| Home of the "MAKE SNOW GUARANTEE" We make home snowmaking affordable for everyone, no matter what your budget is! We are the home snowmaking EXPERTS! Phone: 610-481-9696 |
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| 2009-2010 Home Snowmaking Season |
| Home Snowmaking Requirements |
On this page we will talk about the requirements you need in order to make real snow at home with one of our
snowmakers. Additionally we have posted links to affordable, high quality air compressors and pressure
washers that we recommend in case you are looking for one of these items. Some of our recommendations
below can be bought in a local store rather than online for your convenience.
If you have an air compressor or pressure washer already, chances are your compressor or pressure washer
will meet our minimum requirements for our snowmakers. If you are unsure if your compressor or pressure
washer will work with our snowmakers, feel free to contact us for assistance
snowmakers. Additionally we have posted links to affordable, high quality air compressors and pressure
washers that we recommend in case you are looking for one of these items. Some of our recommendations
below can be bought in a local store rather than online for your convenience.
If you have an air compressor or pressure washer already, chances are your compressor or pressure washer
will meet our minimum requirements for our snowmakers. If you are unsure if your compressor or pressure
washer will work with our snowmakers, feel free to contact us for assistance
| Cold Weather |
Home snowmaking requires cold weather in order to allow the water to freeze and form snow as it falls to the ground.
Even if you live in a warm area, chances are you will at least get a night or two a year to make snow. We have lots of
customers who have been able to successfully make snow in areas such Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Northern
Florida. In fact, one of our customers in Alabama was able to make 18" to 24" of snow over a large area in just two
nights of snowmaking during a cold snap!
Snowmaking goes by the wetbulb temperature, which is the temperature with the humidity level factored in. Generally
speaking you need a wetbulb temperature of 30ºF or less to make snow with a snowmaker that runs off of a garden
hose and a wetbulb temperature of 27ºF or less to make snow with a snowmaker that runs off of a pressure washer.
You can find wetbulb temperature calculators online by searching for "wet bulb calculator" on any major search
engine. The calculator will calculate your wetbulb temperature based on your temperature and humidity levels.
Typically any time the temperature hits 30ºF you can make snow with a snowmaker that runs off of a garden hose.
When the temperature hits 28ºF or 29ºF you can typically make snow with a snowmaker that runs off of a pressure
washer. If the humidity level is VERY LOW it is possible to make snow above freezing (32ºF or 0ºC).
Even if you live in a warm area, chances are you will at least get a night or two a year to make snow. We have lots of
customers who have been able to successfully make snow in areas such Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Northern
Florida. In fact, one of our customers in Alabama was able to make 18" to 24" of snow over a large area in just two
nights of snowmaking during a cold snap!
Snowmaking goes by the wetbulb temperature, which is the temperature with the humidity level factored in. Generally
speaking you need a wetbulb temperature of 30ºF or less to make snow with a snowmaker that runs off of a garden
hose and a wetbulb temperature of 27ºF or less to make snow with a snowmaker that runs off of a pressure washer.
You can find wetbulb temperature calculators online by searching for "wet bulb calculator" on any major search
engine. The calculator will calculate your wetbulb temperature based on your temperature and humidity levels.
Typically any time the temperature hits 30ºF you can make snow with a snowmaker that runs off of a garden hose.
When the temperature hits 28ºF or 29ºF you can typically make snow with a snowmaker that runs off of a pressure
washer. If the humidity level is VERY LOW it is possible to make snow above freezing (32ºF or 0ºC).
| Air Compressor |
You will need an air compressor to make snow at home. The compressed air super cools the water to
make it freeze quickly. Almost any household size air compressor will work for home snowmaking. We
recommend getting a compressor with at least 6cfm@90psi or more. This way you have more than enough
air to run a snowmaker.
