Great video! I've been happy with the performance of the Aquamarine polishing filter so far, I usually add some Epsom salts and food grade hydrogen peroxide too
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!
Great set of videos thanks so much!! Sorry to be a dunce, but the marine life device...this will circulate the water and filter it yes? The replacement is just for when the filter breaks? This with hydrogen peroxide is all I can afford right now. Do you think this will be sufficient for my little 270L Ice Tub 2.0?
Yes, you need three things: 1)Pump, 2) Filter, 3) Sanitation. You can use a submersible aquarium pump IF it has a polishing filter. The filters must be cleaned or replaced when they get dirty. You can use any form of recommended sanitation, including H2o@.
John, I have a 105 gallons Therapy ice Barrel black in color, using ice, bought on Amazon, I want to get the water clean using pump and filter and would like to regulate the water temperature cold like as low as 50 degree. what do you recommend?
The basics are to get a pump, filter, and chiller. Many variables affect the size of the chiller needed. There is more info on my website at the link below. Also, I'm happy to chat with you about it- you can full out the contact form on my website. chestfreezercoldplunge.com/chillers/
Have a similar setup using a home water filter and the pleated filter. Any ideas on why I progressively lose water pressure over time? About a week’s use and the flow is about half of what it is when I first installed it.
Yes... most likely it's because the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. Once every 1-4 weeks is normal. If the filter is clean, check the impeller to make sure it isn't clogged up.
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
They only way it would work is with a step-down transformer. However, with the quality issues and scarcity of the replacement filters I recommend putting together a pump and filter with local parts. I have DIY plans here: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/diy-pump-and-filter/
Do you necessarily need replacement filters for the marineland canister filter or can I manually clean it out with a high powered hose every month ? If so, how long would it last. Cheers.
Hi John - if I have a pump and filter setup, but no UV/Ozone sanitation device, (I am using mild chemicals instead, Sirona Spa Care Oxidizer and Sanitizer (biguanide)) how often do I need to change the water to avoid contamination - thanks!
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 ruclips.net/video/6wK6K1pIDI4/видео.html Sanitation - pt 2. Devices ruclips.net/video/9nCYBbLV58M/видео.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. :)
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.
I’ve been running the Marineland Magnum filter for about 2 months and just found that the blue rubber around the top and bottom of the filter has swelled up and is no longer allowing water to flow properly. I’m looking all over the internet for the replacement filter for Marineland Magnum but can’t find jt anywhere, do you know what size filter I need or where I can find it?
These are known problems with growing frequency. You'll either have to wait until they come back in stock or make the DIY version: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/diy-pump-and-filter/
I have never seen a home-use chest freezer with a stainless steel interior. They are usually aluminum, and almost always aluminum with impurities. Some commercial models have stainless steel interiors, but it is rare. As for ozone compatibility, stainless steel either has an A or B rating, depending on the grade. If your interior is aluminum, the first thing to worry about is corrosion from water - get a liner asap! See the article linked below. Aluminum, in water has a D compatibility with ozone. Factoring in the likely existence of other metals, it is not recommended. chestfreezercoldplunge.com/4-liners/
@@DavisDoubtful - depends on which one. You need to make sure it is compatible with ozone. Line-X is fully compatible with ozone. Refer back to the chart I posted in a previous reply. Here is more info about Line-X: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/LX And for the recommended ozone generator, the best I" ve found is the JED 203. I've used mine since 2018 and love it. Most people go 6-12 months with only one water change. They are available on my website, and your patronage helps me support the global cold plunge community and my family- and is greatly appreciated.
My chest freezer is 23.6 cu feet - ~ 175 gallons. What would you suggest? Is there a larger in water filter you suggest? Or 2 of the marineland filters in the water?
I am no longer recommending the MarineLand pump and filters due to quality issues and because the proprietary filters have been going out of stock for long periods. For that size of chest freezer, I'd recommend making a DIY pump and filter setup. I have plans here: chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/diy-pump-and-filter/
If I purchased a 19.8 CUFT freezer will the marine land pump be sufficient or will I need something bigger? If so is there any thing you recommend that’s a larger submersible pump?
