For anyone who knows the benefits of regular cold water immersion, I help people figure out how to make that happen at home. For some it is simply buying enough ice to put in their bathtub. Others go the DIY route, building their own cold plunge converting a chest freezer or using a chiller. For some, buying a commercially made plug and play cold plunge is the best way to go.
Since 2017 I have helped thousands of people figure out which option is best for their needs and budget, and how to avoid making mistakes that cost time, money and frustration.
@Kirbythediver Here are links to three videos in this series about keeping your water clean: Pumps and Filter ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3hawckezUyA.html Sanitation - pt 1. Chemicals ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6wK6K1pIDI4.html Sanitation - pt 2. Devices ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9nCYBbLV58M.html
@@JohnRichterAustin "this is the way" I did a 150gal Rubbermaid with what's his faces diy frame plans. I have a 5micron filter but im thinking about adding a Chlorine floater to the setup. I have a gas piston strut lid made of 2x8s and a rigid foam insulation seal for the lid. I'm thinking the chlorine will be enough to sanitize but how to break down the oils? I'm trying to be as budget friendly as I spent too much on the build lol. Going with chlorine Because I have a friend with a pool and he's got a floater I can use too. I have a background in engineering so I'll be making sure to get the ratio correct. Probably about 100gal in my tub
Great video brother. Question for you, what type of filter do you recommend for The Ice Pod with an aqua chiller attached? We have a pump set up and the water flow is great, but it gets very dirty after about a week. We tried a sentiment filter but it slows down the pump greatly.
A 20-micron pleated filter works very well. Here are Amazon affiliate links for the canister, filters, and wrench that I use with chiller-based builds: Filter Housing Pentair amzn.to/3bS9MTy Filter - Pleated 20 micron replacements amzn.to/3ByeW1d Filter Housing Wrench amzn.to/411PLye For anyone else in North America interested in a new high-quality chiller... I'm an authorized reseller for Penguin and happy to answer questions. They are made in the US and chill faster and cost less to operate than lower-quality models. For more information about Penguin Chillers, see this link on my website. chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product-category/chillers/ Your patronage helps me support our community- and my family- and is appreciated.
Hi I have brought this pump and tried what you have said. The pump only goes for about 30 seconds and stops. Is this normal. I have checked to make sure it's not blocked. Do you have any ideas?
That is not normal. It sounds like the pump is defective. Exchange it for another one with the retailer. Another option: I have DIY pump and filter plans available on my website that use a more robust punp and filters that are not proprietary. Here is the link: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/diy-pump-and-filter/ If you prefer to buy a ready-made solution, check out the Apex86 Minimalist Pump and FIlter option from Lars Remsen. I'm an affiliate and you can find his product here: apex86.square.site/?ref=Richter
Hi John, I want to thank you for that thorough explanation of ozone generators, especially the information about our Aqua-Series ozone generators and how they are not appropriate for a cold plunge tub. We have seen very, very few people who have had success with those. The pumps cannot withstand that much pressure from the deep water. It is like clockwork, around 6 to 8 months, they will come in for warranty repair. We were servicing those as if they were under warranty as a courtesy, but we no longer offer that. We will service them for a fee, but honestly, it does not make sense to have them serviced, just for the pump to go out in 6 to 8 months. We do tell our customers on the website and when asked that the Aqua-Series is intended for household use, and we want our customers to have success with their cold plunge set-ups. Thanks also for being a great source that I can send my customers to when they have questions beyond my expertise. I wanted to mention that the engineer will have a great alternative for the MP-3000 to work with these cold plunge tubs.
John these videos are great. Buying the book now. Do you happen to know if using hydrogen peroxide would prohibit me from then watering my garden/ lawn with this water? I installed a female hose adapter into my drain plug and hate to waste water given I am on a well up here in Maine.
H2O2 is fine to use in your garden or lawn. However, I don't recommend using the built-in drain. See this article: See this article for best practices for sealing the seams: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/sealing/ Thanks for buying my book!
