People are falling in love with ice baths but there’s one main issue when getting enough ice to make your bath cold.
Most people aim to keep their ice bath between 50°F to 59°F. That’s pretty chilly! Making or buying enough ice to reach and maintain this temperature can seem hard and expensive.
Don’t sweat it, though. There are smart ways to get all the ice you need without emptying your wallet or taking too much time.
Some of the most cost-effective methods are using ice block molds, freezing gallons of water, or having a large ice machine. These will be cheaper options than continually buying ice.
Whether you’re new to ice baths or you’ve been doing them for a while, we have some tips that will help you chill out more easily. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your ice baths icy cold without the stress or high costs.
Let’s dive in and learn how to master the art of icing your ice bath!
Best Ways to Make Ice at Home For Ice Baths
Making your own ice can save you money and trips to the store. Here are some easy ways to do it:
1. DIY Ice Blocks
Fill up large plastic containers (like clean milk jugs), tupperware containers, or bottles, with water and freeze them. A frozen gallon of water is over 8 pounds of ice. These big blocks melt slower than small cubes.
Remember to start making ice a day or two before you plan to take your ice bath. This way, you’ll have enough when you need it. You can then dry off the containers and put them right back in the freezer
2. Ice Maker Machine
If you use ice baths often, consider buying a portable ice maker. They can make a lot of ice quickly. This is also an investment that can be used for many other ice-related needs.
3. Use Your Freezer Ice
Add your freezer ice or use ice cube trays to help. This takes time but costs almost nothing. You can do this along with other methods to speed up the cooling.
How Much Ice Do You Need?
How much ice do you need for a good ice bath? It is often way more than you think but the answer depends on a few things:
- The size of your tub
- The starting temperature of your water
- How cold you want your bath to be
A general rule of thumb is to use about 3 pounds of ice per gallon of water. However, the more ice, the faster it will get cold and stay cold for longer. If you don’t try to get it so cold, it will take much less ice.
Keeping Your Ice Bath Cold
Once you’ve got your ice, you want it to last. Here are some tricks to keep your bath cold:
- Use a tub cover: This helps slow down ice melting when you’re not in the bath.
- Insulate your tub: If your tub isn’t insulated, wrap it in blankets or bubble wrap to keep the cold in.
- Keep the tub area covered: Keeping your ice bath setup out of the sun and covered will help keep the water at more manageable temperatures.
Depending on how often you take ice baths, you may consider adding some ice the night before to help keep the water cooler.
Need an Ice Bath Tub? Check Out the ZenWave
Looking for an easy way to start ice baths? Check out our ZenWave Ice Pod. It’s a smart choice for those who want to try cold water therapy or a portable option for pros.
What’s Cool About It?
- Space-Saver: Fits in small spots like your garage
- Keeps It Chilly: Good insulation means less ice needed
- User-Friendly: Easy to set up and use
- Clean Machine: Simple to keep hygienic
- Go-Anywhere: Use it indoors or outdoors
Why People Love It
- No-Fuss Setup: Get started quickly
- Comfy Design: Made for a better ice bath experience
- Budget-Friendly: Great value for cold therapy fans
- Many Benefits: People simply feel better with ice baths
To see why so many people are getting into cold water therapy, check out our guide on the benefits of ice baths!
Quick Tips
- Start with cold water to save on ice
- Keep extra ice handy for longer dips
- Clean it regularly for refreshing plunges
See our guide on how to keep your ice bath clean for some of the best ways to continually have cool and refreshing cold therapy experiences.
Final Thoughts
Ice baths don’t have to be a headache or a wallet-drainer. With these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of cold therapy without the stress. Remember, the key is to plan ahead. Start making or buying your ice early, and you’ll be chilling out in no time!
Whether you’re an athlete looking to recover faster, or just someone curious about the benefits of cold therapy, mastering the art of the ice bath is all about managing your ice. Stay cool, and happy bathing!