Don't Buy An Ice Pod Water Chiller. Steal This DIY Idea and Save Hundreds!
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- čas přidán 23. 06. 2024
- Get $10 Off The Ice Pod www.podcompany.com/RECOVATECH
Product Links:
Ice Pod: www.podcompany.com/RECOVATECH
1/3 HP Water Chillers: amzn.to/46YDH3c
Active Aqua water pump: amzn.to/3WpxiN0
1/2" Sediment Filter: amzn.to/3y8YLYY
3/4" hose: amzn.to/47TDhfI
Products I recommend to keep your cold plunge clean: amzn.to/3Tmrrqg
The Ice Pod 2.0 is a super convenient and easy way to enjoy cold plunging, but adding ice all the time can be a huge letdown. In this Ice Pod DIY water chiller video, I will show you how to build your own cold plunge water chiller and connect it to any portable ice bath like the Ice Pod, Nurecover, Allevachill, Cold Pod, etc.
This DIY Ice Pod water chiller assembly tutorial will save you tons of money over what you'll find online.
Visit our website for all cold plunge-related topics: recovatech.com/cold-plunge/
Other Products I Use & Recommend:
- Ice Barrel 300: Get 10% off all Ice Barrels recovatech.com/recommends/ice...
- Spartan Water Chillers: Get $200 off with code "RT200" warriorwillpower.com/RT200
- Ekrin Athletics Massage Guns: Get 20% off with code "RT20" www.ekrin.com/?ref=RT
Read our full tutorial on our website: recovatech.com/diy-water-chil...
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
1:21 Ice Pod chiller vs DIY
2:34 Parts List
3:38 Water chiller assembly instructions
7:22 Finished product
10:35 Sanitation instructions
12:34 Final word
#coldplunge #icetherapy #diy #icebath #icepod #diy
*Our website is supported by our viewers/readers, the above links are affiliate links. When you click on the links, we may receive a commission.
Product Links:
Ice Pod: www.podcompany.com/RECOVATECH
1/3 HP Water Chillers: amzn.to/46YDH3c
Active Aqua water pump: amzn.to/3Tf9auR
Sediment Filters: amzn.to/46UX6SK
3/4" hose: amzn.to/47TDhfI
Products I recommend to keep your cold plunge clean: amzn.to/3Tmrrqg
Yes!! Thanks for making this video. I’ve always wondered why these chillers were so expensive but no one really provided any alternatives. Great vid.
Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful.
I did this after almost pulling the trigger on dropping $1,000 for and ice pod and chiller. A quick Amazon search found all kinds of generic ice tubs well under $100 and the exact same chiller for $300. I have it set for 50° and it works great so far.
Where you get chiller so cheap wow!!
Thank you for the very informative and useful video my friend.
Invested in a freezer after many reddit forums, but not easy transferring so many bottles back and forth + does not freeze in time for daily use the next morning, looking forward to setting up this system for some healthy competition with my Dad!
Great video thank you for helping me save a lot of money!
Thank you so much! Was about to spend over $700 on an "ice bath" chiller... using this setup will not only work better but It'll only cost me $325 plus the $100 for the ice bath itself. I watched another gentleman say it's still helpful on the chiller to use Ice bricks (if you have them which I do as that's what I started with) to cool the water down when changing out the water.
Absolutely! Definitely doesn't hurt to start with ice if you have it available. Will save you some electricity too! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the explanations, it helped me connect mine.🙏🏿
Also, I used a flexible laundry tub to hold my hose on top the ice pod.
Thank you for the video. Only thing was a pain was finding some of the fittings
Yeah, it can be. I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error.
The Amazon listing states it keeps the water at 68°, needs to get like 30° cooler to really make a proper ice bath
All of the 1/3hp chillers state that, but I’ve had numerous different models and they all can potentially get into high 30s in the right conditions. 40/50s easily.
Great Informative Money Saving Video Thank You So Much
You bet! Thanks for watching.
Very informative...thank you! Have you tried bromine in a floater?
Thanks, Lisa! No I have not, but have heard of plenty of others that have with success.
This style vs converting a chest freezer?
What a great video. Thank you. Just finished ordering this set up. Is it more efficient to leave the chiller running and just let it hold the temp or power it off? I intend to use this 3 times a week.
Great question, but that would be hard to say. Too many factors to consider like ambient temps, location of your Pod, etc. I’m guessing if you’re only using it 3 times a week, you might just want to turn it on a few hours before. In the morning would be better.
