PER THE MANUFACTURER: THIS ITEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE ONLINE

By Sta-Rite


Details

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Model # SR400NA

Alternate Part #'s PENSR400NA

Product Description

Your Pool Heater Just Got a Whole Lot Smarter

Save money and energy with the Max-E-Therm High-Performance Heater. Long known for dependable, efficient heating, the latest Max-E-Therm adds smart connectivity, advanced ignition control, and an optional energy-saving automatic bypass to keep your pool ready whenever you are.

Key Features

  • Smart connectivity with automation systems for remote monitoring and control

  • Alerts pushed to smart devices for real-time heater status

  • Advanced ignition control module with flame strength sensor

  • Full-text digital display with intuitive diagnostics menu

  • Optional Smart Heater Bypass valve can reduce operating cost up to 35%*

  • Compact footprint — ideal for tight equipment pads

  • Polymer header design for superior corrosion resistance

  • Quiet operation and high thermal efficiency

Smart Connectivity & Control

The Max-E-Therm integrates seamlessly with modern pool automation. When paired with compatible control systems, you can:

  • Monitor heater status from anywhere

  • Receive performance alerts and diagnostics

  • Control pool temperature remotely

  • Optimize heater runtime for energy savings

Advanced Ignition & Performance Monitoring

An upgraded ignition control module continuously monitors flame strength and combustion performance, helping ensure:

  • Reliable startups

  • Cleaner combustion

  • Improved efficiency

  • Early fault detection before major issues occur

Optional Smart Heater Bypass (Major Energy Saver)

When the heater is not actively heating, the optional automatic bypass valve diverts water flow around the heat exchanger. This:

  • Reduces unnecessary heat exchanger wear

  • Improves overall system flow efficiency

  • Lowers pump workload

  • Can save up to 35% in annual operating costs* depending on runtime

User-Friendly Digital Display

  • Full-text interface (no codes to decipher)

  • On-screen diagnostics and status

  • Simple menu navigation

  • Faster troubleshooting for service techs and homeowners

Technical Specifications (Typical)

Specification Details
Fuel Type Natural Gas or Propane
Heat Output Options 200,000 / 250,000 / 333,000 / 400,000 BTU
Thermal Efficiency Up to 84%
Heat Exchanger Cupro-Nickel
Header Material Polymer (corrosion resistant)
Ignition Electronic with flame strength sensor
Venting Category I
Plumbing 2" PVC unions
Display Full-text digital display
Automation Ready Yes
Bypass Valve Optional Smart Heater Bypass

Tech Tips (From the Field)

Tip #1 — Use the Bypass
If you run a variable speed pump, the Smart Bypass dramatically improves system efficiency when heating is not required.

Tip #2 — Ideal for Salt Pools
Polymer headers and cupro-nickel exchanger make this heater highly resistant to salt and chemical corrosion.

Tip #3 — Tight Pad Friendly
The compact footprint makes this a favorite replacement for older heaters without replumbing the pad.

Tip #4 — Faster Diagnostics = Lower Service Cost
The full-text display helps identify issues quickly, reducing service time and guesswork.

Tip #5 — Pair with Automation
Maximum benefit comes when integrated with pool automation for alerts, monitoring, and remote control.

Commercial Sale Restriction

This item is restricted by the manufacturer for sale to pool professionals and service businesses only.

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Product Specifications

BTU:
400,000 BTU
Gas:
Natural
Ignition:
Electronic
Thermostat:
Dual
Heat Exchanger:
Copper
Special Feature:
Low NOx Emission
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?     Asked on 3/29/2008 by Guest

Is the sta-rite heater Max E Therm low NOx rated for Texas?
 Reply

A  Answered on 3/29/2008 by InyoPools Product Specialist Patrick P.

Yes the Sta Rite Max E Therm heaters are LoNox rated for Texas and California.
 Reply


?     Asked on 1/16/2012 by Guest

Will a gas heater operate at the low speed of a dual speed motor?
 Reply

A  Answered on 1/16/2012 by InyoPools Product Specialist Patrick P.

Probably not - Most gas heater will shut off at low GPM levels (20-40) to keep the heater cores from overheating - 20 for 200 BTUs, 40 for 400 BTUs. Depending on your pool system you might get these GPM levels at the low speed but generally these heaters must be run at the motor's high speed.
 Reply


?     Asked on 5/18/2015 by Inyo Visitor

What is the Conversion from natural to propane?
 Reply

A  Answered on 5/18/2015 by InyoPools Product Specialist Patrick P.

Here is the Sta Rite MaxeTherm 400,000 BTU Natural Gas to Propane Conversion Kit.
 Reply


?     Asked on 9/27/2015 by Bart Blackledge

I am trying to hook the Max-E-Therm heater to a Jandy Aqualink controler. Need to know how to wire. Do I use 3 or 4 wire connection?
 Reply

A  Answered on 10/2/2015 by InyoPools Product Specialist Lennox H.

Hi Bart, The Max-E-Therm Owner's Manual does not indicate a 4 wire connection so it will be the 3 wire connection.
 Reply


?     Asked on 4/5/2016 by richard redpath

I have ne of these for ten years and the exchanger is cracked well after ten years thats fine and I am sure it was a free at some point for this issue. Anyway, I want to purchase from your site as price is same everywhere join internet at $1999 but a local outfit out hear wants 3,250, are you kidding. I should be able to swap out the unit. And that is my question can you recommend an outfit out hear or is it simple. now mind ya I am quite capable and have hooked gas lines before, send email.
 Reply

A  Answered on 4/5/2016 by InyoPools Product Specialist Alan M.

Hello Richard, We would recommend that the Max-E-Therm Heater 400000 BTU be installed by a licensed service technician. In the event you need to utilize the 1 year manufacturer's warranty, they may require receipt information of who it was installed by. We suggest you contact a local pool part/supply company that performs installations.
 Reply


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