Built Right Pool Heat Pumps: BR115 vs BR135 vs H/C Comparison (2026)

Built Right Pool Heat Pumps: Which One Fits Your Pool?

Built Right makes three pool heat pump models for residential Florida pools: the BR115-XW (117,000 BTU), the BR135-XW (135,000 BTU), and the BR135-XW H/C (130,000 BTU with cooling). All three are titanium heat exchangers, scroll compressors, and rated for coastal corrosion — they are the same chassis with different output and a few feature differences.

The right one for your pool depends on three things: pool gallons, how warm you want the water, and whether you want to chill the pool down in August.

The short answer

BR115-XW: The standard residential pool heat pump

117,000 BTU/hr at 80 degree air. Heats a typical 13,000-gallon Florida pool from 75 to 85 in about 18-22 hours of runtime.

This is the most common Built Right model for SW Florida pool owners. Fits a screen-enclosed lanai pool, runs on a standard 240V circuit, and is quiet enough that neighbors will not complain.

Best for: Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples backyard pools 10,000-15,000 gallons. If your pool is closer to 15,000 gallons and you want short heat-up times, step up to the BR135.

BR135-XW: More BTU for larger or screened-cooler pools

135,000 BTU/hr — about 15% more output than the BR115. The difference matters more than you would think. A larger pool heated with the BR115 will work, but you are looking at 30+ hours of heat time vs 22 hours with the BR135.

Also worth it if your pool sits in a heavily-shaded screened lanai (Naples and Bonita Springs lanais lose more heat overnight than open-air pools because the screen blocks solar gain).

Best for: Pools 15,000-22,000 gallons, or any pool where you want fast heat-up after a cold front pushes through.

BR135-XW H/C: Heat + Cool for August

130,000 BTU heating, plus the ability to reverse cycle and cool the pool down. In August when the pool is sitting at 92-94 degrees and feels like a bathtub, the H/C model will pull water down to 78-82 in 12-18 hours of runtime.

Most pool owners do not realize this is even an option. If you have ever skipped a swim in August because the water was too warm, this is the model for you.

Best for: Pool owners who use the pool year-round and want the option to chill it during late summer. Costs about $400 more than the BR135-XW, worth it if you swim through August.

What you do not need to worry about

Refrigerant

All three Built Right models use R-32, the new low-GWP refrigerant. R-32 is more efficient than the older R-410A and is what new equipment ships with in 2026.

Salt water compatibility

All three models have titanium heat exchangers, which are unaffected by salt water. Salt-chlorinated pools work fine with any Built Right.

Electrical hookup

All three run on a standard 60A 240V circuit. Most Florida pool equipment pads already have this. If your panel is full, an electrician can usually add a 60A breaker for $300-$500.

Installation in SW Florida

The unit sits on a level concrete pad next to your pool equipment (filter, pump). Two PVC plumbing connections (in and out) plus the electrical hookup. A licensed Florida pool contractor will charge $400-$700 for the install once the pad is ready and the electrical is run.

Total installed cost for a Built Right pool heat pump: $4,200-$4,800 for the BR115, $4,400-$5,000 for the BR135, $4,800-$5,400 for the BR135 H/C. Compare that to local pool company quotes of $7,000-$8,500 for the same equipment installed.

What about gas pool heaters?

Natural gas heaters heat faster — useful if you only swim once a week and want to bring a cold pool up in 4-6 hours. But your gas bill in Florida runs about 3-4x what the heat pump costs to operate for the same number of pool-warm hours. For year-round Florida pool owners, heat pump wins on operating cost.

If your pool is on natural gas service and you only use it for occasional weekend swims, a gas heater can make sense. For everyone else, a Built Right heat pump is the right call.

Bottom line

For most Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and Bonita Springs pool owners, the BR115-XW heats a typical pool. Step up to the BR135 if your pool is over 15,000 gallons. Add the H/C upgrade if you swim in August.