Best Practices for Cold Plunges

For the purposes of this document, a cold plunge is defined as a single occupant, stand alone, prefabricated, above ground, cold water (typically below 59° F) tub for soaking and therapeutic use.

A cold plunge is NOT:

• Intended for the washing of the body
• A unit that can both heat and chill the water
• Built into the floor (built-in or in-ground)

While a cold plunge doesn't meet State or Local definitions of a pool or spa, it may still pose significant public health risks, including but not limited to the following:

• Waterborne pathogens & illnesses
• Shared users and contaminants
• High bather to water volume ratio increases chances of pathogen or contaminant concentration
• Not constructed with commercial grade NFS 50 approved components
• No or unapproved water treatment and filtration
• Slipping hazards
• Lack of required oversite for personal safety

• Cold plunges cannot have components meant to heat the water
• Cold plunges must utilize potable water
• Cold plunges should have a sign stating “Cold Plunge facilities are not regulated or inspected by SF Dept. of Public Health. Please use caution and follow safety guidelines when using”

Note:

• Right now, there are no official rules or laws about cold plunge, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any in the future.
• If California or local laws make new rules later, all cold plunge units that already exist will have to comply.

DPH recommends using built-in or in-ground cold plunges that comply with the California Pool Code.

• Title 24 Cal. Building Code – Public Pools
• Title 22 Cal. Code of Regulations

The following practices are recommended (although not required):

• Cold plunges should be constructed of smooth non-porous and easily cleanable material
• Cold plunge shells should be light in color to aid in monitoring cleanliness and water clarity
• ADA access, including railing, steps, and clearances should be followed
• Cold Plunges should include filtration and water treatment to minimize contamination and pathogens
• Unfiltered cold plunge water should be filled and drained between occupant usage
• Cold plunges should have a temperature range of between 40-59 degrees Fahrenheit
• Cold plunges that utilize UV or ozone sanitizers should supplement disinfection by adding chlorine or bromine, which provides a measurable residual in the water

Cold plunges should maintain water chemical parameters as follows:

Safety parameters:

• Free Available Chlorine - between 3ppm (minimum) and 10ppm (maximum)
• Bromine Residual - no less than 4 ppm
• pH - between 7.2 (minimum) and 7.8 (maximum)
• Test and log chlorine and pH levels daily; retain records for 2 years.
• Cold plunge water must fully cycle through filtration and disinfection at least once per hour
• Clean cold plunges regularly and whenever buildup or water clarity issues arise
• Maintain an onsite cleaning maintenance log
• Train all onsite staff in operation, maintenance, and occupant health risks
• Limit occupant time in cold plunges to 5 mins to prevent cold shock or hypothermia