“Misters”: A Cool Answer to Hot Playgrounds
By Dr. Melinda Bossenmeyer, The Recess Doctor
A Cool Answer for Hot Playgrounds
As temperatures continue to climb this summer and smoke from fires spread across various parts of the U.S., schools across the U.S. are beginning to explore long-term options for reducing heat and smoke exposure. One solution that is gaining popularity is the use of misting systems
The heat reminds me of a time 20 years ago when I was a principal in Southern California and my school was located about 40 miles from Palm Springs in South Riverside County. We were a year-round school and in the summer it often reached 105 degrees. After visiting a restaurant in Palm Springs for dinner one evening with misters (although quite hot outside). under the misters, the weather was pleasant and even comfortable.
How Misting Systems Work
Misting systems work by spraying a fine mist of water into the air. The water evaporates quickly, absorbing heat from the surrounding area and cooling it down. This can make a significant difference in the temperature of an outdoor space, even on hot, humid days.
Misting systems are particularly beneficial for schools because they can be used to cool down large areas, such as playgrounds, lunch areas, and athletic fields. They are also relatively inexpensive to operate, making them a cost-effective way to keep students cool.
In addition to providing relief from heat stress, misting systems can also have other benefits for schools. For example, they can help to reduce the number of students who miss school due to illness. They can also improve student concentration and academic performance. Students can play outside but return to the classroom refreshed and not suffering from the effects of excessive heat.
How much will a Misting System Drop the Temperature?
It depends on a number of factors. Hot and dry climates are optimal conditions for misting systems. The hot dry air will absorb large amounts of water. Higher temperatures allows for maximum temperature reduction. So, implementing a misting system will drop the temperature for your outdoor activities.
Studies Say Misters Can Help to Reduce Risk of Heat-Related Illness
A study by the University of California, Davis[1] found that students who attended a school with a misting system were more likely to report feeling cool and comfortable during the summer months. They were also less likely to report feeling tired or having difficulty concentrating.
Another study, conducted by the University of Arizona,[2] found that misting systems can help to reduce the risk of heat-related illness in schools. The study found that students who attended schools with misting systems were less likely to experience heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Overall, misting systems are a safe and effective way to keep students cool and safe during the summer or historically hot months. They are a cost-effective solution that can provide a number of benefits for schools.
Some Advantages of Misters
They can help to reduce heat stress in students, which can lead to improved academic performance and reduced absenteeism.
They can help to create a more comfortable learning environment for students, which can lead to increased productivity and engagement.
They can help to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
They are relatively inexpensive to operate and maintain.
They are easy to install and can be used in a variety of settings, including playgrounds, lunch areas, and athletic fields.
If you are considering installing school misters, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Choose a system that is designed for outdoor use and that can withstand the elements.
Make sure the system is properly installed and that the nozzles are properly spaced, and properly maintained.
Test the system regularly to make sure it is working properly.
Keep the system clean and free of debris.
School misters can be a valuable asset for schools in hot climates. By providing students with a cool and comfortable place to learn, they can help to improve academic performance and reduce absenteeism. If you are looking for a way to keep
your students cool and safe during the summer months, school misters may be the right solution for you.
Lessons Learned in Installing Misters
I decided that a covered shade structure with misters for my school made a lot of sense given the heat we faced during the hot summer months. I contacted the maintenance department and found out that a shade structure was pretty involved, requiring a lengthly approval process including engineering. Misters on the other hand, were inexpensive and could be installed immediately if only we had a shade structure. As it turns out, we did have a structure covering the lunch tables outside. We decided to add misters to the lunch table structure. They were purchased at the local Home Depot. They were in stock at the time and the district maintenance department installed them within 2 weeks.
There are commercial-grade high pressured systems. We did not purchase a commercial-grade system. The misters were installed by the district maintenance workers. The cost was minimal. The amount of water used in a mister system is minimal. In fact, the amount was so small it evaporated before it hit the ground so no puddles, etc. Minimal impact on the water bill, etc.
The nice thing about misters is that they report the environment as about 20-30 degrees cooler according to the companies who sell them. (I will just say, they are a great way to get out of the hot heat for a few minutes and are refreshing). Your supervisors will love them too! We told the students on a hot day that after 10 minutes of play, they had to go spend 5 minutes under the misters to cool off to maintain “recess privileges”. Students were pretty good about rushing to the misters when reminded so as not to lose recess privileges. Parents were relieved that we were concerned about heat stroke and shared the burden of reminders. Before the misters, I received almost daily calls from parents asking why students were being made to go outside in the heat that some parents felt was entirely too hot and a health issue. After the misters were installed we rarely ever received a call again about the heat.
Overheating is a serious issue in children.
I hope you’ll take the time to read the other articles in our inclement weather series especially “When is it Too Hot for Recess” article and “How Schools can Protect Students from Wildfire Smoke”. Both articles can be found in our featured articles section of the website.
[1] Impact of Misting Systems on Heat-Related Illness in Schools, Scott, Smith, Tipton, Sawka. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol 13, Is 1, Page 159, Yr 2016
[2] The Effect of Outdoor Misting Systems on Student Heat Stress and Performance. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A. Vol 47, Issue 10 pages 1327-1335 2012
Key Words: Misting systems, cooling stations, misting fog, mist cooling systems, keeping kids cool, recess solutions, heat proof, heat illness prevention.
