I got a freezer for 300 bucks. 14.8 CF. Bathrooms caulk to seams. Cheap pool filter pump, ink bird controller, box fan to circulate air and cool the outside. Total $450. Had it 5 years. No issues. I did not paint the inside, I did nothing fancy to it. Water stays at 38°, no problem. The drain plug is on the bottom, I hooked up a garden hose to it, which goes to my basement drain. I empty it once every two weeks, and refill it. The garden hose is right outside the basement window, which makes it easy.
That's great Daniel, thanks for sharing. I came across several stories like yours and do admit there were a few people who chose to do what you have done and have had years of success which is great for you! Is that $450 USD? If so, that equates to close to $700 AUD for a second hand 418 litre freezer conversion. Well done mate! I'm in this for the long term and value quality, as well as aesthetics. My final price of approximately $2000 AUD ($1300 USD), for a 500L was still well below the least expensive cold plunge on our Australian market ($4800 AUD) and made this one in less than half the wait time it takes for a professional cold plunge (8-10 weeks). Water conservation is something to consider also and with the proper pump/filter and sanitation, you could get many months out of the same water instead of just 2 weeks. Other than that, sounds like we are both winning! :-)
Thank you for the video. I have just bought a freezer to transform it into a cold plunge. I live in Mexico with a huge percentage of humidity which is an additional challenge to apply the epoxy. I understand it needs to be done inside with the air conditioning running. I was wondering whether the walls need to be sanded before applying the pond shield. Thank you.
My pleasure mate! Yes, the walls will need a light sand with 60 grit sanding paper. It is inconvenient, but applying the pond shield in an air-conditioned space will increase the odds of it setting correctly. All the best with your new project! :-)
I converted a freezer over 2 years ago and love it :). I am planning to apply epoxy liner sometime this year. Originally I just used putty (dry method as well) and did not have a single issue. I prefer my plunges at 32F /0C:)
Excellent to hear! Yes, I contemplated not using a liner and just sealing the seams. In this for the long haul, so solid setup was the goal and painfully applied the liner in the high humidity of an Australian summer lol
@MrJohnno89 I am sure it will. Just search youtube for people that did it. I just notice a small spot of rust, so i plan to use pond sheild to cover my freezer. My stepson just got himself a icetub and he commented that my freezer is better and deeper. So it looks as I am keeing it it :):)
Thank you so much! It's a 500L and has plenty of space. I went to numerous irrigation businesses locally as well as aquarium shops. By the time I got all of the gear, it was just as economical to buy a ready made kit. 'Zenice' is the pump and filter kit supplier I went with but I'm sure there are others 👍 Hope that helps 🙏
You look quite tall whereas I’m only a shorty at 5ft8 and thinking a 370-400L might be sufficient. Good choice as the Zenice filter is highly recommended on various diy cold plunge groups on FB👍
Doing similar with a 19.8CF chest freezer. Around here, it's almost cheaper to buy new, no idea why. Wanted one with temp control as well. I will plug this into a GFI and an isolation transformer. I plan on a bottom drain with no plumbing inside the tub. Maybe I can fit the pump, ozonator, UV whatever into the compressor area. Ventilation to the condensor will be a key design concern. All filters will be external feeding from the drain, and adding a in port up higher. No plans to paint the interior like some. Probably will add additional insulation in a frame of sorts, with some type of insulated top, maybe cylinders on the door. I like that knead underwater epoxy stuff.. will use that. Thanks for the inspiration! How cold can you physically stand?
Sounds like you have all bases covered and have really thought about the setup in depth! 🙂 I find personally 4 degrees (39F) to be a good temperature to get the health benefits, balance electricity consumption, and feel like Superman afterwards 🦸♂️ 🙌
Easily one of the best videos I’ve watched on a DIY Thanks so much for your time and help! I do have one question you said sanitize with peroxide. How do you do that?
My pleasure Adam! Appreciate your feedback :-) I use a 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. For this size freezer (500L), I used 120ml to "shock" the water initially (did not go in water for at least 24 hours). Now, on a weekly basis, I add around 60ml as maintenance. Hope this helps 💪
500L Hisense Freezer $880 Selleys Aqua x8 large tubes $180 Ink bird Temperature Controller $45 Miscellaneous (silicone for exterior, sanding sheets, rollers for pond shield, mixing cups, gloves) $100 Pond Shield sky blue x 2 kits $240 Pump and Filter $460 Total of just under $2000 AUD or around $1250 USD Took me 4 weeks in total with all the waiting for shipping from the USA to AUS. So 5-6 days of actual labour. Hope it goes smoothly for you :-)
Good video. I have one question. My chest freezer gets an extremly hot surface on the outside during cooling the water down. Is that normal? Does your freezer has this hot temperatures too?
