🔥 Bowman GK190-5117-3C Cupro Nickel Heat Exchanger – 556kW (1,900,000 BTU)

🏊 Industrial-Grade Commercial Pool Heating | British-Engineered Excellence for Large Aquatic Facilities

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman GK190-5117-3C is a premium industrial-grade cupro nickel heat exchanger delivering exceptional 556kW (1,900,000 BTU/hr) heating capacity when paired with an 82°C boiler system. Engineered by Bowman – a British manufacturer with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise – this unit represents the pinnacle of commercial pool heating technology.

Designed specifically for large-scale aquatic facilities, the GK190 series features a robust cupro nickel tube stack that provides outstanding corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools. The shell-and-tube construction ensures maximum heat transfer efficiency through counter-flow design, where pool water and boiler water travel in opposite directions for optimal thermal exchange.

Suitable for pools up to 660,000 litres (145,000 gallons), this heat exchanger is the ideal choice for competition swimming facilities, commercial leisure centres, water parks, and industrial installations requiring reliable, high-capacity heating performance.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Massive 556kW Heat Output – Delivers 1,900,000 BTU/hr with 82°C boiler water, providing rapid heating for large commercial pools

✅ Cupro Nickel Tube Stack – Superior corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools with excellent heat transfer properties

✅ Cast Iron Shell Construction – Heavy-duty body designed for continuous commercial operation and long service life

✅ High Flow Capacity – Handles up to 75 m³/hr (1,250 l/min) pool water flow for demanding installations

✅ Counter-Flow Design – Optimised heat transfer through opposing water flow directions for maximum efficiency

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

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

✅ Flanged Pool Connections – Industrial PN6/10/16 DN100 flanged connections for secure, leak-free installation

✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and built in Birmingham, UK, with over 60 years of swimming pool heat exchanger expertise

✅ 12 Month Warranty – Comprehensive manufacturer’s guarantee against manufacturing defects

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	GK190-5117-3C
Heat Output (82°C Boiler)	556 kW / 1,900,000 BTU/hr
Heat Output (60°C Boiler)	310 kW / 1,060,000 BTU/hr
Shell Material	Cast Iron
Tube Stack Material	Cupro Nickel
Max Pool Volume	660,000 litres / 145,000 gallons
Boiler Water Flow Rate	19.2 m³/hr (320 l/min)
Max Pool Water Flow Rate	75.0 m³/hr (1,250 l/min)
Max Operating Pressure	6 bar (both circuits)
Max Operating Temperature (Heating)	110°C
Max Operating Temperature (Pool)	100°C
Pool Water Connections	Flanged PN6/10/16 DN100
Boiler Water Connections	2″ BSP Threaded
Dimensions (L × Dia × H)	704mm × 198mm × 220mm
Weight (Dry)	57 kg
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7mm × depth (inlet end)

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

🏊 Pool Heating Capacity

The GK190-5117-3C delivers impressive heat transfer performance that scales with your heat source temperature:

With 82°C Boiler Water:

• Heat Output: 556 kW (1,900,000 BTU/hr)
• Suitable for pools up to: 660,000 litres (145,000 gallons)
• Boiler Flow Required: 19.2 m³/hr (320 l/min)

With 60°C Boiler Water:

• Heat Output: 310 kW (1,060,000 BTU/hr)
• Suitable for pools up to: Proportionally reduced capacity
• Boiler Flow Required: 19.2 m³/hr (320 l/min)

⚡ Efficiency Factors

• Counter-flow installation is essential for achieving rated performance
• Flow rate optimisation – maintaining recommended flow rates ensures optimal heat transfer
• Temperature differential – higher boiler temperatures increase heat output
• Proper sizing – correctly matching the heat exchanger to your pool volume maximises efficiency

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

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

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

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

The GK190-5117-3C is a passive heat transfer device – actual heating speed depends entirely on your boiler or heat pump capacity and site conditions.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Cupro Nickel Construction

The GK190-5117-3C features a cupro nickel tube stack – an excellent choice for chlorinated freshwater swimming pools. This copper-nickel alloy provides:

✅ Chlorinated Freshwater Pools – Ideal for standard chlorine-treated pools

✅ Excellent Heat Transfer – Copper alloys offer superior thermal conductivity

✅ Strong Corrosion Resistance – Resists degradation from pool chemicals when properly balanced

