🔥 Bowman FC100-5114-2S Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger | 98kW (334,000 BTU/hr) Pool Heating
🌡️ High-Capacity Commercial-Grade Heat Exchanger for Pools up to 180m³ – British Engineering Excellence
📋 Product Overview
The Bowman FC100-5114-2S is a premium shell and tube heat exchanger engineered by EJ Bowman, a British manufacturer with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise. This stainless steel model delivers exceptional thermal performance for large residential and commercial swimming pools up to 180m³ (39,500 gallons).
Designed for seamless integration with boiler heating systems, the FC100-5114-2S transfers heat from your primary heat source to pool water with remarkable efficiency. The unit features a removable tube stack design for straightforward maintenance, solvent weld end covers with an integral thermostat pocket, and flexible mounting options for both horizontal and vertical installation.
Built for freshwater chlorinated pools, this heat exchanger combines robust stainless steel tube construction with proven Bowman engineering. Whether you’re heating a large home pool, spa facility, or commercial installation, the FC100-5114-2S delivers consistent, reliable performance backed by decades of British manufacturing heritage.
⭐ Key Features
✅ High Heat Transfer Capacity – Up to 98kW (334,000 BTU/hr) at optimal flow conditions with 82°C boiler water
✅ Stainless Steel Tube Construction – Durable, corrosion-resistant tubes designed for freshwater chlorinated pools
✅ Large Pool Capacity – Suitable for pools up to 180m³ (39,500 gallons)
✅ Flexible Installation – Can be mounted horizontally or vertically with included mounting brackets
✅ Integral Thermostat Pocket – Built-in Ø7 x 52mm thermostat pocket on inlet end for temperature monitoring
✅ Easy Maintenance Access – Removable tube stack design allows simple disassembly for routine cleaning and inspection
✅ High Flow Capability – Maximum pool water flow of 22.8m³/h (380 l/min) for rapid heat transfer
✅ Solvent Weld End Covers – 63mm Ø connections for secure, leak-free pool water connections
✅ 1″ BSP Boiler Connections – Standard threaded connections for easy integration with heating systems
✅ Compact Lightweight Design – Only 8.8kg dry weight for straightforward handling and installation
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | FC100-5114-2S |
| Heat Output (82°C Boiler, 100 l/min) | 98kW (334,000 BTU/hr) |
| Heat Output (60°C Boiler, 100 l/min) | 56kW (191,000 BTU/hr) |
| Shell Material | Steel |
| Tube Material | Stainless Steel |
| Typical Pool Capacity | 180m³ (39,500 gallons) |
| Maximum Pool Water Flow | 22.8m³/h (380 l/min) |
| Recommended Pool Water Flow | 350 l/min (for optimal heat transfer) |
| Max Operating Pressure (Pool Water) | 6 bar (87 psi) |
| Max Operating Pressure (Hot Water) | 6 bar (87 psi) |
| Max Hot Water Temperature | 110°C (230°F) |
| Pool Water Connections | 63mm Ø Solvent Weld |
| Boiler Water Connections | 1″ BSP (Inlet & Outlet) |
| Overall Length | 570mm |
| Diameter | 108mm |
| Weight (Dry) | 8.8 kg |
| Thermostat Pocket | Ø7 x 52mm (Inlet End) |
| Mounting Hole Diameter | Ø7mm |
All specifications sourced directly from EJ Bowman manufacturer documentation (February 2017)
📊 Heat Transfer Performance
The FC100-5114-2S delivers variable heat output depending on your boiler water temperature and flow rate. The table below shows verified heat transfer rates from manufacturer testing:
🔥 Heat Transfer at Various Boiler Temperatures
(Pool water flow: 350 l/min at 28°C)
| Hot Water Flow Rate | 82°C Boiler | 70°C Boiler | 60°C Boiler | 45°C Boiler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 l/min | 56 kW | 43 kW | 32 kW | 17 kW |
| 45 l/min | 69 kW | 53 kW | 40 kW | 21 kW |
| 60 l/min | 79 kW | 61 kW | 45 kW | 23 kW |
| 75 l/min | 87 kW | 67 kW | 50 kW | 26 kW |
| 90 l/min | 94 kW | 72 kW | 54 kW | 28 kW |
| 100 l/min | 98 kW | 75 kW | 56 kW | 29 kW |
Data sourced from EJ Bowman FC100-5114-2 Product Profile
⚡ Efficiency Factors
Understanding the relationship between flow rate and heat transfer is essential for optimal performance:
- Higher boiler temperatures = Greater heat transfer capacity
- Increased flow rates = More efficient heat exchange
- Maintaining 350 l/min pool water flow = Optimal tube-side performance
- Correct sizing of heat source = Critical for achieving rated output
⚠️ Important: If the flow rate of either the hot water supply or 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.