I'm not recommending the MarineLand pump and filter anymore because of ongoing issues with quality and the replacement filters going out of stock for long periods. Another option is at the link below. For that size chest freezer, I'd recommend a Danner 1200 or 1800 (Amazon affiliate links): chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/diy-pump-and-filter/ amzn.to/42s6sUZ amzn.to/3LFetQl
Hi John, Why is it that the Ozone generator through Jed Engineering is not recommned for indoors, (if so, needs to be a well ventilated area) but the plunge tank that you buy ready to use, advertises that it can be used indoors with no mention of ventilation?
The Plunge uses a lower output ozone generator, and since there is plumbing going back into the tub, some ozone dissipates prior to reaching the water surface. The JED 303 is primarily used for chest freezer cold plunges. It has an airstone that sits on the inside floor and bubbles ozone directly into the water.
Hi John , love your videos, I’m currently waiting on my ozone generator, I set up the marineland pump in a 500l chest freezer, the pump seems to run every few minutes. Do you find that by the time the pump stops each time it stops the momentum to collect the dirt particles from the far end of the freezer ? Thanks
Brian - thanks! A 500L chest freezer needs two MarineLand pumps, or one robust pump. The pump(s) should run 24/7. If your MarineLand pump is stopping, do you have 240v outlets in your home? If yes and you only used a plug adapter to plug it in and not a step-down transformer, unplug it immediately. The motor may already be burned out. You'll need a 100-watt step-down transformer. If your plugs are 120v, something is wrong. Send it back for an exchange.
I've talked about this with electricians around the world. It's safe when you unplug everything (chest freezer, pump, ozone) before getting into the water. Otherwise, there is a risk of electrical shock/electrocution.
@lenskibeats1490 - commercially made cold plunges are designed and built to work safely. A chest freezer is a major electrical appliance being used for a purpose that was never intended- being safe for people when being filled with water. 2.
Hi all. Unfortunately I hit one of the cooling lines when I was routing in a channel on the top for my cords to sit nicely. I was only 5mm deep when I hit. Off the the shop for a new chest Freezer 😂
Sorry to hear that happened- I've been there. You might be able to find a refrigeration tech who can fix it. That's the main reason why I recommend going through the kid.
Hi, I’ve got a Lumi Therapy Ice Pod of 400 Litres and looking to do the three steps mentioned. I’ve been using Epsom Salt already. Would the DYI version work well with the Pod, or is it better to use MarineLand pump/filter + filter replacements every few months? Is there anything else that is needed besides the either if the two combined?
Better to use a diy punp/filter because the Marineland replacement filters have been frequently out of stock. Always unplug the pump before you get into the water.
Hi John, thanks so much for your advice. I have a SunSun CUF-2500 3-in-1 Filter & 2500 L Fountain 28 W & 9 W UV Clarifier and was wondering if you think it's good for the cold plunge? If yes, how long should I let this thing run each day? I guess I still need a ozone generator for sanitation, do I? Thanks!
Hi Johaness- you're welcome. UV should run 24/7 and is best when used with another sanitation method such as ozone or chlorine. Depending on your setup, the JED 303 or 003 would be a good choice. Fill out the contact info on my website for more info/discussion.
Hi John, thanks for this! So I was planning to make a 100 gallon Rubbermaid hot tub and bought a PureSpa pump on the web for cheap. I'm debating back and forth on going from a Hot Spa to a Ice Plunge now. Is there anything I can use the Pure Spa for? I have an aquarium filter with UV light inside that is rated for 100 gallons. That plus running the spa pump without heat has kept the water clean but I always feel like this isn't enough. I've been trying to DIY a canister filter but is that overkill for my setup?
Thanks for your feedback. Very obviously, I'm not a video or audio guy. I know it can be hard to focus on the content when the audio quality is not great. I do use a Rodes wireless mic, but I probably don't have it set up correctly. At some point I'll get a professional to help me. :)
If anyone is reading this FWIW, both of John’s books are worth their weight in gold. I cannot recommend them enough!
