Chest Freezer Ice Bath with Auto On & Off Thermostat (Works Too Good!)

Hey beautiful people, in this vid I turn a 500 litre chest freezer into an ice bath.
NOTE - I ALWAYS UNPLUG THE FREEZER FROM THE MAIN SOURCE OF POWER BEFORE GETTING IN THE WATER
I hope you enjoy and thanks for watching!
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LISTEN/WATCH MY PODCAST: The Ant Marino Podcast / channel
ITEMS USED:
500 litre chest freezer bestbuyelectrical.com.au/prod...
Digital thermometer AUS www.amazon.com.au/Inkbird-Pre...
US: www.amazon.com./Inkbird-Temperature-Controller-Controlling-Fermentation/dp/B01HXM5UAC/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=inkbird%2Bthermometer&qid=1635968692&sr=8-14&th=1
Silicone: www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-3...
Drain tap fittings:
Hose connector www.bunnings.com.au/nylex-12m...
Poly reducing adaptor www.bunnings.com.au/philmac-3...
Ball valve www.bunnings.com.au/holman-15...
Brass nipple www.bunnings.com.au/kinetic-1...
Poly elbow www.bunnings.com.au/garden-ra...
PVC adaptor not showing on bunnings website, it is this one but in a 15mmx1/2inch www.bunnings.com.au/holman-20...
Plastic nipple that pushes into above fitting and then gets glued into the freezer drain hole www.bunnings.com.au/gcon-16mm...
Sikaflex to glue tap into freezer www.bunnings.com.au/sika-310m...

[@chadyeo9083]

Unplug power to freezer BEFORE entering water folks.

[@antmarino1]

Correct 😊😊

[@SindreEide93]

A chestfreezer icebath can be a shocking experience for the body

[@kiwicory100]

Yes Wim has said the same unplug the freezer !

[@jimwolfson2691]

Fantastic video. Really helped me set up my chest freezer. Its cooling down now, and I can' wait to use it tomorrow!

[@antmarino1]

Fantastic! Glad it helped.

[@stephenhorak1535]

My 19.8cu. ft comes in tomorrow! So excited. I’ve been running 3 smaller freezers in my kitchen and putting ice into a 100gal tank for about 6 months and then spending 30 minutes every morning refilling the freezer. This will be amazing for time management

[@gazdarwin6266]

Ant just looked at my comments and forgot to add, I am using your DIY for my Ice Bath, living in Darwin it is brutal this time of year and looking for benefits pre and post workout. Biggest problem is overheating and not being able to cool down, great option and post 👍👍👍

[@e.m7110]

Don't ice bath after lifting weights as the ice therapy blocks hypertrophy.

[@tz7813]

Nice vid. One tip is the temperature probe. If you don’t position the probe so its sitting in the middle of the tank you will be measuring the inside metal surface of the freezer which is much colder. You’re water will be much warmer than what the probe is measuring. I fitted a short length of rubber hose inside the freezer that the probe is slid into. Its keeps it in mid water and gives much better accuracy.👍

[@antmarino1]

That's a great little upgrade,. thanks for sharing!

[@ROBLIFTS]

Great video bro, I started off with baths and then created my own barrel. But just doesn’t cut it anymore especially since in summer so going to try and make one of these next! Thanks for the video!

[@antmarino1]

Yeah nice mate, glad it can help!

[@robertbelcher1493]

THANKS FOR THIS VIDEO, I THINK THIS MAY BE THE WAY I APPROACH THE ICE BATH.

[@MrQbaNumber1]

Finally the video i need to see and what is the proces to make frezzer for ice bath. Thank You!

[@antmarino1]

Glad it has helped you! 🔥🔥🙏🙏

[@TekDristan]

Good overview. I want to build a home cold tub and these videos are quite helpful.

[@antmarino1]

Glad it helped!

[@tshepp89]

It was interesting to see that Wim Hof just uses a chest freezer for his cold plunge too! Good vid mate.

[@antmarino1]

Glad you enjoyed😊😊

[@ryanmorris101]

Great idea ♥️

[@joeyciotti9005]

This was really good! Very simple and easy compared to a lot of other videos Ive watch. I'll be making one like this for sure.

