🔥 Bowman FG160-5115-5C-SP Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger | 150kW Solar & Renewable Energy | Up to 320m³ Pool Capacity

☀️ Premium British-Made Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger – Optimised for Solar Thermal & Heat Pump Systems, Delivering Efficient Heat Transfer for Large Pools Up to 70,000 Gallons

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman FG160-5115-5C-SP is a high-performance shell and tube swimming pool heat exchanger specifically designed for use with renewable energy heating systems, including solar thermal collectors and heat pumps. Manufactured by EJ Bowman in Birmingham with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise, this unit delivers efficient heat transfer for pools up to 320m³ (70,000 gallons).

Featuring a durable cupro-nickel tube core, this heat exchanger offers excellent corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools and mineral-rich water applications. The cast end covers are finished with Bowman’s advanced ‘C’ coat technology, providing superior protection against corrosion and ensuring long-lasting performance.

With thousands of Bowman units in operation worldwide—from private hot tubs to Olympic-sized commercial pools—the FG160 series represents proven, reliable heat transfer technology. The 2½” BSP threaded connections and integrated thermostat pocket make installation straightforward, whilst the easy-disassembly design simplifies routine maintenance.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Optimised for Renewable Energy – Specifically designed for solar thermal collectors and heat pump integration with 150kW typical heat transfer capacity

✅ Cupro-Nickel Tube Core – Excellent corrosion resistance and superior heat transfer properties for chlorinated and mineral-rich freshwater pools

✅ Large Pool Capacity – Suitable for pools up to 320m³ (70,000 gallons), ideal for large residential and commercial applications

✅ High Flow Rate Capability – Maximum pool water flow of 39.0 m³/h (650 l/min) ensuring efficient heat distribution

✅ Advanced ‘C’ Coat Protection – Cast end covers finished with Bowman’s proprietary corrosion-resistant coating technology

✅ Easy Installation – 2½” BSP threaded end covers with integrated thermostat pocket for temperature monitoring

✅ Simple Maintenance – Easy disassembly design for routine cleaning and inspection

✅ Robust Construction – Maximum operating pressure of 6 bar (87 psi) on both pool and heating circuits

✅ High Temperature Tolerance – Maximum hot water temperature of 110°C (230°F) accommodating various heat sources

✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and manufactured by EJ Bowman in Birmingham, UK with 100+ years of heat transfer expertise

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	FG160-5115-5C-SP
Tube Material	Cupro-Nickel
Shell/End Cover Material	Cast with ‘C’ Coat corrosion-resistant finish
Typical Heat Output (Renewable Energy)	150 kW
Typical Heat Output (Boiler Heating)	350 kW
Maximum Pool Capacity	320 m³ / 70,000 gallons
Maximum Pool Water Flow	39.0 m³/h / 650 l/min
Maximum Hot Water Temperature	110°C / 230°F
Max Operating Pressure (Pool Water)	6 bar / 87 psi
Max Operating Pressure (Hot Water)	6 bar / 87 psi
Pool Water Connections	2½” BSP Threaded
Heating Water Connections	1¼” BSP
Overall Length	922 mm
Shell Diameter	128 mm
Mounting Hole Centres	160 mm / 642 mm / 746 mm
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7 x 52 mm
Weight (Dry)	29 kg
Manufacturer	EJ Bowman (Birmingham) Ltd, UK

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

The Bowman FG160-5115-5C-SP delivers exceptional heat transfer performance when properly matched to your heating system. Performance varies based on hot water flow rate and temperature.

🏊 Heat Transfer Capacity

Heat Output: 150 kW typical for renewable energy systems (solar/heat pump) | 350 kW typical for boiler heating

Suitable for pools up to: 320 m³ (70,000 gallons)

⚡ Heat Transfer at Various Flow Rates

Pool water flow: 650 l/min at 28°C (Source: Manufacturer PDF)

Hot Water Flow Rate	82°C	70°C	60°C	45°C
50 l/min	161 kW	125 kW	94 kW	50 kW
70 l/min	208 kW	161 kW	122 kW	64 kW
90 l/min	249 kW	192 kW	145 kW	76 kW
110 l/min	284 kW	219 kW	165 kW	86 kW
130 l/min	315 kW	242 kW	183 kW	95 kW
160 l/min	354 kW	273 kW	205 kW	107 kW

💧 Flow Rate Importance

As highlighted in Bowman’s technical documentation, providing the correct water flow volume is vital to heat exchanger performance. If the flow rate of either the hot water supply or the pool water circuit is too low, the heat exchanger will not perform at its designed efficiency and will be unable to transfer all available heat energy into the pool water.

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

⚠️ Important Note: Heat-up times vary significantly based on multiple factors and are not specified in the manufacturer documentation for this model.

Variables That Affect Heating Time:

• Heat source capacity (kW rating of your solar array, heat pump, or boiler)
• Starting water temperature
• Target water temperature
• Pool cover usage (significant impact on heat retention)
• Ambient/outdoor temperature and weather conditions
• Heat exchanger sizing relative to pool volume
• System flow rates on both circuits

🌡️ General Guidance

The FG160-5115-5C-SP is rated for pools up to 320m³ (70,000 gallons) when paired with an appropriately sized heat source. For renewable energy applications such as solar thermal or heat pumps, the typical heat transfer capacity is 150kW.