Compressed Air Requirements for Our Snowmakers:
4cfm@90psi or more for any snowmaker that runs off of a garden hose
5cfm@90psi or more for any snowmaker that runs off of a pressure washer
If you already have an air compressor, you should be able to find the CFM rating of your compressor at 40
and 90psi. This information should be labeled somewhere on the compressor or tank.
The size of your compressor tank and it's orientation (vertical or horizontal) is irrelevant for snowmaking.
The CFM level of your compressor is the only thing that matters for snowmaking. It does not matter if your
compressor pump is oil-lubed or oil-less. However oil-lubed compressors tend to be quieter than oil-less air
compressors. Belt driven air compressors tend to be MUCH quieter than direct drive compressors. Electric
air compressors tend to be easier to manage compared to gas compressors because you do not have to
worry about filing the gas tank every few hours.
Do not worry about operating your compressor in cold weather. Heat is what kills air compressors. By using
your air compressor in cold temperatures, it will help to keep your motor and pump cool. This will help
prolong the life of your motor and pump. Running your compressor continuously for snowmaking is actually
better than when your compressor cycles (turns on to make more air then turns off) when you run an air
tool. If your compressor is not rated for 100% continuous use we recommend giving it a break every few
hours.
make it freeze quickly. Almost any household size air compressor will work for home snowmaking. We
recommend getting a compressor with at least 6cfm@90psi or more. This way you have more than enough
air to run a snowmaker.
Compressed Air Requirements for Our Snowmakers:
4cfm@90psi or more for any snowmaker that runs off of a garden hose
5cfm@90psi or more for any snowmaker that runs off of a pressure washer
If you already have an air compressor, you should be able to find the CFM rating of your compressor at 40
and 90psi. This information should be labeled somewhere on the compressor or tank.
The size of your compressor tank and it's orientation (vertical or horizontal) is irrelevant for snowmaking.
The CFM level of your compressor is the only thing that matters for snowmaking. It does not matter if your
compressor pump is oil-lubed or oil-less. However oil-lubed compressors tend to be quieter than oil-less air
compressors. Belt driven air compressors tend to be MUCH quieter than direct drive compressors. Electric
air compressors tend to be easier to manage compared to gas compressors because you do not have to
worry about filing the gas tank every few hours.
Do not worry about operating your compressor in cold weather. Heat is what kills air compressors. By using
your air compressor in cold temperatures, it will help to keep your motor and pump cool. This will help
prolong the life of your motor and pump. Running your compressor continuously for snowmaking is actually
better than when your compressor cycles (turns on to make more air then turns off) when you run an air
tool. If your compressor is not rated for 100% continuous use we recommend giving it a break every few
hours.
| Recommended Air Compressors *These compressors have been recommended and given high praise by current SnowStorm Snowmaking customers* Eaton Compressor With Roll Cage: www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/733537/1710502.htm Reviews from Current Customers: HIGH QUALITY compressor at a great price since you are buying factory direct. Compressor is made in the USA and Eaton fully stands behind their products with a true warranty that you won't get from any other compressor you can buy at a big box store. Craftsman Professional Air Compressor: www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00919541000P?keyword=air+compressor Reviews from Current Customers: High quality air compressor that is built to last. The compressor is extremely quiet to operate making it perfect for use at night if you live close to your neighbors. Also available in a vertical tank to save space in the garage. Central Pneumatic Air Compressor: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95386 Reviews from Current Customers: Cheap compressor that is easy to pickup if you have a local Harbor Freight store nearby. Runs on sale often for around $89.99. A good compressor for the price and is relatively quiet for a direct drive compressor. |
| Garden Hose/Air Hose |
Whether you plan on using a snowmaker that runs off of a garden hose or a pressure washer, you will need
a good quality garden hose for making snow. We recommend getting a high quality RUBBER garden hose.
Rubber garden hoses tend to last longer since they are usually "commercial grade". They are also much
easier to work with in cold weather since they remain flexible in even the coldest temperatures.