Awesome video. Thanks. Question though. I live in an area with extremely hard water. Any ideas on how to protect the filter and chiller from build up?
Perhaps an inline RV filter would help when you fill up the pod. It's actually a good idea to use one of these no matter what type of water you have: amzn.to/3V18utx
@@Recovatech Thank you for your quick response. I just subscribed to your channel.
great video, very informational! I have a few quick questions. Where do you think I should buy my chiller, eBay or amazon? If amazon Whitch one do you recommend I purchase if I follow your video? If eBay I am wondering if there is a specific listing that is posted right now? Thank you again so much for the video and the help.
The 1/3HP chillers are all about the same. Identical on the inside. This one on eBay is going for about $240 right now, which is a great price. Spend the $14.99 extra and you can opt for the 2-year Allstate warranty. ebay.us/tdE2y6
@@Recovatech thank you so much 😊
Thanks for this great tutorial. Can you please give more details on the filter? Or a better link? I can’t find it on Amazon.
Sure! Here ya go: amzn.to/3y8YLYY You can use that one or if you want a larger sized canister, just make sure it's 1/2" threading.
@@Recovatech thanks again. We did everything you suggested plus wrapped the pipes and tub in insulation. We've had to replace the pump once -- fortunately died within the return period. Hopefully the second one will last longer. We have the chiller on the back porch on a concrete brick in case a storm blows in. Best hack ever -- thanks @Recovatech.
How often do you change the water with the cleaning process you mentioned? Thank you for a great video!
It will definitely depend on how often you're plunging, but with the Sirona you can go about a month or so (maybe more) without changing it. If you don't use it, you'll have to do it weekly.
QUESTION: Can the chiller be left outside under the back porch patio? How does it deal with rain? etc.
Yes, that's where I have my setup. It's definitely best to keep it out of the rain and direct sunlight. A little water won't hurt, but be cautious.
Can you please make a video on how to do the same thing for the plunge inflatable??
Thanks for the video, turned out great for me. only thing that I didn’t expect was so much condensation. You mentioned four chemicals in the video but only talk about three. Could you share the fourth cleaning chemical with me? Thanks.
great to hear! The 4th item is the Sirona water testing strips. You'll want to test your water to evaluate when to add more of the Sanitizer.
For the condesation on the hoses, consider adding some pipe insulation that you can pick up from Lowe's. That helps. As for the Ice Pod itself, they do sell an insulation wrap to help keep it cold. Otherwise, yeah, it will only get worse in the middle of summer unfortunately.
Hello thank you for the video. I got the rocita 1/3 hp chiller 79 gallons. Also an external intex pump filter. Sedinent filter like in this video. Im planning on using the 3/4 barbs and hose you have mentioned. It will be outside on a patio in florida somewhat covered. Do you think that using a deck ox just how you built in an earlier video of yours would be beneficial?
It can be if it will be exposed to the elements. For the deck box, I'd add a second vent cover on the side for added air flow.
Thanks so much for this video! I followed your tips and recently invested in an Ice Pod Pro 2.0 and all 3 of the sanitizing / cleaning agents you listed. Regarding the Sirona products -- the sanitizer and the enzyme cleaner - how often do you use those? I followed the directions on the back, as you said, but figuring out how often to add them depends on measurements/instrumentation I don't have. I initially put about 1/3oz of each in my 55 gal tub. I was thinking I'd wait a week and add a similar amount. What do you do?
Sirona testing strips are the best way to measure, but yeah, if you don’t have them the adding a couple milliliters every week is probably a safe bet. The peroxide can be added as much as needed since it degrades down into water after a couple hours.
@@Recovatech : appreciate the quick reply!
Great video! My Ice Pod is outside and I planned to have the same chiller unit you have outside as well. Do you think that will affect the longevity of it? I live in northeast for reference.
As long as you have it somewhat protected from the elements, you should be fine. I keep mine outside under a gazebo and it works great!
Amazing video ty. Question: I live in Yuma, AZ where the heat during Summer gets to a steady 110+ Fahrenheit at some points. Is there a particular Aquarium chiller you suggest for my climate? It's starting to warm up and I've been buying 80 lbs of ice every other day!
