Evaporative coolers or swamp coolers remain the cheapest and most energy-efficient way to cool your home.
Choosing the right pump for your cooler will depend on a few factors, such as the size of your home, climate, and budget.
In this guide, we will review some of the best pumps on offer to help you make the right choice.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Swamp Cooler Pumps
- OUR TOP PICK: Dial Purge Pump 1541
- RUNNER-UP: Little Giant CP3-115
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Dial Manufacturing 1095
Comparison of the Best Swamp Cooler Pumps
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What to Look For When Buying a Swamp Cooler Pump
There are many types of swamp cooler pumps available, and knowing which one is right for you can be a challenge. The most crucial factor to consider when making your choice is the pump’s size which should be large enough to cool your room efficiently and effectively.
Pump Size
CFM or Cubic Feet per Minute measures the amount of fresh air released into your room every minute. For your swamp cooler to run at an optimal level, you will need the right size pump that produces the right amount of CFM.
You will need approximately 1CFM per square foot, and most pumps on the market can produce up to 10,000 CFMs with only 115 volts of power. If you are running a smaller pump than your room requires, the pump will work harder and be less effective in cooling the air.
Mineral and Scale Elimination
Choosing a swamp cooler pump with an additional mineral and scale elimination system is a sensible choice and will save you a lot of trouble down the road. Less scale build-up means less maintenance, making your cooler run much better for far longer. It will also mean less maintenance on your pipes and other parts of the cooler.
Automatic Wastewater Release
If you want to be water-conscious and avoid unnecessary waste, look for a pump that eliminates wastewater regularly, making it more user-friendly and hassle-free. You can even recycle the wastewater by using it to water your indoor plants or outdoor flower beds.
Thermal Overload Protection
Some swamp cooler pumps have a thermal overload relay, which is designed to protect the motor in case of a short circuit and is undoubtedly a critical safety feature to protect your pump and your cooler.
Mountings and Add-ons
If you are a keen DIY enthusiast who will be installing the pump yourself, be sure to look for a pump that you can attach to your existing cooler. You can do this by making sure the pump has a universal mounting configuration.
Some manufacturers also offer add-ons when you buy a new pump, such as mounting brackets, drain hoses, and drain adapters, which are very useful and will save you time and money.
Review of the Best Swamp Cooler Pumps
To help you choose the best swamp cooler pump for your home, we reviewed the top sellers on the market today by comparing key factors such as power output, size, weight, and warranties.
Best Overall
Dial Purge Pump 1541
Specifications
Volts: 115 volts
Coverage Area: N/A
Warranty: 2 Years
Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 10 inches
Weight: 2.47 lbs.
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Review
This pump from Dial Manufacturing eliminates mineral and scale build-up, which means your pump and all other parts of the cooler will need less maintenance and won’t have to be replaced as often. The manufacturers have also thrown in lots of extras such as hoses, adapters, and mesh screens.
Bottom Line
This efficient and affordable pump has lots of great additions that will make a big difference in how your pump will perform in the long run.
Pros
Mesh screen included
Mounting brackets included
Automatically flushes wastewater
Drain hose and drain adapters included
Eliminates mineral and scale build-up, preventing them from forming
Cons
We could find no cons to this pump other than it may not be strong enough to power cooler in a vast space
Runner-up
Little Giant CP3-115
Specifications
Volts: 115 volts
Coverage Area: N/A
Warranty: 2 Years
Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.7 x 9.4 inches
Weight: 3.5 lbs.
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Review
The pump from Little Giant is one of the heavier pumps, a consideration to keep in mind if you intend to move your swamp cooler from room to room. It also has regular safety features such as thermal overload protection and a heavy-duty fan cooled motor. Installation of the pump will be easy as it has universal mountings.
It is one of the more expensive pumps available but carries a 2 year warranty to ensure you have some peace of mind.
Bottom Line
If you need a sturdy pump with plenty of general safety features, you will be glad to hear that this pump carries a 2 year warranty.
