Raypak Propane Pool Gas Heater 150K BTU 156A 014786

The Raypak 156A (014786) is a 150,000 BTU liquid propane pool gas heater for above-ground and in-ground pools at elevations from sea level to 1,999 feet. It uses Raypak's AFT digital controls, a copper fin-tube heat exchanger, and a PolyTuf powder-coated galvanized steel cabinet. A stationary propane tank and licensed gas contractor are required for installation. Gas heater sizing reflects recovery speed — how fast the heater raises pool temperature from cold — not steady-state energy demand. Cooler climates, shaded pools, or pools without a solar cover should size conservatively. Raypak 156A 014786 - Pool Size by Climate Raypak 156A 014786 - Pool Size Estimate by Climate Climate Recommended Pool Size Warm climate (moderate heat loss) Up to 10,000 gallons Cooler climate or high heat-loss pool 6,000 to 8,000 gallons A solar cover when the pool is not in use substantially reduces heat loss and propane consumption. Raypak 156A 014786 - Key Features The 156A uses Raypak's AFT digital control board with a microprocessor thermostat, LCD display, plain-text self-diagnostics, flame strength indicator, and run-time and cycle meter. Ignition is intermittent spark-to-pilot: the pilot fires only when the thermostat calls for heat, eliminating standing-pilot propane waste between cycles. The copper integral-fin-tube heat exchanger uses single-piece extruded copper construction with stainless steel tube sheets. Polymer headers prevent rust staining on pool surfaces. The Unitherm Governor keeps heat exchanger inlet water above 105°F to prevent condensation and scale. An automatic internal bypass valve manages flow across varying pump speeds. The ProTek Shield module adds replaceable sacrificial corrosion protection at the exchanger inlet, rated for chlorinated and salt water pools. The low-profile pagoda-top cabinet drafts naturally without a fan. The unit ships factory test-fired with a 3-foot, 3-prong 120V power cord. Small BBQ-size cylinders cannot power this heater — a stationary tank of 100 gallons or larger (250 gallons commonly recommended) and a two-stage regulator are required. Raypak 156A 014786 - Full Specifications Raypak 156A Liquid Propane Pool Gas Heater 014786 - Complete Technical Specifications (P-R156A-EP-C) Specification Value Model Number P-R156A-EP-C Part / SKU 014786 BTU Input Rate 150,000 BTU/hr (43.93 kW) Thermal Efficiency 82% Fuel Type Liquid Propane (LP) Elevation Rating 0 to 1,999 ft above sea level Min. Gas Supply Pressure 11" W.C. at heater inlet; two-stage regulator required Gas Connection 1/2" NPT Ignition Electronic spark-to-pilot, intermittent with flame supervision Controls Raypak AFT Digital — LCD display, self-diagnostics, flame strength indicator, run-time and cycle meter Voltage 120 VAC (field-convertible to 240 VAC), single-phase Breaker 15 amp dedicated circuit Electrical Connection 3-ft., 3-prong 120V power cord (field-convertible to 240V) Heat Exchanger Integral copper fin-tube with stainless steel tube sheets Header Material Polymer (Capron resin) — rust-stain free Burner Stainless steel hybrid, self-adjusting ProTek Shield Included (replaceable sacrificial corrosion protection) Max Water Flow 70 GPM Plumbing Connection 2" NPT flanges (included) Compatible Pool Types Above-ground and in-ground; chlorinated and salt water Pool Size Estimate Up to ~10,000 gal (warm climate); 6,000–8,000 gal (cooler climates) Venting Category I atmospheric; outdoor stackless top included; indoor drafthood required separately Remote Control 2-wire or 3-wire; compatible with most major pool automation systems Water Chemistry Free chlorine max 5 ppm; pH 7.2–7.8; salt max 4,500 ppm Shipping Weight 100 lbs (45.4 kg) Low NOx Not Low NOx rated — cannot be sold in SCAQMD counties (SoCal) or Utah Certifications ANSI Z21.56 / CSA 4.7 Raypak 156A 014786 - Warranty Raypak 156A 014786 Warranty Terms — Professional Installation Required Coverage Term Conditions Parts — Standard Residential 2 years Registered with installation receipt at raypak.com Parts — New Construction (Builder) 3 years Registered within 90 days of installation with receipt Parts — Without Registration 1 year No registration or missing receipt Labor Not covered Residential labor is owner's responsibility Installation Requirement Required Must be installed by a licensed contractor per all local codes Exclusions: water chemistry damage, freeze damage, sprinkler contact with cabinet, and units installed above 1,999 ft. Register at raypak.com immediately after installation. Raypak 156A 014786 - Installation Documents Raypak 156A Pool Heater — Installation and Operation Manual (P/N 241519) Raypak 156A Pool Heater — Limited Warranty (100-10000378) Raypak 156A Pool Heater — Product Brochure (6100.30) Frequently Asked Questions - Raypak 156A Propane Pool Gas Heater 014786 What pool size is the Raypak 156A 014786 right for? In warm climates, up to approximately 10,000 gallons. In cooler climates or pools with high evaporation, shade, or wind exposure, 6,000 to 8,000 gallons for comfortable recovery times. Both above-ground and in-ground installations are supported. What propane tank do I need? Standard 20-lb BBQ cylinders cannot sustain the pressure or flow required. A stationary tank of at least 100 gallons is needed; 250 gallons is commonly recommended when the pool heater is the primary propane load. A two-stage regulator between tank and heater is required. Your licensed propane contractor must size the tank, regulator, and supply line for your site. What are the electrical requirements? The 014786 ships factory-wired for 120 VAC with a 3-foot, 3-prong cord on a dedicated 15-amp circuit. The internal transformer can be field-rewired to 240V without additional parts. All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician per local code. Is this a heat-only heater? Yes. The 156A cannot cool pool water. Gas heaters deliver fast, on-demand heating regardless of ambient air temperature, making them well suited to climates or seasons where heat pumps lose efficiency. How does the propane 014786 compare to the natural gas 014784? Both produce 150,000 BTU/hr at 82% efficiency with identical AFT digital controls, copper heat exchanger, and warranty terms. The natural gas 014784 is rated for 0 to 4,999 ft; the propane 014786 is rated for 0 to 1,999 ft only. Choose based on which fuel is available at your site. For propane above 1,999 ft, see the 014787 (2,000–3,999 ft) or 014788 (4,000–6,999 ft). What are the warranty terms? Professional installation by a licensed contractor is required. Standard residential with registration and receipt: 2 years parts. New construction registered within 90 days with receipt: 3 years parts. Without registration: 1 year. Labor is not covered under residential warranty. Register at raypak.com immediately after installation.