[@antmarino1]

Glad you enjoyed and it helped 😊😊

[@tanweerrayasat207]

Well done mate.

[@antmarino1]

Thanks!

[@danielkemp7946]

Great video I just wanted to ask you how was your draining and refilling with drain tap fittings.

[@richardjames3405]

Great work thanks ! I have just ordered all the components !

[@antmarino1]

Amazing!

[@leelunk8235]

@@antmarino1 THE DRAIN ..WHERE DID YOU GET IT?

[@antmarino1]

@@leelunk8235 bunnings

[@clausogrikke4401]

Hey Ant. Great video 👍 Thanks. How do you maintain the water, and how often do you change the water. Best Regards from Denmark 😀

[@antmarino1]

Hey mate, thanks for the kind words! To maintain the water, I don't do anything special, I just empty it once every 3-4 weeks. Take care🙏🙏

[@zachnelson2875]

Sounded like your water lasts a long time how do you keep it clean? Good vid.

[@EliteForceLHP]

Great video! I'm going to do this!

[@antmarino1]

Thanks, let me know how you go!

[@tomkreyssig]

Good video. I have one question. My chest freezer gets an extremly hot surface on the outside during cooling the water down. Is that normal? Does your freezer has this hot temperatures too?

[@amadubasse8132]

Hi Great Video Ant! whats the name of the freezer the link doesn't seem to work anymore.

[@jeZza710]

Hey, Have you had any problems with rust or leaking? I also have a metal lined fridge and im thinking of using pond sealer as an interior coating!?

[@alexvalenzuelaakarezencast5122]

Is the temperature probe on the thermometer water proof or do I need to buy water silicone to cover it up?

[@caddyguy5369]

Letting it ice over could make for a pretty cool ice fishing diorama. :-)

[@Michael-iw3ek]

Do you carry a boombox with you everywhere you go? You know, just so that you could turn it on and play background music whenever you talk.

[@PaulWilsonImages]

Great video mate. Thanks. Have you considered a filter/ozone or does the water still smell fresh?

[@antmarino1]

Thanks mate! I hadn't considered a water filter and was prepared to change the water every couple of weeks. It never smelt bad or discoloured or anything weird, just had dead skin in it haha

[@PaulWilsonImages]

@@antmarino1 haha cheers

[@todds3944]

Was that fitting you put into the drain plug something you made or bought and what is it called?

[@jeremyatwood6771]

Such a good idea I'm so sick and tired of buying ice bags

[@antmarino1]

Haha I was too!

[@mjacked555]

Just freeze 1.5 litre bottles of water overnight and let them sit in the tub 20 mins before entering..

[@kaelzvibey3878]

​@@davidallownot even 10, with ice you can get it to 12-18' degrees but thats about itnunless u have 300kg ice lmao

[@jacquelynnchristiano1633]

Have you had an issues with over heating?

[@eedriavaneeden6516]

Thank you. I want to get this going as well. Great video.

[@antmarino1]

Thank you! I hope it helps you build yours :-)

[@kentfairbourn5305]

Any problems with your sealed joints at this point or signs of rusting in the bare metal inside of the freezer?

[@guillemardini7833]

thanks for the video brother! one question : Do you have to keep the freezer ON when you use the ink bird? isnt dangerous?

[@antmarino1]

The freezer is on and the ink bird turns the power to the freezer on and off. I also unplug it all when I jump in.

[@vlogwhatevs]

very curious how this mod job held up

[@jescollo]

Are you sure no power is stored in the electrical even with it unplugged?

[@12factortest]

Dude, I am working on one on my channel, can't wait to see what you do with yours. I was going to purchase that digital thermometer through your link, but I am in the USA, and you only have a link for the AU version. You should toss up a link to the same products that are available in the USA.

[@antmarino1]

Hey man, thanks for the comment! Glad you enjoyed the vid and that's a great idea, I'll try and do it if the parts are available both in Aus and the USA. I have put the link to Amazon USA in the description for you to find :-)

[@gazdarwin6266]

Great video, I am going to do, where did you get the digital thermometer cut off

[@antmarino1]

The link for it is in the description box.

