Description
Enjoy warm water all season at a fraction of the cost of gas with the Pentair UltraTemp 460958. It delivers about 140,000 BTU per hour of heating capacity with a COP of 5.6. It can also cool the water on hot days.
UltraTemp is Pentair's residential/light-commercial heat pump line with a 100% titanium heat exchanger, scroll compressor, R410A refrigerant, corrosion-resistant composite cabinet and AHRI-certified BTU/COP ratings; H/C models add cooling. In this guide we explain how it works, how to size it, what electrical service it needs and how to get the best performance in your climate.
Quick Answer: What Is the Pentair UltraTemp 460958?
The Pentair UltraTemp 460958 is an electric heat pump pool heater rated at about 140,000 BTU/hr with a COP of 5.6. It uses a refrigerant cycle to move heat from the outdoor air into the pool water, delivering several units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses.
Pentair UltraTemp 460958 Specifications
| Brand | Pentair |
|---|---|
| Equipment Type | Heat Pump Pool Heater |
| Model Number | 460958 |
| Product Line | UltraTemp |
| Voltage / Phase | 208-230V 1-Phase |
| Heating Capacity (BTU) | 140,000 |
| COP | 5.6 |
| Refrigerant | R410A |
| Heat Exchanger | Titanium |
| Certifications | ETL listed, AHRI certified |
| Amperage | 34 A rated at 80/80/80 (70 A max breaker) |
| Shipping Weight | 320 lb |
Key Features of the Pentair UltraTemp 460958
- Heat/cool (H/C) model can chill pool water as well as heat it
- 100% titanium heat exchanger (corrosion-free)
- Non-ozone-depleting R410A refrigerant
- Corrosion-resistant plastic composite cabinet
- Dual thermostats for pool/spa combinations; LCD menu messages instead of codes
- AutoSet overrides time clock to keep water at set temperature
- Automatic defrost and thermostatic expansion valve (TXV)
- Compatible with IntelliCenter/IntelliTouch/EasyTouch automation
How a Heat Pump Pool Heater Works
A heat pump works like an air conditioner in reverse. A fan draws outdoor air across an evaporator coil, where refrigerant absorbs heat from the air. A compressor raises the refrigerant's temperature, and a heat exchanger, usually titanium for corrosion resistance, transfers that heat to the pool water. The refrigerant then cycles back to collect more heat.
Efficiency is measured by the coefficient of performance (COP). A COP of 5 means the heater delivers five units of heat for every unit of electricity, so each kilowatt-hour can deliver roughly 5 x 3,412 BTU to the water. Heat pump ratings are commonly published at 80 F air, 80 percent humidity and 80 F water; output drops as the air gets cooler, and most units are designed to operate down to around 45 to 50 F.
How to Size a Pool or Spa Heater
Raising one gallon of water one degree Fahrenheit takes about 8.33 BTU. Multiply your gallons by 8.33 and by the temperature rise you want to find the total heat needed, then divide by the heater's output to estimate hours. Heat pumps heat more gradually than gas, so they are best at maintaining temperature. Size for your pool's surface area, your coolest swimming month and how warm you like the water. In cooler regions, choose a larger model or pair it with a cover.
At its rated 140,000 BTU/hr, running 24 hours, the approximate temperature rise before heat losses is:
| Pool size | Approximate rise |
|---|---|
| 10,000 gal | 40.3 F per day |
| 15,000 gal | 26.9 F per day |
| 20,000 gal | 20.2 F per day |
| 25,000 gal | 16.1 F per day |
| 30,000 gal | 13.4 F per day |
Real-world results depend on air temperature, humidity, wind and whether you use a cover. A cover can make a dramatic difference by reducing evaporation, the largest source of heat loss.
Good, Better, Best: Where the Pentair UltraTemp 460958 Fits
At HVAC365 we organize every category into a simple Good, Better, Best framework so you can compare options without wading through jargon. Within our heat pump pool heater lineup, this model sits in the Best tier: Advanced comfort with future-ready tech.
The Best tier delivers top efficiency, premium controls and the most advanced features in its category. It is designed for smart homes, high-end renovations, direct-to-consumer buyers who want the best experience, and government or commercial installs that demand long-term performance.
Not sure the Best tier is right for you? Compare it with the Good and Better options in the same category. Whatever tier you choose, the equipment is brand new and covered by the full manufacturer warranty, and our team is here to help you weigh features against budget.