Thank you for the feedback :-) Yes, this is completely normal. If you are using a temperature controller, the freezer will work hard for periods of time, and then shut off and 'take a break' so there is a balance and therefore not staying 'hot to touch' for long periods. Hope this helps
That's a good question. Would like to help but the intricate plumbing details are not my forte. I bought this as a kit from Zenice...check them out on Facebook and I'm sure they will help 🙂
I personally did, yes. It took roughly 48 hours to get down to 7 degrees. Other people recommend bags of ice to be added initially to help the freezer cool quickly. It's a matter of cost and how quickly you want to get in 😅
Thank you Dave! Appreciate the feedback. I used 'Pond Shield' which is available from Amazon AU. The Cromlin from Bunnings can work, but in terms of best practice, Pond Shield is superior based on research done by people who have had many years in this game :-) Hope that helps!
@@healthreversion G'day, loved your video, thanks for sharing, I to live in Aus and a humid climate, I'm about to start building my own bath based on a lot of what you have achieved. Quick question, did you use the 'paint' pond shield or the 'epoxy paint' when ordering from Amazon?
@flyingsicilian It's definitely the epoxy version of pond shield. I'm not familiar with their other products. Are you able to apply the multiple coats in a low humidity environment?
@@healthreversion yes I do, we live in cairns so this time of year is probably the only time I could achieve the epoxy coatings required to achieve a good result.
@@flyingsicilian Me too mate, wouldn't live anywhere else. I did mine back in January in peak humidity and suffered dearly for it. Keep me posted on how you go and feel free to reach out in a private message as happy to help 🙂
I got a freezer for 300 bucks. 14.8 CF.
Bathrooms caulk to seams. Cheap pool filter pump, ink bird controller, box fan to circulate air and cool the outside.
Total $450. Had it 5 years. No issues.
I did not paint the inside, I did nothing fancy to it. Water stays at 38°, no problem. The drain plug is on the bottom, I hooked up a garden hose to it, which goes to my basement drain. I empty it once every two weeks, and refill it. The garden hose is right outside the basement window, which makes it easy.
That's great Daniel, thanks for sharing. I came across several stories like yours and do admit there were a few people who chose to do what you have done and have had years of success which is great for you!
Is that $450 USD? If so, that equates to close to $700 AUD for a second hand 418 litre freezer conversion. Well done mate!
I'm in this for the long term and value quality, as well as aesthetics. My final price of approximately $2000 AUD ($1300 USD), for a 500L was still well below the least expensive cold plunge on our Australian market ($4800 AUD) and made this one in less than half the wait time it takes for a professional cold plunge (8-10 weeks).
Water conservation is something to consider also and with the proper pump/filter and sanitation, you could get many months out of the same water instead of just 2 weeks.
Other than that, sounds like we are both winning! :-)
Bad Idea! If That closes and locks, you are screwed and dead 😮
@williampacheco4322 I take it you are not familiar with a spring loaded freezer lid?
Thank you for the video. I have just bought a freezer to transform it into a cold plunge. I live in Mexico with a huge percentage of humidity which is an additional challenge to apply the epoxy. I understand it needs to be done inside with the air conditioning running. I was wondering whether the walls need to be sanded before applying the pond shield. Thank you.
My pleasure mate! Yes, the walls will need a light sand with 60 grit sanding paper. It is inconvenient, but applying the pond shield in an air-conditioned space will increase the odds of it setting correctly. All the best with your new project! :-)
Thank you!! 🙏
I converted a freezer over 2 years ago and love it :). I am planning to apply epoxy liner sometime this year. Originally I just used putty (dry method as well) and did not have a single issue. I prefer my plunges at 32F /0C:)
Excellent to hear! Yes, I contemplated not using a liner and just sealing the seams. In this for the long haul, so solid setup was the goal and painfully applied the liner in the high humidity of an Australian summer lol
Would a silicone sealant work just aswell
@MrJohnno89 I am sure it will. Just search youtube for people that did it. I just notice a small spot of rust, so i plan to use pond sheild to cover my freezer. My stepson just got himself a icetub and he commented that my freezer is better and deeper. So it looks as I am keeing it it :):)
Almost certainly not. Watch more videos.
Great job and thanks for sharing!
Did you diy the pump and filter or did you buy it as a kit? Also may I ask what capacity freezer you have?
Thank you so much!
It's a 500L and has plenty of space.
I went to numerous irrigation businesses locally as well as aquarium shops. By the time I got all of the gear, it was just as economical to buy a ready made kit. 'Zenice' is the pump and filter kit supplier I went with but I'm sure there are others 👍
Hope that helps 🙏
You look quite tall whereas I’m only a shorty at 5ft8 and thinking a 370-400L might be sufficient.