It's an introductory video for people who are new to the topic. Check out my three videos for detailed info on how to keep your water clean. Pumps and Filter ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3hawckezUyA.html Sanitation - pt 1. Chemicals ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6wK6K1pIDI4.html Sanitation - pt 2. Devices ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9nCYBbLV58M.html
I use the tube that is included with the JED 303. I am an authorized reseller, and you can find them on my website: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/jed303/
Thank you. I wasn't the first person to use a chest freezer to make a cold plunge, but I was the first person to innovate many of the techniques used that make it work long term. Please see my website and other videos to find the updated best practices. My early versions have been significantly improved.
This article compares the best practice liner options and why a liner is inportant: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/4-liners/ Be sure to also read the linked article about sealing the seams.
Wish I had seen this before spending a few hours figuring it out! The instructions are abysmal - written for someone who knows about these things, certainly not for a new user. Mines is all up & running very well thanks to my patience & a few adjustments. As you say, set the high & low alarms way outside the limits of the application you are using it for or the alarm can be very intrusive. I'm using mine on an old fridge I'm using as a cheese maturing cave 😊
It will be fine. If the wires on the outside of the lid and outside of the chest freezer have a quick disconnect, just disconnect it. If the wire is held in place by screws, you might need to remove them first. If there is not a quick disconnect, just cut the wire and put a wire cap on both ends. Use a piece of electrical tape to ensure they stay in place. After doing this do not worry about the wire inside the lid because it will bo longer has any current.
So happy for you guys & your journey!! To turn one of the darkest times into a positive & a family business way to go!! Cold plunging was a game changer in some of the stress I went through.
This video is about setting up the JED ozone generator. See this article for best practices for sealing the seams: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/sealing/ This article compares the best practice liner options: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/4-liners/
The digital copy of my book is available on my website for immediate download (PDF). You're welcome to print one copy for personal use. If you prefer a hard copy mailed to you, it is available on Amazon. Your patronage helps me support our global cold plunge community- and my family- and is appreciated.
This is probably a rookie question, but does plugging the freezer directly into the Inkbird plug override the freezer's thermostat? I'm wanting to use a freezer as a kegerator with temperatures around 40 degrees.
I am focused on using chess freezers as cold plunges. That said, the temperature controller will override the chest freezers built in the thermostat as long as the low target temperature is higher than the chest freezers normal operation temperature range. I'm not a home brewer, but my understanding is that there are some super helpful homebrewing forums with people discussing the use of chest freezers.
There are too many of these for me to keep track of all of them. For general information about UV see the sectiin in the FAQ on my website about keeping your water clean: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/faq/#Keeping-Your-Water-Clean
I agree that bulkhead fittings (with or without cam locks) are the best way to plumb the tank. That said enough people with temporary setups asked about this, which is why I made the video. :)
Great review, what issue did you have with your pump? Mine isn’t generating any water flow and makes a buzzing sound every five seconds or so. Going to see if the company can fix it
Looking at the list of what materials are compatible with the JED, I am unsure if the contrast tub, which is made out of the same kind of material that is used in inflatable stand up paddleboards, would work.
I have been told by manufacturers that the inflatable tub material is compatible with ozone. That said, there may be slight discoloration above the water line.
Hi I applied to become a member of your Facebook group some time ago but have not heard back. Can you tell me how much H. Peroxide to add to a 300 L cold plunge. I have a powerful pump ( don't know if that makes a difference) but when I add HP it seems to dissipate quite quickly. Pump is a Hozelock Aquaforce 4000 Pump.
We approve proper requests 6 days a week. Please re-apply, give legit answers to both questions, and agree to the group rules. The H2O2 calculator is in the files section of the group.
I have a inflatable cold plunge tub and was going to use chlorine tablets and a floating device, but I heard from someone that it puts too much chlorine into the water and its not good. What's your opinion or experience on that? Also, typically my tub is covered so not sure that would float while it's covered. Thanks for your help.