[@daveandersen2484]

Nice video, nice man. I have been doing this for 6 months, in my non heated swimming pool. It varies from 40-60 degrees depending on the month. September to March. When it’s 60-75degrees I will tether myself and swim in place for 30 minutes. When it’s 75-85 I will swim for 40 minutes. I suggest you try it! Staying in the cooler water for such a long time, freestyle swimming with your head in is amazing! My pool worked good because I could go down 2 degrees per week from 70 to 40 and adjust. When it’s the colder temperature, I just play a couple songs on my phone as the timer . Head dunks are crucial! I saw the other comment trying to find the timer in the u s a . But I can’t see how to find it? Can you please put the make and model number and comment back? You spray the soapy water after you put the silicone down? Before you smooth it with the butter knife? I have been swimming in cold water for 4 years, when we have cold water. I really like it better than the 6-8 minute 40-45 degree plunge. Or the 8-15 minute 45-55 degree plunge. How do you unplug it to not get in with it plugged in? I didn’t see that? Is there a safer way to plug and unplug around eat water? Thanks for sharing!

[@antmarino1]

Thanks man! Here is the US link thermometer: www.amazon.com./Inkbird-Temperature-Controller-Controlling-Fermentation/dp/B01HXM5UAC/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=inkbird%2Bthermometer&qid=1635968692&sr=8-14&th=1

[@connorprice2542]

Where did you get the thermometer

[@kaifurlong684]

Hey ant thanks for the video mate. I’m trying to do the tap section you’ve done at the bottom. Only problem I’m having is the 16mm gcon bit pushes nicely into the freezer but doesn’t go into the 15mm 1/2inch pvc connector that you’ve recommended ?

[@antmarino1]

Hey bro, wanna reach out to me on insta (@antmarino1) so I can try walk you through what I did?

[@eddiealberton]

Hey there not on Insta and need to know how to get the drain set up you have completed. Can I get some help ?

[@explrn_dwnundr5007]

Best video on how to build ice bath , why did you go 14 degrees shouldn’t it be colder ?? , does the thermoter control when the freezer goes on and off ???

[@antmarino1]

Thank you so much, appreciate it! The reason I chose 14 degrees was because I wanted to ease myself into it. I do 8 degrees now 😊😊. Yes the thermometer controls when the freezer goes on and off.

[@lukesheppard1065]

Hi mate good info there cheers. Can you pls tell me the make and model of your freezer

[@antmarino1]

Thanks for watching! Glad you gained some value from it. If you see the description box on the video it has a link that takes you to the freezer info

[@christianz4684]

Where did u get the drain tap from ?

[@joemcneal4739]

So, does the probe keep the water cold?

[@qualityoverrquantity]

Great job mate, really helpful video. The only thing I would suggest is trying to say ‘um’ a little less, it was a little frustrating. Fantastic job tho 👍🏻

[@dbteach01]

What benefits do you receive from cold plunging? Thanks

[@antmarino1]

I find it really helps with my mindset, discipline, helps boost my immune system and helps with recovery from exercise :-)

[@ianbaty9571]

Where do you get the temp prob from please

[@bryanotte5517]

Question: when the desired temp is reached how often does the compressor turn on? Also have you noticed a rise in your electricity bill?

[@antmarino1]

That I don't actually know as I didn't monitor that.

[@stephenbradshaw6994]

Hi Ant did you get any frost build up where the water wasn't sitting? Ive just set mine up and there if frost building

[@antmarino1]

Hey mate, nah I didn't. But, I only ran the thing at about 12 degrees Celsius, not sure if that has anything to do with it?

[@josecisneros8651]

Can you use bleach like in pools to keep water clean??

[@JohnBejarano]

Hey man thanks for posting this! How do you keep your water clean? I hear ozone machine can help with that. Also is everything still working for you?

[@antmarino1]

Hey man, sorry for the late reply. Thanks, glad you liked the vid. The water is a bit of pain to keep clean and I don't want to use any chemicals in there, so I Just change it out every 3 weeks or so. I just sold it actually as I'm moving states and everything was still working mikey mouse on it.

[@leelunk8235]

THE DRAIN ..WHERE DID YOU GET IT~?

