Once a niche practice favored by athletes and wellness enthusiasts, cold plunging has gained mainstream attention for its purported health benefits. These invigorating dips into icy water are believed to stimulate a number of both physical and mental health benefits. However, a debate surrounds the practice of adding chemicals to cold plunges to extend the water's shelf life or rinse and repeat without the use of chemical agents. Whether cold plunging at home with ice, a water chiller, debris filtration, Ozone or UV sanitation, the water will eventually need to be replaced. The time between draining and refilling the plunge ranges based on a number of factors addressed below.
- Cold Plunging with Ice requires the most frequent drainage and replacement of water. Without the presence of a sediment filter or mechanism/solution to eliminate bacteria, water will become stationary and begin collecting elements such as hair, skin, oils, dirt, sand and other debris. Water will become cloudy and may present an unpleasant, unhealthy odor.
- Cold Plunging with a Chiller without Ozone or UV Sanitation (typically 1/3 or 1/2 HP Chillers) should have water replaced every 3-5 plunges. Although a sediment filter comes with any standard water chiller, eventually the water will begin to cloud with many of the elements a debris filter cannot remove.
- Cold Plunging with a Chiller with Ozone or UV Sanitation provides the longest period between water exchanges. With a debris filter and bacteria killing mechanism, one can plunge knowing the water is the cleanest amongst the listed setups. Generally 2-4 weeks will pass before noticing an oily film develop on the surface line or a slippery texture inside the plunge walls and floor.
Advocates of Chemical Additives
Those who prefer adding chemicals to water highlight the practical advantages. Preservatives and antimicrobial agents can prevent bacterial growth, ensuring the water remains clean, clear and safe for reoccurring plunges and multiple users over time. With solutions such as oxidizers and sanitizers, the need to drain and replace water can be significantly reduced. This may be beneficial for those who prefer convenience or with cold plunge setups that cannot be frequently drained (e.g. a high rise condo or where an outflow drain may not be easily accessible).