Misting FAQ

Below you’ll find quick answers to the most common questions about outdoor misting—how it feels, when it works best, which system to choose, and how to keep your nozzles running like new.

Will the mist system make me wet?

Only if you’re standing within about 6 ft (≈1.8 m) of the nozzle. Stand farther back and you’ll feel the cooling without getting damp.

Will a misting system work in a humid climate?

Yes. Evaporative cooling works anywhere evaporation can occur. Effectiveness scales with humidity:

  • Above 80% RH: temperature reductions up to ~10°F
  • 40%–80% RH: temperature reductions up to ~20°F
  • Below 40% RH: temperature reductions as much as ~35°F

The more complete the evaporation, the greater the cooling effect.

Which misting system is the best choice for me?

1) Low-Pressure Misting Systems

  • Operating pressure: ~40–100 psi (uses household water pressure, no pump)
  • Typical build: PVC or poly plastic tubing connected to a garden hose
  • Best for: simple, budget-friendly patio setups where being near the mist (and getting a little wet) is acceptable

2) Mid-Pressure Misting Systems

  • Operating pressure: ~100–250 psi (uses a mid-pressure pump)
  • Best for: backyards and patios that need noticeable cooling with a cleaner, finer mist than low-pressure systems

3) High-Pressure Misting Systems

  • Operating pressure: ~800–1200 psi
  • Works great in: both low and high humidity—even >90% RH you’ll feel a rapid drop in perceived temperature
  • Why it’s most effective: higher pressure creates ultra-fine droplets (more surface area), generating the most BTUs of cooling through fast evaporation
  • Result: flash-evaporating micron droplets drop temperatures ~25–35°F without getting you wet

What’s the best way to clean clogged nozzles?

Clogs usually come from hard-water deposits (think of the white film on a shower door). A household calcium/lime/rust remover (e.g., CLR) works well.

  1. Prep the tip: Lightly scrape a knife across the tiny orifice to remove surface scale (don’t poke into the hole).
  2. Soak: Mix ½ warm water + ½ CLR in a small jar. Place the nozzle inside, shake ~20 seconds, rest briefly, then shake another ~20 seconds.
  3. Tap: Holding the nozzle by the threads, gently tap it on a hard surface to dislodge debris.
  4. Rinse: Flush with fresh water and reinstall.

Pro tip: If you have an ultrasonic (jewelry) cleaner, use it instead of the jar for even better results.

Does cooler water absorb more heat than warmer water?

Not meaningfully for evaporation cooling. At 90°F (32°C) ambient conditions, it takes roughly 9,000 BTU (≈2.268 kilocalories) to evaporate a gallon of 50°F (10°C) water vs. 8,700 BTU (≈2.192 kilocalories) for a gallon of 90°F (32°C) water. Even though the water is about 180% warmer, the difference in heat absorbed is only around 3%. In practice, droplet size and evaporation matter far more than water temperature.

Need help choosing?

Tell us about your space (size, sun exposure, typical humidity, and how “dry” you want the experience) and we’ll recommend the ideal pressure, pump, and nozzle layout for your goals.