🔥 Bowman EC80-5113-1C Compact Heat Exchanger | 20kW / 68,000 BTU Cupro-Nickel
🌡️ British-Engineered Pool Heating Excellence for Smaller Pools, Spas & Plunge Pools
📋 Product Overview
The Bowman EC80-5113-1C is a compact, high-performance heat exchanger designed for efficient pool and spa heating. Manufactured by EJ Bowman in Birmingham, UK – a company with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise – this unit delivers 20kW (68,000 BTU/hr) of heat transfer capacity when paired with an 82°C boiler system.
Featuring a durable cupro-nickel tubestack, this heat exchanger is ideal for chlorinated freshwater pools up to 40,000 litres. The innovative design incorporates more heat transfer tubes than typical competitor units, enabling pool heating up to three times faster while reducing energy consumption and costs.
The EC80-5113-1C comes equipped with composite “Universal Fit” end covers with solvent weld connectors for straightforward installation directly into pool pipework. An integral thermostat pocket allows for precise temperature control, making this unit perfect for domestic pools, spas, hot tubs, and plunge pools.
⭐ Key Features
✅ 20kW / 68,000 BTU Heat Transfer – High-output heat transfer capacity at 82°C boiler water temperature for rapid pool heating
✅ Cupro-Nickel Tubestack – Superior corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools with excellent heat transfer properties
✅ Up to 3x Faster Heating – More heat transfer tubes than competitor products for significantly faster heat-up times
✅ Universal Fit End Covers – Composite end covers accommodate both metric 50mm and imperial 1½” NPS pipework
✅ Integral Thermostat Pocket – Built-in Ø7 x 40mm thermostat pocket for accurate pool temperature monitoring
✅ Solvent Weld Pool Connections – Easy installation directly into pool filtration pipework
✅ Compact & Lightweight Design – Just 3.0kg dry weight with 370mm overall length for flexible installation
✅ Maximum 6 Bar Operating Pressure – Robust construction for reliable operation on both heating and pool water circuits
✅ Simple Maintenance – Easily removable tubestack and end covers for straightforward cleaning
✅ 12 Month Warranty – Manufacturer-backed guarantee against manufacturing faults
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | EC80-5113-1C |
| Heat Output (82°C Boiler) | 20 kW / 68,000 BTU/hr |
| Heat Output (60°C Boiler) | 12 kW / 41,000 BTU/hr |
| Shell Material | Cast Iron Body |
| Tube Material | Cupro-Nickel |
| End Cover Material | High-Grade Composite (Plastic) |
| Max Pool Volume | 40 m³ / 8,800 Gallons |
| Boiler Water Flow Rate | 2.1 m³/hr / 35 L/min |
| Max Pool Water Flow Rate | 9.0 m³/hr / 150 L/min |
| Max Operating Pressure | 6 Bar (Both Sides) |
| Max Heating Water Temperature | 110°C |
| Max Pool Water Temperature | 100°C |
| Pool Water Connections | Solvent Weld Ø48/Ø50mm (DN40 Pipe) |
| Boiler Water Connections | Threaded ¾” BSP |
| Thermostat Pocket | Ø7 x 40mm (Inlet End) |
| Overall Length | 370mm |
| Shell Diameter | 86mm |
| Mounting Hole Spacing | 130mm (centres) |
| Weight (Dry) | 3.0 kg |
| Warranty | 12 Months |
📊 Heat Transfer Performance
🏊 Pool Heating Performance:
- Heat Output at 82°C Boiler Water: 20 kW (68,000 BTU/hr)
- Heat Output at 60°C Boiler Water: 12 kW (41,000 BTU/hr)
- Suitable for pools up to: 40,000 litres (8,800 gallons)
- Design pool temperature: 30°C (performance data based on this target)
⚡ Efficiency Factors:
The EC80-5113-1C achieves optimal performance when:
- Boiler water flow rate is maintained at 2.1 m³/hr (35 L/min)
- Pool water flow rate does not exceed 9.0 m³/hr (150 L/min)
- Heat exchanger is installed in counter-flow configuration
- Higher boiler water temperatures deliver greater heat transfer output
⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance
⚠️ Heat-up times vary based on multiple factors including:
- Heat source output (boiler kW rating)
- Starting water temperature
- Desired temperature rise
- Pool cover usage and insulation
- Ambient/outdoor temperature conditions
- Heat exchanger sizing match to heat source
ℹ️ Note: Actual heating performance depends on your specific heat source, pool conditions, and environmental factors. The heat exchanger transfers heat provided by your boiler or heat pump – its efficiency depends on the heat source capacity and operating temperatures. For accurate calculations tailored to your installation, please contact our technical team.
Important: Heat exchangers are passive devices that transfer heat from your boiler or heat pump to pool water. They do not generate heat themselves – heating times are determined by your primary heat source capacity.
🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide
Cupro-Nickel Tubestack (Model Suffix: C)
The EC80-5113-1C features a cupro-nickel tubestack, offering:
✅ Chlorinated Freshwater Pools – Ideal for standard chlorinated pool water
✅ Excellent Heat Transfer – Superior thermal conductivity for efficient heat exchange
✅ Strong Corrosion Resistance – Resistant to chlorine and common pool chemicals
✅ Cost-Effective Durability – Excellent lifespan with proper water chemistry maintenance
Recommended Water Chemistry (From Manufacturer):
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Free Chlorine | 1.0 – 3.0 ppm |
| pH Level | 7.2 – 7.8 |
| Calcium Hardness | 200 – 400 ppm |
| Alkalinity | 100 – 150 ppm |
| Bromine | 2.0 – 4.0 ppm |
| Chloride | Less than 150 ppm |
⚠️ Not Suitable For:
❌ Salt water pools or salt water chlorinators ❌ High chloride environments (above 150 ppm)
For salt water applications, consider upgrading to a Titanium (T suffix) or Stainless Steel (S suffix) model. Titanium models include a 10-year guarantee on all titanium material in contact with pool water.
🎯 Applications & Use Cases
| Application | Suitability |
|---|---|
| 🏊♂️ Domestic Swimming Pools | Pools up to 40,000 litres |
| 🛁 Hot Tubs & Spas | Ideal for spa heating |
| 💧 Plunge Pools | Perfect for smaller installations |
| 🔥 Gas/Oil Boiler Systems | Optimised for boiler heating (82°C or 60°C) |
| ☀️ Solar Thermal Integration | Compatible with solar heating systems |
| 🌡️ Heat Pump Connection | Works with heat pump installations |
Heat Source Compatibility:
- Gas and oil-fired boilers (optimal at 82°C flow temperature)
- Electric boilers
- Ground source heat pumps
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar thermal panels (at lower temperatures)
- Biomass boilers
🔨 Installation Considerations
Mounting Options:
The EC80-5113-1C can be installed either horizontally or vertically, providing flexibility for different plant room configurations.
Critical Installation Requirements:
✅ Counter-Flow Installation – The heat exchanger MUST be installed so pool water flows in the opposite direction to heating water. Failure to observe this reduces performance significantly.
✅ Downstream of Filtration – Always install after the pump and filter equipment in the pool water circuit.
✅ Chemical Dosing Position – Dosing systems MUST be fitted downstream from the heat exchanger with a non-return valve.
✅ Frost-Free Location – Install in a dry, frost-free enclosure with a non-aggressive atmosphere.
✅ Pump-Assisted Heating Circuit – Boiler/solar water must be pump-assisted with precautions taken to prevent air locks.
✅ Thermostat Positioning – Install thermostat in the pool water inlet side for accurate temperature control.
Connection Information:
- Pool Water: Solvent weld to Ø48mm or Ø50mm (DN40) pipe using Universal Fit end covers
- Boiler Water: Threaded ¾” BSP connections
Space Requirements:
- Overall length: 370mm
- Shell diameter: 86mm
- Allow adequate access space for maintenance and end cover removal
⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended – We recommend installation by a qualified plumber or pool engineer to ensure 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 – British manufacturing excellence from EJ Bowman, Birmingham
✅ Industry-Leading Performance – More heat transfer tubes than competitor products for up to 3x faster heating
✅ Proven Global Track Record – Tens of thousands of units operating reliably worldwide, from spas to Olympic pools
✅ Premium Material Options – Choice of cupro-nickel, stainless steel, or titanium tubestacks to suit any water type
✅ Titanium 10-Year Guarantee – Optional titanium upgrades backed by decade-long material warranty
✅ Complete Spare Parts Availability – Full range of replacement parts including tubestacks, O-seals, and end covers
✅ FM38224 Quality Certified – Manufactured to the highest quality standards
🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs
✅ UK-Based Pool Heating Specialists – Expert knowledge of Bowman heat exchangers and pool heating systems
✅ Technical Advice Available – Help with sizing, selection, and installation queries
✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch to get your project moving
✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Bowman products
✅ After-Sales Support – Ongoing assistance and spare parts availability
✅ Full Product Range – Access to the complete Bowman swimming pool heat exchanger range
✨ Summary
The Bowman EC80-5113-1C represents outstanding British engineering in a compact, high-performance package. Delivering 20kW of heat transfer capacity with a durable cupro-nickel tubestack, this heat exchanger is the perfect solution for domestic pools, spas, and plunge pools up to 40,000 litres. Backed by Bowman’s century of expertise and a 12-month warranty, it offers reliable, energy-efficient pool heating







