Keeping your cold plunge clean ensures the water stays fresh, the chiller runs smoothly, and your investment lasts longer. Below is a step-by-step guide to properly draining, cleaning, refilling and maintaining your plunge.
1. Drain the Plunge
Start by removing the water from your plunge using the bottom outlet of your plunge:
-
If you're not already in a location where you can easily just drain your plunge, you can use the connected 5ft hose to direct the water flow by detaching it from the chiller side and running it to a floor drain or directly outside.
-
If the 5ft hose is not long enough to easily drain the cold plunge, a sump pump can be used to more easily drain the water.
-
Let the plunge fully drain before moving on.
2. Clean the Plunge
Once empty:
-
Take the plunge outside or to an area you can clean it.
-
Spray down the inside and outside, use dish soap and scrub gently with a sponge.
-
Rinse thoroughly and ensure no soap suds remain. For stubborn scuff marks, use a magic eraser for a cleaner finish.
-
Dry completely before placing the plunge back in position.
-
Reconnect all hoses securely to the plunge and chiller.
-
Open the shut-off valve at the bottom of the plunge so water can flow freely through the system.
3. Replace Filter
Before refilling your plunge with clean water, this would be a good time to replace the filter:
-
Unscrew the clear filter housing inside the side compartment of your chiller by unscrewing clockwise.
-
Insert a clean filter into the housing.
-
Fill the housing completely with water to the top until the filter bobs in place.
-
Screw the housing back into place counterclockwise.
- Make sure the clear cartridge is full of water to prevent air lock - air trapped inside the lines which prevents water flow.
4. Refill Plunge
Fill plunge with fresh water until water level is at least a foot above the bottom outlet hole of the plunge.
-
Double check that the shut off lever is open so water can flow freely from your plunge into the chiller.
-
Turn on the chiller to test for airlock:
-
If water flows out of the top of the plunge, continue filling your plunge with water to your preferred level.
-
If no water is flowing, pause filling. With the chiller running, slightly unscrew the filter housing to allow trapped air to purge—you’ll hear water shoot through the hoses. Retighten the housing and confirm water is flowing. You may have to turn chiller off and back on to reboot the system.
-
If water is still not flowing, check for tangled hoses or a closed shut-off lever at the bottom of your plunge.
-
- Once water flow is established through the top hole of your plunge, fill water to your preferred level for cold plunging.
5. Add Sirona
Once your plunge is filled and water is flowing:
-
For water filled to the top hole of your HydroTub or HydroBarrel, syringe 20ml of Sirona Sanitizer (small bottle) and 60ml of the Sirona Oxidizer (large bottle) directly into the cold plunge water.
-
Allow the solutions to circulate through the chiller for 24 hours. For the first few hours you will notice cloudy water until circulation is complete. By the next day, your plunge should be crystal clear and ready for use.
3 Step ✅ Checklist
Follow this maintenance routine and go months without having to replace your water.
The cleaner the body when entering the plunge, the less foreign debris you will introduce into the water. It's always a good idea to hose your feet off or even rinse your body off prior to entering the plunge.
✅ When filling your plunge with clean water, apply Sirona Sanitizer & Oxidizer. Re-apply both Sirona bottles every 2 weeks to get the most time out of your water.
✅ Check the filter and replace based on discoloration, visible debris or low water flow into your plunge. Replacing the filter every 2 weeks can keep your chiller operating more efficiently and your water cleaner for longer. When using the shut-off valve on the bottom of your plunge, changing a filter can be completed in less than 60 seconds.
✅ Ensure green light is on for UV sanitation. When the light goes out, you will need to replace the UV bulb which can be purchased on our site.
