This is not an AC vs. swamp cooler thread. No drama here.
Just thought I'd share with other swamp cooler owners if there are any.
I broke down and got new pads for the swamp cooler this AM... What a difference.
After some web searching for what is best, I went back to old fashioned aspen pads doubled up... What a difference. It is 98+ on my back porch and it is pumping out 66 degree air. House is at least 10 degrees cooler than it was with the old foam backed paper pads.
If you are using anything but aspen, go back. All the anecdotal and minimal science I could find have them at 3-7 degrees cooler than any of the paper or synthetic ones.
Also make sure your pump actually moves enough water to wet all the pads completely. If not, the hot air just rushes through the dry spots. That helped a lot when I went up 50% in GPH a few years ago.
I also keep a bromine tablet from my spa in the corner of the reservoir to keep anything from growing in the water which I change every couple days anyway.
Stay cool...