If you are an avid cold plunger, then it's likely you are taking daily dunks in the invigorating icy water. However, this consistent use means you need to do daily and monthly maintenance to make sure you are plunging in the cleanest water possible.
In this guide, we will go in depth as to how and why to keep your cold plunge water clean so you can have the safest plunging practice possible.
Quick Answer
To keep cold plunge water clean involves rinsing off before use, along with the use of hydrogen peroxide to keep the water clean. You will also need to set up daily and monthly cleaning schedules to keep your water sparkling clean with every use.
What happens if you don’t keep your cold plunge water clean
Unclean water can change how effective the benefits of cold plunging are. Dirty water can irritate the skin and even cause illness in extreme cases. This is why it is so important to clean your ice bath regularly.
Cold plunging in unclean water can cause microbiological hazards. These can come from shed skin, fecal matter, or open wounds. If you have any cuts or open wounds, you should avoid cold plunging until you are healed, especially if you share the tub with someone else. Infections like salmonella and giardia are also possible but are more likely when using a communal cold plunge.
Prepping before cold plunging
The number one way to keep your ice bath water clean is to make sure that you are clean before entering it. This isn't a swimming pool full of chlorine, so it can get grimy and cloudy easily if you enter your tub covered in daily dirt. Make sure everyone who touches your ice bath water practices proper hygiene, even if they only use it once.
Here are just a few things that could affect your water if you don’t rinse off before cold plunging
- Sweat
- Dirt
- Lotions
- Deodrant
- Perfumes
- Hair
- Hair products
- Skin cells
- Suncreen
- Body oils
We suggest having a shower first and thoroughly cleaning off your feet every time you’re about to plunge.
Daily cold plunge maintenance
Daily maintenance is key to keeping your ice bath tub running well without any contamination or bacteria buildup, and to obtain optimal water quality. These practices should become part of your daily cold plunge routine as they are just as important as the plunging itself. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions to assess their suggestions for regular maintenance.
Stagnant water can attract insects and is susceptible to bacterial growth, so keeping on top of this maintenance is very important for your health when using the ice bath. Contrary to popular belief, even cold water can develop algae, so it's vital to change the water regularly and maintain it properly.
Cover your ice bath
Covering your ice bath is the first step in keeping the water clean, especially if it is in an uncovered outdoor space. A cover prevents debris like leaves, dust, and dirt from blowing onto the water's surface. Some ice baths like this Isen Blackline cold plunge tub come with their own tight-fitting custom lids. However, if you have an ice bath without a lid or you are using a DIY tub, you can purchase a tarp and secure it in place so it fits tightly around the tub.
Skim the surface
Even with a cover, you may occasionally find some floating debris in your cold plunge tub. Even if there is no visible contamination, skim the surface with a fine net before setting in to make sure you remove any nasties from the water.
Use an ozone filtration system
Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that attacks bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms and neutralizes them to keep your water clean. It can also clear up well water that might have a slight yellow colour from naturally occurring minerals.
Using an ozone system is a great way to keep your ice bath clean in between monthly deep cleans.
Check the pH
This is a step that you only need to do once a week. You can buy pH strips online or from a pool store. You want your water to be neutral, which is a reading of 7-7.6.
Water with a pH lower or higher than this can cause eye and skin irritation, so you will need to replace the water if this reading is not neutral.
Monthly cold plunge maintenance
Even if you are fastidious with your daily cleaning routine, it's very important to do a full monthly clean to keep on top of any bacteria or biofilm buildup. We also suggest having a technician come out once a year to give your ice baths a thorough check to make sure it's running correctly.
If the water looks cloudy or foamy, the pH is likely off or bacteria are present, so it's time for a deep clean.
These are the steps you should follow monthly:
Draining and cleaning
The first step is to drain all the water. Once the ice bath is empty, use a soft washcloth to clean the interior surfaces from top to bottom using a mild detergent like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. It's very important to use gentle detergents like these to avoid irritating your skin once you refill. Some ice bath brands will have a cleaner that they recommend if you prefer to go with that option.
While it's empty, take this opportunity to inspect your cold plunge on the outside for any mould and dirt build-up, leaks, or other damage.
Maintain the filtration system
It is very common for grime and mildew to build up in your filters over time. This is even more likely to happen when the water warms up between uses. So it's key to pull out your filters and give them a good clean during your monthly maintenance. Every few months, you may need to replace your filters if your tub uses paper filters.
If your tub has an ozone or UV filtration system, this is the time to inspect it for buildup and make sure it’s still functioning correctly.
Refilling your tub
Rinse the empty tub well before refilling it with fresh water.
Once you refill your tub, you are going to want to use an additive that will keep your water cleaner for longer without irritating your skin. Hydrogen peroxide or bromine are ideal for this task. You can add one tablet of bromine or 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Once a week or so, you can also add a capful of hydrogen peroxide just to give it a boost. This will help you keep the water at an optimal balance.
It's very important to use the correct chemicals and not to overdo it, as different chemicals can damage the tub itself as well as hurt your skin.
Maintenance supplies you will need
Here is a quick breakdown of the supplies you need for keeping your tub water clean.
- Oxidizer like bromine or hydrogen peroxide
- Pool skimmer
- White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda or other non-abrasive cleaner
- New filters
- pH testing strips
- Soft washcloth
The Final Verdict
So, what have we learned after all this exploration?
Your cold plunge water needs to be maintained daily by skimming, checking the pH, and covering the tub. Monthly maintenance is done by replacing the water, cleaning your tub well, and adding hydrogen peroxide or bromine. You should also rinse off your body and feet well before plunging to keep the water cleaner for longer.
Now that you’ve read all this, why not add a daily and monthly clean to your calender to make sure you don’t forget! Check out Palmako’s selection of cold plunges that make keeping your water clean as simple as possible with their custom covers and filtration systems.
FAQs
How often should you replace your cold plunge water?
The water should be replaced every 6-8 weeks to ensure that there is no dirt or bacteria that could adversely affect the function of your cold plunge tub.
What is the most important way to keep your cold plunge water cleaner for longer?
Rinsing yourself off before getting in your ice bath is the most important first step in keeping the water clean. Just hopping in as you are will contaminate your water within days and will cause you to have to drain and maintain your tub far more often. So, to save yourself a lot of time, have a shower first and wipe off your feet.
How do you keep your cold plunge clean without a filter?
Some cold plunges don’t have filters, especially if you are using a DIY tub. Regular cleaning, skimming, and the addition of hydrogen peroxide are the trifecta of keeping your cold plunge water clean.
How to prevent biofilm in a cold plunge tub
Personal hygiene, monthly water draining, and keeping a lid on your cold plunge are the key to preventing a biofilm from forming on the surface of your water.
Sources:
https://www.watertechnologies.com
