Tips to maintain your chill: How to use a cold tub in the summer
Getting into a cold tub or an ice bath on a summer day can feel like the ultimate reward for your body — whether you’ve just finished a tough workout, spent hours on your feet, or need a break from the heat. There’s something seriously refreshing about stepping into the chilled water when the temperatures outside are setting records.
However, as the summer heat intensifies, you might find yourself worrying that your cold tub will gradually turn into more of a lukewarm bath than an icy escape.
There are ways, though, to keep your at-home plunge refreshingly chill. From cooling your fill water to choosing the best location, here’s how you can maintain that perfect chill even in hot climates.
Keeping a cold tub cold in the summer
Cold water immersion depends on — you guessed it — water being cold. It’s the key to unlocking benefits like reduced inflammation, faster recovery, and even a boost in energy. To really feel those effects, you need the water temperature to be 59 degrees or lower.
But when the temperature outside is soaring into the 90s or higher, keeping your tub that cold can feel like a challenge.
Here’s the good news: it’s not impossible. With a few helpful cold tub hacks, you can keep your cold tub icy and effective, even in the hottest weather.
Start with the right fill water temperature
The key to getting your cold tub water cold in the summer begins with your fill water. In hot climates, when the outside temperature is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the water coming out of your tap could be close to the same temperature. Even if you live in a more temperate climate, the tap water will still be warmer in the summer months compared to the winter.
And if you fill your cold tub with warm water, it’s going to take longer to reach your desired temperature range.
If you have a cold tub like a Chilly GOAT, you may need to lend the chiller a hand by adding ice to your fill water. As a general rule, cold tub owners should add 60 to 100 pounds of ice to the tub when the water temperature is above 80 degrees. This will give the chiller the best chance of cooling the water efficiently.
Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs by Master Spas have a 2.1-horsepower chiller, which means it can cool the water more quickly than most other cold tubs. In fact, Chilly GOAT’s temperature range spans from a crisp 40 degrees to a warm 104 degrees, giving you versatility no matter the season.
Consider the outside temperature
While the Chilly GOAT is equipped to cool water in hot conditions, it’s important to keep in mind that extreme temperatures — think triple-digit summer days — can slow down the cooling process and make it harder for the chiller to maintain ultra-cool water on its own.
For best results, try to place your cold tub in a shaded area where it’s not exposed to direct sunlight. You’ll not only help the chiller do its job more efficiently, but you’ll also ensure that your cold tub experience is more enjoyable.
If you’re dealing with temperatures that exceed 110 degrees, it might become problematic to keep the water consistently cool, regardless of the chiller setting. In these cases, keeping your cold tub indoors or in a controlled environment can be a game changer.
The ice factor: When you should add it and why
When outdoor temperatures and water conditions make it difficult for the chiller to achieve the desired temperature on its own, ice is your best friend.
Adding ice is particularly important during the initial fill-up when you need to bring the water temperature down as quickly as possible. And if the temperature outside is extremely high or if the water warms up throughout the day, tossing in some ice can help keep things cool.
Think of ice as a handy helper for your chiller. A few bags can give it a head start and help maintain that perfect chill you’re aiming for. This way, you’ll still get all the benefits of cold water immersion, even when the summer heat is in full swing.
Monitoring and adjusting for extreme heat
In regions where temperatures regularly soar past 100 degrees, you might find it helpful to monitor your Chilly GOAT’s temperature more frequently. You can use the SmartLife app to connect to your cold tub via Wi-Fi. Keeping an eye on the water temperature can help you gauge when it’s time to add ice or adjust the tub’s location.
Additionally, while the Chilly GOAT can switch between cooling and heating modes, it’s best to keep the cold tub in auto mode. This mode allows the system to work more efficiently based on the ambient conditions, whether you are trying to keep your cold tub cold in the summer or maintain your ice bath streak in the winter.
Best practices for maximizing cold tub performance
But as anyone who’s lived through triple-digit summers knows, the hotter the outside air, the harder it is to cool water. This is where a little bit of strategy (and sometimes some ice) comes into play. While the Chilly GOAT is designed to cool water even in hot conditions, there are some best practices to help ensure that your tub stays as cool as you need it — especially in extreme heat.
Choosing the best cold tub location
Keeping the tub away from direct sunlight will reduce the strain on the chiller and help keep the water cooler.
Professional triathlete Ben Kanute, who lives and trains in the Phoenix area, installed his Chilly GOAT under a covered patio. This location offers shade from the intense Arizona heat, making it easier to keep the cold tub cold.
Another factor to consider is whether your windows have a film. These protective coatings can add UV protection and improve the energy efficiency of your home. However, window tints and films can reflect the sun’s energy. When the sun’s rays are stronger in the summer, the tints reflect the heat onto the surrounding area. This heat can reduce the cooling capacity of your cold tub, as well as warp patio furniture and other accessories.
If you have a film on your windows, consider positioning your cold tub in an area where the sun won’t be reflected.
Using a cover
During hot summer days, the temperature difference between the hot air and the cold water can cause the water to warm up faster. An energy-efficient cover helps minimize this heat exchange by acting as a barrier between the water and the outside air. This helps keep the water at your desired temperature for longer.
The cover also helps keep debris, such as leaves or dust, out of the tub. This means you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the benefits of cold water immersion.
Your Chilly GOAT Cold Tub comes with an insulated locking cover designed to fit snugly.
Ensuring proper ventilation
To keep your cold tub running smoothly and efficiently, proper ventilation is key. Your Chilly GOAT Cold Tub has built-in vents that let air flow around the chiller, which helps it keep your water nice and cool.
Here’s a pro tip: Make sure there’s at least three feet of space around those vents. This open area lets air circulate freely, which is crucial for extending the chiller’s lifespan and keeping it from overheating and working harder than it needs to.
Why going cold is so beneficial in the heat
In hot weather, a cold tub isn’t just a space to cool off. Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation, speeds up muscle recovery, and can even provide a mental boost by invigorating both your body and mind.
If you’re an athlete or you’re just looking to improve your recovery routine, using a cold tub during the heat of summer is an excellent way to keep your body feeling its best. The cooling effect helps soothe sore muscles and reduce any inflammation from daily activities or intense workouts. It also supports quicker recovery times, so you can get back to your routine feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your next challenge.
If you’re new to cold therapy, summer can be a great time to ease into it. The hot weather makes the initial plunge feel even more refreshing and provides a natural way to experience the benefits of cold therapy. As you start incorporating regular cold plunges into your routine, you'll likely find that the practice becomes an integral part of your wellness regimen.
Whether you live in a region where summer temperatures are mild or one where the heat is relentless, your Chilly GOAT Cold Tub is designed to give you the ultimate cold therapy experience.
Choosing the Best Cold Tub
Do you want to enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy without buying bag after bag of ice? Having a Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tub by Master Spas allows you to realize the impact of cold water. Enjoy clean, clear, cold water on demand. Click here to learn more about the benefits of incorporating a Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tub into your routine. Start your journey today!
