🔥 Bowman FC160-5114-5T-SP Solar Series Heat Exchanger | 130kW (444,000 BTU) Titanium

☀️ Commercial-Grade Titanium Heat Exchanger Engineered for Maximum Solar & Heat Pump Performance

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman FC160-5114-5T-SP represents the pinnacle of solar thermal heat exchange technology, purpose-built for commercial swimming pool applications. This premium titanium model from Bowman’s renowned FC160 Solar Series delivers exceptional heat transfer performance when connected to solar panel arrays or heat pump systems.

Featuring a full titanium tube stack backed by an industry-leading 10-year guarantee, this heat exchanger provides ultimate corrosion resistance for any water type, including salt water and aggressive chemical treatments. The FC160 design incorporates more heat transfer tubes than competitor products, enabling faster pool heat-up times while reducing energy consumption and operational costs.

Engineered by E.J. Bowman – specialists in heat transfer technology for over 100 years – this unit combines British manufacturing excellence with proven reliability. Tens of thousands of Bowman heat exchangers operate efficiently worldwide, from luxury spas to Olympic swimming pools.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 130kW (444,000 BTU/hr) heat transfer capacity at 70°C solar/heat pump water temperature – optimised for commercial-scale renewable heating systems

✅ Full titanium tube stack construction – the ultimate ‘fit and forget’ material, capable of withstanding attack from all known pool chemicals indefinitely

✅ 10-year guarantee on titanium components – covers all titanium material in contact with pool water for complete peace of mind

✅ Universal water compatibility – suitable for salt water pools, salt water chlorinators, chlorinated pools, and all chemical treatment systems

✅ Commercial pool capacity – rated for pools up to 200,000 litres (44,000 gallons) at 70°C source temperature

✅ High flow rate capability – handles up to 23.0 m³/h (380 l/min) pool water flow for large-scale installations

✅ Removable tube stack design – enables simple maintenance, cleaning, and inspection without system disconnection

✅ Integral thermostat pocket – Ø7 x 52mm pocket on inlet end for accurate pool water temperature monitoring

✅ Flexible mounting options – install vertically or horizontally with supplied mounting brackets

✅ Solvent weld pool connections – Ø60.3/63mm (DN50) adaptors accommodate both metric and imperial pipework

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	FC160-5114-5T-SP
Series	FC160 Solar Series
Shell Material	Cast Iron Composite
Tube Stack Material	Titanium
Heat Output @ 70°C Source	130 kW / 444,000 BTU/hr
Heat Output @ 60°C Source	96 kW / 325,000 BTU/hr
Heat Output @ 45°C Source	47 kW / 160,000 BTU/hr
Max Pool Volume @ 70°C	200,000 litres / 44,000 gallons
Max Pool Volume @ 60°C	180,000 litres / 40,000 gallons
Max Pool Volume @ 45°C	94,000 litres / 20,600 gallons
Solar/Heat Pump Flow Rate	4.5 m³/h (76 l/min)
Maximum Pool Water Flow	23.0 m³/h (380 l/min)
Max Operating Pressure	6 bar (both circuits)
Max Operating Temperature	110°C (heating side) / 100°C (pool side)
Connections – Primary (Solar/HP)	1″ BSP Threaded
Connections – Secondary (Pool)	Solvent Weld Ø60.3/Ø63mm (DN50)
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7 x 52mm (Inlet End)
Overall Length	942 mm
Shell Diameter	108 mm
Weight (Dry)	15 kg
Warranty – General	12 months
Warranty – Titanium Components	10 years

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

The FC160-5114-5T-SP is specifically designed to maximise heat extraction from lower-temperature renewable energy sources, delivering superior performance compared to standard boiler-rated heat exchangers.

🏊 Pool Heating Performance by Source Temperature

At 70°C Solar/Heat Pump Water:

• Heat Output: 130 kW (444,000 BTU/hr)
• Suitable for pools up to: 200,000 litres (44,000 gallons)
• Primary Flow Rate: 4.5 m³/h (76 l/min)

At 60°C Solar/Heat Pump Water:

• Heat Output: 96 kW (325,000 BTU/hr)
• Suitable for pools up to: 180,000 litres (40,000 gallons)
• Primary Flow Rate: 4.5 m³/h (76 l/min)

At 45°C Heat Pump Water:

• Heat Output: 47 kW (160,000 BTU/hr)
• Suitable for pools up to: 94,000 litres (20,600 gallons)
• Primary Flow Rate: 4.5 m³/h (76 l/min)

⚡ Efficiency Factors

The Bowman FC160 Solar Series incorporates more heat transfer tubes than most competitor products, enabling pools to heat up to three times faster. Key factors affecting performance include:

• Solar collector or heat pump output capacity (kW rating)
• Source water temperature from renewable system
• Pool water flow rate optimisation (maximum 23.0 m³/h)
• Counter-flow installation configuration (mandatory for optimal performance)
• Temperature differential between source and pool water

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

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

• Heat source output (solar array kW rating or heat pump capacity)
• Ambient temperature and weather conditions
• Pool insulation and cover usage
• Desired temperature rise
• Starting water temperature
• Geographic location and solar irradiance

Performance Variables to Consider

Factor	Impact on Heating Time
Solar array size	Directly proportional – larger arrays = faster heating
Heat pump kW output	Higher output = faster heating
Pool cover usage	Can reduce heat loss by up to 50%
Ambient temperature	Colder conditions = longer heating times
Wind exposure	Increases surface heat loss
Pool surface area	Larger surface = greater heat loss

ℹ️ Note: The manufacturer does not provide specific heat-up time calculations as these depend entirely on your heat source capacity and installation conditions. The heat exchanger is a passive device that transfers heat from your solar panels or heat pump to the pool water – the heating speed is determined by your heat source, not the heat exchanger itself.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Why Titanium?

