🔥 Bowman EC160 Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger – 75kW (256,000 BTU) Solar & Heat Pump Optimised

☀️ Premium British-Made Heat Transfer Solution for Solar Panels & Renewable Energy Pool Heating Systems

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman EC160-5113-5C Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger represents the pinnacle of solar and renewable energy pool heating technology. Engineered specifically for lower temperature heat sources such as solar thermal panels and heat pumps, this 75kW unit delivers exceptional heat transfer performance with outstanding durability.

Featuring a robust Cupro-Nickel tubestack construction, this heat exchanger efficiently transfers thermal energy from your solar system or heat pump to your pool water. The shell-and-tube design creates a large surface area for optimal heat exchange, whilst the counter-flow configuration maximises efficiency. With over 100 years of heat transfer expertise, Bowman has designed this unit to heat pools up to three times faster than competitor products, reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

Ideal for domestic and light commercial pools up to 120,000 litres (26,000 gallons), this heat exchanger is the perfect choice for environmentally conscious pool owners seeking to harness renewable energy for comfortable, cost-effective pool heating.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 75kW Heat Transfer Capacity – Delivers 256,000 BTU/hr at 70°C source temperature for rapid, efficient pool heating

✅ Cupro-Nickel Tubestack Construction – Superior corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools with excellent thermal conductivity

✅ Solar & Heat Pump Optimised Design – Specifically engineered for lower temperature renewable energy sources (45°C–70°C)

✅ High Flow Rate Capability – Handles up to 15.0 m³/h (250 l/min) pool water flow and 3.0 m³/h (50 l/min) solar/heat pump flow

✅ 6 Bar Maximum Operating Pressure – Industrial-grade construction suitable for demanding installations

✅ Universal Fit End Covers – Compatible with both metric (50mm) and imperial (48mm/1½” NPS) pool pipework

✅ Integral Thermostat Pocket – Built-in Ø7 x 40mm pocket for accurate temperature monitoring at pool water inlet

✅ Flexible Mounting Options – Install horizontally or vertically to suit your plant room layout

✅ Compact Design – Space-efficient 768mm length fits easily into existing installations

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

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	EC160-5113-5C
Heat Output (70°C Source)	75 kW / 256,000 BTU/hr
Heat Output (60°C Source)	55 kW / 190,000 BTU/hr
Heat Output (45°C Source)	27 kW / 92,000 BTU/hr
Shell Material	Cast Iron Body
Tube Material	Cupro-Nickel
Max Pool Volume (70°C Source)	120,000 litres / 26,000 gallons
Max Pool Volume (60°C Source)	110,000 litres / 24,000 gallons
Max Pool Volume (45°C Source)	52,000 litres / 11,400 gallons
Primary Flow Rate (Solar/Heat Pump)	3.0 m³/h / 50 l/min
Secondary Flow Rate (Pool Water)	15.0 m³/h / 250 l/min (maximum)
Max Operating Pressure	6 bar (both sides)
Max Operating Temperature (Heating Side)	110°C
Max Operating Temperature (Pool Side)	100°C
Connections (Solar/Heat Pump)	3/4″ BSP threaded
Connections (Pool Water)	Solvent Weld Ø48/Ø50mm (DN40 Pipe)
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7 x 40mm (inlet end)
Overall Length	768mm
Body Diameter	86mm
Weight (Dry)	8.5 kg

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

🏊 Pool Heating Performance

This heat exchanger’s output varies based on your heat source temperature. Bowman has optimised this unit specifically for renewable energy applications where source temperatures are typically lower than traditional boilers.

Heat Output by Source Temperature:

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

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

⚡ Efficiency Factors

The heat transfer performance depends on several key variables:

• Source water temperature – Higher temperatures from your solar panels or heat pump increase heat transfer capacity
• Flow rate optimisation – Maintaining optimal flow rates on both circuits maximises efficiency
• Counter-flow installation – Essential for achieving rated performance (pool water flows opposite to heating water)
• Correct sizing – Matching heat exchanger capacity to your heat source and pool volume

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

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

• Heat source output (solar panel array size or heat pump kW rating)
• Starting water temperature and desired temperature rise
• Ambient/outdoor temperature and weather conditions
• Pool cover usage and insulation
• Pool surface area and heat loss characteristics
• Geographic location and solar irradiance (for solar systems)

The heat exchanger itself is a passive device that transfers heat from your heat source to your pool. The actual heating time is primarily determined by your heat source capacity, not the heat exchanger rating.

