🔥 Bowman Titanium Heat Exchanger – 75kW / 256,000 BTU – Solar & Spa Series (EC160-5113-5T)

☀️ Premium British-Engineered Solar Integration for Maximum Pool & Spa Heating Performance

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman EC160-5113-5T is a high-capacity 75kW (256,000 BTU) titanium heat exchanger purpose-built for solar panel systems and heat pump applications. Engineered and manufactured in the UK by EJ Bowman – a company with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise – this unit delivers exceptional thermal performance with uncompromising durability.

The shell-and-tube design features a premium titanium tubestack that provides ultimate corrosion resistance, making it suitable for all water types including saltwater and heavily chlorinated pools. Titanium construction eliminates the risk of galvanic reaction between dissimilar metals, a common cause of premature heat exchanger failure.

Optimised for lower-temperature heat sources typical of solar thermal collectors and heat pumps, this model transfers heat efficiently even at moderate primary water temperatures. Whether you’re heating a domestic spa, a medium-sized swimming pool, or integrating renewable energy into a commercial facility, the EC160-5113-5T delivers reliable, energy-saving performance backed by Bowman’s industry-leading 10-year titanium guarantee.

⭐ Key Features

✅ High-Capacity Heat Transfer – 75kW (256,000 BTU) output at 70°C primary water temperature, capable of heating pools up to 120,000 litres (26,000 gallons)

✅ Premium Titanium Tubestack – The ultimate ‘fit and forget’ material, resistant to attack from all known pool chemicals and suitable for any water type

✅ Universal Water Compatibility – Safe for saltwater pools, salt chlorinators, chlorinated pools, bromine systems, and freshwater applications

✅ Solar & Heat Pump Optimised – Specifically designed to work efficiently with lower temperature water from solar panels and ground/air source heat pumps

✅ Counter-Flow Design – Maximises heat transfer efficiency by ensuring pool water flows opposite to primary circuit water

✅ Integral Thermostat Pocket – Built-in Ø7mm x 40mm thermostat pocket for accurate pool water temperature monitoring

✅ Flexible Mounting Options – Can be installed horizontally or vertically to suit your plant room configuration

✅ Universal Fit End Covers – Composite end covers accept both metric 50mm (DN40) and imperial 1½” NPS pipework for easy installation

✅ 10-Year Titanium Guarantee – Full manufacturer warranty on all titanium components in contact with pool water

✅ Easy Maintenance Access – Removable tubestack and end covers for straightforward cleaning and servicing

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	EC160-5113-5T
Heat Output (at 70°C primary)	75 kW / 256,000 BTU/hr
Heat Output (at 60°C primary)	55 kW / 190,000 BTU/hr
Heat Output (at 45°C primary)	27 kW / 92,000 BTU/hr
Shell Material	Cast Iron with Composite End Covers
Tube Material	Titanium
Max Pool Volume (at 70°C)	120,000 litres / 26,000 gallons
Max Pool Volume (at 60°C)	110,000 litres / 24,000 gallons
Max Pool Volume (at 45°C)	52,000 litres / 11,400 gallons
Primary (Solar/HP) Flow Rate	3.0 m³/hr / 50 l/min
Secondary (Pool) Flow Rate	15.0 m³/hr / 250 l/min (maximum)
Max Operating Pressure	6 bar (both circuits)
Max Operating Temperature	110°C (primary) / 100°C (pool)
Primary Connections	¾” BSP threaded
Secondary Connections	Solvent Weld Ø48/Ø50mm (DN40)
Overall Length	768mm
Shell Diameter	86mm
Weight (Dry)	7.3 kg
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7mm x 40mm depth (inlet end)
Mounting	Horizontal or Vertical

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

🏊 Pool Heating Capacity

The EC160-5113-5T delivers variable heat output depending on the temperature of your primary heat source:

Primary Water Temperature	Heat Output	Suitable Pool Volume
70°C (Solar/High-temp HP)	75 kW / 256,000 BTU	Up to 120,000 litres
60°C (Standard Heat Pump)	55 kW / 190,000 BTU	Up to 110,000 litres
45°C (Low-temp Heat Pump)	27 kW / 92,000 BTU	Up to 52,000 litres

Performance based on achieving a pool water temperature of 30°C as per manufacturer specifications.

⚡ Efficiency Factors

• Counter-flow installation essential – Ensures maximum thermal transfer between circuits
• Flow rate optimisation – Primary flow rate of 3.0 m³/hr (50 l/min) must be maintained for rated performance
• Temperature differential – Greater difference between primary and pool water temperatures yields higher heat transfer
• Proper sizing critical – Match heat exchanger capacity to your heat source output and pool volume

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

⚠️ Heat-up times vary based on multiple factors including:

• Heat source output (solar array size or heat pump kW rating)
• Starting water temperature
• Target water temperature
• Ambient/outdoor temperature conditions
• Pool cover usage and insulation
• Weather conditions (solar availability, wind exposure)
• Heat exchanger sizing match to heat source

The heat exchanger itself is a passive device – it transfers heat from your primary source to the pool water. Actual heating times depend entirely on the capacity of your heat source (solar panels, heat pump, or boiler) and environmental conditions.

📐 Sizing Guidance from Manufacturer

Heat Source Temperature	Recommended Max Pool Volume
70°C	120,000 litres (26,000 gal)
60°C	110,000 litres (24,000 gal)
45°C	52,000 litres (11,400 gal)

ℹ️ Note: Pool volume recommendations are based on Bowman manufacturer data for achieving 30°C pool temperature. Actual performance depends on your specific heat source capacity, pool conditions, and environmental factors. For accurate calculations tailored to your installation, please contact our technical team.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Why Titanium?

