Cold Tub Start-Up Instructions
Investing in a Cold Tub is an incredible step toward optimizing your recovery and overall wellness. To ensure you get the most out of your new cold therapy experience, it’s essential to set up your tub properly from day one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple start-up process—from filling to balancing the water chemistry and connecting to the Cold Tub App. Follow these steps to get your Cold Tub running smoothly so you can start reaping the benefits of cold water immersion right away.
Step 1: Uncrate
Uncrate your Cold Tub and carefully move it to your desired location, handling it with care to prevent damage. For a detailed guide on how to remove packaging and transport your Cold Tub, follow the first two steps in the receiving and setup video below.
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without water in the tub, as it can damage the acrylic and cause bubbling.
Step 2: Fill
Attach the included hose filter to the end of your garden hose. Place the end of the hose with the filter side into the skimmer bay located on the tub wall. Make sure the filter is partially inside the skimmer bay before you turn on the water. Use the filtered hose to fill the tub with water. Do not fill the tub above the arrow line marked on the skimmer.
Step 3: Remove Cap
Once the tub is filled with water, unscrew the gray probe cap. Do not remove the probe cap until the tub is completely filled with water. Damage will occur if the probe is exposed to air.
Screw the included grate onto the probe.
Before draining the tub to replace the water, be sure to reinstall the probe cap. If the tub will remain empty for any period, keep the probe cap on with a small amount of water inside.
Step 4: Plug-In
Plug the Cold Tub into a standard 120V electrical outlet, ensuring the outlet is on a dedicated circuit with a 20 amp breaker. Press the green button on the plug.
Step 5: Test
Use the included 4-in-1 test strip and dip it in the tub for 5 seconds. Remove the strip and wait another 5 seconds. Your test strip will now show the water's alkalinity levels.
Step 6: Balance Alkalinity
Alkalinity should read between 120 ppm and 180 ppm. If you get a result below this range, turn on the jets and add the appropriate amount of Cold Water Balance solution to the skimmer bay. The exact amount will depend on your specific model, please see the relevant chart below.
If Cold Water Balance was added, wait 1 hour then use a new 4-in-1 test strip to test alkalinity again. Repeat Step 4 if alkalinity still reads outside of 120 ppm and 180 ppm.
Step 7: Balance pH
pH should read between 7.2 and 7.6 ppm. If you receive a result above this range, turn on the jets and add the appropriate amount of Cold Water Jump solution. If you receive a result below this range, turn on the jets and add the appropriate amount of Cold Water Run Down solution. The exact amount will depend on your specific model, please see the relevant chart below.
If Cold Water Jump or Cold Water Run Down was added, wait 1 hour then use a new 4-in-1 test strip to test pH levels again. Repeat Step 5 if pH still reads outside of 7.2 and 7.6
Step 8: Balance Free Chlorine
Once you have balanced the alkalinity and pH, test the Free Chlorine level using a 4-in-1 test strip. The ideal range for Free Chlorine is between 2 and 3 ppm. If the Free Chlorine level is below 2 ppm, turn on the jets and add the appropriate amount of Cold Water Sanitizer solution. The exact amount will depend on your specific model; please refer to the relevant chart below.
If the Free Chlorine level is between 3 and 5 ppm, no action is needed as levels will stabilize with use. Do not enter water if Free Clorine is above 5 ppm.
Step 9: Test Salt Levels
After balancing Alkalinity, pH, and Free Chlorine levels, use the included salt test strip to test SALT ppm. Dip one strip into the tub for 5 seconds, then remove it and wait another 5 seconds. Compare the test strip results to the chart on the back of the test strip bottle to determine the water's salt levels.
Step 10: Add Dead Sea Salt
Refer to the relevant chart below to determine the amount of Dead Sea Salt to add. Once determined, fill a separate bucket with warm water and stir in the appropriate amount of Dead Sea Salt until fully dissolved. Once dissolved, with the jets on high, pour the salt water mixture into the skimmer.
Adding salt directly into cold or room-temperature water will not dissolve properly.
Step 11: Connect
Download the Cold Tub Utilities App on your smartphone. Create an account following the in-app setup instructions and complete the Wi-Fi setup by following this video:
By following these start-up steps, you’ll ensure your Cold Tub is set up for peak performance, allowing you to enjoy all the recovery and wellness benefits it offers. It is important to regularly test and balance your water to maintain the best experience. Please see our article on routine maintenance procedures for more information.