How-To Guide: Cold Plunge Maintenance and Sanitization

Cold plunges have been gaining massive popularity recently due to their health benefits, like accelerating recovery, boosting immunity, and improving mood. But some don’t realize that their cold plunge can actually put their health at risk, if not maintained properly! Specifically, your cold plunge needs a proper cleaning and sanitization protocol to avoid harmful bacteria. That's why we've created this comprehensive How-To Guide: Cold Plunge Maintenance and Sanitization, to help you keep you and your cold plunge clean, sanitary, and in optimal condition for years to come.

Preventative Cold Plunge Maintenance: The First Line of Defense

• Shower First: Users should always shower before entering the cold plunge to minimize the introduction of body oils, lotions, and other contaminants into the water. This is usually the largest contributor to lower water quality, so taking this one simple step could cut your maintenance in half, or even more!

• Cover Up: When not in use, cover your cold plunge to keep out debris. Large debris will need to be filtered, but can also break down into smaller debris that is harder to remove.

Cold Plunge Filtering

• With a Chiller: If your cold plunge includes a chiller with a built-in filter and skimmer, it's going to make it much easier to keep your water free of small debris and dirt. Remember to check and clean the filter regularly (based on your usage frequency) or replace it as recommended by the manufacturer. Think of it like changing the air filter in your home – a small task that makes a big difference.

• Without a Chiller: If you opt for an ice bath tub without a chiller, you'll need to be a bit more hands-on with filtration. Regularly use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any visible debris. Change the water more frequently, especially as you see water get cloudy or develop a smell. It’s also helpful to purchase a cold plunge tub with bacteria-resistant materials, like a stainless steel tub lining
  

Cold Plunge Sanitization: Keeping Water Quality Safe and Clean

Sanitizing your cold plunge is essential for eliminating harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that can thrive in water. While some built-in systems can help with this, like UV and ozone, they often don't get everything and can struggle to keep up in higher-use environments (like commercial settings). So, if your plunge is getting used often, you should consider using chemical sanitization - either manual or automatic.

First, you’ll want to regularly test your cold plunge water, based on your frequency of usage. A simple and cost-effective method of doing so is with cold plunge water test strips.

If you're in a commercial setting, you may want to consider an automatic dosing system, which automatically tests and adds sanitizing chemicals, like chlorine or bromine.

When your test indicates it’s time to add chemicals, we recommend using chlorine granules specifically designed for plunges/pools/spas. Chlorine pucks can be too large for the relatively small body of water in a cold plunge, so granules allow for more accurate alignment with the manufacturer's instructions for the correct dosage and application.

If you prefer a gentler option, bromine tablets are a great alternative, especially for cold water.

Also, periodically using a non-chlorine shock treatment will help oxidize contaminants and keep your water sparkling.

pH Balance: The Key to Comfort

Proper pH balance is crucial for several reasons. It ensures water clarity, maximizes the effectiveness of your sanitizer, and prevents skin and eye irritation. So to keep your water crystal clear, you’ll want to use the same cold plunge test strips mentioned earlier to determine the pH balance of your water.

The Ideal pH range that you should aim for a pH level between 7.0 and 7.8.

If adjustments are needed, use cold plunge-friendly pH Up or pH Down chemicals, following the manufacturer's recommended amounts based on the size of your cold plunge.

Changing Cold Plunge Water: Refresh and Renew

Even with all preventative measures, testing, sanitization, and filtering, your cold plunge’s water will still need to be changed from time to time. The exact frequency of this depends on how much you use the plunge and how closely the maintenance standards are followed. With that said, here is a rough guide:

• Light Use (1-2 times per week): Change the water approximately every 4 - 12 weeks.

• Moderate Use (3-4 times per week): Aim for a water change approximately 1 - 4 weeks.

• Heavy Use (daily or multiple users): Refresh your water approximately every 1-7 days.

  
  

We like to set a standard of always changing the water every 30-50 uses, no matter how clean the water seems.

If you bought a Canuck Cold Plunge, draining and refilling your tub is a breeze. Simply use the drain outlet with or without a hose/pump attachment. Or, if you also bought a cold plunge chiller, you can use the chiller outlet hose to drain water from your tub. If you don't have a chiller or nearby space to drain, sump or transfer pumps work great as an option, and wet vacs do too!

To clean your cold plunge, use a mild soap and water solution and a gentle scrubber, then rinse thoroughly, and refill with fresh water - that's it!

If you notice any stains or scale buildup, use a specialized stain and scale remover formulated for cold plunges. Always follow the product instructions for safe and effective use.

Conclusion - How-To Guide: Cold Plunge Maintenance and Sanitization

By following these simple cleaning and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your cold plunge remains a refreshing and revitalizing part of your wellness routine for years to come.

Have questions? You can contact a cold plunge expert here.