AquaCal
AquaCal HeatWave 128,000 BTU Pool Heat Pump | HW160R
AquaCal HeatWave 128,000 BTU Pool Heat Pump | HW160R
AquaCal HeatWave HW160R Pool Heat Pump - 128,000 BTU Heat & Cool
High-output AquaCal pool heating and cooling with 128,000 BTU performance, ThermoLink® titanium heat-exchanger technology, Heat / Cool / Auto-Temp operation and embedded PoolSync® Wi-Fi connectivity. For customers searching the previous SQ160R model designation, the current 128,000 BTU HeatWave offering is the HW160R.
Customers searching for the AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ160R or SQ160R 128,000 BTU pool heat pump should look to the current AquaCal HW160R.AquaCal now lists the 128,000 BTU model under its HeatWave HW160R designation, with current-generation heating, cooling and embedded PoolSync® Wi-Fi capabilities.
The current AquaCal HeatWave HW160R provides high-efficiency pool heating and active pool cooling. Choose Heat, Cool or Auto-Temp mode to maintain a more comfortable water temperature through changing weather conditions.
The AquaCal HeatWave HW160R is a high-capacity residential swimming pool heat pump rated at 128,000 BTU under 80°F water / 80°F air / 80% relative humidity conditions. It combines AquaCal's proven pool-heating platform with reversible heating and cooling, making it well suited for homeowners who want strong temperature recovery without giving up the ability to actively cool overheated pool water.
At the center of the HW160R is AquaCal's patented ThermoLink® titanium heat exchanger, designed for durable pool-water service and low hydraulic restriction. The unit also includes a rugged corrosion-resistant polymer cabinet, digital microprocessor controls, Auto-Temp operation and embedded PoolSync® Wi-Fi for connected control and diagnostics.
If you arrived here while researching an AquaCal SQ160R replacement, SQ160R pool heat pump or 128,000 BTU HeatWave SuperQuiet model, the HW160R is the current AquaCal model to evaluate in this capacity class.
Quick Stats
- 128,000 BTU heating output at 80°F water / 80°F air / 80% RH
- 120,000 BTU heating output at 80°F water / 80°F air / 63% RH
- 78,000 BTU heating output at 80°F water / 50°F air / 63% RH
- Heat, Cool and Auto-Temp operating modes
- Embedded PoolSync® Wi-Fi built directly into the heat pump
- Remote temperature, mode, monitoring and diagnostic capability
- ThermoLink® titanium heat exchanger
- High-speed fan for enhanced airflow
- Microprocessor controller with weather-protected digital display
- Variable-speed pump control capability
- Corrosion-resistant polymer cabinet
- Built-in condensate drain pan
- 30-70 GPM specified water-flow range
Built-In PoolSync® Wi-Fi
PoolSync Wi-Fi connectivity is embedded in the HW160R. There is no need to add a separate external Wi-Fi antenna for the heat pump's standard PoolSync connection.
- Change between Heat, Cool and Auto-Temp modes
- Adjust pool temperature remotely
- Monitor heat pump operation
- Access performance information and remote diagnostics
- Support easier troubleshooting and system monitoring
- Pair with compatible PoolSync accessories for expanded pool-pad control
Why the HW160R Over the T130?
The HW160R and TropiCal T130 both heat and cool, but they approach pool temperature control differently. The HW160R is AquaCal's straightforward high-output HeatWave option, while the T130 uses inverter technology to modulate compressor output as demand changes.
More Rated Heating Output
The HW160R is rated at 128,000 BTU at 80/80/80 conditions, compared with 123,000 BTU for the T130 in Boost Mode. The HW160R provides slightly greater peak heating capacity in this comparison.
T130 Inverter Advantage
The T130 uses variable-output inverter technology and can reduce compressor output as heating demand decreases, helping optimize efficiency and sound levels during lower-load operation.
HW160R High-Output Platform
The HW160R is designed for customers who prioritize substantial heating capacity, active cooling, AquaCal's proven hydraulic design and straightforward operation.
Both Offer Connected Control
Both current platforms support AquaCal's connected-control ecosystem, including remote temperature adjustment and operating-mode management.
AquaCal Pool Heat Pump Comparison
| Model | Series | Heating BTU* | Heat + Cool | Technology / Platform | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T70 | TropiCal® | 63,000 | Yes | Inverter | Smaller heat loads where modulation and efficiency are priorities |
| T100 | TropiCal® | 108,000 | Yes | Inverter | Mid-capacity residential pools with variable-output operation |
| SQ140R | HeatWave SuperQuiet® | 114,000 | Yes | Scroll | SuperQuiet performance with lower heating capacity |
| T130 | TropiCal® | 123,000 | Yes | Inverter | Higher-capacity residential applications where inverter modulation is preferred |
|
HW160R This Model |
HeatWave® | 128,000 | Yes | High-output platform | Strong heating capacity, active cooling and straightforward residential performance |
| SQ200R | HeatWave SuperQuiet® | 138,000 | Yes | Scroll | Highest-capacity current SuperQuiet residential option for demanding heat loads |
*Heating output shown at 80°F pool water / 80°F ambient air / 80% relative humidity. Heat-pump output varies with outdoor temperature and humidity. Proper equipment sizing should be based on the complete application rather than gallon capacity alone.
