HI, Everyone. We have had a SNOW AT HOME snowmaker for several years and usually have only one or two good nights to make snow each year. Our machine is getting old and we are starting to have problems with our pressure washer leaking and the hoses freezing up in the middle of the night. Before we invest in any other machine or parts, I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions for SOUTHERN United States snow makers? Of course, we want the machine that will assure us of the very best and most snow for a location with higher humidity and not so cold temperatures. Thanks a lot...Judy

Welcome...hoses freezing, sounds like you mean your air hose. Most people have that problem and make modifications to a 5/*" rubber garden hose and use it for the air.

Your pressure washer sounds like it is a consumer electric one? They work but wear out as they are not made for continual use. I burned up three and then build a high pressure pump.

Any ideas for a better one for us? My husband is getting tired of having to go out at night to work on frozen lines and leaky pressure washers. we have a really big new air compressor that we have to keep in the barn because of it's size. We have been using a really long line from that to the snow machine. Are the all in one very expensive machines a good investment? Thanks,

look for 1-1/2" fire hose and get barbed cam lock fittings from mcmaster. Are you using 3/8" air hose or 5/8" garden hose for the air line?

If you don't want to go the fire hose route, then 3/4" garden hose would be your next best bet.

The "all in one machines" or backyard blizzards are great if you live in a colder area. The problem with them though is that they tend to have lower startup tempratures vs. those of competing home snowmaking brands. Could you find out the specs on your compressor i.e. CFM @ 40 PSI AND CFM @ 90 PSI. Depending on how much air you have you can get you snowgun operating at slightly warmer tempratures easier. Another thing that will help you out alot with your very limited snowmaking nights is building a water cooler. ECSinc built one and it cooled his water significantly. As far as warmer temprature guns go I have had very good luck with my second nature combo gun at tempratures up to 31. If you would like to buy one of these guns the website is www.snow-maker.com if you would rather build one yourself and save ALOT of money a mini sm4 will probably work just as well. Another thing that will help alot is cooling your air. If you search around the site a bit you should be able to find some information on doing that.

Best of luck!

Sorry it took so long for me to get back with all of you who so kindly answered my questions. I will certainly take the advice of each of you and I appreciate you taking the time to help. Never thought about the garden hose idea....
I might have to ask more questions when I get the specs on my equipment ...thanks, again. judy

Hi Judy,
I saw your picture of your grandson and snowman (cute). We live in Mooringsport - a town just north of Sherveport Louisiana. This is our 2nd year to make snow- This year is our first year with an electirc pressure washer. Last year we got our gun from Ebay - some one who sold from snowstormsnowmaking- It works great. We are gonna be making some tonight.
Peek