How To Keep Ice Bath Water Clean? Beginner’s Guide!

Ice baths are your partners in your journey to cold water therapy and rejuvenation.

So, you must keep the ice bath and water clean to get the actual benefits—fight anxiety and grow back from depression.

But how to keep ice bath water clean? If you’re looking for ways to keep your ice bath water clean, you’ve landed in the right place. 

I won’t discuss why you should keep the water clean—everyone knows the answer, right? 

Let’s jump in directly to discuss the tips and ensure you start your day by taking a cold plunge in clean and clear water. 

How To Keep Ice Bath Water Clean? 10 Best Tips

It’s quite essential to keep your ice bath water clean for both hygiene and the effectiveness of the ice bath. 

Clean water helps prevent infections, skin irritations, and other health issues, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of your ice bath. 

If you are a beginner, read this stepwise guide on Ice Bath For Beginners.

Here are some detailed tips to help you keep your ice bath water clean and safe:

1. Fill From A Clean Water Source

Filling your ice bathtub with water from a clean source is very crucial. If you are using tap water, ensure it is free from impurities and contaminants. 

Using filtered or distilled water can reduce the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms and debris into your ice bath.

Additionally, consider the quality of the ice you use. Store-bought ice is often produced under sanitary conditions, making it a better option than homemade ice.

By using clean water and ice from the start, you lay the groundwork for a more hygienic and safe ice bath experience.

2. Drain and Refill The Tub Periodically

Draining and refilling the water more frequently is one of the most effective ways to ensure water cleanliness. 

Over time, contaminants can build up in the water, even with regular maintenance. So, you must completely change the water to eliminate any persistent impurities and start fresh.

The frequency of draining and refilling depends on how often you use the ice bath and the level of contamination. 

For frequent users, a bi-weekly or monthly schedule is necessary. Clean the bath thoroughly before refilling it to remove any residual contaminants.

Read Also: How To Keep Ice Bath Cold In Summer?

3. Install A Top-Quality Water Filter

Water filters help remove impurities, including dirt, debris, and microorganisms, ensuring the water remains clean and safe.

Installing a water filter in your ice bath setup can improve water quality. Various types of filters are available, including sand, cartridge, and UV filters.

Regular maintenance of the filter system is essential to ensure its effectiveness. Clean or replace the filter cartridges as the manufacturer recommends for optimal performance. 

This will help in keeping the water free from contaminants and extend the lifespan of your ice bath equipment.

4. Use Chlorine Tablets - Don’t Overdose!

Using chlorine tablets for ice bath are an effective way to sanitise the water. It is a powerful disinfectant that kills bacteria, viruses, and algae to keep the water clean and safe. 

Adding ice bath cleaning tablets to the water helps kill bacteria and maintain sanitation, especially in outdoor setups where contamination is more likely.

When using chlorine tablets, follow the recommended dosage to avoid over-chlorination. If you overdose chlorine (over 3 ppm), it may cause red eyes and swimmers itch. 

Typically, one tablet per 50 gallons of water is sufficient. Dissolve the tablets completely before entering the ice bath to prevent direct contact with undissolved chlorine.

5. Perform Water Tests Regularly 

Regular water testing is crucial to maintain the cleanliness and safety of your ice bath. 

Using a quality testing kit, you should test the water for pH levels, chlorine in ice bath, and other important parameters. This helps identify any imbalances or contamination. 

Ideally, the pH level of ice bath water should be between 7.2 and 7.8 to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

By regularly testing the water, you can take corrective measures promptly to maintain a clean and safe ice bath environment.

6. Apply A Routine Cleaning Schedule

Ice baths are prone to building up of mould, mildew, and bacterial growth over time. This needs regular cleaning, internally and externally, of walls and floors to remove any bacterial residue.  

For this, use a mild detergent and a soft brush to scrub the surfaces thoroughly, followed by rinsing with clean water.

In addition to cleaning the bath itself, pay attention to any accessories or equipment used, such as thermometers or seating platforms. 

