The biofouling on cooling systems surfaces is one of the major problems in industrial processes because it causes operational drawbacks that interfere in the process performance. The application of biofouling control methods is essential in cooling system operation to minimize biofilm formation on the equipment surfaces, thus maintaining energy demand, increasing operational performance, and providing cost savings. In this context, this work presents a literature review on strategies to control biofilm on surfaces using chemical and physical methods, improving the understanding of the biofouling formation mechanism, and the adverse effects on industrial cooling system equipment. This review examines the chemical and physical methods efficiently employed as antibiofouling strategies for cooling systems, theoretical framework, recent research findings, antimicrobial mechanisms involved, advantages, limitations, feasibility, and operational range. A comparison between chemical and physical methods is highlighted, as are gaps in the literature concerning antibiofouling strategies for the surfaces of cooling systems.