Raypak lists AVIA in 264A and 404A sizes. The 264A has a 264 MBTU/h input rating; the 404A is listed at 399 MBTU/h. Both are shown at 84% thermal efficiency with Wi-Fi-enabled control through the Raymote system. The larger 404A is primarily a faster-recovery choice, but it demands a correspondingly stronger gas-supply plan.
Raypak lists AVIA in 264A and 404A sizes. The 264A has a 264 MBTU/h input rating; the 404A is listed at 399 MBTU/h. Both are shown at 84% thermal efficiency with Wi-Fi-enabled control through the Raymote system. The larger 404A is primarily a faster-recovery choice, but it demands a correspondingly stronger gas-supply plan.
Do not choose by pool gallons alone
Gallons describe stored water, while surface area, wind and air temperature drive much of the ongoing loss. Two 15,000-gallon pools can therefore need different heating strategies. The owner who keeps water warm under a cover also has a different problem from the owner who raises it ten degrees only on weekends.
Ask for a heat-up table for both AVIA sizes using the same assumptions. It should show idealized heat input and an allowance for expected loss. That converts the capacity difference into hours saved, which is easier to value.
What the published specifications say
Raypak identifies the 264A at 264 MBTU/h input and the 404A at 399 MBTU/h. Both carry an 84% stated thermal efficiency, 120/240 VAC single-phase electrical listing, a maximum listed water flow of 100 GPM, and Category I and III venting designations. Exact fuel and configuration still have to be checked on the selected model.
These are input ratings. For a rough delivered-output comparison, apply thermal efficiency before calculating ideal heat-up time, then account for heat leaving the pool during the cycle.
The hidden cost of faster heating
The 404A's greater input can expose limitations in the gas meter, regulator or long undersized pipe. A heater starved for gas will not deliver the performance promised by its model class and may fail to operate correctly. Require a documented gas-load calculation that includes other appliances.
The pad and hydraulic system matter too. Raypak publishes a maximum flow, not a command to operate at that value. The installer should confirm minimum and target flow, bypass arrangement and pump schedules from the manual.
What Raymote changes
AVIA is designed around a Wi-Fi-enabled control system that works through the Raymote app with the required accessory. Remote control is useful for status and scheduling, especially at a second home. It should never be used to mask unresolved safety faults or bypass professional diagnosis.
Confirm whether the accessory, network setup and owner training are included in the quote. Also decide who will have account access: owner, pool service company or both.
Which AVIA should you buy?
The 264A is the rational choice when its calculated recovery time meets the household's schedule and avoiding gas-service upgrades matters. The 404A earns its extra capacity when faster recovery is valuable and the site can support it without compromise. Let the desired hours-to-temperature drive the decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is the AVIA 404A exactly 404,000 BTU?
Raypak's current model table lists a 399 MBTU/h input rating for the 404A. Use the official submittal data for the exact SKU.
Do both sizes have the same efficiency?
Raypak's current page lists 84% thermal efficiency for both 264A and 404A.
Is the Raymote accessory included?
Confirm the contents of the exact dealer quote. Raypak describes management through Raymote with one accessory; inclusions can vary by package.