Cleaning swamp cooler

[KenK]

I've started cleaning my cooler for the summer. First thing, clean out the
calcium in the water pan. I scraped off the soft stuff but there's a 1/4"
layer of hard calcium in part of the water reservoir (sp?). A putty knife
isn't doing much good in some places. I poured some Lime Away on a portion
of it to see if it helps; so far it doesn't. I have some "The Works" toilet
bowl cleaner. I think it's weak hydrochloric acid.

I've always used a "Fresh Air' white block in the cooler water that's
supposed to neutralize the calcium in my well water. I also use that mesh
bag of something that's supposed to do the same. Past years these have
worked but not last year for some reason. Harder well water?

Any suggestions?

TIA


--
You know it's time to clean the refrigerator
when something closes the door from the inside.

[Oren]

On 16 Feb 2015 18:34:46 GMT, KenK <inv...@invalid.com> wrote:

>
>I've started cleaning my cooler for the summer. First thing, clean out the
>calcium in the water pan. I scraped off the soft stuff but there's a 1/4"
>layer of hard calcium in part of the water reservoir (sp?). A putty knife
>isn't doing much good in some places. I poured some Lime Away on a portion
>of it to see if it helps; so far it doesn't. I have some "The Works" toilet
>bowl cleaner. I think it's weak hydrochloric acid.
>
>I've always used a "Fresh Air' white block in the cooler water that's
>supposed to neutralize the calcium in my well water. I also use that mesh
>bag of something that's supposed to do the same. Past years these have
>worked but not last year for some reason. Harder well water?
>
>Any suggestions?
>
>TIA

Try white vinegar (mild acid) in the pan, allow to sit in the pan a
few days and see if it breaks down the calcium easier. Give it some to
work over a longer time.

Red vinegar is a weaker acid so use the white. Buy it by the gallon -
pretty cheap. YMMV

[mako...@yahoo.com]

Also install a "bleed kit" which bleeds off a small percentage of the water as it circulates.
This reduces the concentration of minerals in the water.

Mark

[KenK]

mako...@yahoo.com wrote in
news:811a35ca-d1fd-40d4...@googlegroups.com:

Aha! I'll bet you hit on the problem. Last year, I recall, I didn't use the
bleeder because of some problem. Had a problem getting it working for some
reason. (Previous years I used it - one pump even had it built in.) I guess
I didn't think it would matter that much. I'll bet that caused my problem
now. Live and learn. In my case often not enough.

[KenK]

Oren <Or...@127.0.0.1> wrote in
news:e1g4ea9qtdlu03lsa...@4ax.com:

I bought a gallon of white several years ago but never found a use for
it. Now I have. Thanks for the reminder.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 2/17/2015 11:45 AM, KenK wrote:
> Aha! I'll bet you hit on the problem. Last year, I recall, I didn't use the
> bleeder because of some problem. Had a problem getting it working for some
> reason. (Previous years I used it - one pump even had it built in.) I guess
> I didn't think it would matter that much. I'll bet that caused my problem
> now. Live and learn. In my case often not enough.
>
>

Wasn't the bleeder full of calcium scale?

As to removing the calcium. I don't know,
but it's possible if you hit the pan from
below, the calcium will break off. Might
not.

-
.
Christopher A. Young
learn more about Jesus
. www.lds.org
.
.

[Oren]

On Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:41:09 -0500, Stormin Mormon
<cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote:

>On 2/17/2015 11:45 AM, KenK wrote:
>> Aha! I'll bet you hit on the problem. Last year, I recall, I didn't use the
>> bleeder because of some problem. Had a problem getting it working for some
>> reason. (Previous years I used it - one pump even had it built in.) I guess
>> I didn't think it would matter that much. I'll bet that caused my problem
>> now. Live and learn. In my case often not enough.
>>
>>
>
>Wasn't the bleeder full of calcium scale?
>
>As to removing the calcium. I don't know,
>but it's possible if you hit the pan from
>below, the calcium will break off. Might
>not.
>

The pan is rigid mounted in swamp coolers that I've seen. No way to
remove them without disassembly. Too much effort, but idea would be
good if you could "take" out a pan easily.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 2/17/2015 5:03 PM, Oren wrote:
> On Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:41:09 -0500, Stormin Mormon

>> As to removing the calcium. I don't know,
>> but it's possible if you hit the pan from
>> below, the calcium will break off. Might
>> not.
>>
>
> The pan is rigid mounted in swamp coolers that I've seen. No way to
> remove them without disassembly. Too much effort, but idea would be
> good if you could "take" out a pan easily.
>

The only swamper I've ever touched was the one
I helped take apart and haul to scrap. With the
humidity in the north east, they are useless. We
AC with freon units.