Three things are needed for clean water: 1. Circulation, 2. Filtration, and 3. Sanitation For an overview sanitation options, see these two videos: Sanitation - pt 1. Chemicals ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6wK6K1pIDI4.html Sanitation - pt 2. Devices ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9nCYBbLV58M.html My personal preference for sanitation is ozone. It is much easier to hook up, dial in, and maintain than UV. I've used a JED 303 since 2018. I'm an authorized reseller, and you can find more info on my website here: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/jed303/ Your patronage helps me support our community-and my family- and is appreciated. :)
I'm about to purchase this product, but I want to ensure its able to work outdoors in my patio for my cold plunge. It appears to only have a 6 ft power cord that may not be ready for outdoors. So I would additionally need an outdoor extension cord to reach my outlet plus probably a Extension Cord Cover to make sure its fine. Can you recommend a setup for this? I need about 40 ft to get to my outlet.
Most manufacturers recommend that chest freezers not be plugged into an extension cord. While some people do use shorter extension cords, 40' is aignificant. I suggest consulting with an electrician about your power requirements. Having a close dedicated professionally installed outlet is the best way to keep you safe.
@@JohnRichterAustin it’s not a chest freezer, just an inflatable cold plunge tub. No power supply. Only the pump would be connected via extension cord.
@jwadleigh1 - in that case, check the amps on the pump and follow standard rules for choosing the correct gauge for a 50' extension cord rated for outdoor use.
I often start with a pilot hole using a smaller bit. This gives me more control and easier drilling. There are other reasons, but they have to do with wood.
Thanks for all the work you’ve done for the community, John. I’m new to cold plunging and in the process of making my first chest freezer conversion. One filter I haven’t come across is a large traditional aquarium filter, the kind that hangs off the side of an aquarium. What am I missing here? Why aren’t those used? Thx again!
The video gives you complete instructions. If it doesn't work after setting everything up correctly, contact InkBird or post your question in my Facebook group.
thanks , I will watch it again, but I don't remember seeing where you selected Cooling over to heating. Your video shows the device already set to cooling during your video
@g2D1 there is not a separate setting to switch between heating and cooling. If you have the device (chest freezer) plugged into the cooling outlet and have followed the directions exactly, it should cool. If not,the device is defective and should be returned or exchanged.
thank you kindly. I think I have a defective unit. Per the booklet when power is applied and a device is connected to the receptacle, the relevant led will light . My unit's red led for Heat is turned on with nothing connected to either receptacle.
@@g2D1 - Make sure you get the correct replacement- the one with the silicone tip that is meant for submersion. Here are Amazon affiliate links for options with and without wifi: amzn.to/3DF2A6h amzn.to/35tgbBR
This product is exactly what I've been looking for with my portable cold plunge! The one I have is an inflatable model that was only $120 and has worked great but I've been looking for ways to maintain the water to retain it longer. Thank you so much for these detailed videos! No idea how I found you but I did. One question, do I need to order both the pump AND the filter? Seems the pump only has the default aquarium stuff with it.
You're welcome! For more details about using the MarineLand pump and filter - as well as updates and potential challenges, see this article on my website: ChestFreezerColdPlunge.com/MarineLand
I have the cold therapy chiller. From what I understand you need to clean your filter very often. However, the chiller itself shouldn’t be turned on and off all the time. So how do I change the filter without turning off the pump ? Not possible is it ?
The filter should be cleaned or replaced as needed- once every one to four weeks. It's fine to turn off the chiller for that mIntenance. Not turning the chiller off and on refers to not using an external timer. Let the chiller do its job on its own day to day between filter changes.
That ozone generator is meant for spa use and requires a venturi injector, bypass assemble, and the right pump and filter to work correctly. Getting all of that dialed in is tricky. That's why I recommend the JED 303 for chest freezer cold plunges. It has a built in air pump and requires zero plumbing. I have them on my website here: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/jed303/
@@JohnRichterAustinThank you, it just seemed like the closest thing to the JED. I'm sure it would work with the proper parts, but it seems like the JED is the absolute way to go for reliability
@@brrotherbear- ozone generators can seem very much alike at first glance. The most significant difference here with the JED 303 is that it has a built-in airpump, which means it works independently of a water circulation pump, venturi injector, bypass assembly, and plumbing, making it much easier to set up.
It depends on your preferences for hygiene, tolerance for filth, and risk tolerance. Some people report their water getting dirtier cloudy within a few days when no sanitation is used. Others say they keep the same water for several months before changing it.
