Cooling tower cleaning is crucial to facility health and efficiency. Over weeks and months, nutrients, airborne dirt and debris collect and affix to different components of cooling towers. If not properly maintained, these deposits, along with the scum that accumulates, can cause blockages and corrosion which impairs the operating efficiency. This can lead to significant damage, even possible failure of the system. Additionally, soiled cooling towers decrease the heat exchange efficiency and increase energy costs.

Another critically important reason for proper cleaning and maintenance is to prevent the spread of bacteria including Legionella, known to germinate in cooling towers and other water sources. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommends cooling towers to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected twice a year — before the start of the cooling season and after shutdown in the fall.