Should Chemicals be Added to your Cold Plunge?

Should Chemicals be Added to your Cold Plunge?

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.  

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
As all setups listed above will eventually need water exchange, some plungers choose to add chemicals which will increase the longevity of the water's shelf life versus draining and refilling the cold plunge more often without the use of chemicals. This decision is personal preference. Read below for benefits of chemical additives. 
 

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).

Critics of Chemical Additives

Some individuals raise concerns about health and the environmental impact of adding chemicals to cold plunges. Some chemicals can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Furthermore, the accumulation of chemicals in water need to be properly disposed of, ideally down a drain as to not threaten the surrounding ecosystem. 

The debate over whether chemicals should be added to cold plunges revolves around balancing potential benefits such as convenience with longer water shelf life versus a more natural plunging experience that requires frequent water exchange. While additives can increase the shelf life of the water, they also can pose risks to sensitive skin and the surrounding environment. As interest in cold plunging continues to grow, consider the best option based on your setup, environment, convenience, health and wellness factors. 
    Back to blog