Editor’s Note: This product has been removed from our side-by-side comparison because it is no longer available. You can still read our original review below, but Top Ten Reviews is no longer updating this product’s information.
Trane is a well-established HVAC company that has forayed into the world of gas pool heaters. If you look closely, you may notice that the Trane TR250 looks very similar to the Hayward Universal H200. This is not a coincidence – Trane’s gas pool heaters are manufactured by Hayward and rebranded for Trane. The only noticeable differences are the higher price tag and longer warranty.
The Trane TR250 is available in both propane and natural gas options and has an output power of 250,000 Btu (British thermal units). It’s also available in one larger size, which has a 400,000 Btu output. Both models have cupro nickel heat exchangers to help prevent corrosion and make your heater last longer. Many other products charge an upgrade fee for cupro nickel, as is the case with the Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm, but the feature is standard for Trane heaters.
The TR250 boasts an 83-percent thermal efficiency rating, which is more efficient than the Department of Energy’s requirements. It also uses a patented polymer header design to boost hydraulic efficiency, which saves energy and protects against corrosion. The Trane gas heaters meet all air quality standards for low NOx emissions.
This Trane model has a digital display with LED indicators and temperature and power buttons. The control pad allows you to set your ideal pool temperature, as well as set a maximum temperature and lock your settings to prevent unauthorized changes. The display keeps you appraised of the heater’s normal operations, such as when it is heating and resting, and shows troubleshooting messages when it isn't working correctly. The TR250’s exterior is pretty durable, though there have been reported issues of the control panel shorting if it gets wet, so we recommend using a cover to protect your heater from the elements.
Trane offers a five-year warranty on its gas pool heaters, which is longer than average and much longer than Hayward's warranty. You can reach Trane's customer support online via the form on its website or by phone, though we recommend calling. During our evaluations, we reached out to Trane's customer support with a question via the online form, and we never heard back. It’s also easy to register or check your heater's registration online.
The Trane TR250 is a good product, but its high price and striking similarities to a cheaper product make it a less-than-ideal option.
