Buying Heater Online - Paying for Install Only

[AshleyMann]

We're looking at Raypak heaters and plan to have someone come out and tell us what BTUs our gas line will support. Once we have this information, has anyone purchased a Raypak online and then just paid someone to come install? Did you have to use a pool company installer or is someone else qualified? We have a Jandy Lite 2 currently and our setup is pretty solid - I can't imagine there would be much extra venting or piping needed with the RayPak. Having a hard time justifying spending $5900 on a heater plus install when we can get something so much less expensive online.

Looking at the RayPak 336 currently. Also, it appears there is quite a price difference between the copper piping and the nickel. We use our pool from about May 15 - September. Any real preference one way or the other?

Also, if you did purchase online, where did you buy it?

 

[borjis]

No need for the nickel exchanger.
5,900 seems very high. Mine was $ 2,900 including
Installation from a pool co I trust that has a reputation for not ripping folks off.

Have you called every place in your service area?
Typically you lose the extended warranty when buying direct.

 

[AshleyMann]

Yes, I found that quote was on the high side as well. However, a different pool company in our area quoted us $7600 for the same install, so just wasn't sure how off-base it was. I have a few more to call, but there are really only 3-4 that appear to service our area.