Installation and Electrical Requirements
This heater requires a dedicated electrical circuit (208-230V 1-Phase, 34 A rated at 80/80/80 (70 A max breaker)). A licensed electrician should size the wire and breaker and provide a service disconnect as required by code. The heater is plumbed after the filter and before any chlorinator, and it needs adequate water flow for the flow switch to engage.
Heat pumps need open airflow: leave the clearances shown in the manual on all sides and above the unit, avoid enclosing it under decks or in tight corners, and place it on a level pad that allows condensation to drain away. Condensation is normal and can look like a leak on humid days.
Professional installation is recommended.
Maintenance Tips
- Keep pool chemistry balanced to protect the heat exchanger and element.
- Keep the coil fins clean and clear of leaves, grass clippings and debris; rinse gently with a garden hose.
- Make sure the condensate can drain freely.
- Have a technician inspect electrical connections annually.
- In freezing climates, drain the heater and plumbing when the pool is closed for winter.
Best Climates for Heat Pump Heating
Heat pumps shine in the South and Sun Belt, including Florida, Texas, Arizona, the Gulf Coast and Southern California, where warm, humid air provides plenty of heat to harvest for most of the year. In the North, they work well for the core summer season, and many owners pair one with a gas heater for spring and fall or for a spa. Models with a cooling mode are popular in the hottest regions, where pool water can become uncomfortably warm in mid-summer.
What's Included and Compatibility
This listing is for the Pentair UltraTemp 460958. Unions and automation accessories may be sold separately.
Ideal for:
- In-ground pools and pool/spa combos in warm to mild climates
- Owners replacing gas heat with lower operating-cost electric heat
- Pools in hot climates that need water chilling in summer
Heat Pump vs Gas vs Electric Resistance Heat
| Heater type | Heat-up speed | Operating cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump | Gradual | Low in warm weather | Season-long pool heating in mild and warm climates |
| Gas (natural or propane) | Fast | Higher, varies with fuel price | Spas, occasional heating, cold climates |
| Electric resistance | Steady, size-limited | Higher per BTU | Spas and small bodies of water |
Many owners combine heat sources: a heat pump to hold the pool temperature through the season and a gas heater for quick spa heat or cold snaps. Covers reduce heat loss no matter which heater you choose.
Built for Homeowners, Contractors and Property Managers
- Homeowners: use our sizing tools and the pool math on this page, then reach out with your pool size, location and existing equipment. We will help you confirm the right model before you order.
- Contractors and installers: order in two clicks, follow every shipment with live tracking, and reorder common parts from the HVAC365 Contractor Portal. We know the labor shortage is real, so we focus on getting the right part to the job the first time.
- Property managers: manage equipment for multiple properties from one dashboard and book a strategy call with our team to standardize models, plan replacements and control maintenance costs.
Why Buy from HVAC365?
HVAC365 is your everyday source for home comfort products. Our mission is to make buying equipment simple, transparent and accessible. Instead of a wall of part numbers, you get clear specifications, honest guidance and technology-driven tools that help you choose with confidence. Compared with traditional online wholesalers, we add AI-guided product discovery, side-by-side selection tools and help coordinating service, so you are never left guessing about compatibility or installation.
- Brand-new equipment with the full manufacturer warranty
- Clear, published specifications and plain-language explanations
- Fast shipping with tracking from order to delivery
- Real people who answer questions before and after the sale
- Ask about financing options to spread the cost of larger projects
We believe great home comfort should be accessible to everyone. Our team is happy to help with large-print spec summaries, phone-based ordering, or any other accommodation that makes shopping easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pentair UltraTemp 460958
How much will the Pentair UltraTemp 460958 raise my pool temperature?
At about 140,000 BTU/hr running all day, roughly 20.2 F per day for a 20,000-gallon pool before losses. A cover helps significantly.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
They work best above about 50 F. As the air cools, capacity and efficiency drop, and most units stop heating near their low-temperature limit.
Are heat pumps cheaper to run than gas?
In warm climates, usually yes, because they move heat rather than burning fuel. Your savings depend on local electricity and gas prices.
What electrical service does it need?
208-230V 1-Phase, 34 A rated at 80/80/80 (70 A max breaker). Have a licensed electrician install a dedicated circuit and disconnect.
Is water dripping from the unit normal?
Yes. Heat pumps produce condensation as they pull heat from humid air. It can be several gallons per hour on humid days.
What warranty does it have?
It carries the full manufacturer warranty..
Ready to order? Add the Pentair UltraTemp 460958 to your cart, or contact the HVAC365 team for help confirming sizing and compatibility. We are here to make your project simple from start to finish.
