🔥 Bowman EC160-5113-5 Heat Exchanger | 75kW / 256,000 BTU | Swimming Pool & Spa

🌡️ High-Capacity Pool Heating with Bowman’s Proven Shell & Tube Technology for Large Residential and Commercial Pools

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman EC160-5113-5 is a professional-grade shell and tube heat exchanger engineered for efficient pool and spa heating in demanding applications. Delivering an impressive 75kW (256,000 BTU/hr) heat transfer capacity when paired with solar panels or heat pumps at 70°C, this unit represents Bowman’s commitment to outstanding thermal performance.

This heat exchanger works by circulating heated water from your boiler, heat pump, or solar thermal system through an inner tube bundle, while pool water flows around the outside in the opposite direction. This counter-flow design maximises heat transfer efficiency, getting your pool to temperature faster while reducing energy consumption.

Built with Bowman’s renowned manufacturing quality and available in Cupro-Nickel, Stainless Steel, or Titanium tube configurations, the EC160-5113-5 suits pools up to 120,000 litres. Whether you’re heating a large residential pool, commercial facility, or spa complex, this heat exchanger delivers the reliable performance Bowman has been known for over 100 years.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Powerful 75kW (256,000 BTU/hr) Heat Transfer – Exceptional capacity for rapid pool heating when used with 70°C heat source

✅ Choice of Tube Materials – Available in Cupro-Nickel (C), Stainless Steel (S), or Titanium (T) to match your water chemistry

✅ Universal Fit Composite End Covers – Designed for both metric 50mm and imperial 1½” NPS pool pipework

✅ Integrated Thermostat Pocket – 7mm x 40mm pocket on inlet end for accurate pool water temperature monitoring

✅ Solvent Weld Pool Connections – Direct installation into pool pipework with Ø48/Ø50mm socket connections

✅ Counter-Flow Design – Optimised heat transfer with pool water flowing opposite to heating water

✅ Simple Maintenance Access – Easily removable tubestack and end covers for cleaning and inspection

✅ Compact Footprint – 768mm overall length for flexible plant room installation

✅ 6 Bar Maximum Operating Pressure – Robust construction for demanding commercial environments

✅ 10 Year Titanium Guarantee – Extended warranty on all titanium material in contact with pool water

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	EC160-5113-5 (suffix C, S, or T for tube material)
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 Body
Tube Material Options	Cupro-Nickel (C) / Stainless Steel (S) / Titanium (T)
Max Pool Volume (70°C)	120,000 litres / 26,000 gallons
Max Pool Volume (60°C)	110,000 litres / 24,000 gallons
Max Pool Volume (45°C)	52,000 litres / 11,400 gallons
Primary Flow Rate (Solar/HP)	3.0 m³/h / 50 l/min
Maximum Pool Water Flow	15.0 m³/h / 250 l/min
Max Operating Pressure	6 bar (both sides)
Max Operating Temperature	110°C (heating side) / 100°C (pool side)
Pool Water Connections	Solvent Weld Ø48/Ø50mm (DN40 Pipe)
Boiler/Solar Connections	3/4″ BSP Threaded
Overall Length	768mm
Shell Diameter	86mm Ø
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7 x 40mm (Inlet End Only)
Mounting Hole Centres	130mm
Weight (Dry)	8.5 kg (Cupro-Nickel/Stainless Steel) / 7.3 kg (Titanium)

All specifications sourced directly from Bowman manufacturer documentation (Issue F21/L21)

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

The EC160-5113-5 delivers variable heat output depending on your heat source temperature. Bowman has engineered this unit specifically for solar panels and heat pump systems, where water temperatures are typically lower than traditional boilers.

🏊 Pool Heating Capacity by Heat Source Temperature:

☀️ At 70°C (Solar Thermal / High-Temp Heat Pump):

• Heat Output: 75 kW / 256,000 BTU/hr
• Suitable for pools up to: 120,000 litres (26,000 gallons)
• Primary Flow Rate: 3.0 m³/h (50 l/min)

🌡️ At 60°C (Standard Heat Pump):

• Heat Output: 55 kW / 190,000 BTU/hr
• Suitable for pools up to: 110,000 litres (24,000 gallons)
• Primary Flow Rate: 3.0 m³/h (50 l/min)

❄️ At 45°C (Low-Temp Heat Pump / Ground Source):

• Heat Output: 27 kW / 92,000 BTU/hr
• Suitable for pools up to: 52,000 litres (11,400 gallons)
• Primary Flow Rate: 3.0 m³/h (50 l/min)

⚡ Efficiency Factors:

The performance figures above are based on achieving a target pool water temperature of 30°C. Actual heat transfer depends on maintaining proper flow rates, temperature differentials between circuits, and correct counter-flow installation.

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

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

• Heat source output (your boiler or heat pump kW rating)
• Starting water temperature
• Target water temperature
• Ambient/outdoor temperature
• Pool insulation and cover usage
• Weather conditions and heat losses

The heat exchanger itself is a passive device that transfers heat from your primary circuit to the pool water. The rate of pool heating depends primarily on your heat source capacity, not the heat exchanger rating alone.