[@wallacelux]

hi Ant , i have a chest freezer filled it up and left it on all night it got so hot as in the freezer itself and the motor all around the freezer , but maybe when i get a timer it will shut off and cool down

[@antmarino1]

Hey mate, it'll get a little hot because the motor is running, but shouldn't get too hot. What temp did the water get down to?

[@chrisfine6250]

How did you put the valve in at the bottom of the freezer to fill and drain the water?

[@antmarino1]

I used sikaflex to glue it in.

[@coolclips9281]

How do you close the lid with the thermostat cable inside, without crunching the cable or breaking the seal?

[@antmarino1]

The cable is quite thin and the seal is very flexible.

[@dalton1824]

Is 12 degrees really even an ice bath?

[@connorb9068]

Where did you get that tap component for the drain plug? Definitely need one of those

[@antmarino1]

Bunnings. All parts used in description.

[@abbeydawson9466]

Can you please do a video on how you made the hose attachment for the drain?

[@antmarino1]

Sorry, I don’t have the ice bath anymore.

[@antmarino1]

What freezer are you going to use?

[@Schmarckq]

@@antmarino1 What's the reason for getting rid of it? Did it stop working?

[@antmarino1]

@@Schmarckq I moved states and sold all my shit.

[@Wolf-or6ws]

Would you say this setup is better than just buying ice from the store and filling up the bath or a barrel? Thanks

[@antmarino1]

Yes it's much more time efficient.

[@jesseelledge2284]

You can ruin your freezer by not using the right materials and not sealing the drain. JB water weld is the thing that is meant to sort of withstand constant submersion. Only use silicone if you plan on using a liner which is most advisable.

[@boabglen]

What you mean by a liner that is most visable? I've got a waterproof silicon and was also thinking of adding a pond sealant on top of that

[@ucrsae4624]

Aquariums including salt water aquariums have been using silicone for decades. I have never heard of a single failure in the silicone.

[@BarristerBarnes]

How often do you change water? Anyway to keep water clean?

[@antmarino1]

I was changing it every 4 weeks. I've seen people set up pool and spa filters to filter the water once or twice per week so they don't have to change the water as often.

[@springlift]

How’d that silicone go with cold temps ?

[@antmarino1]

Yeah perfect! 😊😊

[@garrettjones5846]

Where can I get that drain valve cap contraption you have?

[@antmarino1]

See description for parts.

[@kaelzvibey3878]

Help man mine shows that its 20•C but never puts them down colder , ? Please if someone has an ansewer to help thanks

[@antmarino1]

What doesn’t put down colder?

[@joells357]

Did the sealing with silicon work long term? Did it leak? If so, how did you find the leaks? How did your fix the leaks?

[@antmarino1]

No leaks at all 😊😊

[@joells357]

@@antmarino1 ty. how long has those original seals lasted?

[@antmarino1]

@@joells357 which seals?

[@joells357]

@@antmarino1 the silicon calking

[@joells357]

?

[@darrenv664]

Would a 500l be a decent size for a 6ft2 guy? Or would it be real cramp?

[@antmarino1]

It would work I reckon!

[@whatthefredpodcast]

I heard if you have a metal lining like yours, you will have rust issues. I have the same type of freezer like yours. I am looking into a way of painting it to protect the freezer from rusting. Has anybody ever painted the inside post a comment how you did it.

[@antmarino1]

I've actually sold mine, so don't know if it get's rusty. Good point though!

[@shaunb7614]

Trying to find an answer to this also. I plan on using an epoxy paint for bath and sinks??

[@kontritum2861]

I haven't done it myself but I do Remodeling and generalized repair work so I feel I can confidently recommend an epoxy paint, if you can find a good 2 part epoxy paint I'd use it

[@shaunb7614]

@@kontritum2861 Thanks mate, I gave it a couple coats will see how it goes.

[@SlewedDog]

There are a few options. Either EPDM lining tucked in, 2-3 layers of something called Pond Shield or more professionally a coating called Line-X.

[@ppx8957]

Temperature never gone up? What's the weather temperature? Maybe that's why?

[@antmarino1]

Winter, so around the same temp.