Thank you for the real world, first hand knowledge.

-
.
Christopher A. Young

learn more about swamp coolers
. www.lds.org
.
.

[gregz]

I bought some of the more concentrated stuff at my grocery, designated for
cleaning. It was at the soap isle. Probably Heinz 6% . Since then, I don't
see it anymore.

I have a humidifier going here. If the tank runs dry, the tops of the pads
calcify first, reducing efficiency. I've soaked them in vinegar to renew.

Greg

[gregz]

Stormin Mormon <cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> On 2/17/2015 5:03 PM, Oren wrote:
>> On Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:41:09 -0500, Stormin Mormon
>>> As to removing the calcium. I don't know,
>>> but it's possible if you hit the pan from
>>> below, the calcium will break off. Might
>>> not.
>>>
>>
>> The pan is rigid mounted in swamp coolers that I've seen. No way to
>> remove them without disassembly. Too much effort, but idea would be
>> good if you could "take" out a pan easily.
>>
>
> The only swamper I've ever touched was the one
> I helped take apart and haul to scrap. With the
> humidity in the north east, they are useless. We
> AC with freon units.
>

In the southwest, that's called refrigerated air.

Greg

[KenK]

Stormin Mormon <cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote in news:MzOEw.181990$wD7.45930
@fx03.iad:

> Wasn't the bleeder full of calcium scale?
>

Don't recall but that was likely the problem.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 2/18/2015 12:45 PM, KenK wrote:
> Stormin Mormon <cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote in news:MzOEw.181990$wD7.45930
> @fx03.iad:
>
>> Wasn't the bleeder full of calcium scale?
>>
>
> Don't recall but that was likely the problem.
>
>

Spooky. A north eastern tech diagnosing a
swamper.

BTW, the irony is that the bleeder is supposed
to reduce problems with calcium scale.

It's like a worth health worker dying of malaria.

[Oren]

On Wed, 18 Feb 2015 05:03:38 +0000 (UTC), gregz <ze...@comcast.net>
wrote:

We use the same Heinz 6%. Not sure but the bride bought it either at
Walmart or Sam's Club.

>I have a humidifier going here. If the tank runs dry, the tops of the pads
>calcify first, reducing efficiency. I've soaked them in vinegar to renew.
>
>Greg

...other uses

Tips & Uses
- Cooking Tips
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Laundry Room
- Family Room
- Around the House

<http://www.heinzvinegar.com/tips/kitchen-tips>

[scarecrow]

On 17 Feb 2015 16:45:20 GMT, KenK <inv...@invalid.com> wrote:

>mako...@yahoo.com wrote in

>> Also install a "bleed kit" which bleeds off a small percentage of the
>> water as it circulates. This reduces the concentration of minerals in
>> the water.
>

>Aha! I'll bet you hit on the problem. Last year, I recall, I didn't use the
>bleeder because of some problem. Had a problem getting it working for some
>reason. (Previous years I used it - one pump even had it built in.) I guess
>I didn't think it would matter that much. I'll bet that caused my problem
>now. Live and learn. In my case often not enough.

In the old days (late 40s) we ran the water straight through the swamp
cooler (no recirculator) and out to the back yard to water the Bermuda
grass. Water was cheap then and the coolers lasted (almost) forever.

Then water got a little more expensive and recirculators became
popular (early 60s). At first with no bleeders. And the backyard was a
little browner. And folks soon noticed their coolers falling apart
within a few years.

Then bleeders became popular as a kind of compromise. The yard looked
a little better in one spot and the coolers lasted a little longer.

Then when I got my first AC (95) my house was hotter than hell because
I was afraid of the electric bill (4x the cooler) and my neighbor who
still had his cooler was 10 degrees cooler in his house.

