🔥 Bowman FG100-5115-2C Swimming Pool Heat Exchanger – 170kW / 580,000 BTU Cupro-Nickel
🌡️ Commercial-Grade Heat Transfer Power for Large Pools – British Engineering Excellence with Proven Reliability
📋 Product Overview
The Bowman FG100-5115-2C is a high-capacity swimming pool heat exchanger engineered for demanding commercial and large domestic pool installations. This powerful unit delivers an impressive 170kW (580,000 BTU/hr) heat transfer capacity when connected to an 82°C boiler system, making it ideal for rapidly heating pools up to 230,000 litres (50,000 gallons).
Featuring robust cupro-nickel tube construction, the FG100-5115-2C provides excellent heat transfer efficiency combined with outstanding corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools. The shell-and-tube design maximises thermal contact between your heat source and pool water, achieving faster heat-up times while reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
Manufactured in Birmingham, UK, by E.J. Bowman – a company with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise – this unit represents the pinnacle of reliable, efficient pool heating technology. With tens of thousands of Bowman units operating worldwide in applications ranging from domestic spas to Olympic pools, you can trust this heat exchanger to deliver exceptional long-term performance.
⭐ Key Features
✅ 170kW (580,000 BTU/hr) Heat Transfer Capacity – Powerful output at 82°C boiler water temperature for rapid pool heating
✅ Cupro-Nickel Tube Stack – Superior corrosion resistance and excellent thermal conductivity for chlorinated freshwater pools
✅ Suitable for Pools up to 230,000 Litres (50,000 Gallons) – Sized for large domestic and commercial swimming pool installations
✅ Professional 2½” BSP Pool Water Connections – Commercial-grade threaded connections for reliable, leak-free installation
✅ Integral 7mm Thermostat Pocket – Built-in pocket for accurate pool water temperature monitoring at the inlet
✅ Counter-Flow Design – Optimised heat transfer efficiency through opposing water flow directions
✅ 6 Bar Maximum Working Pressure – Robust construction rated for demanding commercial systems on both circuits
✅ Easy Maintenance Access – Removable tube stack and end covers simplify cleaning and servicing
✅ Horizontal or Vertical Mounting – Flexible installation options to suit your plant room layout
✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and built in Birmingham, UK with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | FG100-5115-2C |
| Tube Stack Material | Cupro-Nickel |
| Shell Material | Cast Iron |
| Heat Output (82°C Boiler Water) | 170 kW / 580,000 BTU/hr |
| Heat Output (60°C Boiler Water) | 100 kW / 340,000 BTU/hr |
| Maximum Pool Volume | 230,000 litres / 50,000 gallons |
| Boiler/Primary Flow Rate | 7.2 m³/h / 120 l/min |
| Maximum Pool Water Flow Rate | 28.8 m³/h / 480 l/min |
| Max Operating Pressure (Both Sides) | 6 bar |
| Max Operating Temperature (Heating Side) | 110°C |
| Max Operating Temperature (Pool Side) | 100°C |
| Pool Water Connections | 2½” BSP Threaded |
| Boiler/Solar Water Connections | 1¼” BSP Threaded |
| Thermostat Pocket | Ø7mm x 52mm deep (inlet end) |
| Overall Length | 470mm |
| Shell Diameter | 128mm |
| Dry Weight | 16 kg |
📊 Heat Transfer Performance
🏊 Pool Heating Performance
The Bowman FG100-5115-2C delivers substantial heat transfer capability designed to efficiently heat large swimming pools:
With 82°C Boiler Water:
- Heat Output: 170 kW (580,000 BTU/hr)
- Suitable for pools up to: 230,000 litres (50,000 gallons)
- Based on achieving 30°C pool water temperature
With 60°C Boiler Water:
- Heat Output: 100 kW (340,000 BTU/hr)
- Suitable for pools requiring lower temperature heat sources
⚡ Efficiency Factors
Bowman heat exchangers feature more heat transfer tubes than many competitor products, enabling faster heat-up times and reduced energy consumption. Key factors affecting performance include:
- Flow Rate Optimisation – Maintaining recommended flow rates (7.2 m³/h primary, up to 28.8 m³/h pool side) ensures maximum heat transfer
- Temperature Differential – Greater difference between heat source and pool water temperatures increases transfer efficiency
- Counter-Flow Installation – Essential for optimal performance; pool water must flow opposite to heating water direction
- Proper Sizing – Unit performance based on achieving 30°C pool water temperature; refer to manufacturer documentation for specific applications
🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide
Cupro-Nickel Tube Stack – The FG100-5115-2C Choice
The cupro-nickel tube construction in this model offers an excellent balance of performance and durability:
✅ Chlorinated Freshwater Pools – Ideal for standard pool water treatment systems
✅ Excellent Heat Transfer Properties – Cupro-nickel provides superior thermal conductivity
✅ Strong Corrosion Resistance – Withstands typical pool chemical environments
✅ Cost-Effective Durability – Long service life at an accessible price point
✅ Proven Marine Heritage – Cupro-nickel alloys are trusted in marine applications worldwide
Water Chemistry Requirements for Cupro-Nickel
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Free Chlorine | 1.0 – 3.0 ppm |
| pH Level | 7.2 – 7.8 |
| Calcium Hardness | 200 – 400 ppm |
| Alkalinity | 100 – 150 ppm |
| Bromine | 2.0 – 4.0 ppm |
| Chloride | Less than 150 ppm |
⚠️ Important: For salt water pools or pools with salt water chlorinators, consider the Titanium variant (FG100-5115-2T) which offers maximum chemical resistance with a 10-year tube stack guarantee.
