Understanding how to maintain a cold plunge is essential for both your well-being and the longevity of your tub. Don't let your cold tub become a breeding ground for bacteria! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to keep cold tub water clean and how to maintain your cold plunge for longevity.
Why Is It Important to Keep Your Cold Plunge Clean?
Maintaining a clean cold plunge is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it helps protect your health by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and germs.
Secondly, a squeaky clean tub can enhance your experience, making it more enjoyable. Lastly, proper maintenance prolongs the life of your cold tub, saving you time and money on repairs or replacements.
How to Keep Your Cold Plunge Clean
When it comes to keeping your cold plunge clean and hygienic, your handling and care goes a long way. Here are 5 essential tips to maintain the cleanliness of your tub:
Keep Away Dirt and Mud
Preventing dirt and mud from entering the cold tub is the first line of defense. If your cold plunge is outdoors, be careful not to bring debris into the water.
Encourage people who use the tub to clean off any dirt or mud from their feet before entering the tub.
Take a Shower Prior
Before entering the cold plunge, we suggest you take a shower, especially if you’ve been sweating. Showering beforehand helps remove body oils and other contaminants, keeping your tub cleaner for longer.
Wear Shoes Before Getting In
To maintain clean water, we recommend you to wear shoes when walking to your cold plunge. This prevents dirt from sticking to your feet, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
Get a Cold Plunge Cover
Using a well-fitted cover for your cold plunge when it's not in use can significantly reduce the amount of debris and contaminants entering the water. Luckily, all of our cold tubs are designed with an insulated cover to save you time and money on cleaning and maintenance.
Check Regularly for Damage
Regularly inspect your ice bath for signs of damage or wear and tear to ensure your safety. Look out for leaks, cracks, or any damage to the materials, plus any issues with the seals or other components.
Promptly address any necessary repairs or replacement parts to maintain the optimal performance of your cold plunge.
How to Keep Cold Tub Water Clean
Next, we’ll explore some practical techniques to keep your cold tub water clean and pristine, guaranteeing a refreshing cold water immersion experience.
Drain and Clean the Tub Regularly
To maintain cleanliness, empty and clean your cold plunge every few weeks. Pay special attention to removing any debris and dirt that may have accumulated in the water.
Filter and Sanitize the Water
Installing a filtration system can remove impurities from the water. Using sanitization methods like adding hydrogen peroxide and Epsom salt will help keep the water free from bacteria and contaminants.
At ELU, our cold tubs are each equipped with an advanced filtration system that uses a 2-step filtration process and a 20-micron filter. It effectively removes all foreign contaminants before the water enters the cold tub.
Keep It Cold and Covered
Another easy way to maintain cleanliness is by keeping the water at a cold temperature to prevent bacteria from growing. Additionally, using a cover when the cold plunge is not in use will help preserve water quality for a longer duration.
Deep Clean Every Few Months
Perform a thorough deep cleaning of your cold plunge every few months to ensure a complete removal of bacteria and germs. Use suitable cleaning supplies and follow the proper cleaning procedure outlined below.
Best Cleaning Supplies for Cold Plunge Maintenance
For safe and crystal-clear waters, we suggest using a non-chlorine-based sanitizer and oxidizer, ensuring both water clarity and the well-being of your skin.
Thoroughly clean the cold plunge with mild detergent and warm water using a soft cloth or sponge.
Refrain from using abrasive cleaners or brushes so you don’t scratch the surface of your cold plunge. Otherwise, this can create areas for bacteria to breed and make cleaning harder in the future
For added sanitation, apply a disinfectant solution following the manufacturer's instructions for proper dilution and contact time. Make sure that it’s safe for your cold plunge's materials.
Cold Plunge Instructions for Deep Cleans
Following these thorough cold plunge instructions will help you maintain a clean and safe environment for your cold water therapy:
- Unplug Everything: Before cleaning, disconnect all power sources for safety.
- Remove the Filter: Take out the filter and clean it with a brush, ensuring it's free from debris.
- Clean Around Vent: Thoroughly clean the area around the vent to remove any dirt or buildup.
- Drain the Cold Plunge: Empty the water from the cold plunge using the drain design.
- Clean with Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2): Spray the seal and interior with H2O2, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes. Use H2O2 to wipe the exterior and lid, ensuring proper sanitation. Rinse the interior with water to remove any remaining H2O2.
- Inspect Seals: Check the seals for any damage or wear and address issues if necessary.
- Install Drain Plug and Filter: Reinstall the drain plug and filter securely.
- Refill the Cold Plunge: Fill it halfway with filtered water.
- Add Hydrogen Peroxide: Pour in 32oz or more of hydrogen peroxide for further sanitation.
- Add Epsom Salt and Magnesium Flakes: Include Epsom salt and Magnesium flakes for added benefits.
- Add Ice: Place 100-200 lbs of ice to achieve the desired cold temperature.
- Continue Filling with Water: Fill the cold plunge until it's about 3/4 full.
- Turn Everything On: Ensure all systems are functioning as needed.
Conclusion: Keep Your Cold Tub Clean
In conclusion, maintaining the cleanliness of your cold tub is essential for a safe and enjoyable cold water therapy experience. By following the outlined instructions, you can create a clean environment free from harmful contaminants and bacteria.
Embrace the rejuvenating benefits of a clean cold plunge that promotes overall wellness and recovery with ELU. Explore our wide selection of high-quality cold tubs or contact us today to book your cold immersion experience.