Checklist
Cooling Tower Inspection Checklist
A comprehensive cooling tower inspection checklist — covering water treatment, fill, drift eliminators, fans, and structural integrity.
4 min readUpdated July 2026
Water Treatment
- Check biocide residual: Verify biocide level is within target. Adjust dosing if needed.
- Check corrosion inhibitor: Verify corrosion inhibitor residual is correct.
- Test for Legionella: Test per local regulations (typically monthly or quarterly). Maintain records.
- Check cycles of concentration: Verify TDS is within limits. Adjust blowdown if needed.
- Check pH: Maintain pH 7.5–8.5. Adjust acid or alkaline dosing as needed.
- Check makeup water: Verify makeup water quality is acceptable (hardness, chloride, conductivity).
Visual Inspection
- Inspect fill: Look through the inspection hatch — check for scale, biofilm, and damage on the fill.
- Check drift eliminators: Inspect for damage, gaps, or fouling. Replace broken sections.
- Check water distribution: Verify spray nozzles are not blocked. Check for even water distribution across the fill.
- Inspect basin: Check the basin for sediment, corrosion, and biological growth. Clean if needed.
- Check for drift: Observe the exhaust air for visible water droplets (drift). Excessive drift indicates eliminator problems.
Mechanical
- Fan bearings: Check bearing temperature and vibration. Lubricate per schedule.
- Fan belts: Check belt tension and condition. Replace worn belts.
- Fan blades: Inspect for fouling, erosion, cracks, and balance. Clean if needed.
- Motor: Check motor current, temperature, and operation. Verify no overheating.
- Gearbox (if fitted): Check oil level, oil condition, and for leaks. Change oil per schedule.
Structural
- Inspect structure: Check steelwork for rust, corrosion, and structural integrity. Spot paint or coat as needed.
- Check access: Verify ladders, walkways, and handrails are safe and secure.
- Check louvres: Inspect air intake louvres for damage and blockage.
How CHI can help
Ask CHI about cooling tower inspection and water treatment management. The CHI assistant can help you create custom checklists for your specific equipment, explain each inspection point, and flag items that need attention based on your equipment's condition.