🔥 Bowman EC120-5113-3C Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger | 70kW (240,000 BTU/hr)

🌡️ High-Capacity Pool Heating for Pools Up to 120m³ – Trusted British Engineering with Superior Corrosion Resistance

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman EC120-5113-3C is a high-performance cupro-nickel swimming pool heat exchanger engineered for larger residential and small commercial pool installations. With over 60 years of swimming pool heat exchanger manufacturing expertise, Bowman delivers exceptional heat transfer technology that heats pools up to three times faster than standard units.

This model features a robust cupro-nickel tube stack specifically designed for chlorinated freshwater pools, offering excellent corrosion resistance and efficient thermal conductivity. The compact shell-and-tube design maximises heat transfer while minimising installation space, making it ideal for plant rooms where efficiency matters.

The EC120-5113-3C delivers an impressive 70kW (240,000 BTU/hr) output when connected to an 82°C boiler system, capable of heating pools up to 120m³ (26,000 gallons). Whether you’re upgrading an existing heating system or installing new, this Bowman heat exchanger represents the perfect balance of performance, durability, and value for substantial pool installations.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Powerful 70kW Heat Output – Delivers up to 240,000 BTU/hr with 82°C boiler water for rapid pool heating

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

✅ Universal Fit End Covers – Composite end covers accommodate both metric 50mm (DN40) and imperial 1½” NPS pipework

✅ Large Pool Capacity – Suitable for pools up to 120m³ (26,000 gallons) with boiler systems

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

✅ Flexible Mounting Options – Install vertically or horizontally with included mounting brackets

✅ Easy Maintenance Access – Removable tube stack and end covers for straightforward cleaning and servicing

✅ Solvent Weld Connections – Direct integration into pool pipework without threaded adaptors

✅ Compact Footprint – Only 542mm overall length and 5.5kg weight for space-efficient installation

✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and built by Bowman, the acknowledged brand leader in pool heat exchangers

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	EC120-5113-3C
Heat Output (82°C Boiler)	70kW / 240,000 BTU/hr
Heat Output (60°C Boiler)	40kW / 135,000 BTU/hr
Shell Material	Cast Iron with Composite End Covers
Tube Stack Material	Cupro-Nickel
Maximum Pool Volume	120m³ / 26,000 gallons
Boiler Water Flow Rate	3.6m³/hr (60 l/min)
Maximum Pool Water Flow	13.5m³/hr (225 l/min)
Max Operating Pressure	6 bar (both circuits)
Max Operating Temperature (Heating)	110°C
Max Operating Temperature (Pool)	100°C
Primary Connections (Boiler)	3/4″ BSP Threaded
Secondary Connections (Pool)	Solvent Weld Ø48/Ø50mm (DN40 Pipe)
Overall Length	542mm
Body Diameter	86mm
Weight (Dry)	5.5kg
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7 x 40mm (Inlet End)
Mounting Holes	Ø7mm

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

🏊 Pool Heating Performance with Boiler Systems

The EC120-5113-3C delivers outstanding heat transfer capabilities across different boiler water temperatures:

Boiler Temperature	Heat Output	Suitable Pool Volume
82°C	70kW (240,000 BTU/hr)	Up to 120m³ (26,000 gal)
60°C	40kW (135,000 BTU/hr)	Up to 120m³ (26,000 gal)

☀️ Performance with Solar Panels & Heat Pumps

When used with lower temperature heat sources, the EC120-5113-3C provides:

Heat Source Temperature	Heat Output	Suitable Pool Volume	Primary Flow Rate
70°C	30kW (102,000 BTU/hr)	Up to 50m³ (11,000 gal)	1.5m³/hr (25 l/min)
60°C	20kW (68,000 BTU/hr)	Up to 40m³ (8,800 gal)	1.5m³/hr (25 l/min)
45°C	10kW (34,000 BTU/hr)	Up to 20m³ (4,400 gal)	1.5m³/hr (25 l/min)

⚡ Efficiency Note: Performance figures are based on achieving a pool water temperature of 30°C. The heat exchanger must be installed in counter-flow configuration (pool water flowing opposite to heating water) to achieve optimal performance.

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

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

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

The EC120-5113-3C is a passive heat transfer device – actual heating times depend entirely on your heat source capacity and installation conditions.

🔥 What We Can Confirm (From Manufacturer Data):

• With a correctly sized boiler at 82°C, this unit transfers 70kW of heat energy
• Bowman states their units heat pools “up to three times faster” than standard heat exchangers due to increased tube surface area
• Counter-flow installation is essential to achieve rated performance

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Cupro-Nickel – The Smart Choice for Chlorinated Pools

The EC120-5113-3C features a cupro-nickel tube stack, offering an excellent balance of corrosion resistance, heat transfer efficiency, and value for money.

