Cold plunge water chemistry is ultimately the responsibility of the cold plunge owner. Improper water chemistry may result in costly repairs not covered under the cold plunge warranty. If unsure about any steps in the process below, please contact us.  

Initially, it is advisable to identify what minerals (e.g. iron) are present in the local source water. This will provide a better understanding of how to treat the water. Please follow the four steps below and be sure to achieve the correct levels in each area before moving onto the next step.

STEP #1: MEASURE TOTAL ALKALINITY:

The Total Alkalinity is the amount of bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides present in the cold plunge water. Proper total alkalinity is important for pH control. If the TA is too high, the pH is difficult to adjust. If the TA is too low, the pH will be difficult to hold at the proper level. The ideal range is between 40-120 parts per million (PPM). Reduce TA by using an Alkalinity Down / Decreaser (sodium bisulfate). Increased TA by adding an Alkalinity Up/Increaser (sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate). These products should be added in small amounts – 5 ml at a time. After adding 5 ml, wait one half hour before re- measuring. Once the safe range of total alkalinity is established, proceed to the next step.

STEP #2: ESTABLISH PROPER PH LEVEL:

The recommended range for pH is between 7.2 and 7.8. Above 7.8, the water is too alkaline and can result in cloudy water, and scale formation on the shell and heater. To lower the pH use a pH Down/Decreaser (sodium bisulfate). Below 7.0 (considered neutral), the cold plunge water is too acidic and can damage the system. To increase pH, use a pH Up/Increaser (sodium hydrogen carbonate). Any pH Up or Down should be added one teaspoon at a time, waiting one-half hour between application and re-measuring.

STEP #3: DETERMINE CALCIUM HARDNESS:

It is important to bring the calcium reading to between 75-150 PPM. If the reading requires adjustment, it should now be corrected. If the water is too soft (a low reading) calcium hardness should be added to the water to increase the PPM reading. If the water is too hard (a high reading), it can be corrected by either: (A) a mixture of hard and soft water added to attain a reading in the safe range, or (B) addition of stain and scale control. If calcium hardness is a problem with the local source water (either too hard or too soft) a test kit, which measures calcium hardness, is essential.

STEP #4: SANITIZING:

After steps 1-3 are complete, the cold plunge must be sanitized using Chlorine (sodium dichlor). Add 2 teaspoons of Chlorine, and increase as necessary to reach a level of 3-5 ppm. Check and maintain this level weekly, and before and after using the cold plunge. IMPORTANT NOTE: A granulated sodium dichlor is highly recommended for sanitizing cold plunge water, granular bromine may also be used.