Blog posts of '2026' 'April'

Getting your cool cell system ready in spring is one of the most effective ways to prevent summer breakdowns and keep barns cool. Here’s a fast, easy-to-follow checklist to make sure your system is ready for hot weather.

1) Remove & Clean Pads

• Take off pad retainers and pull pads out.
• Rinse with low‑pressure water only—high pressure and bleach damage the pad media.
• Use a soft brush on stubborn dirt.

2) Inspect Pad Condition

Look for:

• Soft or sagging pad bottoms
• Rodent damage
• Holes, tears, or missing edge guards

Replace damaged sections now to prevent airflow issues later.

3) Clean the Pad Frames

• Spray out dust, cobwebs, and debris inside the framing before reinstalling pads.

4) Flush the Trough & Clean the Sump

• Remove several trough covers.
• Rinse out sand, dirt, and sludge.
• Use a wet vac or trash pump to clean the sump (never use the system pump).
• Clean or replace filters and refill with fresh water.

5) Clean the Distribution Pipe

• Open the ball valve at the far end and flush the line.
• Scrub inside the pipe with a clean‑out brush.
• Flush again.
• Clear any clogged holes that cause dry streaks on the pads.

6) Reinstall Pads Properly

• Make sure edge guards face outward.
• Align directional arrows (if present) for correct “up” and airflow direction.
• Slide pads in tightly with no gaps.

7) Check Water Distribution

With the pump running:

• Water should hit the top plate evenly and flow down the entire pad.
• No dry streaks.
• Adjust the ball valve to balance flow, especially if one pump feeds two pads.

8) Adjust the Float Level

When the system is off: Water level should be 1 inch below the bottom of the pads.
This prevents pads from soaking up water, sagging, and deteriorating prematurely.

Why This Matters

A solid spring tune‑up means:

• Better cooling
• Less algae and mineral buildup
• Longer pad life
• Fewer mid‑summer failures

Just a little maintenance now pays off all season long.