How to Keep Ice Bath Water Clean: 12 Essential Tips

When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. See disclosures page for more info.

Ice baths are great for your health, but to get the most out of it you need to take care of it. A clean tub keeps your plunges safe and helps your tub last longer.

Follow these 12 easy steps to keep your cold plunge in top shape.

1. Rinse Off Before Getting In

Before you hop in, use a water hose to spray off any sweat, dirt, or hair from your body. This will keep the water balanced and improve the lifespan of the other components.

2. Keep The Tub Covered

Keep it covered when you’re not using it. This helps keep leaves, dirt, and bugs out. If your cold plunge doesn’t come with a lid then lay a towel or something over the top.

3. Remove Debris

Run a skimming net over the surface of the water to scoop up any debris. Over time, bacteria will grow if dirt and grass sit in the water.

4. Add Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

Adding a small amount of food-grade hydrogen peroxide to the water can work wonders. This helps kill harmful bacteria and even helps the water chiller and pump last longer.

Add about 1/2 cup every 2-3 weeks and one cap full weekly!

5. Attach an Ozone generator

Use an ozone generator for the cleanest possible water. It’s a naturally occurring molecule that purifies the water by breaking down contaminants.

An ozone system replaces the need for harsh chemicals like chlorine and bromine, though I still recommend adding food-grade hydrogen peroxide and stabilizer.

As a safety precaution, keep it turned off while you plunge, and make sure to wait at least 30 minutes after it has been turned off before getting in the tub.

6. Add Water Stabilizer

Water stabilizers keep the water from turning green! Add a few drops every month to balance the water so it’s neither too acidic nor too alkaline.

7. Clean The Strainer

The strainer catches dirt and hair before it goes into the pump and water chiller. Every 2-4 weeks, remove it and use a toothbrush or a bristled brush to scrub it.

8. Use a Hose Filter

Water from the hose can carry impurities, which can shorten the life of the pump and chiller. Use a hose filter to catch these impurities before they cause any damage.

One hose filter will last you 2-4 years if you change the water every 2-3 months.

9. Change The Pump Filter

Changing or cleaning the pump filter every 2-3 weeks is essential for proper circulation. Over time, debris and grime build up in the filter, which can cause an odor and clog up the system.

10. Circulate The Water

Constant circulation gives the water a better chance of staying fresh for longer. It also helps spread the hydrogen peroxide and stabilizing agent evenly. A good pump or circulation jet do the job well.

11. Empty and Wash the Tub

Every 3-6 months, empty all the water from the tub and scrub the heck out of it. Use this cleaning soap and rubber brush to get into all the corners and crevices. Once you’re done, rinse the tub thoroughly and make sure no soap residue is left behind, or else it could damage the pump and chiller.

When scrubbing, pay attention to areas that might not be visible at first glance. Those hidden spots can harbor bacteria and grime.

12. Refill with fresh Water

Drain the tub every 2-4 months and refill it with fresh, clean water. The old water holds chemicals, bacteria, and other impurities you can’t always see, but trust me, they’re there.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance protects your tub and improves your experience. These 12 simple steps will help keep your tub clean, safe, and working well for a long time.

FAQs

While chlorine and bromine are commonly used in pools and hot tubs, they’re not be ideal for cold plunges. Food-grade hydrogen peroxide combined with an ozone generator provides a more natural sanitizing method without the harsh chemicals that can irritate skin and eyes. If you do use chlorine or bromine, use significantly lower amounts than you would in a hot tub due to the cold temperature.

Cloudy water typically indicates an imbalance in pH levels or insufficient sanitization. Check your water stabilizer levels and ensure your ozone generator is functioning properly. Additionally, make sure you’re rinsing off before each plunge and regularly cleaning the filters and strainer.

Yes, it’s actually beneficial to keep the water circulating continuously. Constant circulation helps distribute sanitizing agents evenly throughout the water and prevents stagnation, which can lead to bacterial growth. Just ensure that your pump and chiller are rated for continuous operation.

Yes, the tubing needs attention too. If you follow the 12 main steps above, most of the tubing will stay fairly clean on its own. Still, it’s a good idea to check with the company you bought your plunge from—they may have specific instructions. If you built a DIY setup, consider replacing the tubing once a year. It’s usually inexpensive and easier than trying to deep clean it.


Medical Disclaimer

The information contained in this post is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions or before embarking on any new health or wellness routine, including saunas and cold plunging. Neither the author(s) nor the publisher of this content take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any cold plunging routine or other health or wellness program.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *