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:
- When using ice, the cooling time and target temperature can differ depending on the ambient temperature. 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. A tub, in contrast to a barrel, will need more ice as the larger water-to-air ratio leads to faster ice melting and a quicker rise in water temperature.
- 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 refresh 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, drain, clean and replace the water immediately.
- Ice is best suited for one-time use of a single individual. As soon as ice comes into contact with water, melting begins, making it essential to immerse yourself immediately, especially in summer temperatures.
- Have a water thermometer handy to monitor water temperature and adjust ice levels as needed to reach your desired cold plunge temperature.
How many bags of ice do I need and how much will it cost at the store?
A few things to consider when cold plunging with ice: size of the cold plunge, starting water temperature and desired water temperature.
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 at home, as opposed to buying at the store, check out our ice blocks which make up to 36lbs of ice, click here.
- For those seeking convenience and a long term solution, consider a Water Chiller by OSONE. For fresh, clean, always ready, iceless water, click here.