Also, my ideal cold plung temp is 39-43 F
@@Knifymoloko if you're using an Ice Pod in Arizona, I would consider two things. First, Ice Pod sells an insulation sleeve that wraps around the pod to help keep the water cool. The other would be getting at least a 1/2HP chiller. Unfortunately they're not as cheap as the 1/3, but your weather needs a lot more power to cool things down. The one from Active Aqua is really good. amzn.to/3VfVMY6
How do you drain the pod to replace the water? Unscrew the sediment filter cap?
That works or just take the top hose out and you could let the pump do all the work 😊. You could also just unscrew the filter too. All good options.
Great idea on the upgrade to bigger hosing! Did you notice any major difference?
IMO, 3/4" hosing seems to be the sweetspot for capatibility of parts and improved cooling.
Great video! My pod and chiller will be outside and not very shaded. Has anyone seen any ideas for covering the chiller? I’m thinking of building a “chiller house” or something that can allow it to breathe and safe from the elements. I’m open for any advice here. Thanks!
Like a DIY deck box to hold the chiller in?? This might help: czcams.com/video/x605-IoJSFI/video.html
Great video, thanks! I got this pump but but it started making a loud humming noise. Any idea how to address this?
You'll need to be a little bit more specific. Was it working fine and then after using it started making noise? Or did you first turn it on and it was humming?
@@Recovatech sorry yes, it was working fine and now makes a loud humming sound. I needed to move it anyway so I disconnected it, reinstalled and it worked fine… then the noise started again after a couple of days. Are these meant to run 24/7? Thanks again
@@je586 it’s designed to be used in an aquarium, so running it all the time shouldn’t be an issue. It’s hard to say what’s happening without being there.
Question: if I switch from 1/4in to 3/4in hose will the colling and performance improve? Or should i keep it to the default chiller setup?
I’ve found that the larger hoses allow for more flow, which results in faster cooling.
Hey man. How cold does this chiller go. Great vid :)
Depends on a few things, but I’ve gotten it down to high 30s. That was pushing it though. 40s is very doable. If your cold plunge is well insulated, colder temps are much more attainable.
Can you also keep the water clean with a chiller in this way? Thank you
Clean in that the sediment filter will capture dirt, grass, etc. You’ll need to use the Sirona products I mention to keep it sanitized.
Quick question
You mentioned 10-12 hour time to cool the water down to temperature (assuming 50 ish degrees), is this time frame for every instance before a plunge? Or is this just the initial first time you go to cool the water?
Obviously the placing for the ice pod matters for cooling, just curious if i need to prep for 10-12 hours of cool down time before every use , before i spend the money on the setup.
Yeah the first time will take a while assuming the water out of the hose is on the warmer side. After that you can either set the chiller to come on when the temp rises 2-3 degrees or just as needed. But yeah, total chill time will depend on the temp of the water. Ice pods have just so so insulation, and for that, it might take longer to cool or stay cool. Generally expect a a couple hours if you need to drop the temp 5-10 degrees.
Thanks for posting these videos. I have a Ice Pod Pro 2.0 and trying to Frankenstein this build and your deck box build. I realize that the sediment filter I got (the first listing in your links section for the sedi. filter) doesn't screw directly into the pod's outlet. Is there another fix, maybe an adapter, I should be looking for?
Are you using the whole house filter as part of your deck box build? If so, a sediment filter is not necessary. If you do want to use it, you could always use a 1/2" to 3/4" barb on the outlet spout, attach another barb to the sediment filter and connect the two with a hose. Maybe that helps?
@@Recovatech Ok. Good pt. I can skip the sediment filter. But I'm trying to figure out how to do the quick connect to the Ice Pod. I think I need another adapter.
Any ideas on a timer and where would I attach it to?
I personally would just use a smart plug. When it comes back on it defaults to the last setting.
I will be doing this, but I have the ice pod and will not be able to make the pump for another two weeks. Am I able to use the same cleaning steps without the water circulating with the pump and chiller?
Sure, shouldn't be an issue at all. The filter is just good to filter out dirt and grass.
Do you think there would be a benefit to using a whole house filter instead of the sediment filter?
I actually did another build with a whole house filter and it was awesome, but did clog up a bit faster and had to be changed more often because it was capturing more stuff. Check out the video and maybe just skip to the chiller build part. czcams.com/video/x605-IoJSFI/video.htmlsi=47ZGPyJiFwlvILzg
Question, the one you show in the video says it can only chill 5-10 degress lower than the ambient temp. Is that true? Are you able set the temp lower? Do you have a link to the one you bought? Thank you
Yeah, I don’t know why they all say that, but every one of those 1/3hp aquarium chillers will absolutely get colder. I’ve had several different models and they’ve all delivered. So I was going to send you the link to the one in the video, but I saw this one on Amazon for an outrageous price. I'd definitely consider it: amzn.to/4e5zlw0
Wonderful video!! Quick question, as I live in an apartment and I would have this in my living room. Is there any way to reduce the noise of the chiller?