🎯 Applications & Use Cases
The Bowman FG100-5115-2C is engineered for demanding, high-volume pool heating applications:
🏊♂️ Large Domestic Swimming Pools – Premium home installations with pools up to 230,000 litres
🏢 Commercial Swimming Facilities – Hotels, leisure centres, and health clubs requiring reliable heating
🎓 Schools & Universities – Educational institution pool heating with proven durability
🏥 Hydrotherapy Pools – Healthcare facilities requiring precise temperature control
🔥 Boiler-Fed Systems – Direct connection to gas, oil, or LPG boiler heating systems
☀️ Renewable Energy Integration – Compatible with solar thermal panels and ground source heat pumps (refer to solar/heat pump specifications for lower temperature applications)
🔨 Installation Considerations
Mounting Options
The FG100-5115-2C can be installed either horizontally or vertically to suit your plant room configuration. Ensure adequate access space around the unit for future maintenance and tube stack removal.
Connection Requirements
- Pool Water Circuit: 2½” BSP threaded connections – ensure connecting pipe thread engages with the coated thread area inside the end cover
- Boiler/Heat Source Circuit: 1¼” BSP threaded connections
- Thermostat Pocket: 7mm diameter, 52mm deep pocket at pool water inlet for temperature monitoring
Critical Installation Points
✅ Counter-Flow Operation Essential – Pool water must flow in the opposite direction to heating water for optimal performance
✅ Install Downstream of Filtration – Heat exchanger should be positioned after pump and filter equipment
✅ Chemical Dosing Position – Dosing systems must be fitted downstream from the heat exchanger with a non-return valve
✅ Frost Protection Required – Install in a frost-free enclosure; drain unit during winter shutdown in frost-prone areas
✅ Isolation Valves Recommended – Fit isolation valves on both circuits for maintenance access
✅ Flow Rate Compliance – Do not exceed maximum pool water flow rate of 28.8 m³/h (480 l/min)
⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended: For warranty compliance and optimal performance, installation should be carried out by a qualified heating engineer or pool specialist.
📥 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 – E.J. Bowman has manufactured heat exchangers in Birmingham, UK since the early 1900s
✅ Global Track Record – Tens of thousands of units operating reliably worldwide, from domestic spas to Olympic facilities
✅ Premium Material Options – Choice of Cupro-Nickel, Stainless Steel, or Titanium tube stacks to match your water chemistry
✅ 10-Year Titanium Guarantee – Titanium models backed by a comprehensive decade-long material warranty
✅ Designed for Performance – More heat transfer tubes than competitor products enable up to 3x faster heating
✅ Simple Maintenance – Removable tube stacks and end covers make cleaning and servicing straightforward
✅ Complete Spare Parts Availability – Full range of replacement components for long-term serviceability
🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs
✅ UK-Based Pool Heating Specialists – Expert knowledge of swimming pool and hot tub equipment
✅ Technical Support Available – Guidance on product selection and installation queries
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Prompt dispatch to get your project moving
✅ Competitive Pricing – Quality Bowman products at excellent value
✅ Genuine Manufacturer Stock – Authentic Bowman heat exchangers with full warranty support
✅ After-Sales Service – Ongoing support and spare parts availability
✨ Summary
The Bowman FG100-5115-2C delivers commercial-grade heating performance for large swimming pools up to 230,000 litres. With 170kW heat transfer capacity, robust cupro-nickel tube construction, and professional 2½” BSP connections, this British-manufactured heat exchanger provides the reliability and efficiency demanded by serious pool installations. Backed by over a century of Bowman engineering expertise and proven performance worldwide, it’s the professional choice for demanding pool heating applications.