✅ Cost-Effective Durability – More affordable than titanium while offering excellent longevity

✅ Proven Track Record – Widely used in commercial pool installations worldwide

Water Chemistry Requirements (Manufacturer Specified)

Parameter	Required Range
Free Chlorine	1.0 – 3.0 ppm
pH Level	7.2 – 7.8
Calcium Hardness	200 – 400 ppm
Total Alkalinity	100 – 150 ppm
Bromine	2.0 – 4.0 ppm
Chloride	Less than 150 ppm

⚠️ Important: Cupro nickel heat exchangers should NOT be used with salt water chlorinators or salt water pools. For saline applications, choose the Bowman titanium variant (GK190-5117-3T).

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

The Bowman GK190-5117-3C is specifically designed for large-scale commercial heating applications:

🏊‍♂️ Olympic & Competition Pools – Sized for pools up to 660,000 litres with high-demand heating requirements

🏢 Commercial Leisure Centres – Reliable heating for public swimming facilities with continuous operation

🌊 Water Parks – High-capacity heat transfer for multiple pools and water features

🏨 Hotel & Resort Pools – Premium heating performance for hospitality venues

🎓 School & University Pools – Robust solution for educational facility aquatic centres

🔥 Boiler Integration – Designed for connection to gas, oil, or biomass boiler systems

⚡ Combined Heat & Power (CHP) – Compatible with CHP waste heat recovery systems

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Requirements

• Orientation: Can be installed horizontally or vertically
• Location: Must be installed in a frost-free, dry area with non-aggressive atmosphere
• Access: Ensure adequate space for maintenance and end cover removal
• Counter-Flow: Pool water and boiler water MUST flow in opposite directions

Connection Requirements

• Pool Water Side: Flanged PN6/10/16 DN100 connections (8 × Ø18mm holes on 180mm PCD for PN10/16)
• Boiler Water Side: 2″ BSP threaded connections
• Isolation Valves: Recommended on both circuits for maintenance access

Flow Direction

⚠️ Critical: The heat exchanger MUST be installed in counter-flow configuration. Pool water and boiler water must travel in opposite directions. Failure to install correctly will significantly reduce performance.

System Integration

• Install downstream of pool pump and filtration equipment
• Boiler circuit must be pump-assisted with anti-airlock provisions
• Chemical dosing systems must be fitted DOWNSTREAM of the heat exchanger with non-return valve
• Pool water thermostat should be installed on the inlet side before the heat exchanger

Professional Installation

⚠️ Bowman recommend professional installation by a qualified plumber or heating engineer. This ensures correct commissioning, compliance with regulations, and validates the manufacturer warranty.

📥 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 has been engineering heat transfer solutions since the early 1900s

✅ British Design & Manufacturing – Designed and built in Birmingham, UK to exacting quality standards

✅ 60+ Years in Pool Heating – Bowman have been the leading swimming pool heat exchanger manufacturer for over six decades

✅ Tens of Thousands Installed Worldwide – From domestic spas to Olympic facilities, Bowman units operate reliably across the globe

✅ 12 Month Manufacturing Warranty – Comprehensive guarantee against manufacturing defects

✅ Easy Maintenance Design – Removable end covers and tube stacks allow simple cleaning and servicing

✅ Comprehensive Spare Parts Availability – Full range of replacement O-seals, tube stacks, and components

✅ ISO Quality Certified – Manufactured under FM38224 quality management certification

🛒 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

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

✅ Technical Support – Advice on sizing, compatibility, and installation requirements

✅ Competitive Pricing – Trade and retail pricing on Bowman heat exchangers

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

✅ Genuine Bowman Products – Authorised stockist of original Bowman equipment

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

✨ Summary

The Bowman GK190-5117-3C Cupro Nickel Heat Exchanger delivers professional-grade 556kW heating capacity for large commercial aquatic facilities. With British-engineered quality, robust cupro nickel construction, and proven reliability across tens of thousands of installations worldwide, this unit provides the high-performance heat transfer solution your project demands. Backed by Bowman’s 100+ years of heat transfer expertise and comprehensive manufacturer warranty.