Keeping your cold plunge water sparkling clean is simpler than you might think! This guide includes everything you need to know about improving your cleaning routine - from essential filtration systems and sanitizing products to hygiene tips. Keep reading to discover the secrets!

Key Takeaways

• Regular upkeep and deep cleaning using proper sanitation methods are essential to maintain the cleanliness of the cold plunge water and the functionality of the equipment.
• Pre-plunge hygiene practices and an efficient water filtration system play a critical role in keeping ice baths free from contamination and the water clear, clean, and safe for users.
• Advancements in water treatment technology, like UV sterilization and ozone disinfection, offer effective eco-friendly solutions to purify your ice bath equipment and further protect it against harmful microorganisms.

Why Is It Important To Keep Your Cold Plunge Water Clean?

Cold plunging brings numerous benefits by lowering the body temperature and triggering various physiological responses - enhanced immune system, reduced inflammation, quick muscle recovery, and even weight management.

However, we won't be able to take advantage of all the benefits provided by cold water therapy unless we learn, implement, and perfect a proper ice bath cleaning routine.

This implies cleaning our ice bath equipment and keeping our water free of any impurities, bacteria, and germs. By maintaining a pristine ice bath water, you are creating a safe and enjoyable environment that promotes your well-being.

In short, like any other equipment, an ice bath setup needs to be maintained properly. Although it sounds quite time-consuming, Coldture tubs are very easy to clean, so you won't have to spend too much time on this routine!

As such, if you want to delight in pleasant cold water therapy sessions, prolong your equipment's lifespan, and keep bacteria and diseases at bay, keeping your ice bath clean should be at the top of your weekly to-do list!

Keep reading to discover some tips on how to do this - from pre-plunge hygiene practices to how to clean and disinfect your equipment in depth, making sure to remove all the impurities.

Pre-Plunge Hygiene Practices

Pre-bath hygiene plays a crucial role in keeping our ice bath setup clean and functional.

First things first - we recommend taking a shower before cold plunging. We know it sounds quite tempting to jump into an ice bath after a strenuous workout session! But this will only make things more difficult for you because you'll likely have to clean your equipment immediately after this otherworldly experience! Taking a shower beforehand is an excellent way to eliminate body oils and other contaminants from the skin and, therefore, maintain a pristine ice bath water.

In addition, don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly right before getting into your ice bath tub, as well as trim your nails. After all, our hands are the body parts that come in contact with the most germs! Don't forget to leave all lotions and creams for later. Applying them before taking an ice bath can affect the water quality.

Another thing that can help you keep your ice bath water clean is wearing shoes on your way to the plunge tub. This simple measure can help avoid bringing in dirt that sticks to the feet. Once you’re ready to take the plunge, you can just remove your footwear and step into the invigorating cold water!

That's not all! If possible, consider installing a foot-washing station. This can serve as a replacement for the shoes we've mentioned above. It can also serve as a cooling point for hot summer days!

Replacing the Ice Bath Water Regularly

Another quite straightforward solution to always having pristine ice bath water is to replace it regularly. This is the most efficient way to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, as well as dirt and impurity buildup.

The only downside is that you'll need to clean your tub every time you replace the water. The process can become quite time-consuming if you prefer to replace it more frequently.

But how often should you actually do that? This depends on:

• How often you use your ice bath equipment
• If you're using filters and other products to keep a clean ice bath setup
• Your preferences.

It is generally recommended to change the water once every two weeks. But, as mentioned, you can do this rarer or more frequently, depending on your availability, how diligent you are with your pre bath hygiene, and how well your filter is cleaning the water in your cold plunge setup.

Efficient Filtration Systems

Crystal-clear cold plunge water is achieved through an efficient filtration system. Plunge tubs usually come with built in water filters, but you can always use an additional one for enhanced cleanliness. Filters designed for cold plunge equipment can:

• Remove debris and contaminants, ensuring clean, hygienic, and clear cold plunge water.
• Reduce the need for frequent water changes.
• Protect the cold plunge equipment by preventing clogs and damage.

Advanced filtration systems are a marvel of modern technology. They use multi-step processes with micron filters and auto-regulation mechanisms to eliminate even the smallest contaminants.

Our Coldture Premium 20-micron Filters, for example, capture particles down to 20 microns in size and have special anti-septic properties.