Pros
4 foot power cord included
Thermal overload protection
Heavy-duty fan-cooled motor
Universal mounting configurations
Cons
No automatic wastewater elimination and scale build-up could be a problem
Best for the Money
Dial Manufacturing 1095
Specifications
Volts: 115 volts
Coverage Area: N/A
Warranty: 90 Days
Dimensions: 4.25 x 4.25 x 8.5 inches
Weight: 2 lbs.
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Review
This pump from Dial Manufacturing fits into the mounting bracket of Champion coolers and is easy to install. The thermal overload relay protects your motor from short circuits and power surges or outages.
It also has a grounded plug to add to the safety features of this pump. Being one of the lightest pumps in the market means it is very mobile and will be easy to move from room to room. It is also one of the most affordable pumps and offers the best value for your money.
Bottom Line
If you only have one swamp cooler but many rooms to cool, the Dial Manufacturing 1095 pump is the perfect pump for you due to its weight. It is also very affordable and won’t break the budget. The lack of scale build-up elimination may indicate that you may spend more time on maintenance.
Pros
Lightweight
Easy to install
Very affordable
Flame retardant housing
Thermal overload protection
Cons
This pump lacks a system to eliminate mineral and scale build-up
Editor’s Pick
Little Giant 540005
Specifications
Volts: 115 volts
Coverage Area: N/A
Warranty: 2 Years
Dimensions: 3.8 x 4.4 x 8.4 inches
Weight: 2.2 lbs.
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Review
The Little Giant 540005 is a robust and sturdy pump with unique features such as moisture-resistant parts, great for high-humidity areas. The motor shaft is made out of corrosion-resistant steel, ensuring durability.
To install will also not be a problem, as the pump has universal mountings. It is also easy to maintain and clean this pump, as the mesh plate is detachable. This pump carries a 2-year warranty, confirming its durability.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a durable pump that is corrosion- and moisture-resistant, the Little Giant 54005 is the pump for you, as this pump performs well in humid climates. It is also affordable, and the detachable elements such as the mesh plate make maintaining and cleaning this pump a breeze.
Pros
Moisture-proof parts
Thermal overload protection
Universal mounting configuration
Corrosion-resistant steel motor shaft
Snap off mesh plate for easy cleaning
Cons
This pump does not have a mineral and scale elimination system or automatic wastewater drainage
Honorable Mention
Phoenix Manufacturing 05-006-0034
Specifications
Volts: 120 volts
Coverage Area: N/A
Warranty: 2 Years
Dimensions: 6 x 4.63 x 11 inches
Weight: 2 lbs.
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Review
The pump by Phoenix Manufacturing packs a punch when it comes to power and durability. With an output of 120 volts, this pump can release up to 6,500 CFMs. This pump is also built to last, with features that include high-quality and durable metals and plastics.
Another fantastic feature is the low-slump design, which allows the pump to continue working even when the water is running at a lower level. Overall, this pump from Phoenix Manufacturing is easy to install and maintain.
Bottom Line
If you have a large space that you need to cool, you will need a powerful pump to produce the right CFM amount to cool your room. This pump is not only strong but is made of very durable, high-quality parts and should last you a long time.
Pros
Easy to install
Drainage pipes and mesh are included
Low-slump design pumps water even when shallow
Water pumping capacity is up to industry standard (6,500CFM)
The use of heavy-duty plastic and high-quality metal on all parts ensures durability
Cons
Only has a 1-year warranty
When is it Time to Replace the Pump on My Swamp Cooler?
The leading indicator that it is time to replace your swamp cooler pump is airflow. If the air does not flow out of the cooler or is not cooling your room, it is time for a new pump. Do not replace the pump if it leaks water, has a strange odor coming from it, or is not switching on at all, as these are maintenance issues not relating to your pump.
However, failing to replace a broken pump could damage your cooler beyond repair. Fortunately, most manufacturers offer a 2-year warranty on their pumps.
What Size Evaporative Cooler Pump Do I Need?