ℹ️ Note: For accurate heating time calculations tailored to your specific installation, please contact our technical team at Parts4Tubs. We can help you determine expected performance based on your heat source specifications, pool volume, and environmental conditions.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Cupro-Nickel Tube Core

The FG160-5115-5C-SP features a cupro-nickel tube core, offering an excellent balance of corrosion resistance, heat transfer efficiency, and long-term durability.

✅ Ideal For:

• ✅ Chlorinated freshwater pools
• ✅ Mineral-rich freshwater applications
• ✅ Standard pool chemical treatments
• ✅ Solar thermal heating systems
• ✅ Heat pump installations
• ✅ Large residential pools
• ✅ Commercial pool applications

❌ Not Recommended For:

• ❌ Salt water pools (consider Titanium model FG160-5115-5T)
• ❌ Pools with salt water chlorinators (consider Titanium model)

Why Cupro-Nickel?

Cupro-nickel alloys have been used in marine and heat transfer applications for decades due to their excellent resistance to corrosion in aqueous environments. This material provides superior heat transfer properties compared to stainless steel whilst offering better corrosion resistance than standard copper alloys.

Alternative Material Options

Bowman also manufactures the FG160-5115-5 in:

• Titanium (FG160-5115-5T) – For salt water pools and chlorinator systems, with 10-year warranty on titanium materials
• Stainless Steel (FG160-5115-5S) – Budget option for freshwater pools only (not suitable for salt water)

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

☀️ Solar Thermal Heating Systems

The SP designation indicates this model is optimised for solar panel/collector integration. Connect to your solar thermal array for sustainable, cost-effective pool heating with 150kW typical heat transfer capacity.

🌡️ Heat Pump Integration

Pair with air source or ground source heat pumps for efficient year-round pool heating. The high flow rate capacity (650 l/min) ensures optimal heat transfer from your heat pump system.

🏊‍♂️ Large Residential Pools

With capacity for pools up to 320m³ (70,000 gallons), this unit is ideal for substantial private swimming pools, estate pools, and luxury home installations.

🏢 Commercial Swimming Pools

Hotels, leisure centres, holiday parks, and fitness facilities benefit from the robust construction and high heat transfer capacity of this commercial-grade unit.

🛁 Large Spa & Wellness Facilities

Commercial spas and wellness centres requiring efficient heating for large water volumes can utilise this heat exchanger with various heat sources.

🔥 Boiler Integration

When connected to traditional boiler systems, the FG160-5115-5C delivers up to 350kW heat transfer, providing rapid heating for larger installations.

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Options

The Bowman FG160-5115-5C-SP can be installed in either horizontal or vertical orientation, providing flexibility for various plant room configurations.

Connection Requirements

• Pool Water Connections: 2½” BSP threaded (inlet and outlet)
• Heating Water Connections: 1¼” BSP (inlet and outlet)
• Thermostat Pocket: Ø7 x 52 mm for temperature monitoring

Flow Direction

Correct flow direction is essential for optimal performance. Refer to the manufacturer installation diagram showing:

• Pool water inlet and outlet positions
• Boiler/heating water inlet and outlet positions
• Counter-flow arrangement for maximum heat transfer efficiency

System Integration

• Install isolation valves on both circuits for maintenance access
• Position after the filter on the pool water circuit
• Include non-return valve on heating circuit where required
• If using automatic chemical dosing, install AFTER the heat exchanger on the return to pool

Mounting Specifications

• Mounting hole diameter: Ø7 mm
• Mounting hole centres: 160 mm (end), 642 mm and 746 mm

Space Requirements

• Overall length: 922 mm
• Shell diameter: 128 mm
• Allow adequate clearance for maintenance access and pipe connections

⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended: We strongly recommend professional installation by a qualified heating engineer to ensure correct setup, optimal performance, and warranty compliance.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Product Brochure – Complete specifications, dimensions, and heat transfer data (PDF)

🏆 Why Choose Bowman Heat Exchangers

✅ 100+ Years of Expertise – EJ Bowman has been designing and manufacturing heat transfer equipment since 1920, bringing unmatched experience to every product

✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and built in Birmingham, UK to exacting standards with rigorous quality control

✅ Proven Performance – Thousands of Bowman heat exchangers operating worldwide in pools ranging from private hot tubs to Olympic facilities

✅ Premium Materials – Cupro-nickel, titanium, and stainless steel options to match your specific water chemistry requirements

✅ Advanced Corrosion Protection – Proprietary ‘C’ coat technology on cast components for extended service life

✅ Industry-Leading Warranty – 10-year warranty available on titanium tube materials

✅ Comprehensive Support – Full technical documentation and expert guidance available

🛒 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Specialist – Dedicated pool and spa parts supplier with expert product knowledge

✅ Technical Expertise – Our team can help you select the right heat exchanger for your specific application

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Bowman products

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

✅ After-Sales Support – Ongoing technical assistance and spare parts availability

✅ Genuine Products – Authorised supplier of authentic Bowman heat exchangers

✨ Summary

The Bowman FG160-5115-5C-SP represents the pinnacle of British heat transfer engineering, optimised specifically for solar thermal and heat pump applications. With its cupro-nickel tube core delivering excellent corrosion resistance, capacity for pools up to 320m³, and proven Bowman quality backed by over a century of expertise, this heat exchanger is the professional choice for large residential and commercial pool heating projects. Whether you’re integrating with solar collectors, heat pumps, or traditional boilers, the FG160-5115-5C-SP delivers reliable, efficient performance you can count on.