How to Install Mastercool Pads

Mastercool pads are made from cardboard saturated with chemicals that keep the pads from disintegrating as water rolls down them. The cooler pads come in different thicknesses and dimensions, depending on the model of the evaporative cooler. Unlike aspen or synthetic pads, Mastercool pads can be a challenge to install because the pads are thick and rigid, although the task itself is quite simple. The pads last a long time, depending on the mineral content in the water, so most people using rigid pads don't need to change them often.

Screwdriver
New pads

Instructions

- 1
  Write down the brand and model of the cooler you're using, along with the dimension of the frames that hold the pads. The pads for coolers using rigid media are engineered to fit specific coolers for both depth and dimensions. When you shop for the pads, you can compare the dimensions of the pads in the box, along with the model number to be certain that the pads are the correct replacements.
- 2
  Turn off the evaporative cooler and let everyone know you're replacing the pads. Pull the plug so that someone doesn't accidentally turn on the cooler. These coolers have moving parts that can cause physical harm if servicing a cooler with the power on.
- 3
  Take the frame or frames off the cooler. Because Mastercool pads are thick, they hold a great deal of water and the frames can be heavy. It's easier if you have the option of letting the pads dry before trying to get the frames off the cooler.
- 4
  Use a screwdriver or a pry to get the old pad out of the frame. Some Mastercool frames hold two separate pads per frame to make removing and installing the pads easier.
- 5
  Scrape off the outside of the frames once you get the pads out. Use a plastic knife or tool instead of a metal one to avoid scraping off the paint, which can lead to rust.
- 6
  Take the new pads out of the box or remove any protective covers the pads may have. The top of most Mastercool pads have a strip of felt at the top to better distribute the water. Be sure the top of the pad goes into the top of the frame.
- 7
  Lay the pad in the frame and gently exert enough force to push the pad into the frame. The pads have small corrugations throughout; if you use too much pressure when installing the pads, the corrugations could be crushed, ultimately cutting down on the amount of air flowing through them.
- 8
  Replace the frames in the cooler, plug the cooler back in and turn on the pump to moisten them before running the fan.

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