Maintaining your filtration system is equally important as choosing the right one. Here are some tips for keeping your filtration system in top shape:

• Clean around the vent area regularly to avoid any buildup that can hinder filtration efficiency.
• Clean the filter at least once a month to improve water quality.
• Replace the filter according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

Water Treatment and Chemistry Balance

Apart from mechanical filtration, maintaining a safe and hygienic cold plunge environment involves water treatment and chemistry balance.

Monitoring chemical levels regularly can help you check the water chemistry balance. This will not only keep your ice bath water crystal-clear but also prolong your equipment's lifespan by preventing damage to the interior of the tub.

Here's what you should check to make sure that your ice bath water is not corrosive or scaling.

Water pH Levels

pH levels determine how alkaline the water is. High pH levels can lead to scaling on the walls, cloudy water, and an overall worse plunge tub performance. Low pH levels mean that the water becomes highly acidic, so it can irritate your skin or eyes.

As you probably already know, we have a pH level of 7.34-7.45. People rely on these numbers to choose appropriate drinking water and various products like shower gels. Our pH is also important when checking the pH levels of pool water or cold plunge water.

The pH levels of a cold plunge pool should be between 7.2 and 7.8. Since many bacteria thrive in neutral pH levels of 7.0, the levels mentioned above will keep your ice bath water clean by creating a more alkaline and unfavourable environment for bacterial growth.

Therefore, checking water pH levels at least once a week is extremely important, especially if you don't change your ice bath water too often.

Alkalinity

Let's start by saying that alkalinity is not the same as pH. We often use these two terms interchangeably because pH levels point to how alkaline the water is. But alkaline and alkalinity don't mean the same thing.

Alkalinity actually measures the concentration of all alkaline substances in the water. It is strongly interconnected with pH levels because it keeps them stable. Alkalinity is measured in parts per million. Ideal alkalinity levels are between 80 and 120 ppm.

Calcium Hardness

If calcium hardness levels are too low, your ice bath water is under-saturated or "soft" and will cause corrosion on surfaces that contain calcium or other minerals. If the calcium hardness levels are too high, you may notice white, scaly buildup. Calcium hardness levels should ideally fall within 180 and 220 ppm.

What Sanitizers and Disinfectants to Use?

While filters work continuously to keep your ice bath water clean, sanitizers and disinfectants are required for enhanced cleanliness, particularly when you're performing a deep tub cleaning (see below for some tips on how to do this).

It is generally recommended to use non-chlorine cleaning products as they're safer for your equipment. You can use hydrogen peroxide, a natural disinfectant that inhibits bacterial growth through oxidation.

You can even add hydrogen peroxide directly into your cold plunge tub. It will do exactly what chlorine does to pool water! Just make sure to use the product correctly as per the manufacturer's instructions.

If you want to be extra cautious, you can still use chlorine products, just make sure to apply them correctly and rinse the cold plunge tub thoroughly afterwards. If you're unsure what solutions to choose, you can try our Coldture Premium Sanitizer Starter product - the ultimate pack to cleaning ice baths efficiently!

The Power of UV and Ozone Disinfection

Did you know that some bacteria thrive best in cold-temperature environments? That's why going the extra mile when cleaning your ice bath is essential!

In this context, UV and ozone gas offer an effective approach to water purification. UV sterilization exposes water to ultraviolet light, damaging the DNA of bacteria and viruses. This prevents them from multiplying. UV sterilization can also inhibit algae and fungal growth.

On the other hand, ozone disinfection implies injecting ozone gas into water. This method utilizes the strong oxidative properties of ozone gas to eliminate contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and metals. Moreover, ozone neutralizes pathogens and organic materials and effectively reduces odors.

After treatment, ozone reverts into oxygen, leaving no harmful residues or by-products, making ozonated water safe to immerse in.

So, how can you pick the best sterilization option to keep your ice bath water clean? You could, of course, use both a UV and an ozone sterilizer, but high end ice baths likely don't need that much sterilization.

If you need help choosing either a UV or an ozone product, here are some things you should to consider:

• Ozone treatment is more expensive than UV sterilization.
• UV light sterilizers require a GFCI receptacle, which basically protects you from electrical shocks.
• Ozone treatment can lead to high ozone levels if used indoors.
• UV sterilizers require more time to clean up the water.

Cold Plunge Covers: A Simple Solution

Having clarified the technical aspects of maintaining cold plunge water clean, it’s time to discuss another simple yet effective solution - cold plunge covers.

The cover protects the tub from debris, insects, and wildlife, maintaining water clarity and purity. It is especially effective if your ice bath setup is outside.