Good choice as the Zenice filter is highly recommended on various diy cold plunge groups on FB👍
@@davidvassallo7464Yes, a 370L will be less work and if you don't mind not being able to stretch out, then that would be the size to go for 👍
Be sure nobody’s plugged in wall electric outlet
Thank you for the reminder 😊
Doing similar with a 19.8CF chest freezer. Around here, it's almost cheaper to buy new, no idea why. Wanted one with temp control as well. I will plug this into a GFI and an isolation transformer. I plan on a bottom drain with no plumbing inside the tub. Maybe I can fit the pump, ozonator, UV whatever into the compressor area. Ventilation to the condensor will be a key design concern. All filters will be external feeding from the drain, and adding a in port up higher. No plans to paint the interior like some. Probably will add additional insulation in a frame of sorts, with some type of insulated top, maybe cylinders on the door. I like that knead underwater epoxy stuff.. will use that. Thanks for the inspiration! How cold can you physically stand?
Sounds like you have all bases covered and have really thought about the setup in depth! 🙂
I find personally 4 degrees (39F) to be a good temperature to get the health benefits, balance electricity consumption, and feel like Superman afterwards 🦸♂️ 🙌
Easily one of the best videos I’ve watched on a DIY Thanks so much for your time and help! I do have one question you said sanitize with peroxide. How do you do that?
My pleasure Adam! Appreciate your feedback :-)
I use a 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. For this size freezer (500L), I used 120ml to "shock" the water initially (did not go in water for at least 24 hours).
Now, on a weekly basis, I add around 60ml as maintenance.
Hope this helps 💪
I am looking for an easy cold plunge kit. This is probably one of the best videos I have found. Thanks.
Great to hear mate! It can be a long and arduous setup/application, but once complete, you will be so glad you committed to getting it done :-)
This is awesome! How much would you say the total cost of materials is and how long did it take you to get a finished product?
500L Hisense Freezer $880
Selleys Aqua x8 large tubes $180
Ink bird Temperature Controller $45
Miscellaneous (silicone for exterior, sanding sheets, rollers for pond shield, mixing cups, gloves) $100
Pond Shield sky blue x 2 kits $240
Pump and Filter $460
Total of just under $2000 AUD or around $1250 USD
Took me 4 weeks in total with all the waiting for shipping from the USA to AUS. So 5-6 days of actual labour.
Hope it goes smoothly for you :-)
What is the name of the pump and the pump and filter? Please
Zenice 1500 Small Filter and Pump
They have a facebook page (Zenice) and website that you can search for 🙂
What epoxy liner did you use? Did it hold up?
@louismaria5859 Hello there, I used pond shield and it has held up very well 🙂
Good video. I have one question. My chest freezer gets an extremly hot surface on the outside during cooling the water down. Is that normal? Does your freezer has this hot temperatures too?
Thank you for the feedback :-) Yes, this is completely normal. If you are using a temperature controller, the freezer will work hard for periods of time, and then shut off and 'take a break' so there is a balance and therefore not staying 'hot to touch' for long periods. Hope this helps
Yes! That helps thanks a lot 👍😄
What pump etc would you recommend?
Hi there, I personally use a REEFE RP 1500. So far, so good 🙂
Excellent !!!!
hey, whats the fitting on the end of the pvc pipe that screws out & adjusts to the wall to keep the filter in place?
That's a good question. Would like to help but the intricate plumbing details are not my forte. I bought this as a kit from Zenice...check them out on Facebook and I'm sure they will help 🙂
@@healthreversion ok thanks!
Do you plug in freezer and let that cool your water?
I personally did, yes. It took roughly 48 hours to get down to 7 degrees. Other people recommend bags of ice to be added initially to help the freezer cool quickly. It's a matter of cost and how quickly you want to get in 😅
Sorry so you are saying that it's fine to actually turn the freezer on when it's full of water and the freezer will actually chill the water?
@tazhearts that is corrrect 😊
@@tazhearts that is correct 👏
Great video. Can I ask what pond liner you used? Was it Cromlin from Bunnings?
Thank you Dave! Appreciate the feedback.
I used 'Pond Shield' which is available from Amazon AU. The Cromlin from Bunnings can work, but in terms of best practice, Pond Shield is superior based on research done by people who have had many years in this game :-)
Hope that helps!
@@healthreversion G'day, loved your video, thanks for sharing, I to live in Aus and a humid climate, I'm about to start building my own bath based on a lot of what you have achieved. Quick question, did you use the 'paint' pond shield or the 'epoxy paint' when ordering from Amazon?
@flyingsicilian It's definitely the epoxy version of pond shield. I'm not familiar with their other products. Are you able to apply the multiple coats in a low humidity environment?
@@healthreversion yes I do, we live in cairns so this time of year is probably the only time I could achieve the epoxy coatings required to achieve a good result.
@@flyingsicilian Me too mate, wouldn't live anywhere else. I did mine back in January in peak humidity and suffered dearly for it. Keep me posted on how you go and feel free to reach out in a private message as happy to help 🙂