Mar 04, 2025

Owning & maintaining an ice bath: what every gym owner needs to know

Cold water immersion has become a game-changer in gyms worldwide, helping members recover faster, build resilience, and improve overall wellness. But adding an ice bath to your facility isn’t just about dropping a tub of cold water in the corner and expecting it to transform your gym.

For gym owners, the real challenge lies in positioning and installation, maintenance, packaging experiences, and PT programme integration to make ice baths work for your business. Get it right, and your ice bath becomes a premium offering that boosts member retention and revenue. Get it wrong, and you’re stuck with high maintenance costs, hygiene issues, and compliance risks.

In this blog, we discuss the key practicalities of owning and maintaining an ice bath, including best practices based on PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) guidelines, ensuring that your investment delivers long-term benefits for both your gym and your members.

1. Choosing the Right Ice Bath for Your Gym

Not all ice baths are created equal—especially in a commercial setting. You need a high-performance, low-maintenance solution designed for continuous use.

Key Factors to Consider:

Water Filtration & Sanitation – Must meet PWTAG standards, preferably with multi-stage filtration.
Temperature Control & Stability – Maintain a consistent temperature, even with heavy use.
Durability & Materials – Opt for marine-grade stainless steel or fibreglass to prevent corrosion.
Energy Efficiency – Insulated construction and lids help reduce running costs.
Capacity & User Flow – Ensure adequate baths or implement a booking system for peak times. Brass monkey commercial ice baths are the only plunges which can sustain large user loads.

2. Installation: Setting Up for Success

Proper installation is crucial for hygiene, safety, and efficiency.

Placement Considerations:

Near Showers or Saunas – Ideal for contrast therapy.
Dedicated Recovery Zone – A calm, temperature-controlled space improves user experience.
Good Drainage & Flooring – Non-slip flooring and adequate drainage prevent hazards.
Ventilation & Humidity Control – Helps maintain air quality in enclosed spaces.

3. Maintenance Checklists

Keeping your ice bath clean and running efficiently is easier with a structured routine.

PWTAG Guidelines for Ice Baths:

Safe, clean water for users.
Effective filtration and sanitation.
Proper monitoring of chemical levels.

Daily Maintenance:

Test water quality (pH 7.0-7.6, chlorine 2-3 mg/l).
Skim surface for debris.
Monitor temperature & circulation (7-10°C).
Inspect filtration system to prevent biofilm buildup.

Weekly Maintenance:

Deep clean bath with PWTAG-approved cleaners.
Drain & refill if required.
Sanitise surrounding area.
Check & replace filters.

Pro Tip: Install an automated dosing system to manage disinfectant levels. The Brass Monkey app provides maintenance alerts and instructional videos.

4. Managing User Experience & Safety

For members, stepping into an ice bath can be intimidating at first, but the right guidance and safety measures make all the difference.

Recommended Safety Protocols:

Pre-Use Screening – Ensure users don’t have heart conditions.
Time Limits – Recommend 2-5 minute sessions.
Member Education – Display safety signage and usage instructions.
Temperature Control – Keep water at a "cool" temperature unless supervised.
Emergency Protocols – Train staff on handling cold shock reactions.

5. Monetising Your Ice Bath for Maximum ROI

Beyond being a recovery tool, an ice bath can become a profitable revenue stream for your gym.

Ways to Monetise:

Premium Membership Add-On – Charge an extra £30-50/month for access.
Pay-Per-Use Sessions – Offer single sessions for £10-20 per dip.
Contrast Therapy Packages – Bundle ice bath & sauna access.
Personal Training Integration – Offer guided recovery coaching.
Corporate Wellness Packages – Sell ice bath sessions to local businesses.

So, Is an Ice Bath Right for Your Gym?

If your gym is serious about member wellbeing, performance, and retention, an ice bath is a smart investment. Success depends on choosing the right system, following PWTAG maintenance guidelines, and ensuring a premium user experience.

By prioritising hygiene, efficiency, and monetisation, you can turn your ice bath into a high-value feature that keeps members engaged and loyal.

We've just written up a full guide to implementing ice baths and cold plunges into your gym or wellness studio. You can download the free guide here.

Need help choosing the right ice bath for your gym?

Contact Brass Monkey to explore integration options and discover our ProCare support package.