Hmm, haven't thought of a way to do that. You really want the chiller to be able to "breath" as much as possible, so that kind of limits what you can do with it. I will say that although it's by no means super quiet, it's not too noisy either...unless you're watching a movie or something. Just be careful with that much water in your living room!
I have one of the similar chillers and it's surprisingly quiet. It's always a good idea to do what you can to isolate it from hard structures (walls, floors) by using pieces of rubber or soft neoprene. It will minimize the vibration that is transmitted into the structure, which can act as a noise amplifier if not isolated. Also, be aware that the chiller puts out quit a bit of heat. It definitely warms up my two-car garage when I run it for several hours. You'd be better off in the warm months if you could place the chiller on a balcony or other outdoor space. In the winter you might offset some of your heating bill if it's in your living space.
@@bondc90755 all excellent ideas and suggestions. Thanks for commenting!
The water shouldn’t get disgusting in a week if you have a lid on the bath and shower before you use it
Hello. I am unable to locate the 1/2 NPT to 3/4" barb you reference in the video. Do you have a link where i could source that?
Didn't see it on Lowe's website, but found it at Home Depot: www.homedepot.com/p/Apollo-3-4-in-x-1-2-in-Barb-Insert-Blue-Twister-Polypropylene-Twister-x-MPT-Adapter-Fitting-ABTMA3412/300823618
Hey Bud I’m thinking about doing an ice barrel 300 with a 1/2 penguin chiller.
But don’t want to blow 2k at once
What do you think would be better get the ice barrel 300 first and ice for a couple of weeks to get the hang of it or the chiller with a pod like this
Thanks
Oh, good question. If you're on the fence about whether or not you'll want to continue, definitely go the pod route with a chiller. Perhaps find a cheap pod off Marketplace. Adding ice is just a pain and if you buy it, expensive. Just keep in mind that when you do upgrade to the IB300, you'll just need to buy a couple extra fitting to get it hooked up. Pretty easy to do.
@@Recovatech Thank you! That's kind of what I was thinking just needed some affirmation from a pro
How often do you add the Sirona cleansers? Every time you change the water, or every couple of weeks?
I use testing strips so I'm never guessing. On average, it's about once a week though. The Peroxide I add a little after every plunge. It degrades into water after a couple hours so you really can't overdo it.
Thanks, that’s really helpful! One more quick question - roughly how much cleanser/clarifier are you adding to the ice pod specifically?
@@zacharycampbell6770 I follow the instructions on the bottle. I don't recall off hand, but for about 70-80 gallons, it's about 5ml of each. I use a syringe to measure it.
Can this set up work outside? is the chiller waterproof?
Yes and no. I use mine outside, but it’s under a gazebo. It gets some exposure to sun and rain, but not directly. I’d definitely keep it covered or sheltered somehow.
I live in south Texas where its constantly in the high 90s. I'm thinking of putting one in my garage. Do you think the 1/3 hp will still work?
It will work but it might struggle, especially if you want to keep the water really cold. The biggest "x" factor is the insulation. If you could insulate your Ice Pod by wrapping it with something, that helps a lot. I know Ice Pod sells a wrap, but last time I checked it was out of stock. Otherwise, a 1/2HP chiller would be a better option for you.
@@Recovatech I'll probably get on the waiting list for the cover just to be safe. Thanks for the feedback!
what temperature range can you setup on the device?
Are you asking how cold it can get? You can actually set the chiller to the high 30s but whether or not it can get that low depends on a number of things. If it's really hot outside, getting it down into the 40/50s is more realistic. I think for the die-hard cold plunger that likes their water near freezing, a more powerful chiller is recommended.
is it also possible to get the ice bath empty of water with this system?
Sure! Since the pods come with the drain valve, you could always just unscrew the sediment filter and let it drain that way. Alternatively, you could turn off the chiller and take the return hose out and allow the pump to push out all the water.
Can’t find these blue fittings or anything like them anywhere!!