For detailed guidance, visit: https://ej-bowman.com/knowledge-centre/why-doesn’t-my-pool-heat-up-faster/
⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance
⚠️ Heat-up times vary significantly based on multiple factors including:
- Heat source output (boiler kW rating)
- Starting water temperature
- Target water temperature
- Ambient/outdoor temperature
- Pool cover usage and insulation
- Heat exchanger sizing match
- Weather and wind conditions
ℹ️ Understanding Heat Exchanger Performance
The Bowman FC100-5114-2S is a passive heat transfer device – it does not generate heat itself but transfers heat from your boiler or heat pump to the pool water. Your actual heating times depend entirely on:
- Your heat source capacity – A 100kW boiler will heat faster than a 50kW boiler
- Temperature differential – The gap between your current pool temperature and target temperature
- Heat losses – Uncovered pools lose significant heat, especially in cooler weather
- Pool volume – Larger pools require more energy to heat
🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide
Stainless Steel Construction
The FC100-5114-2S features stainless steel tubes designed specifically for freshwater swimming pool applications:
✅ Freshwater chlorinated pools – Fully compatible with standard pool sanitisation
✅ Good corrosion resistance – Stainless steel provides reliable durability in freshwater environments
✅ Cost-effective solution – More economical than titanium while offering excellent performance
✅ Standard pool chemicals – Compatible with typical chlorine-based treatment systems
⚠️ Critical Compatibility Warning
❌ NOT suitable for use with salt water chlorinators
❌ NOT suitable for salt water pools
❌ NOT suitable for mineral-rich water with high chloride content
For salt water or chlorinator installations, consider the FC100-5114-2T (Titanium) or FC100-5114-2C (Cupro-Nickel) models.
Material Comparison – FC100 Range
| Model | Tube Material | Best For | Salt Water Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC100-5114-2S | Stainless Steel | Freshwater chlorinated pools | ❌ No |
| FC100-5114-2C | Cupro-Nickel | Chlorinated freshwater, moderate mineral content | ❌ No |
| FC100-5114-2T | Titanium | Salt water, chlorinators, maximum corrosion resistance | ✅ Yes |
🎯 Applications & Use Cases
The Bowman FC100-5114-2S is engineered for demanding heating applications where reliability and capacity are essential:
🏊♂️ Large Residential Pools
Ideal for substantial home pools up to 180m³ requiring efficient boiler-fed heating with consistent temperature control.
🏢 Commercial Pool Facilities
Perfect for leisure centres, hotels, holiday parks, and fitness clubs with freshwater pools requiring high-capacity heat exchange.
🛁 Spa & Wellness Centres
Suitable for large spa installations and wellness facilities where rapid heat-up and temperature maintenance are priorities.
🔥 Boiler Integration
Designed primarily for gas, oil, or biomass boiler systems – the 1″ BSP connections and high-temperature rating (110°C) ensure seamless integration.
☀️ Solar Thermal Systems
Can be integrated with solar heating installations as part of a hybrid heating solution.
🏫 Schools & Educational Facilities
Reliable choice for institutional pools where durability and ease of maintenance are paramount.
🔨 Installation Considerations
Mounting Options
The FC100-5114-2S can be installed in either orientation:
✅ Horizontal mounting – Most common configuration with included mounting brackets
✅ Vertical mounting – Alternative option where space constraints require
Connection Requirements
- Pool Water (Tube Side): 63mm Ø solvent weld connections
- Boiler Water (Shell Side): 1″ BSP threaded connections
- Thermostat Pocket: Ø7 x 52mm located on inlet end
Flow Direction
⚠️ Critical: Ensure correct flow direction through the heat exchanger:
- Boiler water enters and exits via 1″ BSP connections (shell side)
- Pool water flows through the tube core via 63mm connections
System Integration
As shown in the manufacturer installation diagram:
- Install heat exchanger in the pool return line, after the filter
- Position isolation valves on both the boiler circuit and pool circuit
- Install a non-return valve in the boiler supply line
- If using automatic chemical dosing, install AFTER the heat exchanger on the return to pool
Space Requirements
- Overall length: 570mm
- Diameter: 108mm
- Allow adequate clearance for tube stack removal during maintenance
⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended
For warranty compliance and optimal performance, professional installation by a qualified heating engineer is strongly recommended. Incorrect installation can affect performance and may void warranty coverage.
📥 Downloads & Resources
📄 Bowman FC100-5114-2 Product Brochure – Complete technical specifications, dimensions, and performance data (PDF)
🏆 Why Choose Bowman Heat Exchangers
✅ 100+ Years of Expertise – EJ Bowman has been manufacturing heat transfer equipment since the early 1900s, establishing unrivalled expertise in the field
✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and manufactured in Birmingham, UK, with rigorous quality control standards
✅ Proven Performance – Trusted by installers and pool professionals worldwide for reliable, consistent heat transfer
✅ Comprehensive Range – Available in Titanium, Cupro-Nickel, and Stainless Steel to match any water chemistry requirement
✅ Easy Maintenance Design – Removable tube stack allows simple inspection and cleaning without specialist tools
✅ Technical Support – Backed by EJ Bowman’s engineering team and extensive knowledge centre resources
🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs
✅ UK-Based Specialist – Dedicated pool and spa parts supplier with expert product knowledge
✅ Technical Advice – Our team can help you select the right heat exchanger for your specific application
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch to get your project moving
✅ Competitive Pricing – Excellent value on genuine Bowman heat exchangers
✅ After-Sales Support – We’re here to help with any questions after your purchase
✅ Full Product Range – Access to the complete Bowman swimming pool heat exchanger range
✨ Summary
The Bowman FC100-5114-2S represents the ideal balance of performance, durability, and value for large freshwater swimming pools. With heat transfer capacity up to 98kW and suitability for pools up to 180m³, this British-engineered stainless steel heat exchanger delivers reliable, efficient heating season after season. Backed by Bowman’s century of expertise and designed for straightforward installation and maintenance, the FC100-5114-2S is the professional choice for demanding pool heating applications.





















