DIY Cold Plunge

Since the weather is getting crazy cold here in Colorado, I decided to build my own indoor cold plunge. The build cost right around $600, but fortunately for me I already had the equipment needed. This setup stays right around 42/43 degrees F which is perfect for me. To be honest I don't notice a huge difference between the 35 degrees outside and this setup. Anyways, happy plunging! #coldplunge #icebaths #meditation #30daychallenge #wimhof #coldtherapy #wellness #health #icebath

[@chrismakara-howe9792]

Those electrics on the table just above the water!! Get an extension and move the plug sockets well away form the main water source.

[@RT-qz5ci]

Tried this. You will need a bigger chiller, a lid, and some way to keep the water clean. I would at least get an inline 1/2” filter to put between the pump and chiller to catch large debris

[@findingultra7149]

I haven't had a single problem. The plunge has been running for well over a month at 41-42°F 24/7. I wash off every time before getting in and vacuum out any dirt I see collecting at the bottom every few days. Runs like a champ for me.

[@RT-qz5ci]

@@findingultra7149 just some suggestions. I live in TX though so it’s probably different

[@findingultra7149]

@@RT-qz5ci For sure! I feel lucky to have a basement that stays in the 60's. Should help a lot in the summer. I can only imagine trying to fight the Texas heat with this setup 😅

[@jothomo5749]

@@findingultra7149 100% it is worthy to note before spending money on a setup like this that if you live in hotter climates pretty much anywhere below the mason-dixon line then you will want a setup like this in your basement or else you better be planning to spend at least $1,000-$2,000 on a sufficient water chiller and also plan to insulate your tub somehow and have an insulated lid if you plan to construct and use it outdoors. I live in GA and with 3/4 of my basement being completely underground it only stays around 70-75 degree down there in the summer, maybe around 60-65 degrees in the winter and I am needing at least a 1/4HP pump which hovers in the $550-$800 range depending on brand.

[@DavidMausJr]

Hey! That looks familiar 😊

[@findingultra7149]

Hahaha! 😂

[@daveandersen2484]

Good job. I hope the 1/10 th works in the summer when the weather is 90-95 degrees outside. I know it’s cool in the basement and that’s important. But the incoming water is going to warm up from 45 degrees now to around 70 degrees? And that will be harder to cool down. And the basement temperature will rise adding more load to the chiller. I am a retired air conditioning and refrigeration contractor, 42 years. I don’t know, I think the 1/4 is better for you.

[@findingultra7149]

Yeah I totally agree. I will see how it goes in the summer time and try adding ice if need be to help the chiller out. I also might have to settle for a little bit warmer water in the summer. If all else fails a larger chiller will be the way to go as you said.

[@daveandersen2484]

@@findingultra7149 yes, just run it till it gives up. It will be running 24-7-365 in the summer. And the 1/4 h p might not be big enough in the summer. But it will be better. The 1/2 h p might have to have a separate breaker because it needs 15-20 amps? The 1/2 h p is best because it will shut off and on . Those expensive cold plunges have 1-1/2-2 hp in them, depending on the climate and where they sit. They hold 150- gallons and the tub is insulated underneath. Don’t waste your money on the ozone filter. Just get a small chlorine floater and tablets and a test kit. You should get a hand pump at the Home Depot. To vacuum out the dirt your feet bring in. You only have to drain the tub once a year and scrub it out. Because once a week you are sucking out the dirt from the bottom. And adding clean water.

[@findingultra7149]

@@daveandersen2484 Dude great advice, thank you so much!