✅ Ideal For:

• Chlorinated freshwater swimming pools
• Bromine-treated pools
• Standard residential and commercial pool installations
• Boiler, heat pump, and solar thermal systems

❌ Not Recommended For:

• Salt water pools or salt water chlorinator systems
• High chloride environments (above 150 ppm)

Water Chemistry Requirements (Per Manufacturer)

Parameter	Acceptable 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: Maintaining correct water chemistry is essential to prevent corrosion and ensure long heat exchanger life. Daily pH checks are recommended.

Material Comparison Guide

Feature	Cupro-Nickel (This Model)	Stainless Steel	Titanium
Salt Water Compatible	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Chlorinated Freshwater	✅ Excellent	✅ Good	✅ Excellent
Corrosion Resistance	✅ Very Good	✅ Good	✅ Superior
Heat Transfer	✅ Excellent	✅ Good	✅ Excellent
Warranty	12 Months	12 Months	10 Years (Titanium)
Value	✅ Best Value	Budget Option	Premium

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

The Bowman EC120-5113-3C is engineered for versatile pool heating applications:

🏊‍♂️ Large Residential Pools – Perfect for domestic pools up to 120m³, delivering reliable year-round heating

🏢 Small Commercial Facilities – Ideal for boutique hotels, holiday lets, and private leisure facilities

🛁 Spa & Hot Tub Systems – Suitable for larger spa installations requiring consistent temperature maintenance

🔥 Boiler Integration – Designed for connection to gas, oil, or LPG boiler systems at temperatures up to 110°C

☀️ Solar Thermal Systems – Compatible with solar panels at 45-70°C with adjusted pool capacity ratings

⚡ Heat Pump Connection – Works effectively with air-source and ground-source heat pumps

🏠 Indoor Pool Facilities – Compact design suits plant room installations where space is at a premium

Heat Source Compatibility:

• Gas boilers (condensing and non-condensing)
• Oil-fired boilers
• LPG boilers
• Air-source heat pumps
• Ground-source heat pumps
• Solar thermal panels
• Biomass boilers

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting & Positioning

✅ Flexible Installation – Can be mounted vertically or horizontally using the supplied mounting brackets

✅ Counter-Flow Essential – Pool water must flow in the opposite direction to heating water for optimal performance

✅ Thermostat Placement – Install temperature sensor in the integral 7mm thermostat pocket on the pool water inlet side

✅ Frost-Free Location – Must be installed in a frost-free, dry area with non-aggressive atmosphere

Connection Requirements

Connection	Specification
Pool Water (Secondary)	Solvent Weld Ø48/Ø50mm (DN40 Pipe) or 1½” NPS
Boiler Water (Primary)	3/4″ BSP Threaded

Universal Fit End Covers: The EC series features ‘Universal Fit’ composite end covers accommodating both:

• Metric 50mm (DN40) pipe – 28mm deep recess
• Imperial 1½” NPS pipe – 56mm deep recess

Installation Position in System

The heat exchanger should always be installed:

1. Downstream of pumping and filtration equipment
2. Before any automatic chemical dosing systems
3. With isolation valves on all flow and return pipes
4. With a non-return valve after the dosing system

Flow Rate Guidelines

⚠️ Critical: Do not exceed maximum pool water flow rates:

• Maximum Pool Water Flow: 13.5m³/hr (225 l/min)
• Recommended Boiler Water Flow: 3.6m³/hr (60 l/min)

Space Requirements

• Overall Length: 542mm
• Body Diameter: 86mm
• Allow adequate clearance for end cover removal during maintenance

⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended: For warranty compliance and optimal performance, we recommend installation by a qualified plumber or pool heating 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

✅ 60+ Years of Expertise – Bowman have been manufacturing swimming pool heat exchangers for over six decades, establishing themselves as the acknowledged brand leader

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

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

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

✅ Comprehensive Parts Availability – Full range of spare parts readily available including tube stacks, O-seals, end covers, and mounting brackets

✅ 12-Month Warranty – All Bowman swimming pool heat exchangers guaranteed against manufacturing faults

🛒 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

✅ UK Pool Heating Specialists – Dedicated expertise in swimming pool and hot tub heating solutions

✅ Genuine Bowman Products – Authorised stockist of authentic Bowman heat exchangers and spare parts

✅ Expert Technical Advice – Our team can help with sizing, compatibility, and installation queries

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

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on premium Bowman products

✅ After-Sales Support – Ongoing assistance with spare parts, troubleshooting, and maintenance advice

✨ Summary

The Bowman EC120-5113-3C Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchanger represents the ideal solution for heating larger residential and small commercial pools up to 120m³. With its impressive 70kW output, corrosion-resistant cupro-nickel construction, and Bowman’s renowned build quality, this unit delivers reliable, efficient heat transfer season after season. The universal fit end covers, compact dimensions, and flexible mounting options make installation straightforward, while the removable tube stack ensures easy maintenance for years of dependable service. Trust Bowman – the acknowledged leader in pool heat exchanger technology.