🔥 Bowman EC160 Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger – 75kW (256,000 BTU) | Premium Solar & Heat Pump Pool Heating

🌡️ Harness Renewable Energy for Efficient Pool Heating with British-Built Quality and Performance

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman EC160-5113-5S Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger represents the pinnacle of British engineering for renewable pool heating applications. Specifically designed for integration with solar panels and heat pumps, this 75kW (256,000 BTU) unit delivers exceptional heat transfer performance for pools up to 120,000 litres.

Manufactured by EJ Bowman – an industry leader with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise – this exchanger features a robust stainless steel tube stack that ensures outstanding durability and efficient thermal performance. The compact shell-and-tube design maximises heat transfer while minimising installation footprint, making it ideal for both domestic and light commercial pool installations.

Whether you’re connecting to a solar thermal array or an air-source heat pump, the EC160 provides the reliable interface your system needs to keep your pool at the perfect temperature throughout the swimming season.

⭐ Key Features

✅ High Heat Transfer Capacity – 75kW (256,000 BTU) output at 70°C source temperature, providing rapid and efficient pool heating

✅ Premium Stainless Steel Construction – Durable tube stack material resistant to corrosion in chlorinated freshwater applications

✅ Solar & Heat Pump Optimised – Specifically engineered for lower temperature heat sources including solar thermal and heat pumps

✅ Large Pool Capacity – Suitable for pools up to 120,000 litres (26,000 gallons) at 70°C source temperature

✅ Compact Design – 768mm overall length with 86mm shell diameter for versatile installation options

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

✅ Universal Fit End Covers – Accommodates both metric 50mm (DN40) and imperial 1½” NPS pool pipework

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

✅ Flexible Mounting – Can be installed horizontally or vertically to suit your plant room layout

✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and built to the highest standards by EJ Bowman in Birmingham, UK

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	EC160-5113-5S
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 with Coating
Tube Stack Material	Stainless Steel
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/HP)	3.0 m³/h / 50 l/min
Secondary Flow Rate (Pool)	15.0 m³/h / 250 l/min (maximum)
Max Operating Pressure	6 bar (both circuits)
Max Operating Temperature (Primary)	110°C
Max Operating Temperature (Pool)	100°C
Primary Connections	3/4″ BSP (Threaded)
Pool Water Connections	Solvent Weld Ø48/Ø50mm (DN40 Pipe)
Overall Length	768mm
Shell Diameter	86mm
Weight (Dry)	8.5 kg
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7 x 40mm (Inlet End)

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

The EC160 stainless steel heat exchanger delivers variable heat transfer capacity depending on the temperature of your heat source – a critical consideration when using solar panels or heat pumps.

🏊 Pool Heating Performance:

Heat Source Temperature	Heat Output	Max Pool Volume
70°C (High efficiency solar/HP)	75 kW (256,000 BTU/hr)	120,000 litres
60°C (Standard heat pump)	55 kW (190,000 BTU/hr)	110,000 litres
45°C (Low temp heat pump)	27 kW (92,000 BTU/hr)	52,000 litres

⚡ Efficiency Factors:

• Performance based on achieving a pool water temperature of 30°C
• Higher source temperatures deliver greater heat transfer capacity
• Flow rate optimisation critical – maintain 3.0 m³/h primary and up to 15.0 m³/h secondary
• Counter-flow installation essential for maximum efficiency
• Proper sizing to your heat source capacity ensures optimal performance

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

⚠️ Heat-up times vary 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 conditions
• Pool cover usage and insulation
• Weather conditions and solar availability
• Heat exchanger sizing match to heat source

The EC160 heat exchanger is a passive device – it transfers heat from your solar panels or heat pump to your pool water. Actual heating performance depends entirely on your heat source capacity and operating conditions.

ℹ️ Note: Heat exchangers do not generate heat themselves. Your pool heating time is determined by your boiler, heat pump, or solar array output. For accurate heating time estimates tailored to your specific installation, please contact our technical team.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Stainless Steel Tube Stack – Ideal for Chlorinated Freshwater Pools:

✅ Excellent corrosion resistance in properly maintained chlorinated pools

✅ Superior heat transfer properties for efficient thermal exchange

✅ Cost-effective durability for standard pool applications

✅ Suitable for freshwater pools with standard chemical treatment

✅ Compatible with bromine-treated water

❌ NOT suitable for salt water pools or salt chlorinators

❌ NOT suitable for pools with chloride levels above 350 ppm

Recommended Water Chemistry Limits (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

⚠️ Important: If you have a salt water pool or salt chlorinator system, please consider the Bowman Titanium version (EC160-5113-5T) instead.

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

☀️ Solar Thermal Pool Heating – Perfect for connecting evacuated tube or flat plate solar collectors to your pool circulation system

🔥 Air Source Heat Pump Integration – Designed for the lower water temperatures typical of heat pump systems (45-60°C)

🌍 Ground Source Heat Pump Systems – Efficient heat transfer for geothermal pool heating installations

🏊‍♂️ Domestic Swimming Pools – Ideal for residential pools up to 120,000 litres requiring renewable heating

🛁 Spa & Hot Tub Installations – Suitable for larger spa installations connected to renewable heat sources

🏢 Light Commercial Applications – Holiday lets, small hotel pools, and leisure facilities with renewable heating

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Orientation:

• Can be mounted horizontally or vertically
• Ensure adequate access for maintenance and end cover removal
• Install in a frost-free, dry location with non-aggressive atmosphere

Connection Requirements:

• Pool water: Solvent weld to Ø48mm or Ø50mm pipe (DN40)
• Solar/Heat pump: 3/4″ BSP threaded connections
• Universal fit end covers accommodate both metric and imperial pipework

Flow Direction – Critical:

• Must be installed in counter-flow configuration
• Pool water flows opposite direction to heating water
• Failure to install correctly will significantly reduce performance

System Integration:

• Install downstream of pump and filtration equipment
• Fit isolation valves on both circuits for maintenance access
• Install chemical dosing systems AFTER the heat exchanger with non-return valve
• Thermostat should be fitted in pool water inlet pipe before the heat exchanger

Space Requirements:

• Overall length: 768mm plus connection clearance
• Allow space for end cover removal during maintenance
• Mounting brackets available (Part No. 5032-1)

⚠️ Professional installation is strongly recommended for warranty compliance and optimal performance.

 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 the early 1900s, with unmatched experience in the field

✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed and built in Birmingham, UK to the highest engineering standards

✅ Industry-Leading Reliability – Tens of thousands of units operating efficiently worldwide, from domestic pools to Olympic facilities

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

✅ Comprehensive Material Options – Available in Stainless Steel, Cupro-Nickel, and Titanium to match any water type

✅ 12 Month Manufacturing Warranty – All units guaranteed against manufacturing faults (10 years on Titanium components)

✅ Global Track Record – Trusted by installations ranging from the Sochi Winter Olympics to luxury UK spas

🛒 Why Buy from Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Pool & Spa Specialists – Dedicated expertise in hot tub and pool equipment

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

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

✅ Competitive Pricing – Genuine Bowman products at excellent prices

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

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

✨ Summary

The Bowman EC160-5113-5S Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger delivers 75kW of heat transfer capacity in a compact, British-engineered package designed specifically for solar and heat pump pool heating. With its durable stainless steel construction, high flow capacity, and proven Bowman reliability, this unit provides the perfect interface between your renewable heat source and pool – ensuring efficient, economical pool heating for years to come. Ideal for freshwater pools up to 120,000 litres seeking sustainable heating solutions.