Ice baths continue to gain popularity among athletes looking to speed up post-workout recovery and individuals seeking a refreshing way to beat the heat. Yet, one crucial aspect often overlooked is keeping the water clean to maintain proper hygiene and ensure overall health benefits. This guide will show you how to maintain a pristine ice bath so you can enjoy its restorative properties with peace of mind.
However, keeping the water in your ice bath clean is critical for hygiene and health reasons. This guide will help you understand how to maintain a clean ice bath.
Understanding the Importance of Clean Ice Bath Water
Similar to any swimming pool or hot tub, ice baths can be the ideal place for bacteria, algae and other undesirable microbes if not taken care of correctly. This inclination could result in skin problems, irritations and additional health issues. Beyond health issues, clean water ensures a more pleasant and invigorating ice bath experience. Now, who wouldn’t want that?
Start with the Right Water
The journey to a clean ice bath begins with the water you use to fill it. Australia has the good fortune of usually having top-notch tap water. This variety often suffices. But if you live in a place with hard water or worry about the quality of your water, think about employing filtered or purified water for your ice bath.
Keep it Covered
An essential yet often overlooked step in keeping your ice bath water clean is covering it when not in use. A strong, hardwearing cover will stop dust, leaves and other things from getting in. It will allow for less frequent cleaning and lower the chances of bacteria entering your water.
Regularly Change the Water
Despite your best efforts to keep the exterior elements out, regularly changing the ice bath water is crucial. How often depends on usage, but as a rule of thumb, after every couple of uses is a good frequency to aim for. Consistent changes will flush out potential contaminants, keeping your bath fresh and clean.
Use Ice from a Clean Source
Check that the ice is coming from a trustworthy and clean place. You do not want to contaminate your pure water with unclean ice. Consider getting ice from a well-known provider or using filtered water and sanitised containers if you create it yourself.
Natural Water Cleaners
Natural alternatives can help keep your ice bath clean if you want to avoid harsh chemicals. Mixtures of saltwater can act as natural cleaners, and some specific essential oils—such as tea tree oil–are famous for their properties against microbes. However, it is crucial to explore further and ensure that no extra substances irritate the skin or provoke harmful reactions.
Monitor and Adjust pH Levels.
The observation and upkeep of pH levels in your ice bath could be significant for water hygiene. The perfect pH range for your ice bath should be a little neutral or alkaline. This scope assists in impeding bacteria development and guarantees that the water is gentle on your skin.
Rinse Before You Dip
A simple yet effective tip for maintaining cleaner ice bath water is to rinse before you hop in. A quick shower will remove sweat, oils, and dirt from your body, significantly reducing the contaminants that enter the bath. Encourage anyone using the bath to do the same.
Conclusion
The feeling of an ice bath is novel. If you follow these instructions, your ice bath will stay as a cool and clean oasis. Remember that consistent upkeep and some effort can help keep your ice bath water sparkling, clear and welcoming. So, dive into a cold and clean bath to experience the refreshing impacts it will bring on your body and spirit.
