Raypak Crosswind Pool Heat Pump Review: Pros & Cons
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Time to read 6 min
Did you just get a quote for a Raypak Crosswind? The heat pump and heat/chill has increased in popularity for heating your swimming pool. A pool heater is one of the largest equipment expenses and important to get it right for your specific backyard.
A quote with a specific brand can mean your contractor did their homework. Also, it can mean it's what happened to be on their truck.
Shasta has installed and serviced Raypak equipment for thousands of Arizona pools. We find the Crosswind a great option for new builds and remodels. It has become a top choice for vacation rental properties. When the heater fails at a rental property refunds happen.
Shasta Pool Supply sells Raypak heat pumps and heaters. We also sell Pentair and Hayward heating systems. The following information contains benefits and performance metrics that allow you to find the right heating solution.
This article reviews the key performances that make a difference for homeowners. We share the data. You then can understand the Pros and Cons based on your specific needs.
Table of contents
Is the Raypak Crosswind a Good Heat Pump?
Yes, the Crosswind is a legitimate and well-built heat pump. There are two options a heat only and a heat/chill.
- COP ratings of 5.3 to 6.1 depending on model
- Spiral titanium heat exchanger
- Inverter-driven compressor
- Backed by a 3-year parts and labor warranty, 7 years on the heat exchanger tube
As Good as Any on the Market
"The last heat pump they had, they had a few inherent problems with it, but it was still a good heater and it was very affordable. So it was popular because it was affordable. They've taken that heater and improved it and now it doesn't have those inherent problems that it used to have, and it's efficiency wise, as good as any of the others on the market." — Daniel Rhem, Splash and Grass Pool Tech
How much does a pool heater cost?
Compare pricing between gas heaters and heat pumps. Also, see the difference in pricing from Pentair, Hayward, and Raypak.
Read our Pool Heater True Costs Review
Raypak Crosswind Performance Specs
| Model | Input Rate (BTU/h) | C.O.P. | Decibels (dBA) | Voltage | Max Water Flow (GPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosswind 50-I | 44,000 | 5.8 | 34.9 – 45.0 | 208-230VAC, 1-Phase | 30.6 |
| Crosswind 65-I | 61,000 | 5.3 | 38.2 – 49.3 | 208-230VAC, 1-Phase | 37.5 |
| Crosswind V 4550 | 85,000 | 5.8 | 64 | 208-230VAC | 60 |
| Crosswind V 5550 | 102,000 | 6.1 | 64 | 208-230VAC | 60 |
| Crosswind V 6550 | 118,000 | 6.1 | 64 | 208-230VAC | 60 |
| Crosswind V 8550 | 138,000 | 6.0 | 64 | 208-230VAC | 60 |
Crosswind V Heat & Chill Models — Electrical & Weight
| Model | Input Rate (BTU/h) | Elec. Input (kW) | Min. Amps | Recommended Breaker (Amps) | Unit Weight (lbs) | Shipping Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWPH-6550EHC08 | 115,000 | 5.4 | 46 | 60 | 292 | 310 |
| TWPH-8550EHC08 | 137,000 | 6.7 | 46 | 60 | 340 | 358 |
Chill & Warranty Performance
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Chill speed (24 hrs) | 10° – 15°F temperature drop |
| Plunge Mode minimum temp | As low as 44°F (typical for 50°–60°F cold plunges) |
| Typical cold plunge size supported | 500 – 1,000 gallons |
| Device automation control | Up to 6 devices (actuators, VS pump, single-speed pump, auxiliary outputs) |
| Parts & Labor Warranty | 3 years (all residential Crosswind models) |
| Titanium Heat Exchanger Warranty | 7 years |
The data referenced in the table is directly from Raypak official documentation. Go to Raypak's official site to learn more.
Are you interested in a Raypak pool heater?
Shasta Pool Supply offers a the latest models and the best prices. Find heat pumps, heat/chill, gas heaters, propane heaters, and more.
Checkout our entire lineup for Raypak Heaters
What can the Raypak Crosswind Control Besides Temperature?
More than most homeowners realize. The Crosswind's built-in automation is a full control panel. So, your heat pump can be your entire pool automation that includes an App.
- Pumps, lights, valves, and water features — up to 6 devices total
- Pool/spa combination control, including the valve actuators
- Compatible with any pump on the market
- Works alongside major automation brands too — Pentair IntelliCenter, Hayward Omni, the Attendant
"It's not just being able to turn the heater on and off. It has the ability to control pumps, lights, valves. It can do a pool spa combination... it has the ability of a full automation system." — Daniel, Splash and Grass
What's cool is if someone upgrades to the heat pump... it'll actually control other components on the pad so they don't have to pay a whole bunch of money to upgrade to different automation or change automation to control it. They said this will talk to any pump.
How a Raypak Heat Pump can save you money?
AirBnB owners utilize the Crosswind to control their pool heating and their automation. Rental owners now have control over how guest are using their pool.
Does the Heat and Cool Mode Work to Lower the Pool's Temperature?
The Crosswind Heat/Chill model works both directions.
- Cool Mode drops water temperature 10 to 15°F in 24 hours, tested at standard AHRI conditions
- Runs quietly enough that Raypak recommends cooling overnight rather than during the day
- No separate chiller unit needed — same hardware handles both
How fast the Crosswind chills your pool?
- Raypak tested the Crosswind V 6550EHC against a dedicated water chiller. The heat/chill beat every water chiller, from 15,000 to 35,000 gallons.
- Bigger pools chill slower. A 15,000-gallon pool can drop close to 13°F in a day. A 35,000-gallon pool is closer to 6°F.
The Plunge mode — turning your spa into a cold plunge
- Set as low as 44°F
- Built for a typical 500–1,000 gallon plunge or spa
- No dedicated cold plunge unit required
Are there Complaints about the Raypak Crosswind?
All products have pros and cons. No pool heat pump is perfect. Both exist. Most complaints are from older units that have been fixed.
- Older-generation Raypak heat pumps did have issues
- The current Crosswind generation addressed those problems. Shasta's own pool tech haven't seen new recurring issues.
"The last heat pump they had, they had a few inherent problems with it... They've taken that heater and improved it and now it doesn't have those inherent problems that it used to have." — Daniel, Splash and Grass
How long does it take to heat your pool?
We share time it takes to heat your pool. How it varies between a gas heater and a heat pump. Also, what are the other variables that effect heating efficiency.
Is the Raypak Crosswind right for your pool?
For most swimming pool backyards, yes. For a standard pool and a standard pool-and-spa combo, the Crosswind heats the pool efficiently.
The Crosswind has the unique ability to function as a pool heater. It also has the ability to handle automation. So, you can simply add a heat pump or heat/chill to your current set up. You can also make the Crosswind the hub of your entire pool and control up to 6 different functions.
The Crosswind becomes a great value when you utilize the automation features. Stand alone automation is very useful though increases the price of your pool equipment pad. Now, pay for automation, cooling, and a titanium heat exchanger in one unit.
Every homeowner values different aspects of their pool. For those that want to swim year around or control their rental property pool, the Crosswind makes a great option.
Bryan Ashbaugh
Bryan Ashbaugh is a pool industry writer and product expert at Shasta Pool Supply and Shasta Pools, where he’s dedicated to helping homeowners and pool professionals make informed decisions about their pool care and equipment. With years of hands-on experience in pool service and retail, Bryan combines real-world expertise with clear, trustworthy advice. He’s passionate about simplifying pool ownership through helpful how-to guides, honest product insights, and the latest innovations in pool technology.