The size of the pump you will need for your swamp cooler will significantly depend on the size of your room. You can calculate this by using a mathematical equation to find your CFM or Cubic Feet per Minute, which measures the air volume per minute.
First, calculate the volume of your room in cubic meters and divide that by half to get the CFM needed to cool your space. Most pumps run on between 115 volts and 120 volts of power, producing up to 10,000 CFMs, more than enough to cool any large space. Select the pump that will be able to produce enough airflow for your room.
Top Brands in the Swamp Cooler Pump Space
There are a few swamp cooler pump manufacturers that stand out when it comes to durability and affordability.
Dial Manufacturing
Dial Manufacturing Inc. has its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a family-owned and -operated business with over 50 years of experience in the evaporative cooling industry. Not only do they produce top-of-the-range pumps, but they also supply all accessories and parts for any kind of evaporative cooler.
Dial Manufacturing Inc. also provides in-store service and product knowledge training, ensuring that you can always get the help or advice you need. Best known for their quality products at affordable prices, Dial Manufacturing Inc. has become front-runners in the engineering and design of wastewater and scale elimination systems.
Portacool
Founded 30 years ago, Portacool now has distributors in 50 US states and 56 countries worldwide. Based in Texas, Portacool has seen global expansion, and its wide range of products are being used in agriculture, horticulture, sports, business, and home.
Manufacturing has remained in the USA, and so has sourcing of materials, making their products even more affordable.
Hessair
Hessair was founded over 50 years ago by Jack Hess, an engineer, and expert on air-movement products. Most of the air-conditioner condenser fans, commercial and industrial fans today were designed by Mr. Hess. He currently employs a team of top engineers who design quality products tested in their Alabama air movement lab.
How Much Does a Swamp Cooler Pump Cost?
Since you will need to replace your swamp cooler pump occasionally, the good news is that these pumps are all quite affordable.
$20 – $40
The following pumps fall under this price range: Dial Manufacturing 1095, Little Giant 540005, and the Dial Purge Pump 1541. Pumps in this price range are affordable yet still have many advantages, such as being powerful enough to cool a room and safety features such as the Thermal Protection Relays. Moisture shield in some parts will also help with the longevity of your pump.
Pumps in this price range should also have added value in the form of elimination systems. The lack of minerals and scale in the water due to the well-designed elimination system will ensure your pump will need much less maintenance. Always check your warranty and make sure you have all the adapters, pipes, and mounting brackets you will need.
$40 – $60
Pumps in this price range usually vary in size and weight, giving you more options to choose from, depending on your specific needs. Models in the price range will also offer more horsepower per unit, making it stronger and faster.
You should also receive all the mounting brackets you will need to install the pump in your cooler, as well as the drainage adapter and mesh screen. Make sure you get value for money and that the warranty of 2 years is in place, assuring you of a quality product.
Conclusion
Before you set out to buy your new swamp cooler pump, work out the CFM your space will require. Consider whether you will be using your cooler in an indoor or outdoor space and if there are enough windows and doors for the cooler to run at an optimum level. Finally, look for a pump that will be easy to install and have systems in place to eliminate waste.
People Also Ask
To help you make the right choice when selecting your swamp cooler pump or troubleshoot a problem you may be experiencing with your pump, we have answered some previously asked questions and hope this will assist you.
An evaporative cooler pump pulls the water into your cooler, through the pipes, and onto cooling mats, which results in cool air flow coming out of your cooler. More info on how swamp coolers work here.
If your pump is making a noise, it is most probably because the bearings are dry. Lack of lubricant will cause them to squeak, and it is easily remedied with some grease.
Replacing your pump is not hard to do. First, unplug your AC voltage and water pipes, then unbolt the old pump, install the new pump, reconnect water and power, and you are ready to test.
You should only run your swamp cooler pump as long as there is water in the cooler. Running the pump without water will cause it to overheat and burn out.
Having your pump replaced by a professional could cost anything from $150 to $450. Fortunately, it is effortless and uncomplicated, allowing you to do it yourself.
