As Australian summers continue to grow hotter, the comfort of outdoor spaces such as patios, verandas, winery terraces, café courtyards, and restaurant alfresco areas has become more important than ever. A high-pressure misting system offers an effective solution by releasing ultra-fine water droplets that evaporate instantly, absorbing heat without wetting the ground, furniture, or your guests. 

Whether you are a homeowner preparing for summer gatherings or a business looking to create a more inviting outdoor area, this guide will help you choose the right high-pressure misting system for your needs. 

High-pressure fogging systems use a specialised water pump to force water through precision nozzles at 1000psi, creating microscopic droplets that rapidly evaporate and cool the surrounding air (known as ‘flash evaporation’). For example, our OZMist Misting range with 0.2mm nozzles will on hot day (e.g. 38°C with a 50% relative humidity) reduce temperatures by nearly 10°C; in extreme conditions (e.g. 40°C and 20% relative humidity) the temperature drop can easily exceed 15°C.  The hotter the temperature, the more the cooling.   

Low pressure systems by contrast operate on town water pressure of below 80psi. This means that the nozzle size has to be larger and the “throw” and evaporation of the water droplets is significantly less efficient.  In the examples above, a 0.5mm nozzle might achieve a 3°C – 5°C in the immediate vicinity of the nozzles. 

For outdoor cooling, traditional air conditioning is not an option unless the area is enclosed. Refrigerating air is expensive if the cooled air can just escape into the atmosphere. Misting or evaporative cooling are therefore the efficient options. In some cases where there is partial enclosure, such as a blind systems and low roof, evaporative cooling will work best, but in fully open areas or ones impacted by natural airflow, high pressure misting is the more efficient with both lower water and electricity consumption, resulting in long-term cost savings. 

Low pressure systems produce larger droplets that evaporate more slowly and can leave surfaces damp. High-pressure misting eliminates this problem by generating ultra-fine droplets that flash evaporate instantly. The result is a dry, refreshing cooling effect, ideal for hospitality venues, wineries, cafés, and premium residential outdoor spaces. 

High-pressure misting is therefore the preferred choice for anyone seeking a solution that balances performance, aesthetics, and all-day outdoor summer comfort. 

• Clarify the purpose (cooling, humidification, dust control), then consider the size, airflow, and whether you have pergolas or awnings for clean installation. 

• Pump: Aim for around 1,000 PSI to create ultra-fine, fast-evaporating mist. 
• Tubing: Stainless steel or UV-resistant tubing for durability. In outdoor conditions where aesthetics is important, stainless steel is the choice with nylon high pressure line to connect with the pump and between lines. 
• Mist nozzles: Anti-drip, corrosion-resistant, and fine-spray nozzles with orifices between 0.13mm to 0.30mm ensure dry, comfortable cooling. 

• Pump: Aim for around 1,000 PSI to create ultra-fine, fast-evaporating mist. 
• Tubing: Stainless steel or UV-resistant tubing for durability. In outdoor conditions where aesthetics is important, stainless steel is the choice with nylon high pressure line to connect with the pump and between lines. 
• Mist nozzles: Anti-drip, corrosion-resistant, and fine-spray nozzles with orifices between 0.13mm to 0.30mm ensure dry, comfortable cooling. 

• Clean or replace nozzles, update filters, and service the pump as needed. A little maintenance keeps your system performing reliably season after season

High-pressure misting systems can be tailored to different needs depending on your environment and cooling goals.

The most common application is misting static line cooling, where nozzles are placed at intervals along one or more sides of an open area. When properly designed, this system provides refreshing comfort without disrupting the look of the space.

The alternative is to use outdoor misting fans with high pressure misting rings to disperse cooler air. Fans also allow movement of air when the temperature doesn’t merit use of misting. Some fans oscillate to move air up to 10m from source. However, most misting fans have 4 to 6 nozzles and this can limit their cooling effectiveness compared to a static line in some situations.

The importance of a well-designed system whether static line, misting fans or a combination of both suggests that expertise in the installation of high-pressure misting is key to an optimal outcome.

Beyond cooling, high-pressure misting also plays an important role in humidity control. Humidification systems are used in settings where a stable level of moisture is required, such as greenhouses, wine cellars, specialty production rooms, and certain storage environments. These systems help protect products, improve working conditions, and maintain consistent quality.

In more industrial or agricultural situations, misting systems are also effective for dust and odour management. By releasing fine droplets into the air, they help bind dust particles and suppress unwanted smells, improving air quality and creating a cleaner environment.

Whether you need cooling, humidity management, or environmental control, high-pressure misting systems are a versatile, energy-efficient solution across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

High pressure misting is not for everyone. The quality of the misting compared to low pressure misting is far superior, but this comes at a cost. A high-pressure pump is a specialised piece of equipment and, except in residential applications, design and installation takes time. Installation of misting systems at the correct height and in the correct configuration makes a huge difference to the overall efficiency of the system.

By understanding your space, using high-quality components, and matching them with the right OZmist solution, you can turn patios, terraces, and courtyards into inviting, cool retreats whether for family BBQs or busy hospitality venues.

Got a specific space in mind? Get in touch with SBH Solutions experts today, we’re ready to help you pick the exact OZmist Misting system that fits it best.