Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased and installed my heater in April 2017 in accordance with the installation instructions, including verifying both water flow and gas pressures. The heater failure light illuminated after 10 months of intermittent use. I determined the problem to be a blown thermocouple on the exhaust gas circuitry which is among a series of safety switches, all of which must be closed to enable the start sequence. Failure of this exhaust gas component, according to the Hayward manual, requires that the heat exchanger be replaced. Upon this discovery, I called Hayward to discuss a warranty replacement. I can honestly state that in my 69 years, I have never spoken to a more arrogant and interruptive representative of any company. Immediately. I was told the heat exchanger did not have to be replaced and that there was no warranty on an owner installed heater, regardless of defect! I was told that the failure was caused by the fact I had installed the heater gas supply incorrectly (notwithstanding that I hold patents on Industrial devices which employ far more complex circuitry and gas pressure regulation than the cheaply built Hayward HDF 400,000 BTU Pool Heater!) Realizing that any further discussion with Hayward was completely useless, I replaced the thermocouple with a unit of similar limits which I purchased from a local HVAC supply house, cleaned the heat exchanger, verified the incoming and manifold gas pressures and returned the heater to service. The heater failed again this past weekend for the same reason. I am now researching other heater manufactures and will report my selection when determined. I am actually looking forward to throwing the Hayward into the dump if for no other reason than the terrible and disrespectful treatment I received from Hayward during my call for assistance. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT THAT NO ONE PURCHASE A HAYWARD POOL HEATER UNLESS YOU WISH TO REPLACE IT EACH SPRING AND DO NOT WANT A WARRANTY!