Raypak 407a enx vs 408a enx?

[hamw]

I have a 406 a. It has died by virtue of rusting out in the bottom. There have been a lot of posts about these water heaters. Nonetheless, we got eight years out of it so I guess that is pretty good.

I’m now needing to look into a new pool heater. There is a 407a and a 408a. The 408 is a “commercial” water heater and cost about $6700. The 407a cost about $5000.

https://lesliespool.com/013731-professional-series-digital-cupro-nickel-ng-399k-btu-pool-heater/57050.html

https://lesliespool.com/raypak-digital-low-nox-b-r407al-en-x-399k-btu-natural-gas-26-asme-cupro-nickel-commercial-pool-heater/956803.html

I have tried to understand the differences between these two but can’t really figure it out. Does anyone have insight about the pros and cons of these two units? My 406a rusted out in the bottom baffle and the burner support bracket. Why these aren’t made of stainless steel, I don’t know. If they are different in the more expensive unit, I would assume that the heater would last longer.

 

[ajw22]

Cupro nickel heat exchangers and bronze or brass headers do not prevent the burners from rusting out. That is the weak spot of the natural draft Raypak heaters and why companies have all moved to sealed burner heaters. Even Raypak with their Avia heater.

I suggest you look at the Raypak Avia or Pentair MasterTemp. It will likely have as good if not longer life at a lower cost then what you are considering.