🔥 Bowman Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger – 20kW (68,000 BTU) | EC80 Series

🌡️ Compact, Corrosion-Resistant Pool Heating for Chlorinated Freshwater Pools Up to 40,000 Litres

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman EC80-5113-1C is a compact, high-efficiency cupro-nickel heat exchanger designed specifically for residential swimming pool heating applications. Engineered by Bowman – a British manufacturer with over 60 years of expertise in swimming pool heat transfer technology – this unit delivers reliable 20kW (68,000 BTU/hr) heat output when paired with an 82°C boiler system.

The shell-and-tube design features a cupro-nickel tubestack that provides excellent corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools, making it ideal for conventional pool systems. The unit’s compact footprint and lightweight 3kg construction allow for flexible installation in plant rooms where space is at a premium.

Designed for pools up to 40,000 litres (8,800 gallons), this heat exchanger integrates seamlessly with gas boilers, oil boilers, and compatible heating systems. The “Universal Fit” composite end covers accommodate both metric (50mm) and imperial (1½” NPS) pipework, simplifying installation for UK and international pool systems.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 20kW Heat Transfer Capacity – Delivers 68,000 BTU/hr with 82°C boiler water (12kW/41,000 BTU at 60°C)

✅ Cupro-Nickel Tubestack Construction – Excellent corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools with superior heat transfer properties

✅ Compact & Lightweight Design – Just 3kg dry weight and 370mm overall length for easy handling and installation in tight spaces

✅ Universal Fit End Covers – Composite end covers accept both 48mm/50mm metric and 1½” NPS imperial pool pipework without adaptors

✅ Integral Thermostat Pocket – Built-in 7mm x 40mm thermostat pocket on inlet end for accurate pool temperature monitoring

✅ High Flow Capacity – Handles maximum pool water flow rates up to 150 litres per minute (9.0 m³/hr)

✅ 6 Bar Maximum Operating Pressure – Robust construction suitable for demanding commercial-grade systems

✅ Counter-Flow Design – Optimised heat transfer efficiency through opposing water flow arrangement

✅ Solvent Weld Connections – Direct pool pipework connection for secure, leak-free installation

✅ British Quality Manufacturing – Backed by Bowman’s 100+ years of heat transfer expertise and 12-month manufacturer warranty

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	EC80-5113-1C
Heat Output (82°C Boiler)	20 kW / 68,000 BTU/hr
Heat Output (60°C Boiler)	12 kW / 41,000 BTU/hr
Shell Material	Composite End Covers
Tube Material	Cupro-Nickel
Max Pool Volume	40,000 Litres / 8,800 Gallons
Boiler Water Flow Rate	2.1 m³/hr (35 L/min)
Max Pool Water Flow Rate	9.0 m³/hr (150 L/min)
Max Operating Pressure (Both Sides)	6 Bar
Max Operating Temp (Heating Side)	110°C
Max Operating Temp (Pool Side)	100°C
Pool Water Connections	Solvent Weld Ø48/Ø50mm (DN40 Pipe) – Universal Fit
Boiler Water Connections	¾” BSP Threaded
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7mm x 40mm (Inlet End)
Overall Length	370mm
Mounting Hole Centres	60mm
Body Diameter	86mm (approx.)
Weight (Dry)	3.0 kg

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

🏊 Pool Heating Performance

The EC80-5113-1C heat exchanger is rated to heat pools up to 40,000 litres (8,800 gallons) when used with a suitably sized heat source:

With 82°C Boiler Water:

• Heat Output: 20 kW (68,000 BTU/hr)
• Suitable for pools up to: 40,000 litres / 8,800 gallons
• Required Boiler Flow: 2.1 m³/hr (35 L/min)

With 60°C Boiler Water:

• Heat Output: 12 kW (41,000 BTU/hr)
• Suitable for smaller pools or temperature maintenance
• Required Boiler Flow: 2.1 m³/hr (35 L/min)

⚡ Efficiency Factors

The actual heat transfer performance depends on several key factors:

• Temperature Differential – Greater difference between boiler water and pool water temperatures increases heat transfer rate
• Flow Rate Optimisation – Maintaining recommended flow rates on both circuits ensures optimal performance
• Counter-Flow Installation – Correct installation with opposing flow directions is essential for rated performance
• Proper Sizing – Heat exchanger capacity must match boiler output and pool volume requirements

ℹ️ Performance data based on achieving a target pool water temperature of 30°C as stated in manufacturer documentation.

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

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

• Heat source output (boiler kW rating)
• Starting water temperature
• Target water temperature
• Pool insulation and cover usage
• Ambient/outdoor temperature
• Weather conditions and heat losses

The heat exchanger is a passive device that transfers heat from your boiler or heat source to the pool water. Actual heating performance is determined primarily by your heat source capacity, not the heat exchanger alone.