[@Carnivore_Greg]

Do you do anything to help inside to prevent rusting?

[@antmarino1]

No I didn’t.

[@brightshadowdenmark]

aluminium do not rust ;-) and its food grade, just don't do salt in the water..

[@danialhowe9814]

this is really the smart and cost effective way to do this. why would you want to go buy a pond chiller, fabricate come sort of tub and run down 10,000 other things when an ice chest is much more suited to the task and you basically only need 2 other things. a chiller will NEVER reach the temps a chest will and they are very delicate and never last. chest on the other hand will last you easily a decade

[@antmarino1]

🔥🔥

[@mahesh_d]

Why you are filling it up with Paste in the inner walls ?

[@antmarino1]

That's to stop it from leaking water out through the joins.

[@DrHughWegwerth]

Did this rust because you didn’t paint the steel?

[@antmarino1]

No it didn't.

[@MMAoracle]

Is it possible that the water temperature didn’t go up AT ALL in two months?

[@antmarino1]

In winter, it stayed the same.

[@jasonmartinez21]

I have the same freezer and I’m dealing with rust along the sides. Have you had the same problem?

[@rickwheeler75]

anyone else experiencing rust issues? i'm looking to buy one but don't want a rust bucket

[@whatthefredpodcast]

@@rickwheeler75 I just bought a freezer with the metal in the inside. I am looking into painting it to prevent the rust. If you tried that let us know.

[@Carnivore_Greg]

I’ve got one coming tomorrow and the research I’ve done tells me I should coat with a rubber sealant/paint like what’s used for fountains.

[@touficmann]

Is there a danger for electric shock ? Are freezers equipped for this ?

[@antmarino1]

I unplug the power before hopping in.

[@grlintheworld]

Could you post which thermometer that is?

[@antmarino1]

This is the link if you're in Aus. www.amazon.com.au/Inkbird-Pre-wired-Temperature-Controller-Greenhouse/dp/B078H2738K/ref=sr_1_3dchild=1&keywords=digital+heating%2Fcooling+thermometer&qid=1628466088&sr=8-3

[@sam7867]

Hey Ant. How did this Tub hold up?

[@antmarino1]

Hey mate, it's still going good, but I would buy one with the plastic liner in it next time.

[@antoninsuchet3686]

Hello this setup is great. Does it consume a lot of electricity? How long does it runs in a day.

[@antmarino1]

Thank you! It didn't consume much electricity at all, especially through winter in Melbourne, as the ambient temperatures helped keep it cold.

[@brandonmiller994]

Don't chest freezers have a capacitor that holds a charge?

[@jackandrews7821]

The compressor has a small capacitor if it's not a linear drive compressor that uses DC voltage.

[@shirahnmclean4367]

Where does someone purchase the auto turn off thermostat?

[@antmarino1]

See the links in the description 😊😊

[@JCcarpender]

Are the any temperature limitations with this setup? Are you able to keep it just above freezing, around 1 degree C?

[@antmarino1]

I can't remember what temp it goes down to but it definitely can go to 0 degrees Celsius

[@kaelzvibey3878]

​@@antmarino1thanks I wanna set it to 1_2 Degrees to do cold plunges every day, this asnwers my question. Blessings bro

[@antmarino1]

@@kaelzvibey3878 Glad it helps my bro!

[@matt-fo4tw]

How do you empty and change the water?

[@antmarino1]

Via the drain tap that I put in the bottom and I connect a hose to it and run it into the garden, which takes a couple of hours to drain.

[@lachlanblackstock3857]

How long does it take to drain all the water out bro?

[@antmarino1]

About 2 hours.

[@chrishuitink4083]

have you had any rust since making this?

[@antmarino1]

No I haven't 😊😊

[@Godzillacock]

​@@antmarino1 a previous comment of yours a year ago claims you don't know about it rusting because you sold it. Now you claim it has not rusted....🤔

[@TheJrj22067]

Hey GREAT vid. I've done cryo as well as cold plunge b4. But am going to give ur method a try. How long do you run the freezer each day?

[@antmarino1]

In winter, if I have it set to 13 degrees, it never turns on haha. But in the warmer months it kicks on for about an hour a day.

