Some cooling towers use water for heat exchange, while others use air. However, all cooling towers share one requirement—they must operate 24/7, 365 days a year. That’s because many buildings and industrial plants require round-the-clock cooling.
Your cooling tower must remain in peak condition year-round, which is only possible with regular cleaning. Sticking to a cooling tower cleaning schedule ensures your system runs efficiently and safely.
Without it, your cooling tower could suffer from scale buildup, corrosion, and dangerous microbial growth. If neglected, cooling towers can even harbor Legionella, a bacterium that can lead to Legionnaires’ disease—a serious health risk.
At Pinnacle CTS, our preventive cooling tower maintenance includes thorough cleaning to avoid such issues. If you are wondering how often you should clean your cooling system, this blog post will help.
Let’s explore the best practices and recommended cleaning frequency for cooling towers.
Which Factors Influence Cooling Tower Cleaning Frequency
1. System Usage
If your cooling tower runs around the clock or supports high-demand cooling needs, it will require more frequent cleaning. Systems that operate year-round or handle heavy workloads accumulate dirt and contaminants faster, making regular cleaning necessary.
2. Local Environment
Local climate also affects cooling tower cleaning frequency. For example, cooling towers in industrial areas, near construction sites, or regions with heavy dust or pollution tend to get dirty quickly. Dust, debris, and airborne particles can contaminate your tower’s water, leading to faster scale buildup and biofilm formation.
3. Water Quality
Poor water quality is another major factor. Hard water with high mineral content can cause rapid scaling, while untreated water may encourage biological growth like algae and bacteria. These issues can quickly lead to reduced efficiency and health risks. In short, you must adjust the cleaning schedule based on the water’s condition.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Cooling Tower
Each cooling tower is unique, which means the frequency of cleaning will change from system to system. However, as cooling tower experts, we recommend following guidelines when creating your cooling tower cleaning schedule.
1. Quarterly Cleaning
We recommend cleaning your cooling tower every three months. It helps remove dirt, scale, and biological growth before they can affect performance or become a health hazard. This quarterly maintenance should include thoroughly cleaning the basin, fill media, and drift eliminators.
2. Bi-Annual Cleaning
If your system operates in less demanding conditions, such as in cooler climates or cleaner environments, you might be able to get away with bi-annual cleaning. It would involve deep cleaning every six months, with a focus on removing any buildup that could influence performance.
3. Monthly Inspections
Even if you stick to a quarterly or bi-annual cleaning schedule, you still shouldn’t skip monthly inspections. These inspections help identify early signs of contamination, such as dirt or biological growth, before they become major issues. Also, you can adjust your cleaning frequency based on what you find during these checks.
When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning frequency. Most cooling tower manufacturers provide these details in the user’s manual. Industry standards like ASHRAE188 can provide valuable insights into preventing issues like Legionella growth.
Signs That Your Cooling Tower Needs Cleaning
While regular inspections help you stay on top of problems, you would want to watch out for signs that might indicate it is time to clean your cooling tower.
Here’s what you need to look out for:
1. Visible Scale or Biofilm
If you can see scale buildup or a slimy biofilm forming on surfaces, it’s a clear sign that your tower needs immediate cleanup. These deposits can reduce heat transfer efficiency and create an ideal environment for bacteria growth.
2. Reduced Efficiency
A noticeable drop in performance could indicate dirt or debris buildup. As this buildup blocks air or water flow, your system has to work harder, which can send your energy bills through the roof and even damage components.
3. Unusual Odors
Foul smells emanating from the cooling tower typically indicate microbial growth, which can pose health risks. If you notice any unusual odors, address the issue right away to avoid bigger issues.
Best Practices for Effective Cooling Tower Cleaning
When cleaning your cooling tower, follow these best practices:
1. Use Biocides and Scale Inhibitors
Between cleanings, you can reduce the risk of microbial growth and scale with the proper chemical treatments. Biocides kill bacteria and algae, while scale inhibitors help prevent mineral buildup. Maintain a water treatment program to keep your system clean between scheduled maintenance.
2. Don’t Ignore Mechanical Cleaning
In addition to chemical treatments, physical cleaning like scrubbing and pressure washing are often necessary to remove tough deposits. It is particularly necessary for areas where dirt and scale can accumulate, such as the fill media and basin.
3. Hire Professional Cleaning Service
While you can handle routine cooling tower maintenance in-house, we recommend bringing in professionals for deep cleaning at least twice a year. Experts have the necessary training and tools to clean your tower thoroughly and ensure compliance with local health and building codes.
Whether handled in-house or by professionals, ensure each cleaning session is documented. This helps you track the system’s condition over time and stay compliant.
Keep Your Cooling Tower Clean
Keeping up with a cooling tower cleaning schedule helps your system run at its peak. Whether it’s quarterly, bi-annually, or based on monthly inspections, create a schedule to prevent issues like scale buildup, biological growth, and frequent breakdowns. You might also want to consider things like usage, local climate, and water quality when planning maintenance.
Does this sound like too much work? Let us help you. Pinnacle CTS provides thorough and professional cleaning, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs across the greater tri-state area. We can keep your system running efficiently and safely.
Contact us today to get started!