By keeping these items clean, you prevent them from introducing contaminants into the water. If you are very much concerned, perform this after every three days. 

7. Shock Treatments - Important One! 

Shock treatments are a method of deep cleaning your ice bath water— by adding chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals. 

The goal is to raise the “free chlorine” level to a point where contaminants such as algae and other pathogens can’t stay and are destroyed.

To perform a shock treatment, follow these steps:

• Add the chemical (chlorine) to the water, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
• Allow the water to circulate for several hours to ensure thorough mixing.
• Test the chemical levels so they return to safe ranges before taking a bath.

Note: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the appropriate amount of chemical to add based on the volume of water in your ice bath.

8. Monitor and Adjust Water Temperature

Most bacteria thrive and grow in warm environments, so keeping the water consistently cold helps inhibit their proliferation. 

When taking a cold water plunge, it’s important to maintain the water temperature at a specific range to prevent bacterial growth. 

Use a reliable thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it stays within the range, typically between 50°F and 59°F (10°C to 15°C).

This helps keep the water consistently cold and reduces the risk of bacterial growth for a clean and safe cold therapy journey.

Check out Zenchill's thermometer, the ArcticZen Floating Thermometer.

9. Don’t Use Lotions/Oils Before Entering

Acccording to research, it’s important to avoid using lotions, oils, or other personal care products on your skin before entering the ice bath. 

These substances can introduce unwanted contaminants into the water, making it more difficult to maintain cleanliness. 

If you had applied any cream or lotion before sleeping, shower or wash your hands and face before entering the tub.

This simple step can reduce the amount of foreign substances introduced into the water and help keep it clean.

10. Take A Warm Shower - Pre-Bath!

Take a warm shower before entering the ice bath, as it can minimise contamination and improve circulation. 

A pre-bath shower helps remove dirt, sweat, and other impurities from the skin, preventing them from entering the water.

This practice is especially important for group or team use, where multiple people share the same ice bath.

This helps maintain water cleanliness, enhances overall hygiene, and adds comfort to your overall ice bathing.

Read Also: Are Ice Baths Good For You?

Additional Tip - Try Zenchill Ice Bath Salts

If you’re looking for an extra step to maintain the cleanliness of your ice bath, consider using Zenchill Ice Bath Salts. Our bath salts are not only designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, but they also help keep your water cleaner for longer.

By adding Zenchill bath salts to your ice bath, you introduce ingredients that naturally balance and purify the water, reducing the buildup of impurities and prolonging the freshness of your bath.

Our salts are made from premium, ethically sourced ingredients. They offer a soothing experience while supporting the cleanliness of your ice bath. Plus, they’re vegan and eco-friendly, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.

To elevate your ice bath experience and keep your water clean, explore the Zenchill Bath Salts Collection.

This simple addition to your routine enhances the therapeutic benefits of your bath. It ensures that your water stays fresher for longer, giving you a cleaner and more enjoyable ice bath experience.

Read Also: Can You Put Epsom Salt In An Ice Bath?

How To Keep Water Clean In Ice Bath? Expert Recommendations!

Experts recommend incorporating a combination of the above tips to ensure optimal cleanliness and hygiene of your ice bath. 

Investing in high-quality water filtration systems and regularly testing the water are key steps in maintaining a safe environment. 

Additionally, professional athletes and trainers suggest using chlorine alternatives, such as bromine tablets, for individuals with sensitive skin.

Consulting with professionals or seeking advice from experienced users can provide valuable insights into best practices. 

Conclusion – Tips To Keep Ice Bath Water Clean

So, almost all the methods we discussed are about how to keep ice bath water clean without filter except for the one where you need a filter. All you need to do is follow these tips, and you are good to go!

Always check the interior and exterior of your ice bath before taking a bath for any debris or dirt. If you have an inflatable ice bath, fold it and store it in a bag to keep it safe.

I recommend buying an ice bath from a trusted and reliable brand, ensuring lifelong service. If you get a quality bathtub, you won’t face wear and tear all the way.