Cool-Space 500 Support
Warranties
Kits & Accessories
About Cool-Space 500
How does the cooler work?
As air passes through the wet cooling media (pads), it absorbs the moisture. This moisture absorbs the heat in the air, reducing the air temperature the same way rain does on a hot summer day.
How much of a decrease in temperature does the cooler provide?
Typically the cooler provides an 8- to 33-degree drop depending on the existing dry bulb temperature and relative humidity. This drop in temperature combined with the cooler’s high-velocity fan can create a chill factor of 15–20 degrees.
How much water does the cooler use?
On average, the cooler uses 2 to 10 gallons of water per hour depending on the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity.
Does the cooler spray or mist water?
No, moisture is added to the air in a vapor state. As a result, the cooler will not create puddles or wet spots.
How long do the cooling media pads last?
The cooling media will last 1 to 3 years when proper maintenance and care is provided. If you have hard water, using water treatment tablets will help prolong the life of the media.
How effective is the cooler in humid climates?
The air temperature and relative humidity will determine the effective temperature drop. Even in humid climates, you can expect around an 8-degree temperature drop. This drop in temperature combined with the cooler’s high-velocity fan can create a chill factor of 15–20 degrees.
Care and Maintenance
How do I care for my Evaporative Cooler?
Daily maintenance
Allow the cooling media to dry out completely once every 24 hours to prevent algae growth. After each use of the cooler, press the OFF button on the cooler’s control panel to turn off the fan and pump, and then press the DRY button. The fan will run for one hour to dry out the cooling media and will then turn off automatically.
Weekly maintenance
– Check the cooling media for bowing, sagging, or dry streaks.
– Remove the cooling media (refer to the instructions below) and inspect the water reservoir. Remove any debris and make sure the reservoir is clean.
– Check the water distribution system for leaks and check for clogged holes in the spray bar.
Monthly maintenance
Add three water treatment tablets to the cooler’s reservoir to avoid scale and mineral buildup. Tablets may need to be added more often if the water quality is poor.
Quarterly maintenance
– Drain and clean the water reservoir, water distribution system, and cooling media. Refer to the draining and cleaning instructions below.
– Check all cooler components for cracks or damage, including the pump and fan motor.
– Make sure the cooler’s float valve automatically shuts off the water flow when the cooler is full.
Annually to every three years
– Replace the cooling media. The media may need to be replaced more often if it becomes heavily stained with minerals or is damaged. Refer to the instructions below for removing and replacing the cooling media.
Storing/winterizing
– Drain and clean the water reservoir, water distribution system, and cooling media. Refer to the draining and cleaning instructions below.
– To prevent freezing in the cooler’s water line, disconnect the water supply, and then open the flow control valve and the drain valve to dry out the reservoir.
– Store the cooler in a dry area and cover it to prevent damage and dust buildup.
Removing or replacing the cooling media
1. Remove the four bolts securing the media retainer bar to the back of the cooler housing, and remove the retainer bar.
2. Remove the two top water distribution pads.
3. Starting with the center pads, tilt pads out from the top and lift out of the cooler.
4. Install new pads according to the orientation markings on the pads.
5. Reinstall the retainer bar and bolts on the back of the cooler housing.
Draining and cleaning the cooler and cooling media
1. Drain cooler.
a. Option A: Close flow control valve. Connect garden hose to drain valve on front of cooler (optional). Open drain valve. Run pump until reservoir is dry, and then immediately turn off pump.
b. Option B: Remove drain plug from bottom of cooler. Allow water to drain, and then replace drain plug. Do not tilt cooler to remove or replace drain plug.
2. Turn off and unplug cooler.
3. Remove cooling media (refer to the instructions above) and clean with water and a soft brush. Do not use bleach, vinegar, or other harsh cleaners.
4. Clean out water reservoir with a towel or wet/dry vacuum.
5. Remove spray bar from mounting clips and remove plug at end of spray bar. Make sure water distribution holes are free of debris. Reattach plug to spray bar and reinstall spray bar into mounting clips. Make sure water distribution holes are facing upward.
6. Reinstall cooling media (refer to the instructions above).
7. Refill cooler with water (unless storing/winterizing).
How many tablets should I use in my evaporative cooler?
To avoid scale and mineral buildup, use water treatment tablets monthly. Tablets are provided in the cooler’s reservoir according to the table below. Every month, add the specified number of tablets to the reservoir after cleaning. Tablets are available to purchase HERE.
Cool-Space 300: 1 tablet
Cool-Space 350/400: 2 tablets
Cool-Space 500: 3 tablets
Connected Controller and Mobile APP
What do the buttons on the controller do?
Cool – Turns on the fan and pump (cooling mode)
Fan – Turns on the fan only
Pump – Turns on the pump only
Off – Turns off the fan and/or pump
Dry – Turns on the fan at medium speed to dry out the cooling media. The fan automatically turns off after one hour.
