Jenkins Comfort Systems cooling vest works as a two stage system. Evaporative cooling from the fabric along with the refrigerated liquid supplied via the serpentine bladder lowers the temperature inside the vest to the level desired by the individual user. To activate the Evaporative Cooling Material (ECM), surrounding the bladder, the material MUST be moist. This can be done in several ways:   You may use a spray bottle to completely saturate the vest material. The inside and outside must be completely wet but not dripping. The vest may be submersed in water for about 5 to 15  seconds; Quickly remove and squeeze out the excess water and towel dry off the inside.

Activating the material with water will extend the cooling effect of the vest. The combination of the evaporation of the water from the vest material and the cooling effect from the water bladder enhances the vest performance. The vest has polymers sewn inside that absorb  water. These polymers also absorb the cold or heat from the bladder when recharging. If the vest material dries out during usage, rewet it using one of the above methods, or with a spray bottle. Remember, the longer you soak the vest the heavier it will become, but more water you can get in the vest, the longer the cooling effect will last between charges.


Operating the Vest

With the pump switch in the off position insert the bladder connectors into the cooling unit connectors. The connectors will click when inserted correctly, push them together until they click or the water will not circulate. The connectors will work in either direction. Turn the pump on. Stay connected until desired effect is achieved. The bladder should be completely charged for heating or cooling use within 25 to 40 seconds. Disconnect the vest tubes with the pump running, by depressing the side button on the connectors, then turn pump off. The temperature from the water in the bladder will be absorbed into the vest material.  If the vest has been allowed to dry out, wet it again with a spray bottle and repeat the cooling process with the cooler.

If more than one user is using the same cooling unit pumping station check the water level occasionally. If new vests are being activated, the water in the tank will be depleted by about eight fluid ounces per vest, water may need to be added. Once all the vests have been activated, the water will recycle through the system eliminating the need to replenish the water in the container.

Storage of the vest

After normal use and for extended storage the cooling vest and bladder should be separated and hung up to dry in a climate controlled environment. The optional Eliminator spray disinfectant should be used as instructed to help eliminate bacteria buildup. Prior to long term storage, algaecide should be added to and circulated through the cooling fluid in the vest to prevent algae buildup inside the bladder. Please refer to manufacturers  instruction on the proper use of algaecide. To prevent algae buildup in the tank over extended periods of time algaecide should be added to the water at regular maintenance intervals.