The Dangers of Unfiltered Water in Your Cold Plunge
As many of us know, cold plunges and ice baths are excellent for recovery and overall health, but a critical aspect of their maintenance is often overlooked: cold plunge water filtration. When water isn’t properly filtered, it can quickly become a breeding ground for unwanted contaminants that affect both the quality of your plunge and the longevity of your equipment.
Here are some of the key issues that arise with unfiltered water:
Bacterial Growth and Biofilm: Unfiltered water can harbor bacteria, leading to biofilm formation on the plunge’s walls. This creates a slippery surface and introduces harmful pathogens, posing potential health risks.
Particulate Buildup: Without filtration, debris such as hair, dirt, and other organic matter can collect in the water. Over time, these particles clog your pump system, reducing its efficiency and increasing wear and tear.
Algae Formation: Organic matter in unfiltered water encourages algae growth, especially in outdoor DIY cold plunges. This not only makes your plunge unsightly but also increases maintenance demands.
When choosing a cold plunge water filter, it’s important to strike a balance. For example, a 50-micron filter is ideal because it effectively removes harmful particulates without being too restrictive. Filters with finer mesh sizes, while capturing smaller particles, can create excessive resistance in your water flow. This can increase the load on your cold plunge water pump, forcing it to work harder and potentially shortening its lifespan or causing pump failure due to overheating or pressure buildup. On the other hand, filters with too large a mesh will let through more contaminants, defeating the purpose.
The good news? Adding a filter housing to your existing plumbing setup is incredibly straightforward. Most cold plunge plumbing systems use simple, flexible hoses, and a standard filter housing, such as our Plunge Crafters Cold Plunge Filter Housing that can be easily installed in-line with minimal modifications. This quick addition ensures your water stays clean while protecting your pump from unnecessary strain.
By using the right cold plunge water filtration system, you ensure your DIY cold plunge or ice bath remains clean and safe, and your pump continues to operate efficiently for longer.
While filtration is important, it’s only half of the equation for water safety. Water sanitation via cold plunge ozone or chemicals is the other half. We are working on a follow-up article to address this and help educate the community on the importance of water cleanliness.