[@daveandersen2484]

@@findingultra7149 you know I love what you are doing to inspire people. But my suggestion as a aging life long endurance athlete, in my spare time. If you could find the same tank you have, but the 150 gallon tank. Because I have been plunging 750 days in a row. And twice a day June through September. So that’s over 850 straight plunges in 2 years. And you want the bigger tank. We have to find a way to insulate the tank from the outside. Or maybe buy one that comes that way. Because electricity is too expensive. I warmed up my chest freezer cold plunge 4 days ago, from 33 to 36 degrees. And it still hasn’t come on yet, because the thing is insulated so good. And then steer people to the right size chiller for thier climate and setting of the plunge. And get a cover for the top. Your set up is perfect. If you had the bigger tank to chill in and stretch out for 10 minutes. And it was insulated with a cover. My plunge is working great for 2 years so far. But I can see why you went with what you did, because you have a basement. And mine is outside.

[@findingultra7149]

@@daveandersen2484 Yeah, I am trying to figure out what to insulate it with. Currently I cover it with 1 inch styrofoam when I am not using it. Totally agree, a larger stock tank would be better, just didn't have anything bigger at my local store. I knew if I didn't get something that day I might not do it at all.

[@GH1LLE]

It's cheaper to buy a chest freezer 😂, a second hand one costs around 150-250 here in NZ

[@MPrint67]

It won’t last. They’re not meant to hold that amount of water weight, plus your weight.

[@dianaolarte]

Do you have any problems with condensation? I’m wondering if I need to put anything underneath my tub. It will also be in a basement

[@findingultra7149]

No, I didn’t have any issues with condensation. But the humidity where I live is very low (~20%) and my basement is always around 65F. Plus, my tub is plastic. If you are using the metal style tubs you could run into some issues.

[@ufa621]

How do you clean the water? Do you just drain it and put new water in every time or? I live in Hawai'i how much HP chiller would you suggest? Ya sorry I'm a noob and very very interested in setting up a cold plunge in my apartment

[@findingultra7149]

Hey! I actually haven't had to change the water once in over a month, but I wash off every time before getting in and shop vacuum out any debris I see settling at the bottom every few days. Plus I keep the tub covered and the water constantly circulating. I will change the water once every 2 to 3 months. So being in Hawai'i is going to make the chiller size go up quite a bit (assuming it is hot), I use a 1/10 hp chiller, but you will most likely need a 1/2 hp chiller ($$) because of the heat. My setup is in a basement that's stays in the 60's year round. Insulating your tub will be a great idea for you as well. A plastic tub will be better than a metal tub (it will maintain the temperature better and should condensate less on the outside). I am assuming it is humid where you live? If so, think of a way to deal with any condensation developing on the out side of the tub. Last thing you want is a mess in your apartment 😅 I know this wasn't a comprehensive guide but hopefully a good place to start. To be honest the chest freezer design could be more cost effective for you, so don't throw that idea out either. Look at both and see which will work better for you. Super stoked you are trying to get into cold plunging!

[@ufa621]

@findingultra7149 thank you so much for the info and help it is greatly appreciated. Will definitely look into a chiller that size for now I will use ice

[@Daniel_yyc]

Did you have to buy the tubing separately or did it come with the chiller?

[@jimandsamanthacunningham2399]

Love the videos! I just did the trough setup too. Are you experiencing any condensate issues with having a 40 degree tub in 65 degree basement? Mine says around 55-65 year round and this looks like a nice option.

[@findingultra7149]

Thanks! I have not had a drop or bead of condensation on the outside of my setup. Water temperature is always around 42°F and basement temperature around mid 60's. I do live in Colorado, so the humidity is low to moderate. That would be the other variable to consider.

[@jimandsamanthacunningham2399]

@@findingultra7149 thanks for the response!

[@jothomo5749]

were you getting in and out of it for those 3-4 dys that you left the chiller and pump running? Did it take that long to reach 42-43 degrees between each cold plunge session?

[@findingultra7149]

I used it in those days but unplugged everything while I was in. After 3 days the temperature stabilized to the 42-43 degree range and stayed there everyday after.

[@user-jg6ll9em6w]

Any issues with increased moisture in basement, sweating coming off the tank or equipment? What's you sanitation plan?

