Cold plunge baths are increasing in popularity so it’s a great way to add a bonus to your spa business. Combining hot and cold therapy speeds up recovery time and improves circulation, among other benefits.
However, without proper maintenance, cold plunge baths can quickly become a source of frustration rather than relaxation.
That’s why, in this article, we’ll tell you everything about cold plunge bath maintenance at spas and give you a daily checklist along with weekly and monthly deep cleaning tips and tricks.
Cold Plunge Bath Maintenance at Spas
According to the Grand View Research, commercial cold plunge tubs account for 77.8% of the market share, which reflects the popularity and increase of cold plunge and spa usage. Therefore, keeping your cold plunge bath clean is important.
Whether you’re new to managing a cold plunge bath in your spa business or you’re looking to improve your routine, be more efficient, and spend less time on maintenance, here’s everything you need to know.
Daily Maintenance Checklist
We split the daily maintenance into 3 parts, including morning, afternoon, and end-of-day tasks.
Morning maintenance includes:
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Checking water temperature - Ideal temperature is between 50-59 degrees
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Testing the water quality - The ideal pH range is between 7.2 to 7.8, and make sure to check sanitizer levels (chlorine or bromine). Add chemicals if needed.
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Skimming the surface - Remove leaves, hair, or any debris. We recommend doing this with a skimmer net for the best efficiency.
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Inspect the filtration system - Check that the pump and filters are running smoothly and clear out the filter basket if needed.
Afternoon maintenance includes:
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Wiping down the edges and surfaces - Using a soft brush or cloth, clean the interior walls and edges of the cold plunge bath. This helps prevent algae and grime buildup.
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Rechecking water levels - Check to ensure the water levels are consistent and above the intake line to ensure proper water circulation. If needed, top up.
End-of-day tasks include:
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Performing a final debris check - We recommend skimming the water again after peak usage so the water is clean for the next day.
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Monitoring circulation - Confirm the water is flowing smoothly through the filtration system and that there are no blockages.
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Sanitizing surrounding areas - Wipe down all surfaces, steps, handrails, or any seating areas near the cold plunge bath with disinfectant to maintain hygiene.
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Logging the maintenance activities - Recording temperature, chemical adjustment, and or even unusual observations in the spa’s maintenance logbook is highly recommended.
Weekly and Monthly Cleaning
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
We are writing this checklist with spas in mind that have high usage frequency. Here’s a weekly cold plunge bath maintenance checklist:
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Drain and refill the water (if needed)
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Deep clean interior surfaces - Remember to use a non-abrasive brush
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Clean and inspect filters - You can remove the filter cartridges, rinse them with a hose and even soak in a filter-cleaning solution to remove grease and debris. If needed, replace the filter.
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Check for hard water deposits - Inspect for mineral buildup and use a descaler solution to remove any deposits you find.
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Inspect equipment functionality - We recommend testing the pump, thermostat, and filtration system every week to ensure they’re operating efficiently. At the same time, address every unusual noise or issue that reduces performance.
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Sanitize surrounding areas - Use a disinfectant solution to clean the bath and surrounding areas as this helps prevent bacterial growth and keep the area inviting to your clients.
Monthly Cleaning Tasks
Just the way you handle weekly cleaning tasks, here are the monthly cleaning tasks to cover:
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Perform a full system flush - Using a plumbing line cleaner can help you flush the circulation system and remove biofilm or chemical residue from the hoses.
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Inspect seals and fixtures - Check the bath for cracks, leaks, or wear in seals, jets, and plumbing connections. If needed, tighten or replace parts.
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Calibrate equipment - Ensure that the temperature gauges and chemical dispensers or any other automated systems are calibrated correctly.
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Conduct a safety audit - Examine the cold plunge bath and surrounding areas for safety hazards. This can be anything from a slippery surface or loose tiles.
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Replace water completely - We recommend fully draining and replacing the water once a month if your spa has high traffic. At the same time, you can do a deep clean of the cold plunge bath before refilling.
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Schedule professional servicing (if needed) - If you need any help or notice anything unusual, you can schedule professional servicing for the bath, plumbing, or filtration system to ensure efficiency and minimize errors.
Eco-Friendly Maintenance Tips & Tricks
If you’re trying to keep things eco-friendly while doing the maintenance, here are a few tips and tricks that can help your sauna maintain eco-sustainability in the long run.
Water Efficiency
When you’re draining the bath, consider using the water for garden irrigation or cleaning purposes, but to do so safely, you need to keep an eye on the chemical and sanitation levels to ensure the safety of plants and animals.
Keeping an eye on water levels regularly will ensure you avoid unnecessary refilling. If there are leaks or issues, you’ll spot them on time.
Chemical Efficiency
We highly recommend using non-toxic or eco-friendly cleaners. Natural cleaning products such as biodegradable chemicals can help reduce the environmental impact of harsh cleaners.
Also, be mindful of chemical use and ensure you only use it when needed, which is why we recommend following our checklist and measuring sanitizer and pH balance.
Alternative sanitizers are also a great idea. For example, instead of traditional chlorine or bromine, you can use mineral sanitizers, UV light systems, or even ozone generators for better water treatment.
Energy Efficiency Tips
It’s highly recommended to invest in energy-efficient equipment, so upgrading your pumps and filtration system is one of the ways to use less electricity without sacrificing performance.
Thermal covers are another great way to ensure heat is retained when the cold plunge bath is not in use. An insulated thermal cover can help reduce energy loss and even lower heating costs.
Conclusion
A well-maintained cold plunge tub ensures a clean, safe, and relaxing environment for your clients, but it’s also a long-term protection for your investment in the equipment.
A daily checklist combined with weekly and monthly cleaning will help keep your cold plunge bath maintenance at spas effortless and your business running smoothly.
Now that you have essential information and strategies, it’s time to incorporate them into your routine for best results.