Example Scenario: A properly sized solar thermal system generating 70°C water through this 75kW heat exchanger can transfer up to 75 kW of thermal energy to your pool per hour. For a 50,000-litre pool requiring a 10°C temperature rise (approximately 580 kWh total energy required), the theoretical heating time would depend entirely on how many hours per day your solar system operates at peak output.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Cupro-Nickel Construction

This EC160-5113-5C model features a Cupro-Nickel tubestack, offering an excellent balance of corrosion resistance, heat transfer efficiency, and value. Cupro-Nickel is an alloy of copper and nickel that provides superior performance in chlorinated pool water environments.

✅ Cupro-Nickel is Suitable For:

• ✅ Chlorinated freshwater swimming pools
• ✅ Bromine-treated pools
• ✅ Standard chemical treatment systems
• ✅ Domestic and light commercial installations

❌ Cupro-Nickel is NOT Suitable For:

• ❌ Salt water chlorinator systems
• ❌ Salt water pools
• ❌ High chloride environments (>150 ppm)

For salt water applications, choose Bowman Titanium models instead.

Recommended Water Chemistry Limits (Cupro-Nickel)

Parameter	Recommended Range
Free Chlorine	1.0 – 3.0 ppm
pH	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: Maintaining correct water chemistry is essential for the longevity of your heat exchanger. Daily pH checks are recommended, with levels never falling below 7.2 or rising above 7.8.

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

This Bowman EC160 75kW Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger is specifically designed for renewable energy pool heating applications:

☀️ Solar Thermal Pool Heating

Ideal for transferring heat from evacuated tube or flat plate solar collectors to your pool. Optimised for the variable temperatures typical of solar thermal systems.

🌡️ Heat Pump Integration

Perfect for air-source or ground-source heat pump pool heating systems. Efficiently transfers heat from heat pump circuits operating at 45°C–60°C.

🏊‍♂️ Domestic Swimming Pools

Suitable for residential pools up to 120,000 litres when paired with an appropriately sized heat source.

🏢 Light Commercial Applications

Holiday parks, small hotels, and leisure facilities seeking energy-efficient renewable pool heating solutions.

🔄 Hybrid Heating Systems

Can be used in combination with boiler backup systems for year-round pool heating with renewable energy priority.

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting & Positioning

• ✅ Can be mounted horizontally or vertically to suit your plant room layout
• ✅ Install in a frost-free, dry location with non-aggressive atmosphere
• ✅ Ensure easy access for assembly, disassembly, and maintenance
• ✅ Position downstream of pumping and filtration equipment

Connection Requirements

• Pool Water: Solvent weld connections for Ø48mm or Ø50mm (DN40) pipe using Universal Fit end covers
• Solar/Heat Pump: 3/4″ BSP threaded connections

Critical Installation Points

⚠️ Counter-Flow Installation is ESSENTIAL – Pool water must flow in the opposite direction to the heating water. Failure to install in counter-flow configuration will significantly reduce performance.

⚠️ Thermostat Positioning – Install pool thermostat in the integral pocket on the pool water inlet side for accurate temperature monitoring.

⚠️ Chemical Dosing – Automatic dosing systems must be installed after the heat exchanger (downstream) with a non-return valve to prevent chemical damage.

⚠️ Flow Rates – Do not exceed maximum pool water flow rate of 15.0 m³/h (250 l/min).

Professional Installation

We strongly recommend professional installation by a qualified plumber or pool engineer. This ensures:

• Correct counter-flow configuration
• Proper connection to solar/heat pump primary circuit
• Compliance with manufacturer guidelines
• Valid warranty coverage

📥 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 – Bowman has been manufacturing heat exchangers since the early 1900s, with over 60 years specialising in swimming pool applications

✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and built in Birmingham, UK to the highest quality standards (ISO FM38224 certified)

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

✅ Superior Heat Transfer Design – More heat transfer tubes than most competitors, heating pools up to three times faster

✅ Industry-Leading Warranty – 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects, with 10-year warranty available on Titanium models

✅ Complete Range Availability – Full selection of sizes from 20kW to over 1,000kW in Cupro-Nickel, Stainless Steel, and Titanium

✅ Comprehensive Spare Parts Support – All replacement parts readily available for long-term serviceability

🛒 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Pool Equipment Specialists – Dedicated expertise in pool and spa heating solutions

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

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Bowman products

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

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

✅ Genuine Manufacturer Stock – Authentic Bowman products with full warranty support

✨ Summary

The Bowman EC160-5113-5C 75kW Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger is the ideal choice for pool owners seeking to harness solar thermal or heat pump technology for efficient, environmentally-friendly pool heating. With its robust Cupro-Nickel construction, high flow capacity, and optimised design for renewable energy sources, this British-manufactured heat exchanger delivers exceptional performance for pools up to 120,000 litres. Backed by Bowman’s century of heat transfer expertise and Parts4Tubs’ specialist support, you can invest with confidence in a premium heating solution built to last.