Backyard Snowstorm Recommended Equipment
Backyard Snowstorm equipment recommendations are based on high customer ratings(from large companies such as: Home Depot and Lowes) and personal use. We have used the following equipment many times to make snow. All of the recommended equipment below meets the minimum specification requirements to make snow.
We have broken the following equipment down in to two categories: Residential and Industrial.
Residential equipment is the cheapest option for making snow. This equipment is great for small quantity snow making and can work great to make a big pile of snow! However, if you plan to run your snowmaking system continuously (day after day) we recommend investing in more industrial equipment.
Industrial equipment is needed to make snow regularly and often. Throughout the years of snowmaking, we now swear by this equipment. If your looking to make a lot of snow, this is definately the route we would recommend.
Pressure Washers
The Ryobi 1.2 GPM Pressure Washer is a great little machine! This pressure washer is great for the beginner snow maker. Portable, lightweight, and easy to move anywhere you plan to make snow!
Snowmaking Specs:
Water Flow Rate – 1.2 GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
- Approximate snow output is 1in/hr covering an area of 12ft x 30ft
Water Pressure: (max) 1600 PSI
Hose Connection Type: Female M22 x 14MM
- You will need a Male or Female M22(14MM) x 3/8″ quick connection fitting to connect to our snow gun. Both fittings are included in our provided Adapter Pack.
PROS:
-cheap, lightweight, easy to use
CONS:
-residential grade, lower flow
The AR 610 1.9 GPM Pressure Washer is built for durability and continuous use. The AR 610 is a pressure washer you can count on to run for days !. This pressure washer is industrial grade and higher flow! We have used this model for years without any issues.
Snowmaking Specs:
Water Flow Rate – 1.9 GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
- Approximate snow output is 2in/hr covering an area of 12ft x 30ft
Water Pressure: (max) 1350 PSI
Hose Connection Type: Male 3/8″ NPT Thread.
- You will need a Female 3/8″ NPT x 3/8″ quick connection fitting to connect to our snow gun. This fitting is included in our provided Adapter Pack.
PROS:
-industrial grade, extremely quiet, Increased water flow, easy to use
CONS:
-more expensive
Air Compressors
The Rigid compressor is one of our favorite compressors! We love this compressor for its quiet operation and small size.
Snowmaking Specs:
Air Flow Specs: 5.1 CFM @ 90 PSI
PROS:
-quiet operation, compact
CONS:
-residential grade
The Campbell Hausfeld compressor is the perfect compressor for those marathon snowmaking sessions. High quality compressor that can run for years!
Snowmaking Specs:
Air Flow Specs: 5.5 CFM @ 90 PSI
PROS:
-quiet operation, industrial style, high quality
CONS:
-more expensive
A NOTE ABOUT CONNECTIONS
PRESSURE WASHER CONNECTIONS – pressure washers can have a few different connections. Please read the following document to understand what connection your current pressure washer has, or what adapter you may need if purchasing a new pressure washer.
Connecting Pressure Washer(s) to Snow Gun
View PDF File
AIR COMPRESSOR CONNECTIONS – Backyard Snowstorm uses the standard air connection type for all of our snow guns and air hoses. This is an Industrial Style quick connection.