Titanium is the ultimate material choice for swimming pool heat exchangers, offering unmatched performance in aggressive water conditions:

✅ Universal Chemical Compatibility – Withstands attack from all known pool chemicals indefinitely

✅ Salt Water Approved – Fully compatible with salt water pools and salt water chlorinators

✅ No Galvanic Corrosion – Eliminates the possibility of galvanic reaction between dissimilar materials, a major cause of premature heat exchanger failure

✅ Higher Flow Rates – Titanium’s superior corrosion resistance allows operation at higher flow rates than other materials, potentially enabling smaller unit selection

✅ Longest Service Life – The ‘fit and forget’ solution backed by a 10-year titanium guarantee

Titanium Water Quality Parameters

Parameter	Acceptable Range
Free Chlorine	Up to 15.0 ppm max
pH	6.8 – 8.0
Calcium Hardness	200 – 1000 ppm
Alkalinity	100 – 150 ppm
Bromine	Up to 15.0 ppm max
Chloride	Less than 3000 ppm

Material Comparison

Application	Recommended Material
Salt water pools	✅ Titanium
Salt water chlorinators	✅ Titanium
High chlorine environments	✅ Titanium
Aggressive chemical treatments	✅ Titanium
Chlorinated freshwater pools	Titanium or Cupro-Nickel
Standard freshwater pools	Titanium, Cupro-Nickel or Stainless Steel

❌ Note: Stainless steel heat exchangers should NOT be used with salt water chlorinators or salt water pools.

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

The Bowman FC160-5114-5T-SP is engineered for demanding commercial and high-end residential applications:

☀️ Solar Thermal Pool Heating

Optimised for integration with solar collector arrays, efficiently capturing renewable energy to heat commercial pools. The extended tube bundle design maximises heat extraction from lower-temperature solar water.

🔥 Heat Pump Integration

Purpose-designed for air source and ground source heat pump systems, maintaining efficient heat transfer at the lower operating temperatures typical of heat pump technology.

🏢 Commercial & Leisure Facilities

Ideal for leisure centres, hotels, holiday parks, and competition pools requiring reliable, high-capacity heat transfer with minimal maintenance demands.

🌊 Salt Water Installations

Full titanium construction provides complete compatibility with salt water pools and salt water chlorination systems – no corrosion concerns.

🏊 Large Residential Pools

Perfect for luxury homes with substantial pool volumes requiring commercial-grade heating performance and long-term reliability.

🌍 Renewable Energy Projects

Supporting carbon reduction initiatives by efficiently coupling pools with sustainable heat sources, reducing CO₂ emissions and energy costs.

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Options

The FC160-5114-5T-SP can be installed vertically or horizontally using the supplied mounting brackets. Ensure adequate access space for future maintenance and tube stack inspection.

Counter-Flow Configuration (Mandatory)

The heat exchanger must be installed in counter-flow arrangement – pool water flows in the opposite direction to the solar/heat pump water. Failure to install correctly will significantly reduce performance.

Connection Requirements

• Solar/Heat Pump Side: 1″ BSP threaded connections
• Pool Water Side: Solvent weld Ø60.3/63mm (DN50) adaptors – compatible with metric 63mm or imperial 2″ NPS (60.3mm) pipework
• Pipe Engagement: Minimum 38mm pipe depth into end covers for secure, watertight seal

Installation Position

• Install downstream of pool pumping and filtration equipment
• Solar/heat pump circuit must be pump-assisted
• Ensure proper air purging to prevent air locks
• Install in frost-free, dry location with non-aggressive atmosphere

Thermostat Installation

Utilise the integral Ø7 x 52mm thermostat pocket located on the pool water inlet end. Install thermostat to control heat source based on desired pool temperature.

Chemical Dosing

If automatic dosing systems are used, install downstream of the heat exchanger incorporating a non-return valve. Prevent chemical gases from entering the heat exchanger when filtration is inactive.

⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended: For warranty compliance and optimal performance, we strongly 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

✅ British Manufacturing Excellence – Designed and manufactured by E.J. Bowman in Birmingham, UK, with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise

✅ Industry-Leading 10-Year Titanium Guarantee – Comprehensive coverage on all titanium material in contact with pool water

✅ Proven Global Performance – Tens of thousands of units operating reliably worldwide, from Russian Olympic facilities to Australian outback spas

✅ Superior Heat Transfer Design – More tubes than competitors, heating pools up to three times faster while reducing energy consumption

✅ Complete Range Availability – From domestic spas to Olympic pools, Bowman offers the right solution for every application

✅ Easy Maintenance – Removable tube stack and end covers enable simple cleaning without specialist tools

✅ Universal Fit Components – Adaptors and fittings designed for compatibility with both metric and imperial pipework systems

🛒 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Pool Heating Specialists – Expert knowledge of Bowman products and swimming pool heating systems

✅ Technical Advice Available – Our team can help you select the right heat exchanger for your pool size and heat source

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

✅ Competitive Pricing – Trade and retail pricing on genuine Bowman products

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

✅ Full Bowman Range Stocked – Access to the complete swimming pool heat exchanger range and replacement components

✨ Summary

The Bowman FC160-5114-5T-SP Solar Series Heat Exchanger represents the ultimate choice for commercial swimming pool heating with solar panels or heat pumps. With 130kW (444,000 BTU/hr) heat transfer capacity, full titanium construction backed by a 10-year guarantee, and compatibility with all water types including salt water, this British-manufactured unit delivers uncompromising performance for pools up to 200,000 litres. Trust Bowman – the world leader in swimming pool heat exchangers for over 60 years.