How To Keep A Cold Plunge Clean: Instructions By Type of Plunge

Is your cold plunge water looking a little unclean…

Maybe ya got some nice debris floating around… or perhaps your dog chose to jump in and take a quick turn…

Having a clean cold plunge is important from a hygiene point of view (of course). But having a clean cold plunge will also encourage you to use it more often.

This guide shares how to keep a cold plunge clean (even by manufacturer!).

Quick Summary Answering How to Keep a Cold Plunge Clean

The answer is: it depends on the type of plunge you have.

For inflatable plunges, the frequent recommendation from companies are:

• Change the water frequently
• Add salt
• Add a UV purifier

For commercial tubs, the practice of cleaning usually involves:

• Leveraging their built-in sanitation equipment
• Weekly light maintenance 
  - Things like wiping it down

• Monthly “heavier” maintenance
  - Things like replacing filters

The long and short of it:

Yes, you will have to clean your cold plunge pretty frequently. No matter how “easy” they make it sound, it requires diligent cleaning to make sure you’re not getting into a nasty tub.

Different Cold Plunge Cleaning Methods for Different Types of Plunges (and Manufacturer)

Inflatable / Portable Plunges

Inergize Health Cold Plunge Cleaning Guidelines

Here’s what they say:

“- Replace micron filter once per month with included wrench.

- Sanitize the water weekly.”

NuRecover Cleaning Guidelines

Here’s what they say:

“Legally, we cannot tell you what chemicals you should be using as everyone reacts differently.

We have seen many customers using Bromine Tablets and UV Light Rods which kill up to 99% of the bacteria in the water.

We also recommend changing the water once a week and adding a touch of soapy water to ensure it's clean and good to go.”

PolarPod Cleaning Guidelines

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Here’s what they say:

“We recommend changing the water every 10 days or as preferred. To drain the water tank, simply turn the tap and unplug the Easy Flow Drainage System at the bottom of the tub. Simply rinse the tub out and replace the water! Water cleanliness can also be maintained with water stabilizers or UV purifier.”

The Pod Company Cleaning Guidelines

Here’s what they say:

“To keep the water clean for long periods of time, we recommend adding salt to the water. Simply buy raw cheap salt and add around 1 pound (0.5kg) to a full pod. You can keep the water in the pod for 2-4 weeks when using salt.

With no use of salt to disinfect we recommend changing the water every 3-5 sessions.”

Orca Migaloo Portable Plunge Cleaning Guidelines

Here’s what they say:

“The Migaloo with 1/2HP water chiller is designed to be very low maintenance. Depending on usage, we recommend changing the water every 4-6 weeks. Just like a pool or jacuzzi, we suggest monitoring your water with a sanitation kit.”

Ice Barrel Portable Plunge Cleaning Guidelines

Here’s what they say:

“Ice Barrel requires very little maintenance. We recommend changing the water every four (4) weeks or as preferred. Water cleanliness can be extended by using water stabilizers or treatments such as hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, or UV purifier. You can clean your Ice Barrel using your preferred soap or detergent.”

Residential/Commercial Plunges

Plunge Cleaning Guidelines

Here’s what they say:

“Weekly:

1. Cold Plunge: Add 3 Tbsp of Oxidizer.

2. Cold Plunge XL: Add 4 Tbsp of Oxidizer.

3. Wipe water line and jets with sponge as needed.

4. Clean any hair out of the drain strainers.

5. Test levels with test strips and adjust based on tables below:

Monthly:

1. Turn filter Bypass into ‘Bypass position’

2. Use the filter wrench to loosen the Filter canister.

3. Remove and replace the Filter.

4. Make sure the O-ring is still in place.

5. Tighten the Filter canister back on.

6. Place the filter Bypass in the ‘Filter position’”

Polar Monkeys Cleaning Guidelines

Here’s what they say:

“To keep the water clean, it's recommended to purchase our sanitation kit and follow the cleaning protocol, which will allow you to keep your water clean for at least 3 months. If you decide not to use any of our water sanitation, make sure to change water at least every two weeks.

To maintain optimal performance, filter cartridges should be replaced approximately every three weeks, depending on usage.

The process of changing the water is simple, thanks to the included drain valve. You can quickly empty the tank or even connect a hose to discharge the water elsewhere.”

Morozko Cleaning Guidelines

Here’s what they say:

“Our filtered models use Ozone Generation to keep your water crystal clear without the need for harsh chemicals like chlorine. Check out more about Ozone here: https://www.morozkoforge.com/post/ozone-cold-water-a-perfect-match

You will clean your inlet strainer, similar to the way you clean your dryer lint filter after a load of laundry. It will collect towel and clothing lint, hair and other debris. Here is an instructional video for how to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_92r6l4wB2g&feature=youtu.be 

Filtered Forges will maintain clear, clean water for months (if not years, depending on usage) between filter changes. We recommend the Hayward C225 replacement cartridge when it is time to change your filter. You can also easily remove your filter cartridge to clean it by hosing it off with your garden hose shown here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilZFzPUfE9k&feature=youtu.be” 

Renu Therapy Cleaning Guidelines

Here’s what they say:

“First look for the manual, this usually comes with the unit and it can be located inside the mechanics bay. If in any case there’s no manual that comes with the unit, please send us an email, and we'll immediately send a copy. Instructions are also seen from both the chillers, the active aqua, and the eco, and it has all the directions in there.

Two things you need. A screwdriver and a micro cloth. So for starters, just unscrew the one screw on the front, and then the panel pops off, and you can see you have a filter there to clean this. 

Get a hose and just wash it out on both sides. You want to keep doing it until you see the water is clear and clean.

Then on the inside, use a damp micro block and just basically get any dust out. If you have an air compressor, you can just blow the dust out much easier.

Once all the dust and particles are out, you can simply put the cover back on. It's one screw on top and one at the bottom.  

The other two things are the two side vents, so they have little clasps. Pop those off, and they also have a little filter on the back. The same thing goes in water until you have nice clean water. While these are out, you can use your cloth to try to get any of the dust or debris that's in there. You probably have more dirt if your unit is set outside. If it's inside, you probably have very little. So once you have that done, you're good to go. 

Similar to the other unit, you have two side vents; they just pop off the same thing. Run some water on these, and get them clean from both sides. Use the cloth and get any inside debris you can find; just pop right back in. 

And then, while you have this face plate off, use your damp micro cloth to get any debris that might be in there that you can access. Once you're snapped into place, use the same single screw to close it off.”