But these days even with the AC, the back yard looks great cause now
the grass has been replaced with labor saving rocks... ;)

[KenK]

Oren <Or...@127.0.0.1> wrote in
news:e1g4ea9qtdlu03lsa...@4ax.com:

Tried the white and let it sit for three days. No help. Back to the
drawing board. I'm beginning to think I may have to let this stay in the
pan; I'm afraid I'll ruin the paint finish if I hack at it with anything
more than a putty knife. <Sigh> First time in some 30 years I've had this
problem. Something has definitely changed but I'm not sure what.

[Oren]

On 19 Feb 2015 17:39:55 GMT, KenK <inv...@invalid.com> wrote:

>Tried the white and let it sit for three days. No help. Back to the
>drawing board. I'm beginning to think I may have to let this stay in the
>pan; I'm afraid I'll ruin the paint finish if I hack at it with anything
>more than a putty knife. <Sigh> First time in some 30 years I've had this
>problem. Something has definitely changed but I'm not sure what.

Dang. You could move up Sulphamic Acid Descaler....up to you :)

<http://www.accepta.com/water-treatment-chemicals-wastewater-effluent-treatment-products/industrial-cleaning-janitorial-chemicals/475-sulphamic-acid-descaler-and-cleaner-with-inhibitor-2316>

<https://tinyurl.com/m4wd654>

Be careful using and dilute it.

Full details of the product properties are available in the Safety
Data Sheet.

<https://duckduckgo.com/?q=sulfamic%20acid%20descaler>

YMMV

[Stormin Mormon]

On 2/19/2015 12:39 PM, KenK wrote:
> Tried the white and let it sit for three days. No help. Back to the
> drawing board. I'm beginning to think I may have to let this stay in the
> pan; I'm afraid I'll ruin the paint finish if I hack at it with anything
> more than a putty knife. <Sigh> First time in some 30 years I've had this
> problem. Something has definitely changed but I'm not sure what.
>

If it were my cooler, I'd try small bits (ounce or
less) of muriatic acid, see if that helps.

Someone on this list suggested concentrated muriatic
to remove rust from steel tools. I did try it on a
pair of fence pliers that had sat outdoors for many
years. Entirely to my surprise, the acid (and some
pounding) freed them up. The pivot joint is as good
as new, and maybe better. Some lubrication helped.

I'd not want to acid down to the metal, if possible.
Some calcium scale might be covering holes in the
pan.

[Oren]

The sulfamic acid I mentioned earlier is a milder form of acid;
basically, the same as muriatic acid. Stronger than vinegar.

I think both will work when diluted. Take caution.

[Stormin Mormon]

On 2/19/2015 6:38 PM, Oren wrote:
> On Thu, 19 Feb 2015 18:21:49 -0500, Stormin Mormon
>>

>> If it were my cooler, I'd try small bits (ounce or
>> less) of muriatic acid, see if that helps.
>>
>

> The sulfamic acid I mentioned earlier is a milder form of acid;
> basically, the same as muriatic acid. Stronger than vinegar.
>
> I think both will work when diluted. Take caution.
>

An ounce allows the HO to see if it foams and
bubbles. Might need full strength.

[KenK]

Oren <Or...@127.0.0.1> wrote in news:l19cead1ao3gu83u70tu822gemdp2ouur3@
4ax.com:

> You could move up Sulphamic Acid Descaler....up to you :)
>
>

Thanks.

Tried Lowes. They didn't have it in the cleaning or swamp cooler section.
Trying to find it locally and save shipping costs. Not fond of Home Depot
but will try there after I try Tru-Value Hardware.

[Oren]

On 20 Feb 2015 18:08:49 GMT, KenK <inv...@invalid.com> wrote:

>Oren <Or...@127.0.0.1> wrote in news:l19cead1ao3gu83u70tu822gemdp2ouur3@
>4ax.com:
>
>> You could move up Sulphamic Acid Descaler....up to you :)
>>
>>
>
>Thanks.
>
>Tried Lowes. They didn't have it in the cleaning or swamp cooler section.
>Trying to find it locally and save shipping costs. Not fond of Home Depot
>but will try there after I try Tru-Value Hardware.

