Swamp Cooler Maintenance Before Winter Storage

As cooling season comes to an end, many businesses and property owners begin shutting down their swamp coolers and evaporative coolers for the year. Proper end-of-season maintenance is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment and make sure your unit is ready to run efficiently next season.

Skipping this process can lead to mineral buildup, mold growth, corrosion, pump failure, and cracked water lines. A few simple steps now can save you time, money, and frustration when warm weather returns.

Below is a simple, effective guide to properly shutting down your swamp cooler for storage.

1. Turn Off Power and Water Supply

Before starting any maintenance, completely shut off:

• Electrical power to the unit

• Water supply feeding the cooler

This ensures safe cleaning and prevents flooding during servicing.

2. Drain All Remaining Water

Standing water left inside the unit over winter is one of the biggest causes of internal damage. Freezing temperatures can crack reservoirs, pumps, and water lines.

• Open the drain plug or drain valve

• Allow the reservoir to fully empty

• Verify that water distribution lines are completely drained

If water is left inside, you risk pump failure and internal corrosion.

3. Clean the Interior Thoroughly

Mineral deposits, dust, and debris collect inside every evaporative cooler during the season. This buildup restricts airflow and reduces cooling performance next year.

Clean the following:

• Water reservoir

• Pump screen and pump housing

• Interior cabinet walls

• Water distribution lines

Use mild cleaning solutions or approved evaporative cooler cleaners to break down scale and residue.

4. Remove and Inspect Cooling Pads

Cooling pads should be removed and checked before storage.

• Discard pads that are brittle, clogged, or misshapen

• If pads are reusable, fully dry them before storing

• Never store pads while wet

Worn pads restrict airflow and reduce evaporation efficiency. Starting next season with clean pads improves airflow and cooling performance immediately.

5. Use Evaporative Cooler Cleaning Tablets

At the end of the season, dropping a cleaning tablet into the reservoir helps control:

• Algae buildup

• Bacteria growth

• Odors during storage

Tablets like EVAP-O-Matic evaporative cooler tablets slowly dissolve and help maintain internal cleanliness during downtime. This minimizes startup issues next season and reduces odor problems when first powering back on.

6. Protect the Unit with a Proper Cover

Once the unit is clean, dry, and drained:

• Install a fitted swamp cooler cover

• Make sure all sides are fully sealed

• Avoid tarps that trap moisture

A proper cover prevents:

• Dust buildup

• UV damage

• Debris accumulation

• Wind-driven moisture intrusion

This is especially important for outdoor portable evaporative coolers.

7. Inspect Components Before Final Storage

Perform a quick visual inspection of:

• Fan blades

• Motors

• Wiring connections

• Water pump

If any wear or damage is present, it’s easier to schedule repairs now instead of rushing when next season begins.

8. Store Portable Units Correctly

For portable swamp coolers:

• Store indoors when possible

• Keep units upright

• Ensure airflow openings are covered

• Do not stack heavy items on the unit

Proper storage prevents cabinet warping, wheel damage, and internal contamination.

Why End-of-Season Maintenance Matters

Taking care of your evaporative cooler before storage provides several long-term benefits:

• Extends overall equipment life

• Prevents moisture-related damage

• Reduces startup maintenance next year

• Improves cooling performance

• Helps prevent odor and algae issues

Most premature failures in swamp coolers occur due to lack of offseason care — not during active use.

Need Maintenance Supplies or Replacement Parts?

SwampCoolers.com carries:

• Replacement cooling pads

• Evaporative cooler cleaning tablets

• Covers for portable swamp coolers

• Pumps, filters, and accessories

Proper maintenance ensures your swamp cooler stays reliable, season after season.