Kick Ass – Turns on the fan to maximum airflow and cooling
“+” and “-” – Increases and decreases fan speed (1-7)
The same controls are available in the Big Ass Fans mobile app.
What do the Water and Media indicator lights on the controller mean?
Water – The cooler’s water level is low. Add more water to continue using the cooler. The indicator automatically turns off when the cooler is filled.
Media – The cooling media needs to be replaced. This indicator is also on when the cooler is in Dry mode. To turn off the indicator after replacing the cooling media, replace the media, and then press and hold the Dry button.
Do I need to be on the same WiFi network to control my unit?
No. You can be on any network to control the unit.
My unit will not connect to the mobile app
You may need to reset your fan settings. Press and hold POWER for 5 seconds, then press SPEED UP
How do I control the unit with my phone?
1. Download the Big Ass Fans app from the App store or Google Play.
2. Make sure your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network
3. Follow the steps in the app to pair your unit with your mobile device
Trouble with Something Else
The pump or fan will not start.
– Make sure power cord is plugged in.
– Make sure pump or fan is turned on.
– Check circuit breaker or fuse panel for functionality.
– Make sure supply power is adequate and functional. Refer to the cooler’s operation and maintenance manual for electrical requirements.
– Check cooler’s water level. Pump automatically shuts off if water level is too low. Pump may take up to five minutes to reset after cooler is refilled.
– Make sure there are no obstructions in fan assembly or blades.
– Check extension cord gauge. Refer to the cooler’s operation and maintenance manual for electrical requirements.
– Make sure back (inlet side) of cooler is clear of obstructions/walls. Provide minimum 3 ft (0.9 m) inlet clearance.
The pump motor hums when the switch is turned on but does not pump water.
1. Remove cooling media to access reservoir.
2. Check for an obstruction in the pump, plumbing, and water distribution tube above media.
3. Clean reservoir and pump.
4. Inspect plumbing for obstructions.
5. Remove water distribution tube and inspect outlet holes.
The breaker trips or a fuse blows when the pump or fan is turned on.
Make sure supply power is adequate and functional and check the extension cord gauge. Refer to the cooler’s operation and maintenance manual for electrical requirements.
The pump runs but does not pump water.
– Make sure flow control valve is open (counterclockwise).
– Check cooler’s water level.
The floor around the cooler is wet.
– Make sure the water supply hose is securely connected to the cooler. Tighten connections if necessary.
– Make sure the drain plug on the bottom of the cooler is secure.
Water is leaking from the cooler's drain valve.
Make sure the drain valve is fully closed.
Water overflows from the reservoir or spits from the cooler.
– Ensure cooler is on a flat, level surface.
– Check hoses and connections for leaks. Tighten connections if necessary.
– Use flow control valve to reduce water flow.
– Make sure cooling media is installed correctly and is not dirty or damaged.
– Remove cooling media and check spray bar. Make sure water distribution holes are facing upward.
– Check float valve hose connections. Tighten connections if necessary.
– Make sure water supply pressure is below 60 PSI (4 bar/414 kPa) to allow cooler’s float valve to shut off water flow.
Water is leaking from the cooler's drain plug.
If water is below the cooler, confirm drain plug is properly installed. Remove and tighten drain plug.
There are dry areas on the cooling media.
– Use a flow control valve to increase water flow.
– Remove cooling media and check the spray bar for clogged water distribution holes. Clean if necessary.
Water is not flowing into the cooler.
Check float screen and clean if needed. If water is still not flowing, please give us a call at 1-877-BIG-FANS.
The cooling media has scale and mineral buildup.
1. Remove cooling media to access reservoir.
2. Drain and clean cooler and cooling media according to the instructions in the cooler’s operation and maintenance manual.
3. Add the appropriate number of water treatment tablets to the reservoir.
Cool-Space 300: 1 tablet
Cool-Space 350/400: 2 tablets
Cool-Space 500: 3 tablets
If mineral buildup is heavy, replace the cooling media. Replacement cooling media can be purchased at bigassfans.com.
The cooler's casters are noisy.
Lubricate the caster fittings with a grease gun.
How do I replace my cooler’s pump?
1. Disconnect the power supply before replacing the pump.
2. Lift the pump from housing.
3. Remove fittings connecting the pump to the plumbing assembly.
4. Disconnect the pump wiring harness.
5. Perform the steps above in reverse to install the new pump according to the instructions provided in the pump service kit.
A new pump can be purchased HERE.
How do I replace my cooler's fan motor?
1. Disconnect power supply before replacing motor.
2. Remove cap from bottom of motor.
3. Disconnect wiring.
4. Remove the four fan mounting bolts. Support fan to ensure it does not fall. This operation may require two people.
5. Remove fan from cooler.
6. Remove blade mount numbers and arms from motor. Note the position of the arms for installation of new motor.
7. Perform the steps above in reverse to install the new motor.
Still Need Help?
Call our exceptional customer service team for help with all your fan-related questions.
