Are you tired of your ice bath water getting biofilm fast? Here are some hacks on how to keep ice bath water clean.
Avoid the Yucky Side of Ice Bathing
Imagine soaking in a tub of ice-cold water after a grueling workout. You feel the chill seep into your muscles, easing the soreness and inflammation. You feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for anything.
But what if the water you’re soaking in is cloudy or smelly? What if it’s full of bacteria, algae, or chemicals that can harm your health and skin? That would ruin the entire experience, wouldn’t it?
That’s why keeping your ice bath water clean and safe is essential. This article will show you how to do that, from basic hygiene tips to advanced solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Ice bath water requires proper care to prevent dirt and algae from affecting the water’s quality and safety.
- Basic hygiene tips include rinsing off before entering the ice bath, wearing shoes, and keeping the area around the tub clean.
- Regular maintenance includes using a skimming net, a cover, and a pH test kit or changing the water at least once a month or more often if needed.
- Advanced solutions include using a water chiller and filter, adding hydrogen peroxide, and installing a UV sterilizer or an ozone purifier.
- Deep cleaning your ice bath occasionally can help remove any stubborn dirt, stains, or biofilm on the tub surfaces.
Basic Hygiene Tips
Some of the basic things you can do to prevent dirt and bacteria from entering your ice bath water include:
1. Rinsing Off
Before entering the ice bath, rinse sweat, dirt, or lotion from your body and hair. It helps to reduce the amount of contaminants that can affect the water quality and clarity. For example, you can use a shower, a hose, or a bucket of water to rinse off.
2. Wear Shoes
Wearing shoes or sandals in the ice bath will protect your feet from the cold and prevent any dirt or mud from getting on your feet. Even if the ground is soft, it’s much cleaner to prevent mud from getting on your feet than to clean it off. Wear socks or gloves to keep your hands and feet warm and clean.
3. Clean the Area Around Your Tub
If you’re using your ice bath outdoors, ensure the area around your tub is clean and free of debris, such as leaves, grass, or twigs. Debris can quickly get into your tub and make the water dirty. For example, you can use a broom, a rake, or a blower to clear the area before using your ice bath.
Regular Maintenance
Here are some routine tasks to keep your ice bath water clean for each session.
1. Using a Skimming Net
After each use, use a skimming net to remove any floating debris from the water’s surface, such as hair, insects, or ice chunks. It will prevent them from sinking to the bottom and accumulating. On the other hand, you can also use a sponge or a cloth to wipe the tub’s sides to remove any dirt or stains.
2. Using a Cover
When you’re not using your ice bath, cover it with a lid, a tarp, or a fabric cover to keep out dust, rain, or snow. A cover will also prevent bugs or other animals from getting into your tub and contaminating the water. Ensure the cover fits snugly and securely over the tub to avoid gaps or openings.
3. Monitor the pH Levels
The pH level of your ice bath water indicates how acidic or alkaline it is. Ideally, the pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8, which is neutral and comfortable for your skin and eyes.
For example, you can use a pH test kit or a digital meter to measure the pH level of your water regularly. If the pH level is high or low, you can use pH adjusters, such as baking soda or vinegar, to balance it.
4. Change the Water Regularly
Depending on how often you use your ice bath and how many people use it, you must change the water every few days. Changing the water will also help prevent the growth of algae, bacteria, or mold, which can cause unpleasant smells, colors, or health issues.
The process of changing water is easy. Drain the tub completely and rinse it with clean water before refilling it.
Advanced Solutions
These are additional methods to keep your ice bath water clean and chilled, primarily if you use your ice bath frequently or for long periods.
1. Using a Water Chiller & Filter
A water chiller is a device that cools down your ice bath water to your desired temperature without ice or refrigeration. On the other hand, a water filter is a device that removes impurities, such as dirt, chemicals, or metals, from your ice bath water.
Now, you can use a water chiller and filter to keep your ice bath water at a consistent temperature and quality. It can save you time and money on ice and water changes.
Not only that, you can also use a water pump to circulate the water through the chiller and filter. It comes in handy for preventing stagnation and improving water oxygenation.
2. Adding Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to chlorine or bromine as a sanitizer for your ice bath water. It kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi and oxidizes organic matter, such as sweat, urine, or skin cells, that can cause cloudiness or bad smell.
Hydrogen peroxide is gentle on your skin, eyes, and lungs, leaving no residue or byproducts in your water.
Note: You can add hydrogen peroxide to your ice bath water at a concentration of 100 ppm (parts per million) or about 1 cup per 100 gallons of water.
3. Installing a UV Sterilizer
A UV sterilizer is a device that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in your ice bath water. It breaks down chloramines, harmful byproducts of chlorine that can cause eye and skin irritation.
The good thing about a UV sterilizer is that it can improve your ice bath’s water quality and clarity. It can also reduce the need for chlorine or other sanitizers.
How to Install a UV Sterilizer
- Connect it to a water pump that circulates the water through the UV chamber, where it gets exposed to the UV rays.
- Replace the UV bulb every 6 to 12 months or as the manufacturer recommends.
4. Using an Ozone Purifier
An ozone purifier is a device that uses ozone gas to sanitize and oxidize your ice bath water. Ozone gas is a powerful oxidizer that can destroy microorganisms and organic matter, such as sweat, urine, or skin cells, that cause cloudiness in your ice bath water.
How to Use an Ozone Purifier
- Connect it to a water pump, injecting ozone gas into your ice bath water, creating a safe and clean environment.
- Replace the ozone generator every 3 to 5 years or as the manufacturer recommends.
How To Deep Clean an Ice Bath
Even if you follow your ice bath’s regular and advanced maintenance solutions, you may still need to clean it deep. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Drain the ice bath entirely and dispose of the water safely.
- Scrub the interior surfaces of the ice bath using a soft brush with a gentle cleaning solution like Dawn.
- Rinse the surfaces thoroughly with clean water to remove any residues.
- Fill the ice bath with fresh water and add a biofilm remover, such as Spa Purge or Jet Clean, following the instructions on the label.
- Run the water pump for a few hours to circulate the water
Check out our other helpful guides on other household cleaning hacks.
