There are many ways we can look to keep our cold plunge clean from bacteria buildup. Common approaches include using a water pump and filter, a UV filter, or chemical compounds such as bromine and hydrogen peroxide. Another approach that is popular is using an ozone generator for cold plunge.

In this article, we’ll explain the science behind ozone, how it can be used to clean a cold plunge, and the considerations of using ozone generators. As well as some recommended products.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a gas that is naturally occurring in our atmosphere. Ozone is made up of three oxygen molecules and its chemical formula is O3. Surrounding the earth there is a layer of ozone protecting the earth from the sun’s UV rays. Ozone can be colourless or a pale blue gas, and although it is vital for many ecosystems on Earth, it can also be dangerous.

The Science Behind Ozone and Water

So now we know what Ozone is, let’s discuss how Ozone can be used to treat water. Ozone is a very powerful natural oxidizer, and applying this to water reduces the level of contaminants. This ozone oxidization process removes contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and metals. Ozone water treatment can also remove odors and bad taste from water.

To summarise, ozone is exceptional at cleaning water. But the reason it may not be used everywhere is ozone is it’s relatively unstable. Chlorine and bromine are more stable and persist longer in water. Ozone degrades in water much quicker, especially in warm environments such as hot tubs.

Ozone generator for cold plunge

Luckily for us, Ozone is much more resilient and effective in cold environments such as cold plunges. In cold environments, there is a greater concentration of ozone in the water, meaning ozone water treatment starts and completes much quicker.

To treat our cold plunge with ozone, we need an ozone generator. The generator creates ozone, and then the machine pumps the ozone into the water which starts the oxidization process.

The Dangers of Ozone

People need to be aware of the potential dangers of ozone. Ozone in the air can be dangerous. Although an ozone generator for your cold plunge is treating water, once it has treated the water (which doesn’t take long) it will start emitting ozone into the air. Ozone exposure can irritate your lungs and respiratory system, which can cause chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.

You should not use an ozone generator longer than required.

How to use Ozone Generators to clean your ice bath

To use an ozone generator to clean your ice bath, simply switch your generator on and run it for about 30 minutes each day. The beauty of ozone is that it gets to work extremely quickly. The oxidization process can be completed in a short time, so it does not need to be left on all the time.

If your water is still cloudy after 30 minutes then some people recommend running it for longer until oxidization is complete.

Depending on the size of your ice bath it may take less or slightly more than 30 minutes, but a good rule of thumb to follow is this:

• If you smell ozone in the air above the water, that’s because the ozone has done everything it can in the water, and you can turn it off.

Ozone is said to smell like chlorine bleach.

A huge benefit to using ozone over other cleaning approaches such as chlorine is that it isn’t poisonous. Chlorine leaves harmful by-products in the water.

With an ozone generator, you could have clean water in your cold plunge for months, saving you time and energy with longer intervals between water changes.

Recommended Products

Below are some recommended products that will be effective for ozone water treatment in your cold plunge.

BUDGET PICK – Brrnoo OZONE GENERATOR

• 600mg of ozone per hour
• Timer programs (max 30 minutes)
• Ideal for simple home set-up

TOP PICK – ALDIOUS Ozone Generator

• 28,000mg of ozone per hour
• Water only mode
• Configurable timer (up to 120 minutes)
• Heavy-duty and high-quality product
• More suitable for commercial use