And if you live in the tropics, it’s nearly always hot.

What Is a Swamp Cooler, Anyway?

A swamp cooler, known more formally as an evaporation cooler, is the ultimate in low-tech cooling systems.

A thermometer showing 40 degrees Celsius

Think of how you could cool down by laying a wet cloth on your forehead.

Swamp coolers work best in dry climates, and indoors.

All equipment for this swamp cooler was bought at a dollar store.

Three images of tidy swamp cooler with a lid mounted fan

Image Credit: Beandustries/Instructables

The material list also makes it clear that this swamp cooler means business.

The results are seriously impressive.

It requires a submersible pump and a high-powered fan to operate.

Composite image showing the stages of construction of a cooler including orange bucket and chimney

Credit: victorg6546/Instructables

It gets great results, dropping the temperature in a 90 square foot room by a full 10 degrees!

Ghetto Cooler

Sometimes the simplest options are the best choice.

It’s super-easy and effective, as well as being a great way to dry your laundry.

composite of metalworking and construction images

Credit: spider_kyle/Instructables

A cubic swamp cooler

Credit: ebayboy98/Instructables

clothes in a sink and a fan blowing air over the same wet clothes

Credit: friney23/Instructables