Key Variables Affecting Heating Time:

Factor	Impact
Boiler Output	Higher kW = faster heating
Pool Cover	Reduces heat loss by up to 75%
Starting Temperature	Lower start = longer heat-up
Ambient Temperature	Cold weather increases losses
Pool Insulation	Reduces ongoing heat requirements

ℹ️ Note: For accurate heating time calculations tailored to your specific installation, please contact our technical team. We can help you determine the optimal heat exchanger and heat source combination for your pool size and heating requirements.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Cupro-Nickel Tube Construction

The EC80-5113-1C features a cupro-nickel tubestack, specifically engineered for chlorinated freshwater swimming pools. Cupro-nickel offers an excellent balance of corrosion resistance, heat transfer efficiency, and value.

✅ Recommended Applications:

✅ Chlorinated freshwater pools

✅ Bromine-treated pools

✅ Standard chemical treatment regimes

✅ Residential swimming pools

✅ Small commercial pools

❌ Not Recommended For:

❌ Salt water pools

❌ Salt water chlorinator systems

❌ High-chloride environments (>150 ppm chloride)

Water Chemistry Requirements (from Manufacturer):

Parameter	Cupro-Nickel Limits
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

⚠️ For salt water pools or salt chlorinator systems, consider Bowman’s Titanium models which offer superior resistance to aggressive chloride environments.

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

🏊‍♂️ Residential Swimming Pools

Ideal for domestic pools up to 40,000 litres, providing efficient heat transfer from gas or oil boilers to maintain comfortable swimming temperatures throughout the season.

🛁 Hot Tubs & Spa Systems

Compact size makes the EC80 suitable for larger spa installations where boiler-fed heating is preferred over direct electric heating.

🏢 Small Commercial Pools

Suitable for small commercial applications including holiday lets, B&Bs, and boutique hotels with pools under 40m³.

🔥 Boiler Integration

Designed for seamless connection to gas boilers, oil boilers, and LPG systems with ¾” BSP connections on the primary circuit.

☀️ Solar Thermal Integration

Can be used with solar thermal systems operating at appropriate temperatures (refer to solar-specific models for lower temperature applications).

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Options

The EC80 heat exchanger can be installed in either horizontal or vertical orientation, providing flexibility for various plant room configurations. Mounting brackets are available (Part No: 5032-1).

Critical Installation Requirements:

✅ Counter-Flow Installation – The heat exchanger MUST be installed in counter-flow configuration (pool water flowing opposite to boiler water). Failure to follow this arrangement will significantly reduce performance.

✅ Downstream of Filtration – Install the heat exchanger downstream of pumping and filtration equipment in the pool water circuit.

✅ Chemical Dosing Position – Any automatic dosing systems must be installed AFTER the heat exchanger with a non-return valve to prevent chemical damage.

✅ Frost Protection – Install in a frost-free enclosure. Drain completely before winter shutdown if exposed to frost risk.

✅ Thermostat Positioning – For accurate temperature control, install the thermostat in the integral pocket on the pool water INLET side.

✅ Pump-Assisted Primary – The boiler/heating circuit must be pump-assisted to ensure proper flow and prevent air locks.

Connection Guide:

Circuit	Connection Type	Size
Pool Water (In/Out)	Solvent Weld	Ø48mm or Ø50mm (Universal Fit)
Boiler Water (In/Out)	BSP Threaded	¾” BSP

⚠️ Professional installation is recommended to ensure 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 – E.J. Bowman (Birmingham) Ltd has been pioneering heat transfer technology since the early 1900s, with over 60 years specialising in swimming pool heat exchangers.

✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and manufactured in Birmingham, UK to the highest quality standards with FM38224 certification.

✅ Industry-Leading Reliability – Tens of thousands of Bowman units operating reliably worldwide, from domestic spas to Olympic pools.

✅ Superior Tubestack Design – More heat transfer tubes than most competitors, enabling faster heat-up times and improved efficiency.

✅ 12-Month Manufacturer Warranty – All Bowman swimming pool heat exchangers are guaranteed against manufacturing faults for 12 months from invoice date.

✅ Comprehensive Spare Parts Availability – Full range of replacement parts including tubestacks, O-seals, end covers, and mounting brackets readily available.

🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Pool & Spa Specialists – Dedicated expertise in pool heating equipment and accessories

✅ Expert Technical Advice – Knowledgeable team to help you select the right heat exchanger for your application

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Prompt dispatch to get your pool heating project underway

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Bowman products

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

✅ Full Bowman Range Available – Access to the complete range of Bowman heat exchangers from 20kW to 1,170kW

✨ Summary

The Bowman EC80-5113-1C 20kW Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger delivers reliable, efficient heat transfer for residential and small commercial swimming pools up to 40,000 litres. Featuring robust cupro-nickel construction for chlorinated freshwater applications, universal-fit connections for easy installation, and backed by Bowman’s century of British manufacturing expertise, this compact unit represents the ideal entry point into the Bowman swimming pool heat exchanger range. Perfect for homeowners seeking professional-grade pool heating performance with proven durability and comprehensive spare parts support.