Cold Tub Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your Cold Tub in peak condition, ensuring a safe, clean, and refreshing experience every time you step in. Whether it's daily pH monitoring, weekly chlorine balancing, or deep cleaning every six months, a consistent care routine will extend the life of your tub and optimize its performance. This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining your Cold Tub, from simple daily checks to bi-annual deep cleans. Follow these steps to preserve water quality, prevent buildup, and enjoy the full benefits of cold water immersion.
Daily Maintenance
Monitor pH Level
Step 1: Check pH via Cold Tub App
Open the ColdTub App and navigate to the pH levels of each tub. If the app indicates a high or low pH reading, dip an Aquacheck Chlorine 4-in-1 Test Strip into the tub for 5 seconds, then remove and wait another 5 seconds. Compare the strip to the pH color chart provided on the bottle for an exact measurement, then proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Adjust pH if necessary
If the pH is above 7.6, turn on the jets and add the appropriate amount of Cold Water Jump solution. The exact amount will depend on your specific model; please see the relevant chart on page 8 of this manual.
If the pH is below 7.2, 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 on page 8 of this manual.
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 this adjustment if pH still reads outside of 7.2 and 7.6.
Weekly Maintenance
Monitor Free CHORINE Level (CL)
Step 1: Check CL via Cold Tub App
Open the ColdTub App and navigate to the CL levels of each tub. If the app indicates a low CL reading, press the "Boost" button on the app or the "Lightning" button on the control panel for 5 seconds. This will initiate a 30-minute sanitation cycle.
Step 2: Adjust Free Chlorine
After the sanitation cycle, if the Free Chlorine is still in the low range, dip an Aquacheck Chlorine 4-in-1 Test Strip into the tub for 5 seconds, then remove and wait another 5 seconds. Compare the strip to the Free Chlorine color chart provided on the bottle for an exact measurement. If the Free Chlorine 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 see the relevant chart on page 9.
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.
Monthly Maintenance
Clean and Inspect 20 Micron Filter
Step 1: Power Down the Tub
Press the on/off button on the topside control panel to shut down the tub. Wait until all pumps have stopped completely, which may take up to 3 minutes.
Step 2: Remove the Filter Basket and Cartridge
Carefully remove the filter basket from the skimmer bay. Ensure that you handle it gently to avoid any damage. Once the filter basket is removed, take out the filter cartridge. Inspect it for any visible debris or buildup.
Step 3: Clean the 20 Micron Filter
Thoroughly rinse the 20-micron filter cartridge with clean water to remove any trapped debris or contaminants. For a more thorough cleaning, you may soak the cartridge in a mild filter cleaning solution. Rinse the cartridge again before reinstalling.
Step 4: Clean the Skimmer Basket
Clean any debris or obstructions out of the skimmer basket. This helps maintain optimal water flow and filtration efficiency.
Step 5: Reinstall the 20 Micron Filter
To reinstall the 20-micron filter cartridge, reverse the order of the steps in which it was removed. First, place the filter cartridge back into position, then reinstall the filter basket into the skimmer bay. Press the on/off button on the topside control panel to power the tub back on.
For optimal performance, replace both filter cartridges every 3 months for residential or 1-2 months for commercial applications, based on usage.
Clean Vinyl Cover
Step 1: Remove the Cover
Carefully remove the vinyl cover from the tub and lean it gently against a wall, ensuring it is supported securely to avoid damage.
Step 2: Rinse the Cover
Using a garden hose, spray the entire cover to loosen and rinse away any dirt or debris. Ensure that all loose particles are thoroughly removed.
Step 3: Clean the Vinyl Surface
Prepare a mild soap solution or use baking soda. Using a large sponge and/or a soft-bristle brush, scrub the vinyl top and flaps in a circular motion. Work methodically to clean the entire surface. Do not allow the soap film to dry on the vinyl before rinsing, as this can cause residue buildup.
Step 4: Rinse the Underside
Rinse the underside of the cover with water only—do not use soap on this side. Once rinsed, wipe the underside clean with a dry rag to remove any remaining moisture.
Step 5: Reinstall the Cover
After cleaning, allow the cover to air dry completely before placing it back on the tub. Ensure that it is securely positioned to provide optimal insulation.
Bi-Annual Maintenance
Drain, Fill, and Balance
Step 1: Power Down the Tub
Press the on/off button on the topside control panel to shut down the tub. Wait until all pumps have stopped completely, which may take up to 3 minutes.
Step 2: Replace Probe Cover
Before draining the tub, reinstall the gray probe cover. If the tub will be left empty for any period of time, leave the probe cover on with a small amount of water inside. Damage will occur if the probe is exposed to air.
Step 3: Drain the Tub
All Coldtub models are equipped with an external drain that can be attached to a standard garden hose for convenient draining. Locate the drain on the side of the tub floor, pull the nozzle out, remove the cap, and attach your hose. Once the hose is attached, push the nozzle in slightly to open the internal valve, allowing the tub to start draining. The pump(s) and water cooler will also drain.
Step 4: Clean the Tub
Once the tub is empty, inspect the shell for any debris or buildup. Clean as required to maintain the tub's appearance and hygiene.
Step 5: Close the Drain Valve
After cleaning, close the drain valve by pulling the nozzle out and reattaching the cap. Ensure the valve is securely closed to prevent any leaks.
Step 6: Fill Tub
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 7: Test Water
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 show the water's alkalinity levels.
Step 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your Cold Tub running efficiently and delivering the ultimate recovery experience. By following this structured routine—daily monitoring, weekly sanitation, and deep cleaning every six months—you’ll ensure crystal-clear water, balanced chemistry, and long-term durability. A little upkeep goes a long way in protecting your investment and maximizing the benefits of cold water therapy.