How to Make Snow with a Pressure Washer

Making snow is not a complicated process. All you need is water, air, freezing temperatures and some pressure. The result is something to behold---in no time at all you can transform your backyard into a winter wonderland, ready for a variety of activities from snowball fights, building snowmen and listening for the sleigh bells of a very anticipated December visitor. Gather up your supplies, wait for the proper conditions and start blowing snow into your yard. Children and grownups alike will marvel at the way winter magically appears before their eyes.

Things You'll Need

• Snow gun kit
• Roll of Teflon tape
• Stable ladder or stand to attach the snow gun to, if one is not included with snow gun kit
• Pressure washer extension hose with 22mm swivel connectors on both ends
• Gas powered pressure washer with 1.3 to 1.7gpm with a pressure range of 1200psi to 3000psi
• 1/4 inch x 22mm pressure washer adapter
• Air compressor with a minimum rating of 5cfm at 90psi
• 1/4 inch quick air connect

Instructions

1. Check weather conditions to make sure they are right for snow making. For proper snow making, the combination of temperature and humidity must be considered. Temperatures need to be between 29º F and 20º F and the higher the humidity is, the colder it must be. These two figures together create what is called the "wet bulb" temperature. See Resources for an online chart to show you how to figure out the wet bulb temperature.

2. Assemble the snow gun according the manufacturer's directions. Remember to make each connection tight and then wrap it with Teflon tape to avoid any leaking. Leaks will cause you to lose water pressure and could also cause water to back up into your compressor and freeze.

3. Attach the snow gun to a stable foundation. Use a fence or a ladder. You need to have several feet of height for the snow to fall down from, so make sure it is at least eight feet high. Use metal clamps or wire ties so it is securely attached. Remember that there will be a lot of pressure coming through the gun, so it needs to be firmly connected so it doesn't come apart during the snow-making process.

4. Connect the pressure washer hose to both the pressure washer and the snow gun at the pressure washer adapter.

5. Connect the air compressor hose to the snow gun and the air compressor using a quick air connect valve.

6. Connect the pressure washer to your water supply spigot with a garden hose.

7. Close the ball valve on the snow gun. Turn on the water. Turn on the air compressor. Turn on the pressure washer. There should be high pressure water coming out of the misting nozzles on your snow gun and air coming out of the air nozzle.

8. Slowly open the ball valve until a small amount of water enters the air stream. The stream will spurt and pulse at first and will become steady as you adjust the ball valve.

Tips & Warnings

• If your compressor turns off due to a flipped breaker, water could back up and cause damage. You can eliminate this worry by installing check valves.

• Use a wrench to tighten all connections and then cover with Teflon tape.

• The snow gun must be attached to something solid before you turn the pressure on. You cannot hold it---the pressure is too strong.

References

• Snowmaking
• Make Snow
• Make Snow at Home for Christmas

Resources

• CHS Snow Makers
• Wet Bulb Temperature Chart