🔥 Bowman FC100 Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger – 110kW (375,000 BTU)
🌡️ High-Performance Pool Heating for Larger Residential & Commercial Installations – British Engineering Excellence
📋 Product Overview
The Bowman FC100-5114-2S Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger delivers exceptional 110kW (375,000 BTU/hr) heating capacity, making it the ideal choice for larger swimming pools requiring reliable, efficient heat transfer. Manufactured in Birmingham, UK, by EJ Bowman – a company with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise – this professional-grade unit combines robust stainless steel tube construction with optimised flow engineering.
Designed for use with boilers, this heat exchanger efficiently transfers heat from your primary heating system to pool water through a shell-and-tube design. The stainless steel tubestack provides excellent corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools, while the compact yet powerful design ensures maximum heat transfer in a space-efficient package.
Suitable for pools up to 180,000 litres (39,500 gallons) when paired with an 82°C boiler system, this unit is perfect for large residential pools, boutique hotels, wellness centres, and commercial aquatic facilities requiring dependable year-round heating performance.
⭐ Key Features
✅ 110kW / 375,000 BTU Heat Output – Substantial heating capacity for larger pools up to 180m³ when used with 82°C boiler water
✅ Premium Stainless Steel Tubestack – Excellent corrosion resistance and durability for chlorinated freshwater applications
✅ Optimised Heat Transfer Design – More heat transfer tubes than competitor products for faster pool heating and reduced energy costs
✅ Maximum Operating Pressure: 6 Bar – Robust construction suitable for demanding installations on both heating and pool water sides
✅ Maximum Operating Temperature: 110°C – Compatible with high-temperature boiler systems for optimal performance
✅ Flexible Mounting Options – Can be installed horizontally or vertically to suit your plant room layout
✅ Integral Thermostat Pocket (Ø7 x 52mm) – Built-in provision for accurate pool water temperature monitoring
✅ Easy Maintenance Access – Removable tubestack and end covers for straightforward cleaning and servicing
✅ Counter-Flow Design – Maximises heat transfer efficiency through optimised water flow patterns
✅ 1″ BSP Boiler Connections – Industry-standard threaded connections for straightforward integration with existing heating systems
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | FC100-5114-2S |
| Heat Output (82°C Boiler Water) | 110 kW / 375,000 BTU/hr |
| Heat Output (60°C Boiler Water) | 60 kW / 205,000 BTU/hr |
| Shell Material | Cast Iron |
| Tube Material | Stainless Steel |
| Maximum Pool Volume | 180 m³ / 39,500 gallons (with 82°C boiler) |
| Boiler Water Flow Rate | 6.0 m³/hr (100 l/min) |
| Maximum Pool Water Flow Rate | 22.8 m³/hr (380 l/min) |
| Max Operating Pressure (Both Sides) | 6 bar |
| Max Operating Temperature (Heating Side) | 110°C |
| Max Operating Temperature (Pool Side) | 100°C |
| Boiler/Heating Connections | 1″ BSP Threaded |
| Pool Water Connections | Solvent Weld Ø60.3/Ø63mm (DN50 Pipe) |
| Overall Length | 570mm |
| Shell Diameter | 108mm |
| Mounting Centres | 202mm (length) x 160mm (width) |
| Weight (Dry) | 8.8 kg |
| Thermostat Pocket | Ø7 x 52mm (inlet end only) |
📊 Heat Transfer Performance
🏊 Pool Heating Capacity
The FC100-5114-2S delivers substantial heating performance that varies based on your boiler water temperature:
With 82°C Boiler Water:
- Heat Output: 110 kW (375,000 BTU/hr)
- Suitable for pools up to: 180,000 litres (39,500 gallons)
- Boiler Flow Required: 6.0 m³/hr (100 l/min)
With 60°C Boiler Water:
- Heat Output: 60 kW (205,000 BTU/hr)
- Suitable for pools up to: Reduced capacity – consult sizing guide
- Boiler Flow Required: 6.0 m³/hr (100 l/min)
⚡ Efficiency Factors
- Counter-Flow Design: Pool water flows in opposite direction to heating water, maximising temperature differential and heat transfer efficiency
- Optimised Tube Configuration: More heat transfer tubes than many competitor products, enabling faster heat-up times
- Flow Rate Matching: Ensure boiler flow rate meets the 6.0 m³/hr requirement for optimal performance
- Proper Sizing: This unit is designed for pools up to 180m³ – undersizing will result in extended heating times
⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance
⚠️ Important: Heat-up times vary significantly based on multiple factors including:
- Heat source output (boiler kW rating)
- Starting water temperature
- Target water temperature (typically 28-30°C)
- Pool cover usage (reduces heat loss by up to 75%)
- Ambient/outdoor temperature
- Pool insulation and construction
- Wind exposure (outdoor pools)
📈 Performance Context
According to Bowman manufacturer documentation, this heat exchanger range can heat pools up to three times faster than competitor products with fewer heat transfer tubes, reducing energy costs and saving money.
The performance capabilities shown in the specifications are based on achieving a pool water temperature of 30°C.
🌡️ What Affects Your Heating Time
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Boiler Capacity | Must match or exceed heat exchanger capacity for optimal performance |
| Pool Cover | Using a cover can reduce heat loss by 50-75% |
| Starting Temperature | Seasonal variation significantly affects initial heat-up time |
| Flow Rates | Achieving recommended flow rates ensures rated output |
| Pipe Insulation | Reduces heat loss in the circulation system |
ℹ️ Note: For accurate heating time calculations tailored to your specific installation, please contact our technical team who can assess your boiler capacity, pool volume, and environmental factors.
🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide
Stainless Steel Tubestack – Key Characteristics
✅ Chlorinated Freshwater Pools – Ideal for standard pool sanitisation systems
✅ Excellent Heat Transfer – Efficient thermal conductivity for effective pool heating
✅ Corrosion Resistance – Suitable for properly maintained pool water chemistry
✅ Cost-Effective Durability – Excellent balance of performance and value
✅ Wide Chemical Tolerance – Compatible with standard pool treatment chemicals
⚠️ Important Compatibility Warning
❌ NOT suitable for salt water chlorinators
❌ NOT suitable for salt water pools
Stainless steel heat exchangers should not be used with salt water chlorinators or salt water pools. For these applications, please consider:
- Titanium Tubestack – Ultimate corrosion resistance, 10-year tube guarantee
- Cupro-Nickel Tubestack – Alternative for challenging water conditions
💧 Recommended Water Chemistry (Stainless Steel)
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Free Chlorine | 1.0 – 3.0 ppm |
| pH Level | 7.2 – 7.8 |
| Calcium Hardness | 200 – 1000 ppm |
| Alkalinity | 100 – 150 ppm |
| Bromine | 2.0 – 4.0 ppm |
| Chloride | Less than 350 ppm |
🎯 Applications & Use Cases
🏊♂️ Large Residential Swimming Pools
Perfect for private pools up to 180,000 litres requiring reliable, efficient heating from existing boiler systems.
🏢 Commercial Pool Facilities
Ideal for boutique hotels, holiday parks, wellness centres, and leisure facilities requiring professional-grade heating solutions.
🔥 Boiler-Heated Installations
Designed specifically for integration with gas, oil, LPG, or biomass boiler systems operating at 60-82°C.
🌿 Renewable Energy Integration
Compatible with biomass boiler systems for environmentally conscious pool heating solutions.
🛁 Large Spa & Wellness Installations
Suitable for commercial spa facilities and large domestic wellness suites requiring substantial heating capacity.
🏨 Hospitality Sector
Trusted by hotels and resorts worldwide, including installations at the Sochi Winter Olympics 2014 resort and luxury spa destinations.
🔨 Installation Considerations
Mounting Requirements
✅ Flexible Orientation – Can be mounted horizontally or vertically
✅ Frost-Free Location – Must be installed in a frost-free, dry area with non-aggressive atmosphere
✅ Easy Access – Ensure sufficient clearance for assembly/disassembly and maintenance
Connection Requirements
| Connection Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pool Water (Primary) | Solvent Weld Ø60.3mm or Ø63mm (DN50 Pipe) |
| Boiler Water (Secondary) | 1″ BSP Threaded |
Critical Installation Points
⚠️ Counter-Flow Installation Essential – Pool water must flow in the opposite direction to heating water. Failure to install in counter-flow arrangement will significantly reduce performance.
⚠️ Thermostat Position – Install temperature thermostat on the pool water inlet side to the heat exchanger for accurate monitoring.
⚠️ Chemical Dosing – Dosing systems must be fitted downstream from the heat exchanger, incorporating a non-return valve. Chemicals must not enter the heat exchanger when filtration is not running.
⚠️ Flow Direction – Ensure correct flow direction is maintained as indicated on unit markings.
⚠️ Pump Assistance – Boiler/heating water circuit must be pump-assisted with appropriate measures to prevent air locks.
⚠️ System Inhibitor – It is recommended to add an inhibitor to the boiler circuit to protect the system against corrosion.
⚡ Professional Installation Recommended
For warranty compliance and optimal performance, professional installation by a qualified plumber/heating engineer is strongly recommended. Ensure all local regulations and building codes are followed.
📥 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 manufacturing heat exchangers since 1922, with over 60 years specifically in swimming pool applications
✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and built in Birmingham, UK, to the highest quality standards
✅ Proven Global Performance – Tens of thousands of units operating reliably and efficiently worldwide, from domestic pools to Olympic facilities
✅ Industry-Leading Heat Transfer – More tubes than competitor products for faster heating and reduced energy consumption
✅ Comprehensive Warranty – 12-month guarantee against manufacturing faults, with 10-year guarantee available on titanium tubestacks
✅ Complete Range Availability – From 20kW domestic units to 1,170kW commercial systems, with cupro-nickel, stainless steel, and titanium options
✅ Easy Maintenance – Removable tubestacks and end covers for straightforward servicing and cleaning
🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs
✅ UK-Based Specialist – Dedicated pool and spa equipment supplier with expert product knowledge
✅ Technical Support – Expert advice on sizing, installation, and compatibility for your specific requirements
✅ Competitive Pricing – Excellent value on genuine Bowman products
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Prompt dispatch to get your project moving
✅ After-Sales Support – Ongoing assistance and access to spare parts and accessories
✅ Full Range Stocked – Complete selection of Bowman heat exchangers and accessories
✨ Summary
The Bowman FC100-5114-2S 110kW Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger represents the perfect combination of British engineering excellence and practical pool heating performance. With its substantial 375,000 BTU/hr capacity, robust stainless steel construction, and proven reliability across thousands of installations worldwide, this professional-grade unit delivers efficient, dependable heating for pools up to 180,000 litres. Whether you’re heating a large residential pool or commercial facility, trust Bowman’s century of heat transfer expertise to keep your water at the perfect temperature.