HD used to sell Tile Lab tile and grout cleaner in crystal form
(Sulfamic Acid). You dissolve it in warm water and apply it. Last I
checked, they did not have it here locally.

"Tile Lab Sulfamic Acid Cleaner contains concentrated crystals that
mix with water to make a mild, safe to use, acid cleaner."

I've read some liquid forms of tile & grout cleaner are non-acidic.

Amazon has a 1 lb. container for $6.13 + $5.63 shipping. It would
likely last you for years when stored properly.

<https://tinyurl.com/lx2gho6>

Reviews:

<https://tinyurl.com/mu6laaj>

[kel...@gmail.com]

I use pool muriatic acid it's little hard to handle so make sure you wear chemical goggles and chemical gloves go up to your elbows. Get a hose with a nozzle on it keep it handy in case you get it on your skin you can flush it fast it burns like anything not going to melt you to the bone just leave red mark. The only place you should be really careful is your eyes that's why you want the goggles like you ware in chemistry class. Another thing is hold your breath when your pouring it on a spot then step back let it work for awhile. I also mix it 50/50 in a 1 gallon bug sprayer with some dawn dish soap that is easier then pouring it lot less comes out. Once I get everything clean I fill up the tank with a gallon of pool acid let it cook for an hour. Then I add water open the drain let it drain out make sure the drain isn't going on concrete it will etch it. It's the only thing I found that can break down really thick scale my drain pump broke I used the cooler for 2 seasons without doing much but running a quart of cooler cleaner each season this year I replaced the pad and had to clean everything was so thick with build up. The de-etch stuff they sell for coolers hardly make a dent only pool acid is strong enough to break down 1/4 inch of calcium. You can use scrapers and wire brushes but then you will scuff up the paint it will rust I didn't want to do that.

[kel...@gmail.com]

On Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 9:57:36 PM UTC-7, kel...@gmail.com wrote:
> I use pool muriatic acid it's little hard to handle so make sure you wear chemical goggles and chemical gloves go up to your elbows. Get a hose with a nozzle on it keep it handy in case you get it on your skin you can flush it fast it burns like anything not going to melt you to the bone just leave red mark. The only place you should be really careful is your eyes that's why you want the goggles like you ware in chemistry class. Another thing is hold your breath when your pouring it on a spot then step back let it work for awhile. I also mix it 50/50 in a 1 gallon bug sprayer with some dawn dish soap that is easier then pouring it lot less comes out. Once I get everything clean I fill up the tank with a gallon of pool acid let it cook for an hour. Then I add water open the drain let it drain out make sure the drain isn't going on concrete it will etch it. It's the only thing I found that can break down really thick scale my drain pump broke I used the cooler for 2 seasons without doing much but running a quart of cooler cleaner each season this year I replaced the pad and had to clean everything was so thick with build up. The de-etch stuff they sell for coolers hardly make a dent only pool acid is strong enough to break down 1/4 inch of calcium. You can use scrapers and wire brushes but then you will scuff up the paint it will rust I didn't want to do that. When you need to really clean like this best to remove the pads so you can get to everything easier. You can run pool acid in the pads but if it's really bad just replace the pads not worth the hassle.

[kell 490]

Been using Pool acid now since 2018 I just pour about 2 cups worth in the tank let the pump circulate after about 2-3 hours I flush it and drain. Flush it a few more times and drain then fill with water and run it. Works lot better than store bought cleaning acids which are much weaker. Even if you are not cleaning just pouring it in make sure you wear safety glasses. I do that now even if pouring it in the pool eye doctor said he had a pool repair guy tiny drop melted his eye now has a permanent damage to his eye blurred spot right in the middle of his vision.

[Psych Shop]

Buy dmt cart online


IS DMT The strongest psychedelic in the world

Found in the ayahuasca tea made by the native people of the Amazon, and also produced naturally in our bodies, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), if ingested correctly, will send you into an overwhelming out-of-body experience that lasts less than half an hour in conventional time but is said to feel like a lifetime. A significant portion of users report encountering small elves when they are hallucinating on DMT.

https://psychshoponline.com/product/dmt-cart-for-sale/