ℹ️ Note: Heat exchangers transfer heat – they do not generate it. Performance is determined by your boiler, heat pump, or solar thermal system output combined with correct heat exchanger sizing.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Choosing the correct tube material is essential for longevity and performance. The EC160-5113-5 is available in three tube stack materials:

🥇 Titanium (T Suffix) – Premium Choice

✅ Salt water pools and salt water chlorinators
✅ All chlorinated and brominated pools
✅ Maximum corrosion resistance to aggressive chemicals
✅ Eliminates galvanic reaction between dissimilar materials
✅ Higher flow rate capability than other materials
✅ 10 Year Guarantee on all titanium in contact with pool water

Recommended for: Salt chlorination systems, marine environments, commercial facilities, and owners wanting ultimate longevity.

🥈 Cupro-Nickel (C Suffix) – Professional Standard

✅ Chlorinated freshwater pools
✅ Brominated pools
✅ Excellent heat transfer properties
✅ Strong corrosion resistance
✅ Cost-effective durability

Recommended for: Standard residential and commercial chlorinated pools without salt chlorination.

🥉 Stainless Steel (S Suffix) – Economical Option

✅ Freshwater pools only
✅ Standard chlorine treatment (within limits)
✅ Good heat transfer efficiency
✅ Budget-friendly option

❌ NOT suitable for salt water chlorinators or salt water pools
❌ NOT suitable for pools with chloride levels above 350 ppm

Recommended for: Indoor freshwater pools with controlled water chemistry.

Water Chemistry Limits (from Bowman):

Parameter	Cupro-Nickel	Stainless Steel	Titanium
Free Chlorine	1.0 – 3.0 ppm	1.0 – 3.0 ppm	15.0 ppm max
pH	7.2 – 7.8	7.2 – 7.8	6.8 – 8.0
Calcium Hardness	200 – 400 ppm	200 – 1000 ppm	200 – 1000 ppm
Alkalinity	100 – 150 ppm	100 – 150 ppm	100 – 150 ppm
Bromine	2.0 – 4.0 ppm	2.0 – 4.0 ppm	15.0 ppm max
Chloride	Less than 150 ppm	Less than 350 ppm	Less than 3000 ppm

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

The Bowman EC160-5113-5 is designed for a wide range of pool heating applications:

🏊‍♂️ Large Residential Swimming Pools – Ideal for pools up to 120,000 litres requiring efficient, reliable heating

🏢 Commercial Aquatic Facilities – Hotels, leisure centres, and fitness clubs with demanding heating requirements

☀️ Solar Thermal Integration – Optimised for solar panel systems delivering hot water at 45-70°C

🔥 Heat Pump Systems – Perfect pairing with air source or ground source heat pumps

🌊 Salt Water Pools – Titanium variant provides complete compatibility with salt chlorination

🛁 Spa & Wellness Centres – Multiple hot tub and spa pool heating from central plant

🏨 Resort Complexes – Commercial-grade construction for continuous operation

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Options

The EC160-5113-5 can be installed horizontally or vertically to suit your plant room layout. Mounting holes are provided at 130mm centres.

Counter-Flow Installation (Essential)

⚠️ The heat exchanger must be installed in counter-flow configuration – pool water flowing in the opposite direction to heating water. Failure to install correctly will significantly reduce performance.

Connection Requirements

Pool Water Side:

• Solvent weld connections for Ø48mm or Ø50mm (DN40) pipe
• Universal Fit end covers accommodate both metric and imperial pipework
• Maximum flow rate: 15.0 m³/h (250 l/min) – do not exceed

Primary (Heating) Side:

• 3/4″ BSP threaded connections
• Flow rate: 3.0 m³/h (50 l/min) for optimal heat transfer
• Pump-assisted circulation required

Installation Position

• Install downstream of pump and filtration equipment
• Chemical dosing systems must be fitted after the heat exchanger
• Install isolation valves on both circuits for maintenance access
• Thermostat should be installed on pool water inlet for temperature control

Environment

• Install in a frost-free, dry location with non-aggressive atmosphere
• Ensure adequate access for end cover removal during maintenance
• Drain heat exchanger if exposed to frost conditions

⚠️ Professional installation by a qualified plumber is recommended to ensure correct operation and warranty compliance.

 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 – Bowman has been manufacturing heat exchangers since the early 1900s, establishing themselves as the industry leader

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

✅ Proven Global Performance – Tens of thousands of units operating reliably worldwide, from domestic spas to Olympic pools

✅ Premium Material Options – Choice of Cupro-Nickel, Stainless Steel, or Titanium tube stacks to match any application

✅ 10 Year Titanium Guarantee – Extended warranty coverage on titanium material in contact with pool water

✅ Easy Maintenance Design – Removable tube stacks and end covers for simple cleaning and servicing

✅ Comprehensive Spare Parts – Full range of replacement components available for long-term serviceability

🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK Pool & Spa Specialists – Dedicated expertise in pool heating equipment and components

✅ Technical Support – Knowledgeable team to help with product selection and sizing queries

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Bowman heat exchangers

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

✅ Genuine Products – Authorised stockist of authentic Bowman equipment

✅ After-Sales Support – Here to help with spare parts and technical questions

✨ Summary

The Bowman EC160-5113-5 delivers professional-grade pool heating performance with 75kW (256,000 BTU/hr) capacity for pools up to 120,000 litres. With over a century of British engineering excellence, choice of three tube materials for any water type, and the industry’s best 10-year titanium guarantee, this heat exchanger represents the gold standard in pool heating technology. Whether you’re integrating with solar thermal, heat pumps, or traditional boilers, the EC160-5113-5 provides the reliable, efficient heat transfer your installation demands.