OVB heat exchanger 180 - 53kW for pool up to 60m3

OVB 180 heat exchanger – high performance with real-world reserve

The OVB 180 heat exchanger is designed for powerful heating of swimming pool water and hot tubs. With a heating capacity of 53 kW, it belongs among the high-performance models of the OVB range and is intended for installations where fast temperature increase and stable operation are required.

It is most commonly used for pool heating with:

• gas boilers
• heat pumps
• solar collectors

Stainless steel AISI 316 ensures high corrosion resistance and long service life even during continuous operation in demanding pool environments.

Realistic sizing – experience from practice

Although the OVB 180 is officially rated by the manufacturer for pools up to 60 m³, real-life installations are often far from ideal. Most commonly, we encounter a lower temperature difference between the heating circuit and pool water, as well as limited flow rates.

For these reasons, we most often recommend the OVB 180 in practice for pools with a volume of approximately 20–35 m³, where it offers a comfortable performance reserve and efficient operation even under non-ideal conditions.

How the heat exchanger works

Inside the exchanger body there is a bundle of thin-walled tubes through which heating water flows (primary circuit). Pool water (secondary circuit) flows around these tubes. Heat is transferred through the tube walls, enabling efficient energy transfer and rapid pool heating. Once the pool reaches the set temperature, the system switches off according to thermostat or automation control.

Why water quality is critical

With high-performance heat exchangers such as the OVB 180, water quality plays a crucial role in service life. Regular pH monitoring, correct and evenly distributed chlorine dosing, and fully functional filtration significantly extend the lifetime of the exchanger and protect the entire pool system.

Operating conditions and recommendations (installer experience)

• Regularly check pool water pH (ideally daily).
• If a by-pass is installed, adjust the valves to ensure the recommended flow rate through the exchanger.
• Keep the pool free of solid debris (leaves, grass, etc.), which can negatively affect water quality.

Commissioning

Before start-up, check:

• All pressurized connections are tight and leak-free.
• The exchanger is properly mounted and connected according to the installation diagram.
• The heating circuit is filled and properly vented.
• Grounding is completed and residual current protection (30 mA RCD) is functional.

Start-up procedure:

1. Start the filtration pump.
2. Check circulation of pool water through the heat exchanger.
3. Check filling and venting of the heating circuit.
4. Switch on the residual current device (30 mA).
5. Set the desired temperature on the thermostat (or automation).
6. Verify correct operation of the control system.

Conditions that must switch off heating

• Lowering the set temperature on the thermostat.
• Switching off filtration or closing a valve (loss of flow).
• Switching off the heating demand.

For safe operation, a thermostat and a flow switch are required. In the event of flow loss, the flow switch shuts down heating to prevent overheating and deformation of piping.

Important safety notice

Before performing any work on the circuit or electrical components, make sure the unit is disconnected from the power supply and the circuit is closed.

Connecting the OVB 180 heat exchanger to the filtration and heating circuits

Secondary circuit (pool water): 1 1/2" female thread. Use brass fittings with a PVC tail. Do not use PVC fittings directly on the exchanger thread.

Primary circuit (heating water): 3/4" female thread.

Package contents

• Heat exchanger body
• 2× wall mounting brackets
• 2× clamps

Recommended additional products for installation

Technical data – OVB 180 (53 kW)

Who is the OVB 180 best suited for

The OVB 180 is recommended wherever high performance with real-world reserve is required – typically for swimming pools with a volume of approximately 20–35 m³, where heating conditions do not allow for an ideal temperature gradient and flow rate.