If you’re one of the many exploring cold plunging for its advantages, ice is a fantastic way to start—it’s accessible, the startup costs are low and it offers a great way to ease in while enjoying the positive effects.
6 things to consider with ice:
- Cooling time to desired water temperature can differ drastically based on ambient temperatures. In warmer environments, more ice will be required to bring the water to the desired temperature.
- Be mindful of your setup when planning a cold plunge. With a higher water-to-air ratio, a horizontal tub warms faster than a vertical barrel, meaning it needs more ice to maintain cooler temperatures.
- Since an ice-only cold plunge lacks a filter to eliminate debris, it’s a good idea to invest in a skimmer and frequently refresh the water to ensure it stays clean and safe.
- It is recommended to replenish the water after every 3-5 uses or once a week, whichever comes first, to ensure cleanliness. In the presence of cloudiness or an unpleasant smell, it is highly recommended to drain, clean and replenish the water.
- Ice is for single application. As soon as ice comes into contact with water, melting begins, making it essential to immerse yourself immediately, especially in warmer temperatures.
- Have a thermometer handy to monitor water temperature and adjust ice levels as needed to reach your desired water temperature.
How many bags of ice do I need and how much will it cost at the store?
3 things to consider when cold plunging with ice: size of the plunge, starting water temperature and desired water temperature.
The assumptions below are based on the following:
- Starting water temperature of 70°F
- Desired water temperature of 55°F
- 70 gallon pod
What you will need:
- 16lb ice bag x 5 bags = 80lbs of ice
- $4.19 per bag of ice = $21 per session
Annual cost of ice:
- 4 plunges per week for a year = $4,358
- 3 plunges per week for a year = $3,268
- 2 plunges per week for a year = $2,179
Ice is an excellent way to begin cold plunging, and we offer several options to help you get started.
- If you prefer to make ice from home, check out our 12lb ice blocks which make up to 36lbs of ice, click here.
- For those seeking convenience and a long term solution, consider a chiller, click here.
