At Polar Monkeys, we believe that clean water for cold plunging is non-negotiable. It’s essential for your health and hygiene, as well as the lifespan of your cold plunge equipment. A consistent cold plunge cleaning routine ensures crystal-clear water and keeps every dip safe and refreshing.

We also believe cold plunge maintenance shouldn’t be a hassle. That’s why we design our systems to make cold plunge care straightforward - so you can focus on recovery, not scrubbing and cleaning. 

The following guide explains exactly how to maintain cold plunge water with a few simple, hassle-free steps, to ensure an optimum cold plunge experience every time.

Importance of Water Hygiene

Cold water immersion can only deliver its full benefits if the water itself is safe. Poorly maintained water can harbor bacteria, develop unpleasant odors, and damage your equipment. That’s why cold plunge water care is so important.

With Polar Monkeys’ powerful filtration system and built-in ozone sanitation, much of the heavy lifting is automated, providing maximum cleanliness with minimal maintenance. Simply follow the following key protocols to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Cold Plunge Maintenance Protocol Explained

When it comes to keeping your Polar Monkeys cold plunge in tip-top shape, we recommend the following maintenance protocol: 

• Every Day: Use your insulated cover whenever your cold plunge is not in use, to keep out debris.
  

• Every 2-4 weeks: Switch out your water. For crystal-clear refills every time, check out our multi-stage hose filter, designed to fit all standard garden hoses. We also recommend using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down the sides of your tub in between emptying and refilling.
  
  ALTERNATIVELY, want to save even more time and effort? (You’re busy - we get it.) Check out our Polar Monkeys’ Sanitation Kit, free of chlorine and bromine, which allows you to extend your water’s lifespan up to 3 months!
  

• Every 3-4 weeks: Replace your filter cartridge. This will keep water circulation strong and prevent buildup.

Following these simple steps will extend the life of your cold plunge and keep each cold water session fresh and invigorating.

How Do I Change My Cold Plunge Water?

1) Turn off and unplug the chiller.

2) If the cold plunge is outdoors, or in an area you don’t mind getting wet, simply open the rear drain valve and let the water out. Otherwise, attach a garden hose for direct drainage to a suitable location.

3) Close the drain valve once drainage is complete.

4) Refill the cold plunge with fresh water to the appropriate level before turning the power back on.

Prefer a step-by-step visual? Watch our quick Polar Monkeys drainage video guide here.

Maintaining Your Cold Plunge Water Chemistry

Maintaining the right water chemistry helps to keep your cold plunge clean and skin-friendly.

• pH Levels: Aim for a neutral range of 7.2–7.8. Too high or too low can irritate your skin and affect water clarity.
  
  

• Oxidizers / Sanitizers: Use cold-plunge-safe oxidizers to neutralize organic contaminants. Avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine or bromine unless specifically approved, as they can corrode components.

Testing your water chemistry is simple; use our easy-to-use test strips to help monitor pH and sanitizer levels. Look out for any visible cloudiness or strong odors in your cold plunge water, too - these are both signs of poor water quality.

If you ever find that your water is outside of the recommended neutral pH range, never fear! This can be easily treated with one of our pH up or pH down solutions.

Filter Maintenance Schedule

When it comes to cold plunge care, your filter is an important line of defense. A clogged or dirty filter can reduce circulation and lead to cloudy water. We recommend following this simple change schedule:

• Residential cold plunge models: replace your filter every 3-4 weeks

• Commercial cold plunge models: replace your filter every 3 months 

Note: Frequency may vary based on usage.

You can also easily remove your filter cartridge and rinse with a garden hose to clear debris every week or so, if desired.

Cleaning Your Cold Plunge Tub Interior

Over time, oils, dirt, and residue can build up inside your cold plunge. Cleaning your tub interior helps keep each icy plunge safe and hygienic. Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and soft cloth to wipe down the interior, then rinse thoroughly and refill your tub with fresh water. We recommend a deep clean every 4-6 weeks, or sooner if you notice residue.

So, Now You Know How To Clean Your Cold Plunge

Knowing how to maintain cold plunge water is the key to safe, enjoyable cold water therapy. Stick to our simple maintenance routine and you’ll keep your cold plunge pristine with minimal effort. Happy plunging!