HW160R Performance & Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | AquaCal |
|---|---|
| Series | HeatWave® |
| Current Model | HW160R |
| Legacy Search Reference | SQ160R |
| Operation | Heat & Cool |
| Operating Modes | Heat, Cool & Auto-Temp |
| Heating Output - 80/80/80 | 128,000 BTU |
| Heating Output - 80/80/63 | 120,000 BTU |
| Heating Output - 80/50/63 | 78,000 BTU |
| COP - 80/80/80 | 5.7 |
| COP - 80/80/63 | 5.5 |
| COP - 80/50/63 | 4.0 |
| Refrigerant | R410A |
| Rated Input | 6.7 kW |
| Water Flow | 30-70 GPM |
| Heat Exchanger | ThermoLink® Titanium |
| Smart Connectivity | Embedded PoolSync® Wi-Fi |
| Controls | Microprocessor digital controller |
| Unit Weight | 273 lb |
| Unit Dimensions | 34 in. L × 34 in. W × 40 in. H |
| Shipping Weight | 304 lb |
| Shipping Dimensions | 37 in. L × 36 in. W × 43 in. H |
Heat, Cool & Auto-Temp
Heat Mode
Transfers heat from the surrounding outdoor air into the pool to raise and maintain water temperature while extending the usable swimming season.
Cool Mode
Reverses operation to actively remove heat from the pool, helping maintain a more comfortable water temperature during periods of high ambient heat.
Auto-Temp Mode
Automatically manages available heating and cooling operation to help maintain water within the selected temperature range.
Pool Automation
The digital control system supports connected pool-temperature management through PoolSync® and can integrate with compatible pool-control applications.
ThermoLink® Titanium Heat Exchanger
AquaCal's patented ThermoLink® titanium heat exchanger is engineered for efficient heat transfer while maintaining low hydraulic resistance through the pool circulation system.
- Titanium heat exchanger construction for excellent corrosion resistance
- Designed for long-term exposure to properly maintained pool water
- Low-restriction hydraulic design
- Approximately 2 PSI pressure addition at 45 GPM
- Compatible with properly configured variable-speed and two-speed pool pumps
- Manufacturer-specified operating flow range of 30-70 GPM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AquaCal HW160R the current model for customers searching SQ160R?
Customers searching for the previous AquaCal SQ160R model designation should evaluate the current HW160R in AquaCal's 128,000 BTU HeatWave capacity class. The current HW160R adds modern heat-and-cool functionality and embedded PoolSync® Wi-Fi connectivity.
Does the AquaCal HW160R heat and cool the pool?
Yes. The current AquaCal HeatWave HW160R is a heat-and-cool pool heat pump. It provides Heat, Cool and Auto-Temp operating modes.
How many BTUs is the AquaCal HW160R?
The HW160R is rated at 128,000 BTU of heating output at 80°F pool water, 80°F ambient air and 80% relative humidity. Heat-pump output decreases as outdoor temperature and humidity fall.
Does the AquaCal HW160R have built-in Wi-Fi?
Yes. The HW160R includes embedded Wi-Fi for AquaCal PoolSync®. This supports compatible remote temperature control, operating-mode adjustment, system monitoring and diagnostic functionality.
Do I need to purchase a separate PoolSync antenna?
No separate Wi-Fi antenna is required for the HW160R's standard PoolSync connection because Wi-Fi capability is embedded in the heat pump.
What size pool can the AquaCal HW160R heat?
There is no universal gallon limit that accurately sizes a heat pump for every installation. Pool surface area, total volume, geographic location, desired water temperature, air temperature, wind exposure, pool-cover use and desired swimming season should all be considered.
What is the difference between the HW160R and T130?
Both models provide heating and cooling. The HW160R is rated at 128,000 BTU at 80/80/80 conditions, while the T130 produces up to 123,000 BTU in Boost Mode. The primary platform difference is that the T130 uses variable-output inverter technology while the HW160R is AquaCal's high-output HeatWave platform.
What is the difference between the HW160R and SQ200R?
The HW160R is rated at 128,000 BTU, while the HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ200R is rated at 138,000 BTU under 80/80/80 conditions. Both provide heating and cooling, while the SQ200R offers additional maximum heating capacity within AquaCal's SuperQuiet family.
Can the HW160R work with a variable-speed pool pump?
Yes. AquaCal's ThermoLink® hydraulic design is intended to work efficiently with properly configured variable-speed and two-speed pool pumps. The HW160R requires water flow within the specified 30-70 GPM range.
Does the HW160R use a titanium heat exchanger?
Yes. The HW160R uses AquaCal's ThermoLink® titanium heat exchanger for durable pool-water service and efficient heat transfer.
Install Note
The AquaCal HW160R is designed for outdoor installation with the airflow, service and equipment clearances specified by AquaCal. Proper water flow, electrical service, equipment-pad placement and condensate drainage should be confirmed before installation.
Electrical requirements can vary by factory configuration. Always verify the complete model configuration, voltage, phase, minimum circuit ampacity and required overcurrent protection before ordering or installation. Installation should be performed by a qualified pool-equipment or HVAC professional in accordance with AquaCal instructions and applicable local codes.
Need Help Choosing Between the HW160R, T130 or SQ200R?
For accurate pool heat-pump sizing, have your pool dimensions or gallon volume, installation ZIP code, desired water temperature, expected swimming season and information about pool-cover use available. Aqua Terra Backyard can help compare the current HW160R with other AquaCal options and determine which capacity and platform best match your application.
