The Texas summer is in high gear, and although the sunshine and clear skies practically beg for weekends spent on the deck, it’s just too darn hot to stay outside for very long. If you’re not lucky enough to have your own backyard pool, don’t fret—there are plenty of nifty gadgets to keep you and your family cool on the deck this summer. Here are a few of our favorites:
Misting Fans
Misting fans are probably the most popular items available for those looking to cool their decks or patios. Prices can vary quite substantially between different companies, but there are some fairly inexpensive models on the market. Most of these fans simply spray a mist of water into a breeze generated by the fan, but some companies offer a unique twist on the basic misting fan. Advanced Misting Systems offers a variety of misting products, some of which feature odor control and even portable air conditioning units. Cool-Off offers patio umbrellas and entire misting tents in addition to misting fans.
Residential Misting Systems
You’ve probably seen these misting systems on restaurant patios and at theme parks, but haven’t you always wanted one for your backyard? It’s possible! MicroCool was the first company to design a hanging sprinkler system for households, and now there’s an entire competitive niche market for these devices. MicroCool’s system pressurizes water to about 1,000 pound per square inch, producing droplets that are smaller than the width of a human hair. The droplets disappear into the air almost immediately, thanks to “flash evaporation.” The system starts around $3,500, but it’s an investment patio-loving Texans may want to make.
Bollard Outdoor Coolers
Texas-based company IntelliCool producers bollard outdoor coolers, which look a little like aluminum lampposts. Hot air is pulled into the bottom of the device, and then an external pump pressurizes the water to shoot it across six nozzles. As the water begins to evaporate and the air cools, a filter scrubs the air of extra moisture and the air gets pushed through the top of the lamppost. Prices can range anywhere between $999 to $50,000.
If your summer backyard project requires you to break ground, remember to call Texas811 before you dig!