I appreciate your comment - thanks for the shout out!
Thank you very much for the explanation on different setups. I have a tendency to over engineer things and your video kept me on course.
You're welcome- glad I could help!
Great video! I've been happy with the performance of the Aquamarine polishing filter so far, I usually add some Epsom salts and food grade hydrogen peroxide too
Thanks, Josh. My next video on sanitation will be coming out in the next few days.
Step one.
Stop pooping in my plunge.
Gold. Thank you!
LOL. Or at least wear a swim diaper!
You're welcome ! :)
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!
External filters add too much heat gain. Aquarium filters likely have bio-filters, which do not work the way a simple pleated filter does.
what are your thoughts on adding a uv light to a pond filter pump
See this video:
Sanitation - pt 2. Devices
ruclips.net/video/9nCYBbLV58M/видео.html
For reference:
Sanitation - pt 1. Chemicals
ruclips.net/video/6wK6K1pIDI4/видео.html
Which is best the 10 or 20 micron 10" pleated water filter and how best to clean them?
Thanks
Great set of videos thanks so much!! Sorry to be a dunce, but the marine life device...this will circulate the water and filter it yes? The replacement is just for when the filter breaks? This with hydrogen peroxide is all I can afford right now. Do you think this will be sufficient for my little 270L Ice Tub 2.0?
Yes, you need three things: 1)Pump, 2) Filter, 3) Sanitation.
You can use a submersible aquarium pump IF it has a polishing filter. The filters must be cleaned or replaced when they get dirty.
You can use any form of recommended sanitation, including H2o@.
John, I have a 105 gallons Therapy ice Barrel black in color, using ice, bought on Amazon, I want to get the water clean using pump and filter and would like to regulate the water temperature cold like as low as 50 degree. what do you recommend?
The basics are to get a pump, filter, and chiller.
Many variables affect the size of the chiller needed.
There is more info on my website at the link below. Also, I'm happy to chat with you about it- you can full out the contact form on my website.
chestfreezercoldplunge.com/chillers/
Great video. Do you coat the inside of your freezer with anything?
Thanks!
Yes, see this article which compares the best practice liner options:
chestfreezercoldplunge.com/4-liners/
Have a similar setup using a home water filter and the pleated filter. Any ideas on why I progressively lose water pressure over time? About a week’s use and the flow is about half of what it is when I first installed it.
Yes... most likely it's because the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. Once every 1-4 weeks is normal.
If the filter is clean, check the impeller to make sure it isn't clogged up.
What do you think about the coospider JU-02 aquarium UV filter?
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
Hi, will the marineland pump suggested work in the UK, as the electrical systems differ (240v as opposed to 110v). Thanks
They only way it would work is with a step-down transformer.
However, with the quality issues and scarcity of the replacement filters I recommend putting together a pump and filter with local parts.
I have DIY plans here:
chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/diy-pump-and-filter/
Do you necessarily need replacement filters for the marineland canister filter or can I manually clean it out with a high powered hose every month ? If so, how long would it last. Cheers.
All filters have a limited lifespan.
Pleated filters can be cleaned and reused until they wear out.
How long they last depends on several variables.
how long should i keep the marineland water pump/filter running? Same question for the ozone generator. I have a 21 cu. ft tub if that helps.
See the FAQ and details on any of the ozone generator products pages on my website for answers. :)
I was wondering about your tarp you have inside what is it because I just use Marine caulk Yours looks safer
It is a custom liner that I designed.
They are available on my website. More info here:
chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/custom-liner/
Hi John - if I have a pump and filter setup, but no UV/Ozone sanitation device, (I am using mild chemicals instead, Sirona Spa Care Oxidizer and Sanitizer (biguanide)) how often do I need to change the water to avoid contamination - thanks!
As needed. Likely every 1 to 4 months.
Do you use UV light for further sanitation? Or is this pump all you need for a chest freezer or that size?
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
ruclips.net/video/6wK6K1pIDI4/видео.html
Sanitation - pt 2. Devices
ruclips.net/video/9nCYBbLV58M/видео.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. :)
Would this pump/filter work on a soft sided plunge?
