Importance of Regular Cleaning
Keeping the tub clean is probably the least fun part of the ice bath hobby, and I have a feeling quite the majority would agree with me. Unfortunately, it’s simply unavoidable if you want to maximize your health benefits.
The key reason to regularly clean your ice bath is to prevent bacteria and algae from growing, which thrive in cold environments. These microorganisms can block your filter, affect the coldness of your cold plunge, and most importantly, it may directly affect your health.
Physical contact can cause bacterial infections, allergic reactions, skin irritations, and sickness. That’s a no from me!
Another reason to keep your cold plunge well-maintained is to prevent residue build-up. Each plunge will result in some form of residue left behind – sweat, oils, sunscreen, hair products, etc.
For hygienic purposes, it’s certainly recommended that your water stays clear. Residue exacerbates bacteria growth and can shorten the lifespan of the tub.
All in all, cleaning your tub is tedious work. But for 15 minutes out of your day, it is certainly better than risking a bacterial infection. Who wants to jump in a dirty tub anyway!?
How Often to Change Your Ice Bath Water
As a baseline, If you use your ice bath infrequently (a few times a week), change the water every 2 weeks. If you use your ice bath daily, change the water every week. You can change the water less frequently if you:
- Have a large-sized tub
- Shower before entry
- Don’t wear sunscreen, hair products, makeup, etc
- Don’t have excess sweat or oily skin
- Have a filter
- Have a cover
- Use water treatment
When it comes to replacing your ice bath water, it is highly variable based on your situation. Fortunately, there are some key signs to know when your tub is due for a clean, no matter the setup. Change the water if there is:
- Smells or odours
- Unclear bath water
- Visible residue
- Visible bacteria or algae
- Water not getting as cold
Step to Change Your Ice Bath Water
For most ice baths, changing the water is pretty straightforward. As it is a rather risk-free operation, anybody can do it, even your kids! Simply follow the steps below and you’ll be on your way in no time.
1. Gather your equipment
To replace the water in your ice bath, gather the tools you need to successfully drain and refill the tub. This may not be much; in fact, you may not need anything at all!
If your tub is indoors, we recommend a bucket for water transport and a towel for spillage. If your tub is outdoors or is easily portable, you may be able to tip out the water into a nearby drain, eliminating the need for a bucket or towel.
We also recommend cleaning supplies such as a scrubber and washing-up liquid. An empty tub is a great opportunity to give the walls a clean.
If you intend to treat the water afterwards, having a sanitiser on hand would be beneficial.
2. Drain the water
Before draining the water, turn off the filter and any other electrical components. This will prevent any damage to your cold plunge equipment.
Next, extract the water. You can do this by tipping the ice bath into a drain or using a bucket.
3. Clean the tub
Once the tub is water-free (a small amount remaining is fine) use cleaning supplies on the interior surface of the tub. We recommend you use washing liquid, mild detergent, soap, or a pool-cleaning solution along with a simple scrubber.
After the tub has been scrubbed thoroughly, rinse it with clean water. Just as before, extract it by tipping it out or using a bucket. Ensure there are no remaining chemicals inside the ice bath.
4. Refill with fresh water
Once the tub has been fully cleaned, use a hose or bucket to refill the tub with fresh water. Fill it to the water height recommended by the tub manufacturer.
5. Sanitise the water
Add your dedicated treatment chemicals to the water. Sanitiser can make the water cleaner and extend the longevity between water changes.
6. Enjoy!
Your ice bath is ready! Just make sure to turn the filter and other electronics back on.
Tips to Keep Your Ice Bath Clean
As we’ve previously discussed, regular upkeep is necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae. Unfortunately, this is just something you can’t get around.
But did you know you can extend the time between regular cleanings? By implementing our simple ice bath protocols, you can keep your ice bath cleaner for longer, saving you time and money.
Regularly change your water
Keeping your ice bath water fresh is the best thing you can do for your health and hygiene. Changing the water is a great way to remove bacteria, algae, and any other residues that contribute to a dirty tub.
If the water is clear for your cold plunges, it’s a sign that you’re on the right track.
Use a cover
A cover or lid for your ice bath is highly recommended, especially if your tub is outdoors. Without a cover, the water is exposed to debris, bugs, and airborne bacteria. Not only will a cover keep your water clean, it’ll keep it colder for longer and prevent evaporation.
Use water treatment chemicals
By treating the water with sanitisation, it helps to prevent bacteria and contaminants. A water treatment that we highly recommend is Epsom salt as it also enhances the benefits of cold therapy.
If you’d like to learn more about Epsom salt, check out our guide: Epsom Salt Ice Bath: The Ultimate Guide.
Shower before entering
Showering before the plunge is a simple and effective tactic to stop contaminants from entering the tub. It helps to remove sweat, oils, and products from your body so that you’re as clean as possible.
To add to this, make sure you take off your clothes! Clothes act as bacteria shields throughout the day, so stripping off is an effective way to keep the bath clean.
Maintain personal hygiene
Be honest with yourself, is your hygiene up to par? If not, it’s probably causing your ice bath to be dirtier than it should be.
If you want to decrease the frequency of having to clean the tub, then you should consider taking a few minutes out of your day to get your hygiene up to standard.
Make your own ice
Making your own ice is a simple, cost-effective solution to ensure that what enters the tub is dirt-free. Obviously, this also depends on how you produce the ice, but knowing what goes in is highly beneficial. If you’re going to take on this venture, use filtered water for optimal results.
Use a water filter
If your goal is to improve cleanliness, purchasing a water filter designed for ice baths is a great choice. They are highly effective at removing impurities, they benefit circulation, taste and odour, and increase the longevity of the tub.
A water filter is a smart investment if you’re a frequent cold plunger looking for guaranteed and long-standing results.
Conclusion
Ice baths are an incredible tool for relaxation, muscle recovery, better sleep, etc etc, but they’re certainly not maintenance-free. Regularly changing the water is an essential part of preserving tub cleanliness, and ignoring it could detrimentally impact your health and hygiene.
By adhering to our best practices – frequent water changes, using a cover, sanitising the water, showering before entering, maintaining personal hygiene, making your own ice, and using a filter – you can prolong the cleanliness of your ice bath.
Implement these protocols to take your cold therapy to the next level.
FAQ
How often should you clean an ice bath?
Clean the ice bath every 2-4 weeks to maintain a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness.
What do you clean an ice bath with?
Clean an ice bath using a cleaning solution (washing liquid, mild detergent, soap, pool-cleaning liquid) and a scrubber.
Why should you clean an ice bath?
Clean an ice bath to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae. If you don’t get rid of bacteria and algae, it reduces cold therapy benefits, deteriorates your tub, and risks your health and safety.