Try to stay away from cheap plastic garden hoses, like those made from low grade plastic. They don't tend
to last long and are difficult to maneuver and wrap up in cold temperatures. Try to get the biggest diameter
hose you can, as this will help prevent freeze ups. 5/8" and 3/4" garden hoses are highly recommended to
prevent freeze ups.
Just like garden hoses, rubber air hoses seem to work best. Try to avoid cheap plastic air hoses as they
are difficult to wrap up and maneuver in cold temperatures. Stay away from 1/4" diameter air hoses
because they tend to freeze quickly. Most people are not aware that an air hose can freeze. Air hoses have
a tendency to freeze because your compressor makes moisture (water) as it makes compressed air. Some
of this moisture will try and exit the compressor tank through the air hose. Since the air hose is cold from
being outside, the water may eventually freeze. For this reason we recommend going with either a 3/8" or
1/2" diameter air hose.
To keep hose freeze ups to a minimum, always run the shortest length of hose possible.
a good quality garden hose for making snow. We recommend getting a high quality RUBBER garden hose.
Rubber garden hoses tend to last longer since they are usually "commercial grade". They are also much
easier to work with in cold weather since they remain flexible in even the coldest temperatures.
Try to stay away from cheap plastic garden hoses, like those made from low grade plastic. They don't tend
to last long and are difficult to maneuver and wrap up in cold temperatures. Try to get the biggest diameter
hose you can, as this will help prevent freeze ups. 5/8" and 3/4" garden hoses are highly recommended to
prevent freeze ups.
Just like garden hoses, rubber air hoses seem to work best. Try to avoid cheap plastic air hoses as they
are difficult to wrap up and maneuver in cold temperatures. Stay away from 1/4" diameter air hoses
because they tend to freeze quickly. Most people are not aware that an air hose can freeze. Air hoses have
a tendency to freeze because your compressor makes moisture (water) as it makes compressed air. Some
of this moisture will try and exit the compressor tank through the air hose. Since the air hose is cold from
being outside, the water may eventually freeze. For this reason we recommend going with either a 3/8" or
1/2" diameter air hose.
To keep hose freeze ups to a minimum, always run the shortest length of hose possible.
| Pressure Washer |
If you are looking to make a lot of snow in the shortest amount of time possible you will want to get a snowmaker
that runs off of a pressure washer. This is because a snowmaker that runs off of a pressure washers follows a
more efficient snowmaking process that allows you to make more snow compared to a garden hose snowgun.
Pressure washers are available in either gas or electric. Electric pressure washers are much quieter than gas
pressure washers. However most of the electric pressure washers you can buy in home improvement stores aren't
built to last long and that's why you can buy some for less than $100. If you buy an electric pressure washer, we
recommend going with NAME BRAND ones only. There are some very high quality electric pressure washers
available, but be prepared to pay in excess of $400 for these units. They are well worth the money if you are
looking for a quiet pressure washer that will last.
Gas pressure washers generally last longer since they are built from higher quality pumps and motors. A good
quality gas pressure washer will cost anywhere from $350 on up. There are some gas pressure washers for less
than $300 but most of them aren't made to last long.
You will find the specs for pressure washers are give in PSI and GPM. The PSI is the maximum discharge
pressure the pressure washer can achieve. The GPM is the maximum flow rate of the pressure washer in gallons
of water per minute. We recommend getting a pressure washer that has a discharge pressure of at least
1000psi but no more than 3500psi. This is because pressure washers that have a pressure over 3500psi start
running into problems with evaporation. Meaning the mist from the snowmaker gets so fine that it evaporates and
thus you make little or no snow. The more GPM your pressure washer flows, the more snow you can make.
