The Avia HD with Nitek by Raypak is more than just another pool heater; it’s a breakthrough in heat exchanger technology, offering durability without compromising efficiency. Brad Duncan, National Pool Products Trainer at Raypak, shared insights about the new heater during a recent interview on Pool Magazine’s podcast and at the Pool Industry Expo in Monterey, CA.
Durability without Sacrificing Efficiency
At the heart of the Avia HD with Nitek lies an innovative heat exchanger technology that sets it apart from conventional heaters. Traditionally, pool heaters use Cupro-nickel, an alloy of copper and nickel, which offers enhanced durability for harsh pool conditions. However, this added durability comes at a cost to efficiency. Duncan explained, “When we make metal harder, we make it slightly less efficient.”
The Avia HD overcomes this issue by taking a different approach. “Rather than mixing nickel into the copper, we coat the entire surface with nickel,” said Duncan. “This method ensures that the hardest part of the material is right where it’s needed the most—on the surface.”
The result is a heat exchanger with 300% more erosion resistance and 50% less scaling than standard Cupro-nickel exchangers. Duncan emphasized, “This is the first time anyone in the industry has achieved this level of durability without sacrificing efficiency.”
Voice of the Customer: Building a Heater That Meets Today’s Needs
Raypak developed the Avia HD with Nitek by incorporating feedback from pool owners and professionals. “We used what we call VOC—Voice of Customer,” said Duncan. “When we started developing this heater, we went directly to customers to find out what they wanted in a pool heater.”
This approach yielded practical insights, including the demand for built-in WiFi for remote operation without the need for additional automation systems. “They also wanted the heater to be smaller and more efficient than our previous model,” Duncan shared. “We delivered on both counts.”
Smarter Pool Heating with Built-In WiFi
A key feature of the Avia HD is its integrated WiFi, which simplifies heater control and management. “WiFi comes standard with every Avia,” said Duncan. “You can control the heater remotely using our app, which is free to download and has no ongoing subscription fees.”
The app allows users to set schedules, adjust temperatures, and receive alerts about potential issues. Duncan explained, “For example, if a skimmer basket gets clogged and restricts water flow, causing the heater to shut off, the app will send a notification right to your phone.”
This functionality is designed to empower both homeowners and service professionals. “It’s about giving pool owners and techs the ability to manage issues proactively,” Duncan said.
Serviceability Designed for Pool Professionals
One of the most practical aspects of the Avia HD with Nitek is its ability to serve as a drop-in replacement for existing heaters of similar size. For pool professionals, this feature means installations are faster and less complicated. “For starters, it’s a drop-in replacement for similarly-sized heaters on the market,” Duncan explained. “The plumbing and the gas lines will match up perfectly. You take the small footprint heater out, you put an Avia in its place, and it will line up perfectly.”
This thoughtful design feature reduces installation time, which allows service professionals to maximize their efficiency. It also eliminates the need for complicated plumbing modifications, saving time and money for pool companies.
Unlike some heaters with side-opening junction boxes that can pose challenges when placed near walls or other obstructions, the Avia HD offers easy access from above. “You may be aware of a heater with a side junction box that opens sideways,” said Duncan. “That can be a problem if the heater is installed close to a wall. We don’t have that issue. Everything opens from the top.”
This top-access design minimizes the need to move or reposition equipment, streamlining the maintenance process and reducing downtime for customers.
Another service-friendly feature is the Avia HD’s use of a straight-tube heat exchanger, which enhances durability and makes repairs less frequent. “We designed the straight-tube heat exchanger to minimize degradation,” said Duncan. “Without bends in the tubes, the heat exchanger is much less vulnerable to damage over time.”
This design reduces maintenance frequency and extends the heater’s lifespan, allowing technicians to spend less time on repairs and more time on proactive maintenance or other service calls.
Industry Recognition for Raypak Avia HD
Since its launch, the Avia HD with Nitek has garnered significant attention. “We were honored to receive the 2023 Heater of the Year Award at the Pool Nation Awards,” Duncan shared. “That recognition reflects the positive reception from pool professionals, who appreciate the product’s ease of installation and superior performance.”
A Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a top priority for Raypak and its parent company, Rheem. “Rheem set aggressive sustainability goals in 2019, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and landfill waste across all its business units,” Duncan explained. “Since then, Rheem products have helped avoid nearly 40 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions and over 330 million tons of landfill waste.”
The Avia HD with Nitek aligns with these goals by offering enhanced efficiency and extended product life. “The Protek Shield helps mitigate electrolysis, extending the life of the heat exchanger,” said Duncan. “By reducing the frequency of replacements, we’re minimizing waste and contributing to environmental sustainability.”
Additionally, the Avia HD’s low-NOx design reduces emissions, making it an eco-friendly choice. “This heater is part of our effort to offer sustainable solutions without compromising performance,” Duncan added.
A Future-Ready Collaboration with Poolside Tech
Raypak’s future collaboration with Poolside Tech represents another step forward in smart pool management. “We’re working together to combine the best pool heater with the best automation technology on the market,” said Duncan. The partnership focuses on integrating Raypak’s heaters with Poolside Tech’s Attendant system, an advanced platform known for its sophisticated automation features.
“The Attendant can monitor the weather and adjust the heater accordingly,” Duncan noted. “The level of automation they offer is incredible—it’s almost mind-boggling.”
Final Thoughts
The Avia HD with Nitek is more than just a pool heater—it’s a sustainable, smart solution that meets the evolving needs of consumers. The Avia HD with Nitek redefines the standards for pool heating by delivering exceptional durability, efficiency, and smart control features. With built-in WiFi, easy installation, and an innovative heat exchanger design, the Avia HD stands out as a leading choice.
Ready to Take a Deeper Dive?
Listen to our discussion with Brad Duncan – National Pool Products Trainer for Raypak, on the Pool Magazine podcast.
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