[@fightgravityfit]

How’s this set up working out? I moved mine to my garage a couple weeks ago, live at 8300ft so she’s been holding at around 45-50 but looking to get a chiller for the summer months

[@findingultra7149]

Still holding between 40-42 degrees, but mine is in my basement. So, if you wanted to keep it in your garage (assuming you are in a climate like Colorado) I think you might need a larger chiller than I am using. Mine is 1/10 HP. You might need something more like 1/4-1/2 HP if your garage ambient temperature is getting into the 80/90's. For example my basement sits at the mid 60's

[@NPow94]

How is the chiller working during this time of year? Did you have to upgrade?

[@findingultra7149]

Still keeping the water at 42/43 degrees :) So happy this setup worked all year!

[@tylerlovejoy8638]

Does the water ever get cloudy or anything on you? I have a similar set up, but the water gets cloudy fairly frequently. Wondering if I need to add any chemicals or anything

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Add UV or ozone

[@BeserkerEarl]

How does the drain work on that? I see theres a little gold drain area

[@findingultra7149]

Yeah you can unscrew the drain plug and drain it, but since I am in a basement I have a sump pump and hose to drain it up into my backyard when I need to change the water. 👍

[@geminisduerme5266]

how good does the 1/10 hp work for you? I kept reading people say that anything under 1/2 - 1 hp wasn't enough to maintain cold temperatures for tubs of that size. I'm still waiting to by an aquarium chiller for that reason. chillers that are 1/2 - 1hp are about $1,000.00 usd

[@findingultra7149]

For me it works because the setup is in my basement, which sits right around 65 degrees F. It keeps the water temperature right at 42 degrees F. I am sure if I can find a way to insulate it I could get a couple more degrees down. I was lucky that I had the chiller already laying around. If I were to purchase a new one I might have opted for a 1/4 hp.

[@geminisduerme5266]

@@findingultra7149 gotcha thanks for the response. Sounds like it differs for everyone and there location/setup...love ur videos it doesn't snow where I live so watching you ice bath in the snow is very impressive. Much respect 🙏

[@findingultra7149]

@@geminisduerme5266 Dude that felt so crazy but super awesome! haha! 😂

[@geminisduerme5266]

@@findingultra7149 i believe it lol

[@KevinReynolds-sq9qd]

Do you still like the chiller that you chose? 1 year later?

[@mikesmith-zh3go]

Hey is 42F the coldest that chiller can get it to or can it go colder, just curious thanks

[@findingultra7149]

Yeah, 42 is the coldest the chiller can get it. 1/10 hp is pretty small for 110 gallons. I can always throw some ice in to help it get lower if I want, but to be honest 42 is pretty good.

[@djpx]

Question do you ride your pelo before or after you jump in the bath?

[@gnk72]

Can an industrial water chiller be used? Possible the Monport 9L CW-3000 Water Cooling System?

[@josecastro2630]

How bad is the condensation coming from the tank itself?

[@findingultra7149]

I actually have not had any condensation so far. Was expecting some but nothing yet. Crossing my fingers

[@soulnight1606]

How do you filter/sanitize? How long do you keep the water?

[@jordanthayer656]

Any issues using 3/4 tubing? The pump I ordered didn’t come with a 1/2 in adapter.

[@omarflores510]

how do you empty the water???

[@findingultra7149]

I use a 1/4 HP submersible utility pump hooked up to a garden hose and pump the water into my garden.

[@dlarp_6528]

How do you drain it

[@findingultra7149]

I ended up getting a good sized sump pump and a 20 foot hose. Works great.

[@kt864]

$600??!! This is crazy complicated for something so simple... If you live in a place that is cold, put the damn tub outside. In addition, all the science says cold plunge benefits happen at between 50-59 degrees F. You are working way too hard!

[@niket527]

Thumbnail is clickbait, you already had the equipment you needed. Very misleading