10lbs. Anything less than this will cause the unit to not be able to operate correctly.
  • What is the ideal temperature for heating a pool with the H400 pool heater?
    The ideal temperature is not really an issue as Hayward 400k gas pool heater is more than capable of heating the water to whatever level you desire as long as it is within the operating range of the heater.

400k BTU POOL HEATER HAYWARD H400fdn Review (4)

CONCLUSION

Hayward is an established brand and saying that Hayward H400FDN is a solid choice for a gas pool heater. The efficiency and power of the unit makes it a very appealing pool heater in the industry. Hayward H400FDN gas pool heater has been designed with best quality and is well suited to the pool owner with a large pool. It is a low emissions NOx (mono-nitrogen oxides) gas pool heater that meets clean air quality standards and is better for the environment. The Cupro-Nickel heat exchanger resists corrosion and is less prone to failures. The built-in heater bypass is spring loaded and comes in a single cartridge design. The bypass protects the heater from too much water pressure.

The stainless-steel burners are long lasting, corrosion resistant, easier to clean and relatively inexpensive to replace. The LED control panel with digital display is easy to control and displays status and error codes for quick diagnosis. So, if you are looking for a pool heater to achieve a warm pool all year long then go no further as Hayward H400FDN pool heater has been specifically constructed to deliver the same experience.

400k BTU POOL HEATER HAYWARD H400fdn Review (5)

Watch the Video till End

400k BTU POOL HEATER HAYWARD H400fdn Review (6)

Related

0 Shares

400k BTU POOL HEATER HAYWARD H400fdn Review (2024)

FAQs

How fast will a 400000 BTU pool heater heat a pool? ›

For a typical size 400,000 BTU pool heater, that's 4 therms per hour. Currently, natural gas runs about $1.50 per therm near Tampa. The average cost to heat a pool for one hour on natural gas is around $ 7.00. To heat, an average pool (10-12K Gallon) with no solar cover typically takes 8-14 hours.

What is the life expectancy of a Hayward pool heater? ›

7-10 years is the average life expectancy of a pool heater. Some people get more, some get less.

How much does it cost to run a 400,000 BTU pool heater? ›

A 100,000 BTU heater uses 1 therm of natural gas per hour, so a 400,000 heater consumes 4 therms an hour. 4 therms an hour x $1.67 = $6.68 per hour. So the magic number based on the most common 400,000 BTU pool/ spa heater is $6.68 per hour in gas cost to run your heater.

Is a higher BTU pool heater better? ›

The larger the heater (higher BTU), the more quickly it will heat your water. This means it is more efficient. You have to run it less so it saves you money. You won't have to wait as long for the water to be enjoyed.

Should you run a pool heater overnight? ›

We do not recommend leaving a pool heater on overnight for most property owners, even ones with advanced solar heating systems. The massive power draw will negate any savings they gain from using solar cells and receiving renewable credits from the government.

How long does it take for a Hayward pool heater to heat up? ›

The initial start up heating time will vary depending on the size of the pool and the outdoor temperature. While there are other factors that will increase or decrease the heat up time, these two factors are most critical. In most situations an initial heat up period of 4 to 5 days can be expected.

Can you run a pool heater 24 7? ›

You should never leave your electric or gas pool heater on overnight because your energy bill will increase significantly. Deciding whether to leave your electric or gas pool heater on or off overnight depends on your usages and plans.

Should I leave my pool heater on all summer? ›

Also, turn the temperature down or turn off the heater whenever the pool won't be used for several days. This will save energy and money. It's a myth that it takes more energy to heat a pool back up to a desired temperature than you save by lowering the temperature or turning off the heater.

Which pool heater lasts the longest? ›

Solar pool heaters

Solar pool equipment tends to have the longest life expectancy and lowest monthly cost to operate, but you will need a higher initial investment. While the money you save will make solar worth it in the long run, these pool heaters have the highest initial cost.

How many BTU heater do I need for a 16x32 pool? ›

Pool Heaters: BTU Quick Reference Charts
Pool DimensionsSurface AreaMinimum BTU
16' x 32'512 sq. ft.170,700
18' x 36'648 sq. ft.216,000
20' x 40'800 sq. ft.266,700
24' x 44'1,056 sq. ft.352,000
2 more rows

Does a pool heater use a lot of electricity? ›

Pool heat pumps are specifically known for their energy efficiency, so expect a lower energy bill of $50-$150 per month (depending on the size of your pool).

Does a pool heater increase home value? ›

It Can Boost Your Property Value

When a potential home buyer is looking for a pool, they are often also looking for a home that has a heated pool. It could be that adding a pool heater to your pool could increase the value of your home close to the amount that you paid for the pool heater.

Is it better to oversize a pool heater? ›

The higher the BTU, the more quickly you will be able to heat your water. This measurement applies to both natural gas and electric heat pumps. Pro Tip: Always go with the largest size (BTU) of heater your pool can accommodate. This leads to quicker water heating and lower operating costs.

How long does it take to heat a pool with a 400000 BTU heater? ›

If your heater was 100% efficient, and is a 400,000 BTU heater (400k BTUs an hour) it would take about 2.5hrs. If the ambient air temperature is lower than your target, you'll lose heat relative to your surface area.

What is the best type of swimming pool heater? ›

Natural gas is arguably the best choice for most people when choosing a good pool heater. However, that's not because gas-powered pool heaters are more reliable or cheaper to run or last longer than electric ones.

How fast can a pool heater heat a pool? ›

If you're using a gas pool heater, it will typically take about 8-12 hours to heat up your swimming pool.

How much will a pool heater raise the temperature? ›

All pool heaters can increase your pool temperature by 10 degrees or more, but if you're looking for a temperature increase of 30-40 degrees a gas heater is your likely choice. Gas heaters heat on demand providing the most rapid temperature gains.

What does 400000 BTU heater mean? ›

Swimming pool heaters are rated according to a measurement known as British Thermal Units, or BTU. One BTU is capable of raising the temperature of 1lb of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. This means the more BTUs a pool heater produces, the faster it will heat the water in your swimming pool.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duncan Muller

Last Updated:

Views: 6234

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duncan Muller

Birthday: 1997-01-13

Address: Apt. 505 914 Phillip Crossroad, O'Konborough, NV 62411

Phone: +8555305800947

Job: Construction Agent

Hobby: Shopping, Table tennis, Snowboarding, Rafting, Motor sports, Homebrewing, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.