4°
Cold plunge
The cold that completes the circuit. A 380 to 570 litre (100 to 150 gallon) plunge tank for the cold side, after the sauna or the hot tub. With ice or with a chiller.
Two options
Ice or chiller
Both give the same cold. The difference is how much work you want before each plunge.
With ice
The simplest option. The tank needs no holes: fill it with water and add ice before each use.
- No electricity
- No installation
- Ideal for occasional use
With a chiller
A 1/3 or 1/2 HP electric chiller filters the water and holds it at 4 °C (39 °F) all day. It connects through two bulkhead ports, just like the hot tub coil.
- Cold water always ready
- Filtered water
- Needs a power outlet
The tank
Tough inside, wood outside
We use 100 to 150 gallon polyethylene or galvanized steel stock tanks. They can be clad in wood with insulation, so the water stays cold longer and matches the sauna.
- An insulated lid that keeps sun and leaves out.
- A wooden frame with room for the chiller, pump and filter.
- A finish that matches the sauna or the hot tub.
A chiller sized for the heat
In Costa Rica a chiller works harder than in a cold climate. When we quote, we size it to the temperature in your area and the shade where it goes.
Reference values. 1/3 and 1/2 HP units use less.
Start slowly
The first few times
- Start with short dips and build up the time gradually.
- Get in slowly and breathe slowly.
Always
- Never plunge alone or after drinking alcohol.
- Get out if you feel dizzy or numb.
If you are pregnant or have a heart or blood pressure condition, check with your doctor before using cold water.
Complete the circuit
The cold feels best after the heat: a barrel sauna or a wood-fired tub.
90 °C
Barrel sauna
Thermally modified wood and a wood-burning stove. Traditional dry heat in about an hour.
40 °C
Wood-fired hot tub
A galvanized stock tank with a stainless steel coil. The fire heats the water and circulates it on its own.
4 to 90 °C
Contrast circuit
Sauna, hot tub and cold plunge in one spot. We help you plan it around the climate at your property.
Ready for the first plunge?
Message us on WhatsApp and tell us where your property is. We help you choose between ice and a chiller.