Depending upon the type of hose that came with your pressure washer, you may need to buy another hose to
attach the pressure washer to the snowmaker. This is typically only common with electric pressure washers that
you can buy in the home improvement stores. These pressure washers come with a hose that is usually only good
for the pressure washer lance. Most hoses that come with gas pressure washers can attach directly to the
snowmaker or by purchasing a simple fitting. If you need to buy another pressure washer hose they can cost
anywhere from $20 to $100 depending on the material and length. Always store your pressure washer in a warm
location to prevent damage to the pump. Any remaining water inside the pump may freeze when the pump is not
running. This will cause damage to the pump which may ruin the pressure washer.
that runs off of a pressure washer. This is because a snowmaker that runs off of a pressure washers follows a
more efficient snowmaking process that allows you to make more snow compared to a garden hose snowgun.
Pressure washers are available in either gas or electric. Electric pressure washers are much quieter than gas
pressure washers. However most of the electric pressure washers you can buy in home improvement stores aren't
built to last long and that's why you can buy some for less than $100. If you buy an electric pressure washer, we
recommend going with NAME BRAND ones only. There are some very high quality electric pressure washers
available, but be prepared to pay in excess of $400 for these units. They are well worth the money if you are
looking for a quiet pressure washer that will last.
Gas pressure washers generally last longer since they are built from higher quality pumps and motors. A good
quality gas pressure washer will cost anywhere from $350 on up. There are some gas pressure washers for less
than $300 but most of them aren't made to last long.
You will find the specs for pressure washers are give in PSI and GPM. The PSI is the maximum discharge
pressure the pressure washer can achieve. The GPM is the maximum flow rate of the pressure washer in gallons
of water per minute. We recommend getting a pressure washer that has a discharge pressure of at least
1000psi but no more than 3500psi. This is because pressure washers that have a pressure over 3500psi start
running into problems with evaporation. Meaning the mist from the snowmaker gets so fine that it evaporates and
thus you make little or no snow. The more GPM your pressure washer flows, the more snow you can make.
Depending upon the type of hose that came with your pressure washer, you may need to buy another hose to
attach the pressure washer to the snowmaker. This is typically only common with electric pressure washers that
you can buy in the home improvement stores. These pressure washers come with a hose that is usually only good
for the pressure washer lance. Most hoses that come with gas pressure washers can attach directly to the
snowmaker or by purchasing a simple fitting. If you need to buy another pressure washer hose they can cost
anywhere from $20 to $100 depending on the material and length. Always store your pressure washer in a warm
location to prevent damage to the pump. Any remaining water inside the pump may freeze when the pump is not
running. This will cause damage to the pump which may ruin the pressure washer.
| Recommended Pressure Washers *These pressure washers have been recommended and given high praise by current SnowStorm Snowmaking customers* Electric Karcher 1400psi, 1.3gpm Pressure Washer: www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Karcher-K2.93-+-T50/p1236.html Reviews from Current Customers: Quiet to operate and a great value for a name brand pressure washer Electric Karcher 1750psi, 1.5gpm Pressure Washer: www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Karcher-K3.67M/p3391.html Reviews from Current Customers: Quiet to operate and has more power than the smaller version. Great for cleaning projects around the house as well during the spring and summer. A great value for a name brand pressure washer Craftsman 2800psi, 2.5gpm Gas Pressure Washer www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07175262000P?keyword=pressure+washer Reviews from Current Customers: High quality pressure washer at a great price. Noisy if you live close to your neighbors and want to use it at night. Great for cleaning just about anything in the spring or summer to maximize your investment. Briggs & Stratton 2550psi, 2.2gpm Gas Pressure Washer www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_131410_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1 Reviews from Current Customers: Great pressure washer at a great price. Easy to pick up at your local Tractor Supply Store. Powerboss 3000psi, 2.5gpm Gas Pressure Washer www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_120856_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1 Reviews from Current Customers: Extremely high quality and well worth the price. Excellent for the Veyron Snowmaker. Makes a lot of snow. |
| SnowStorm Snowmaking PO Box 633 Orefield, PA 18069 Phone: 610-481-9696 Email: contact@snowstormsnowmaking.com WE ARE THE HOME SNOWMAKING EXPERTS! Entire Contents Copyright 2005-2010 SnowStorm Snowmaking, LLC |
