Raypak Natural Gas Pool Gas Heater 150K BTU 156A 014785
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The Raypak 156A (014785, P-R156A-EN-C) is the high-altitude natural gas variant of the 156A pool heater, factory-configured with a high-altitude orifice for installations between 5,000 and 9,999 feet above sea level. It delivers 150,000 BTU input at 82% thermal efficiency with combustion calibrated for reduced atmospheric oxygen at this elevation band. No field modification is needed or permitted — using a standard sea-level model above 4,999 feet causes incomplete combustion, sooting, and warranty voidance.
Pool size estimates reflect recovery speed — how quickly the heater brings a cold pool up to temperature — not steady-state energy demand. At high elevation, cooler ambient temperatures and higher evaporation increase heat loss, so sizing conservatively is especially important.
Raypak 156A 014785 - Pool Size by Climate
| Climate / Conditions | Recommended Pool Size |
|---|---|
| Temperate high-altitude conditions | Up to 8,000–10,000 gallons |
| Cold mountain climate or high heat-loss pool | 5,000–7,000 gallons |
A solar cover between swims is especially recommended at elevation where heat loss is elevated.
Why Elevation Matters — Factory High-Altitude Orifice in the 014785
At 5,000 to 9,999 feet, atmospheric pressure is 17 to 30% lower than at sea level. A sea-level heater at this altitude receives too much fuel relative to available oxygen, producing incomplete combustion, carbon deposits on the heat exchanger, reduced effective output, and shortened service life. The 014785 ships with a factory high-altitude orifice sized for the correct fuel-air ratio across this elevation band. No field orifice swap or gas valve modification is required or permitted — doing so voids the warranty.
All other 156A features are identical to the sea-level model: AFT digital control board with LCD display, on-board self-diagnostics, flame strength indicator, run-time and cycle meter, intermittent spark-to-pilot ignition, copper integral-fin-tube heat exchanger, polymer headers, Unitherm Governor, automatic internal bypass valve, and ProTek Shield module.
Raypak 156A 014785 - Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | P-R156A-EN-C |
| Part / SKU | 014785 |
| BTU Input Rate | 150,000 BTU/hr (factory-derated for 5,000–9,999 ft) |
| Thermal Efficiency | 82% |
| Fuel Type | Natural Gas |
| Elevation Rating | 5,000 to 9,999 ft above sea level (factory high-altitude orifice) |
| High-Altitude Orifice | Factory-installed — no field modification permitted |
| Min. Gas Supply Pressure | 3.5" W.C. at heater inlet |
| 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 8,000–10,000 gal (temperate altitude); 5,000–7,000 gal (cold mountain climate) |
| 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 |
| 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 014785 - Warranty
| 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: units installed outside the 5,000–9,999 ft elevation band, field orifice or gas valve modifications, water chemistry damage, and freeze damage. Register at raypak.com immediately after installation.
Raypak 156A 014785 - 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 014785 High-Altitude Natural Gas Pool Heater
Why does high altitude require a different model than the standard 014784?
At 5,000 to 9,999 feet, atmospheric pressure is 17 to 30% lower than at sea level. A sea-level heater receives too much fuel relative to available oxygen, producing incomplete combustion, carbon deposits, and reduced output. The 014785 ships with a factory high-altitude orifice that meters gas flow to match available oxygen at this elevation band. It arrives ready to run with no field adjustment needed or permitted.
What pool sizes does the 014785 heat at high elevation?
In temperate high-altitude conditions, up to approximately 8,000 to 10,000 gallons. In cold mountain climates with significant overnight temperature drops or high wind exposure, size down to 5,000 to 7,000 gallons. These estimates reflect heat-up speed from a cold pool, not steady-state energy demand.
What are the electrical requirements?
The 014785 ships factory-wired for 120 VAC with a 3-foot, 3-prong power 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 model?
Yes. The 156A 014785 is heat-only and cannot cool pool water. Gas heaters heat quickly at any ambient temperature, which is especially useful at high altitude where cold spring and fall temperatures limit heat pump efficiency.
How does the 014785 compare to the standard elevation 014784?
The 014785 and 014784 are the same heater platform with different factory orifices. The 014784 is calibrated for 0 to 4,999 feet; the 014785 for 5,000 to 9,999 feet. All features, dimensions, plumbing, electrical specs, and warranty terms are identical. Never use a sea-level model above 4,999 feet or an altitude-specific model outside its rated band — both void the warranty and degrade performance.
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. Warranty is also void for units installed outside the rated elevation band or with any field orifice or gas valve modification. Register at raypak.com immediately after installation.