Abstract: An evaporative cooling system is disclosed. The system comprises a housing comprising a base sheet and a side wall and having at least one opening fitted with an evaporative medium pad and an exhaust vent. The system also comprises a pump configured to disperse water over the evaporative medium pad. The system also comprises a pan configured to receive the water. The pump is configured to cooperate with the pan to recirculate the water. The system also comprises an exhaust fan configured to draw air into the housing through the evaporative medium pad and out the exhaust vent. The side wall of the housing is at least partially pressed into the base sheet of the housing to form a joint having a corrosion resistant coating. A kit for assembling an evaporative cooling system is also disclosed. A method of making an evaporative cooler is also disclosed.