Titanium is the ultimate material choice for swimming pool heat exchangers, offering benefits that no other material can match:

✅ Universal Chemical Resistance – Withstands attack from all known pool chemicals indefinitely, including high chlorine and bromine concentrations

✅ Saltwater Safe – Fully compatible with salt chlorinators and saltwater pools (up to 3000 ppm chloride)

✅ No Galvanic Corrosion – Eliminates the possibility of galvanic reaction between dissimilar metals, a major cause of premature tubestack failure

✅ Higher Flow Rates – Titanium allows operation at higher pool water flow rates than other materials, enabling greater heat transfer and potentially allowing a smaller unit to be used

✅ Maximum Lifespan – True ‘fit and forget’ installation with 10-year manufacturer guarantee on all titanium components in contact with pool water

✅ Extended pH Tolerance – Operates safely across a wider pH range (6.8 – 8.0) compared to other materials

Recommended Water Chemistry for Titanium

Parameter	Recommended Range
Free Chlorine	Up to 15.0 ppm max
pH Level	6.8 – 8.0
Calcium Hardness	200 – 1000 ppm
Alkalinity	100 – 150 ppm
Bromine	Up to 15.0 ppm max
Chloride	Up to 3000 ppm

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

🏊‍♂️ Swimming Pools

Ideal for domestic and light commercial pools up to 120,000 litres when paired with adequate solar or heat pump capacity. Perfect for extending your swimming season with renewable energy.

🛁 Hot Tubs & Spas

High heat output makes this unit excellent for rapid spa heating and maintaining consistent temperatures in high-use wellness facilities.

☀️ Solar Thermal Integration

Purpose-designed for solar heating systems, optimised to work efficiently with the variable and moderate temperatures typical of solar collectors (45-70°C).

🌡️ Heat Pump Systems

Excellent pairing with air source and ground source heat pumps, delivering efficient heat transfer even at lower primary water temperatures.

🌊 Saltwater & Marine Applications

Titanium construction makes this the correct choice for any saltwater pool, salt chlorinator system, or coastal installation where corrosion resistance is critical.

🏢 Commercial & Wellness Facilities

Suitable for therapy pools, hotel spas, and wellness centres where reliability and low maintenance are essential.

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Requirements

• Orientation: Can be mounted horizontally or vertically
• Counter-flow essential: Pool water must flow in the opposite direction to primary (solar/heat pump) water for optimal performance – failure to install in counter-flow will reduce performance
• Thermostat position: Integral thermostat pocket located at inlet end only

Connection Requirements

• Primary (Solar/HP) Side: ¾” BSP threaded connections
• Secondary (Pool) Side: Solvent weld Ø48mm or Ø50mm (DN40 pipe) – Universal Fit end covers accommodate both sizes

Installation Best Practice

• Install downstream of pool pump and filtration equipment
• Primary circuit must be pump-assisted
• Position chemical dosing systems AFTER the heat exchanger with non-return valve
• Install isolation valves on both circuits for maintenance access
• Add corrosion inhibitor to primary circuit (boiler systems)
• Use thermostat in pool water pipe BEFORE heat exchanger to control heat source

Environment

• Install in frost-free, dry area with non-aggressive atmosphere
• Ensure adequate access for maintenance and tubestack removal
• If installed in frost-prone areas, drain completely during winter shutdown or remove from installation

⚠️ Professional installation is recommended for warranty compliance and optimal performance.

 Downloads & Resources

 Swimming Pool Heat Exchanger Brochure – Complete product range specifications and performance data (PDF)

 Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide – Full technical installation instructions and maintenance procedures (PDF)

🏆 Why Choose Bowman Heat Exchangers

✅ 100 Years of Heat Transfer Expertise – EJ Bowman have been manufacturing heat exchangers since the early 1900s, with over 60 years specialising in swimming pool units

✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and built in Birmingham, UK to the highest quality standards

✅ Industry-Leading Warranty – Full 10-year guarantee on all titanium material in contact with pool water

✅ Proven Global Performance – Tens of thousands of units operating reliably worldwide, from domestic spas to Olympic pools

✅ Premium Material Options – Choice of titanium, stainless steel, or cupro-nickel tubestacks to suit any application

✅ Energy Efficient Design – More heat transfer tubes than competitor products deliver faster heat-up times and reduced energy consumption

🛒 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Specialist – Dedicated pool and spa heating experts with in-depth product knowledge

✅ Expert Technical Advice – Our team can help you select the right heat exchanger for your specific installation

✅ Competitive Pricing – Genuine Bowman products at excellent prices

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch to get your project moving

✅ After-Sales Support – Ongoing assistance with installation queries and spare parts

✅ Full Bowman Range Available – Access to complete product range from domestic to commercial specifications

✨ Summary

The Bowman EC160-5113-5T delivers premium 75kW heat transfer capacity in a compact, durable titanium package specifically engineered for solar and heat pump integration. With universal water compatibility, a 10-year titanium guarantee, and the backing of over 100 years of British manufacturing expertise, this heat exchanger represents the ultimate ‘fit and forget’ solution for pool and spa heating. Whether you’re harnessing solar energy, running a heat pump system, or seeking the most corrosion-resistant option for saltwater applications, the EC160-5113-5T delivers reliable, efficient performance you can trust.