I saw something on the internet and realized I had the stuff to make one. I also realized that it could double as a porch table so I had a reason to clean my porch today. The supplies are easy to find and relatively cheap if you don't already have them. I did have the good sense to put it together where I wanted it to be as moving it, once finished, would be problematic. So here goes.
Find 2 pots, one large and one smaller, preferably with about 2 inches gap between their walls. I didn't manage that gap, but it can always be pulled apart and remade if I so choose. They need to be unglazed terracotta so water can permeate therm and evaporate, causing the evaporative cooling effect that keeps stuff inside cool. I gave them a good scrubbing out in the yard before bringing them onto the porch.
You'll need, as well, a saucer big enough to go on top. It should also be terracotta.
When you're ready to assemble your cooler you'll need something to bung the holes so the sand stays where it's supposed to stay. I used clay because I had some and it's reversible but you can use corks or anything that's handy.
You'll also need sand for the insulation between and under the pots. Play sand is fine. I used general purpose construction sand that I had bought for my Zen(ish) garden because the cats like it less than play sand, the nice, fine stuff parents buy for their kid's sandboxes to play in...until the neighbourhood cats discover it. I put a layer in the bottom of the big pot until the smaller pot was almost as high as the big pot.
Quick safety note: There will be some dust so if you're concerned you can wear a mask or bandana. I've used bandanas all my life so they're handy. Fortunately I was standing upwind of the project so this wasn't much of an issue.
To keep the inside of the small pot clean I double-bagged it on top. Yes, my day-off get-stuff-done shoes have holes in the toes but they're comfy.
I then carefully shoveled sand into the gap between the pots with a little trowel til it's just shy of the rims and even it out. You don't want any spilling into the cooler.
It's OK if some spills out, you can sweep it into the garden. It won't hurt the garden.
Now take the bags off the top of the inside pot. Of course some sand will get on the bag so it's easy enough to knock the sand off the outside bag into the gap without getting any in the small pot because the inside bag prevents this. YAY! Taking the second bag off is easier now that you have some experience. If any sand gets inside just wipe it out with an old washcloth or shop rag.
At this point I had to come back inside to write this up because my I Phone got too hot and had to cool off before I could take any more pictures. I guess 112 is a bit warm and re hydrating wouldn't do me any harm.
Now to take advantage of the evaporative cooling process. Turn the hose on low and slowly add water to the sand. Try not to wash sand into the small pot. When water starts pooling st the bottom of the small pot you're done. Use that washcloth or shop-rag to wipe any sand out of the small pot.
Soak the top saucer down and place it on top. Either way is fine.
I like it this way better.
I finished wiping down the rocking chair, set it in place, laid down my welcome mat and took the picture before the phone got too hot again. By this time it was 115 out.
The chickens deserve a treat, too, so I smashed a watermelon for them out back. After a shower I went out to check and the inside is a bit cooler than the outside...granted, 100 is cooler than 115 but I did start with hot stuff. I'll see how it goes tomorrow after a good overnight cool-down and maybe a top-off of water. 20 or so degrees cooler on an 80 degree day after yard, car or workshop projects would be a good thing. All in all a productive day. Not bad for the (expected) last REALLY hot day of the hottest summer on record.
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