A well-fitted cover for your cold plunge has several benefits:

• It prevents the evaporation of water, which is an excellent advantage, especially during the summer.
• It helps maintain the cold temperature, contributing to the cold plunge tub's efficiency.
• It significantly cuts down on the required cleaning frequency by limiting contamination from external sources.

Plunge tub covers can be manufactured from various materials and designed to fit different tub sizes and shapes.

Don't forget that the cover also needs regular upkeep. Just make sure to check it once in a while for wear and tear. Additionally, clean the cover whenever you clean the plunge tub to remove dirt and debris.

Cleaning and Deep Cleaning Routines

Maintaining a clean cold plunge involves more than just good equipment or smart solutions. You'll also have to schedule a deep cleaning routine.

While you can use a skimmer daily to remove leaves, insects, or other debris, this isn't enough to ensure crystal-clear water. Even the most advanced disinfectants and water sterilizers won't keep the water clean indefinitely. In addition, the walls of your tub will become slimy, and the water may have a foul smell.

As such, deep cleaning every few weeks can help you remove accumulated grime and biofilms, ensuring an optimal cold plunge experience.

Follow these steps to get your tub clean quicker than ever:

1. Drain the tub by using a sump pump.
2. Use a wet or dry vacuum to remove any remaining water or debris.
3. Scrub the interior with a non-abrasive sponge or a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Don't use anything that can scratch the surface.
4. If there are stains or grime you can't get rid of, mix baking soda and water and apply it to the required area. Leave the solution for a few minutes, then scrub it off.
5. Rinse the tub thoroughly using warm water.
6. Use your Coldture sanitizer starter pack to disinfect the tub.
7. Once you've disinfected the tub, ensure to rinse it thoroughly to avoid leaving any chemical traces, which can potentially irritate your skin and eyes during your next cold plunge.
8. Refill the tub with fresh, clean water.
9. Enjoy your next cold plunge!

Regular cleaning schedule

For improving water quality and enhancing equipment longevity, it’s vital to establish a regular cleaning schedule for your ice bath setup.

Deep cleaning it every 2-4 weeks (depending on how often you use it) is a good rule of thumb. Surface cleaning, such as skimming, should be performed as often as possible to prevent debris from clogging intake valves or filters.

Get Your Self-Cleaning Pro Plunge Tub!

If you don't have time to clean your plunge tub regularly, Coldture found the perfect solution - The Cold Therapy Pro Plunge!

In addition to keeping the water at temperatures as low as 2.5°C(36°F), the Pro Plunge can actually clean itself, so you won't have to worry about your ice baths anymore!

The Pro Plunge features our brand-new CleanTec technology, a 3-step self-cleaning cycle that filters, oxides, and sanitizes the tub.

The Pro Tub is also much quieter than a regular cold plunge tub and has a modern design! Just pour some eucalyptus Epsom salt and relax after a busy working day!

Summary

Maintaining the cleanliness of your cold plunge tub isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. Since you can't just replace the water in your tub every day or after each use, you'll have to go the extra mile to ensure that there are no bacteria, viruses, and algae thriving in your chilly environment.

Although the whole cleaning process may seem quite complicated at first because there are lots of things to consider, you'll soon realize that this routine is as simple as it can get, especially with so many sterilizing products on the market!

Don't forget that a clean ice bath doesn't only protect you from bacteria and diseases but also enhances your cold therapy experience!

Coldture is here for you if you're just embarking on your cold water therapy journey! Contact us today for your best plunging equipment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Epsom salt keep ice baths clean?

Yes, Epsom salt can help keep ice baths free from bacteria and contaminants.

Why is the water in my cold plunge cloudy?

Cloudy water in your cold plunge tub may be caused by improper filtration, imbalanced chemicals, or simply dirty water. Replacing the water, cleaning and sanitizing the filtration system, as well as testing the water chemistry levels can help solve the issue.

How often should you change the water in a cold plunge?

It is recommended to change the water in your cold plunge tub every 2-4 weeks (depending on how often you use it) to remove bacteria and contaminants. This will keep the water in your ice bath clean.

What are some pre-plunge hygiene practices?

It is important to shower before entering the cold plunge tub, use a foot-washing station to maintain water cleanliness, and avoid applying any creams.

What types of filters are suitable for cold plunge pools?

The Coldture Premium 20-micron filters are an excellent choice for your cold plunge tub. They provide superior filtration by capturing particles down to 20 microns in size. They also have special anti-septic properties, thus preventing your equipment from damaging contaminants.