How soft?
There really should be no issue using this with a plunge made of any material.
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.
I’ve been running the Marineland Magnum filter for about 2 months and just found that the blue rubber around the top and bottom of the filter has swelled up and is no longer allowing water to flow properly. I’m looking all over the internet for the replacement filter for Marineland Magnum but can’t find jt anywhere, do you know what size filter I need or where I can find it?
These are known problems with growing frequency. You'll either have to wait until they come back in stock or make the DIY version:
chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/diy-pump-and-filter/
@@JohnRichterAustin Thank you for the reply I think you’re DIY version looks like a better solution! Thanks!
Is it okay to use an ozone generator in a chest freezer that has a stainless steel or exposed metal interior?
I have never seen a home-use chest freezer with a stainless steel interior. They are usually aluminum, and almost always aluminum with impurities.
Some commercial models have stainless steel interiors, but it is rare.
As for ozone compatibility, stainless steel either has an A or B rating, depending on the grade.
If your interior is aluminum, the first thing to worry about is corrosion from water - get a liner asap! See the article linked below. Aluminum, in water has a D compatibility with ozone. Factoring in the likely existence of other metals, it is not recommended.
chestfreezercoldplunge.com/4-liners/
@@JohnRichterAustin Thanks for the reply. What about using a truck bed coating after sealing the seams on a bare metal chest freezer?
@@DavisDoubtful - depends on which one. You need to make sure it is compatible with ozone.
Line-X is fully compatible with ozone. Refer back to the chart I posted in a previous reply.
Here is more info about Line-X:
chestfreezercoldplunge.com/LX
And for the recommended ozone generator, the best I" ve found is the JED 203. I've used mine since 2018 and love it. Most people go 6-12 months with only one water change.
They are available on my website, and your patronage helps me support the global cold plunge community and my family- and is greatly appreciated.
What is that tarp? Is that what you line it with? Does the tarp hold the water?
That is a custom liner that I designed. I've been using that one for 4+ years now.
They are available on my website.
My chest freezer is 23.6 cu feet - ~ 175 gallons. What would you suggest? Is there a larger in water filter you suggest? Or 2 of the marineland filters in the water?
I am no longer recommending the MarineLand pump and filters due to quality issues and because the proprietary filters have been going out of stock for long periods.
For that size of chest freezer, I'd recommend making a DIY pump and filter setup. I have plans here:
chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/diy-pump-and-filter/
If I purchased a 19.8 CUFT freezer will the marine land pump be sufficient or will I need something bigger? If so is there any thing you recommend that’s a larger submersible pump?
I'm not recommending the MarineLand pump and filter anymore because of ongoing issues with quality and the replacement filters going out of stock for long periods.
Another option is at the link below. For that size chest freezer, I'd recommend a Danner 1200 or 1800 (Amazon affiliate links):
chestfreezercoldplunge.com/product/diy-pump-and-filter/
amzn.to/42s6sUZ
amzn.to/3LFetQl
Hi John, Why is it that the Ozone generator through Jed Engineering is not recommned for indoors, (if so, needs to be a well ventilated area) but the plunge tank that you buy ready to use, advertises that it can be used indoors with no mention of ventilation?
The Plunge uses a lower output ozone generator, and since there is plumbing going back into the tub, some ozone dissipates prior to reaching the water surface.
The JED 303 is primarily used for chest freezer cold plunges. It has an airstone that sits on the inside floor and bubbles ozone directly into the water.
Hi John , love your videos, I’m currently waiting on my ozone generator, I set up the marineland pump in a 500l chest freezer, the pump seems to run every few minutes. Do you find that by the time the pump stops each time it stops the momentum to collect the dirt particles from the far end of the freezer ? Thanks
Brian - thanks! A 500L chest freezer needs two MarineLand pumps, or one robust pump. The pump(s) should run 24/7.
If your MarineLand pump is stopping, do you have 240v outlets in your home?
If yes and you only used a plug adapter to plug it in and not a step-down transformer, unplug it immediately. The motor may already be burned out. You'll need a 100-watt step-down transformer.
