Build a mechanically drafted, counter-flow cooling tower for your swimming pool. These would be especially useful to people living in gulf coast states and the SW deserts.

For more detailed instructions: DIY Pool Cooler

Step 1: Obtain or Build Some Kind of "tower".

First you will need a "tower". Pictured are a couple of options we have used. The first was made from a couple of HDPE barrels. The second is made from PVC pipe, fittings, and corrugated roofing material. Your tower will need to have some sort of catch basin at the bottom, and area for fill material in the center, an area for a water sprayer systems, and finally you'll need a fan that fits the top.

Learn more at: www.davidwilbur.com

Step 2: Cut Up the Fill Material.

The fill material is the most critical part of getting this to work right. We used 26" by 96" sheets and cut them down to five smaller sheets of 21" by 16.25". These smaller sheets are cut on the bias of the corrugations (see photo). The sheets are stacked with sheets alternating their corrugations.

For more details: DIY Pool Cooler

Step 3: Next Install the Water Sprayer System.

Construct either a fixed manifold of pipes with holes to spray water or a rotating spray arm. The picture should give you the method for building the rotating arm.

Additional info can be found here.

Step 4: Top It Off and Try It Out.

Finally, top off your creation with a cheap box fan (I prefer the "weather resistant" variety that comes with a GFCI on the cord). Our versions return the water to the pool using gravity, so you have to set it up next to the pool. Good luck and enjoy a pool that doesn't feel like bath water.

Complete details: www.davidwilbur.com