[@TheJrj22067]

@@antmarino1 awesome. Ty for the quick response. I move into my new house in Jan. Thats when I will do it. I will give u some updates on how it goes. 👍

[@antmarino1]

@@TheJrj22067 No worries! Yeah let me know! You can even send me some pics through instagram if you use it 😊😊

[@1anmarket5850]

Aren’t u supposed to use one with a plastic interior?

[@antmarino1]

these are better, yes

[@norinickrrostron9001]

The Inkbird temperature controller not warming up the water is a concern ... thats its job.

[@antmarino1]

What's the concern?

[@eddiebrittain9710]

How is it a year later ??

[@antmarino1]

Still going strong bro!

[@redtoptic6812]

Great man, will never get a flu again!!!

[@antmarino1]

True! 😊😊

[@whatthefredpodcast]

are you running into any issues of rust because you're inside is aluminum rather than plastic.

[@antmarino1]

I've actually sold it now, but I didn't have any issues with rust as it's aluminium, which doesn't rust.

[@simon824]

If youre using the ice bath @ 12 13 or 14 degrees you could just be having cold showers.

[@naptimebjj6072]

i know this is a year old but why 14 degrees? iy should be at least 4 or 5 degrees to get the benefits of cold water immersion

[@antmarino1]

I started at 14 degrees to slowly let my nervous system adjust to the temp and lowered it over time. I now do 5-7 degree plunges.

[@naptimebjj6072]

@@antmarino1 oh okay cheers for the reply bro

[@antmarino1]

@@naptimebjj6072 welcome brother 😊😊

[@josem9827]

How is this working out after a year of use?

[@antmarino1]

I have actually sold it and spoke with the guy 3 months ago and he said it’s still going great.

[@josem9827]

@@antmarino1 curious as to why you sold it?

[@antmarino1]

@@josem9827 I moved states.

[@danielcampanella]

Hey mate after 1 year how is that silicone going? I just use sikaflex and it's not sticking so might get this if it worked good? Thanks mate

[@antmarino1]

Yeah still sealed up soundly😊😊

[@hipzwhitetower7413]

Does the freezer come back on if the temperature rises above the set temperature?

[@antmarino1]

Yes it does 🔥🔥😊😊

[@PR-gn2vd]

How has the aluminum freezer liner held up ? Any rust or issues ?

[@antmarino1]

I actually sold it so not too sure.

[@ohiostatecavs2421]

You definitely want one that's not aluminum on the inside. Unless you bought it used and got a deal you couldn't refuse.

[@CSniper]

A few months later, how is it still holding up?

[@antmarino1]

It’s holding up perfect 👌. I did actually sell it though, because I’m moving states. The guy I sold it to has had it for a couple of months and loving it too 😊

[@Purelypr4nks]

I thought you were meant to set it to like 2 degrees

[@antmarino1]

From what I read, optimal temp is 10-15 degrees for recovery.

[@Purelypr4nks]

@@antmarino1 thanks for the response

[@antmarino1]

@@Purelypr4nks You're welcome! 😊

[@brightshadowdenmark]

Hallo m8.. why do you, do "ice baths" in warm water ? ;-) a bit of ice makes it a lot more fun :D i challenge you to to do 10 min. in COLD water ;-) peace and love from Denmark ;-)

[@antmarino1]

It isn't warm.

[@brightshadowdenmark]

@@antmarino1 it isn't cold either ;-) i know it was a provocation to call it warm, but it was kinda the point ;-) 10 min. @ 2C is like an other world :D

[@brightshadowdenmark]

@@antmarino1 i had my 42 birthday yesterday and celebrated with 13 min 45 sec. in cold water with a lot of ice (disclaimer: NOT! something anyone should start out with)

[@antmarino1]

@@brightshadowdenmark happy bday!

[@alexwild583]

You don’t want it to freeze the ice 😂

[@098ioplkm]

You’re saying 14 degrees, but it states Celsius

[@antmarino1]

What do you mean?

[@Aufbauen]

Celsius is measured in degrees mate. 14 degrees celsius.

[@orcunsarmis2959]

your cheap silicone will fail soon mayyytt, and then by by brand new freezer 😂