If your plugs are 120v, something is wrong. Send it back for an exchange.
Love the video how did you get the suction cups to stick any tips
Thanks! See the bottom of this article for options:
ChestFreezerColdPlunge.com/MarineLand
Can you cold plunge with water pump and filter on or is it recommended to unplug and remove before getting in?
Always unplug *all* equipment before you get into the water. When unplugged it is not necessary to remove it.
hi, is it possible to use the filter that comes with the pump as a pre filter? to catch big debris before entering the pump ? thank you
Possible but not very effective. Better to use a smaller inlet strainer with steel mesh.
How safe is it to have the chord in the water all the time?
I've talked about this with electricians around the world. It's safe when you unplug everything (chest freezer, pump, ozone) before getting into the water. Otherwise, there is a risk of electrical shock/electrocution.
Thanks very much for the info!
@@JohnRichterAustin How come branded cold plunges are safe to sue while plugged in then? Is it just because they have a gfci?
@lenskibeats1490 - commercially made cold plunges are designed and built to work safely.
A chest freezer is a major electrical appliance being used for a purpose that was never intended- being safe for people when being filled with water.
2.
Thanks for the videos! If only one person is using the cold plunge once daily, at a minimum, how long should the filter run for and how often?
Hi all. Unfortunately I hit one of the cooling lines when I was routing in a channel on the top for my cords to sit nicely. I was only 5mm deep when I hit. Off the the shop for a new chest
Freezer 😂
Sorry to hear that happened- I've been there.
You might be able to find a refrigeration tech who can fix it. That's the main reason why I recommend going through the kid.
Hi, I’ve got a Lumi Therapy Ice Pod of 400 Litres and looking to do the three steps mentioned. I’ve been using Epsom Salt already.
Would the DYI version work well with the Pod, or is it better to use MarineLand pump/filter + filter replacements every few months?
Is there anything else that is needed besides the either if the two combined?
Better to use a diy punp/filter because the Marineland replacement filters have been frequently out of stock.
Always unplug the pump before you get into the water.
I bought a danner pump and it’s leaking from the case at the bottom rear of the pump. Not the input/output side….. have you ever seen this issue
No, I've never heard of this happening. Contact Danner or the seller for tech support.
Hi John, thanks so much for your advice. I have a SunSun CUF-2500 3-in-1 Filter & 2500 L Fountain 28 W & 9 W UV Clarifier and was wondering if you think it's good for the cold plunge? If yes, how long should I let this thing run each day? I guess I still need a ozone generator for sanitation, do I? Thanks!
Hi Johaness- you're welcome.
UV should run 24/7 and is best when used with another sanitation method such as ozone or chlorine.
Depending on your setup, the JED 303 or 003 would be a good choice.
Fill out the contact info on my website for more info/discussion.
Hi John, thanks for this! So I was planning to make a 100 gallon Rubbermaid hot tub and bought a PureSpa pump on the web for cheap. I'm debating back and forth on going from a Hot Spa to a Ice Plunge now. Is there anything I can use the Pure Spa for? I have an aquarium filter with UV light inside that is rated for 100 gallons. That plus running the spa pump without heat has kept the water clean but I always feel like this isn't enough. I've been trying to DIY a canister filter but is that overkill for my setup?
Watch the next video in the series on sanitation chemicals and devices for an answer to your questions. :)
Hi John! How long (hours per day) are you running your pump?
24/7 except when I'm in the water, in which case it is unplugged.
Dont pond and aquarium filters produce some kind of beneficial bacteria for fish amd turtles ?
Yes.
However the ones we use for cold plunges are polishing filters- very similar to what you find in hot tubs.
Great video, thanks
You're welcome!
Appreciate the videos, the audio is all over the place, music sometimes blasts, voice is low.
Thanks for your feedback. Very obviously, I'm not a video or audio guy.
I know it can be hard to focus on the content when the audio quality is not great.
I do use a Rodes wireless mic, but I probably don't have it set up correctly.
At some point I'll get a professional to help me. :)