They're in the plumbing section at Lowe's: www.lowes.com/pd/Apollo-3-4-in-90-Degree-Polypropylene-Elbow/5012921801, www.lowes.com/pd/Apollo-3-4-in-x-1-2-in-Polypropylene-Icreasing-Male-Adapter/5012921737
Definitely weren’t at my lowes. Haha I found something similar at Ace woods hardware.
Hey I bought the exact EZCasch chiller in this video but I can’t get the display to show Fahrenheit, it only shows Celsius and I cannot figure out how to change. How’d you do it?
Ohhh, I don't recall off hand. I'm assuming you don't have the manual? If not, you might have to reach out to the company.
@@Recovatech yea the manual does not cover it - it's seems to be very bare bones and there's no way to contact the company...looks like just a chinese company or something with no tech support
@@JorgeSantana-wz1nd found your answer. On screen, hold the Mode and Fan buttons down simultaneously for about 1-2 seconds, it will beep, and release holding down. Then hit the mode button until you see P6 in the top right. Then click up or down to change it from C to F. That's it!
That worked! Thank you!
I am having one hell of a time finding the blue fittings that he mentions here. Could not find any at Lowe's and also nothing online... Does anyone have a link to where I can get these?
All you have to do is ask :) The fittings are called Apollo. Both Home Depot and Lowes have them online, but only Lowe's in store. Sometimes they're on the aisle right next to the plumbing aisle. That, or perhaps in your location they just don't sell them. Not sure. Anyway, here's a link for the 1/2 to 3/4" barb to help get you started: www.homedepot.com/p/Apollo-3-4-in-x-1-2-in-Barb-Insert-Blue-Twister-Polypropylene-Twister-x-MPT-Adapter-Fitting-ABTMA3412/300823618
I found mine at my local Ace Hardware after no luck with 2 local Lowe’s
Is the ice pod or the cold pod better?
They're about the same, unless you get the Ice Pod Pro which has a little more insulation, but it also has the second drain plug, which makes adding a chiller a lot better.
How do you know what the temperature ranges are on the ones in the link you have? I want to be sure I can achieve at least sub 40 degree temps.
Great question! If you've looked them up, you probably noticed that they all state they go down to something like 60 degrees. Just not true and like I said in the video, the internals are all the same. Last summer I was able to get mine down to high 30s but that was a little bit of a stretch since the Ice Pod's insulation is really pretty terrible. With something like the Ice Barrel 300, you could likely hit that much easier because of how well insulated they make them. Lots of factors go in to how well it performs. Unless you're keeping it in a climate controlled environment, constant sub 40s might work it too much.
Edit: To add to that, a 1/2HP chiller might be a better option for you. Yes, more expensive, but if you DIY it like the video it will still come in much less than what a retailer would sell it for.
Thanks for the reply. I live in S. Florida and keep the ice pod on the back porch so that might call for the 1/2 hp one. Still on the lookout, much appreciated for the vid. I’m sure it’ll be the same setup with the higher power one too??
@@Rywith22 yeah, I think the 1/2 HP would be a better option for you. The Active Aqua 1/2HP chiller is $825 right now on Amazon, which is the cheapest I've seen it in a while. Check it out. amzn.to/3U3sMSP And BTW, if you're interested in adding a better filter, check out this other DIY I put together. It's all there just to give you ideas to build your own. czcams.com/video/x605-IoJSFI/video.html
Two weeks after, that chiller is just over $900 😩
@@amberkost9933 Yeah, looks like it jumped up to $900. That's Amazon for you. I'm in a pretty hot climate and the 1/3 still works great. Just keep it in the shade. That's helps a lot!
do you just keep the chiller on? Or you have to turn it on 10 hours before you know you're going to do a plunge
Yeah, I just keep it on. You can set it up so it comes on when the water goes 0-5 degrees above your set temp so it's not always running. But you could turn it off and on as needed.
Does this draw a lot of power? Will it raise the electric bill a lot? @recovatech
Are you supposed to turn off water chiller and pump when using ice bath?
No need! Just make sure to plug into a GFCI plug for extra safety. It's really no different than a hot tub or jacuzzi.
The water chiller says it only goes down to 68 degrees on amazon. Whats the lowest temp you've gotten it to?
I've had several of them, all different models but the "same" 1/3 HP chillers. For some reason they advertise 68 degrees, but I've had them down to 39 degrees. I'd say that if you want to keep your water in the 40s to 50s, they're a great option. Any colder and you should consider a 1/2 HP.
@@Recovatech I live in Florida northeast and my cold pod XL (116 gallon) is outside would a 1/3 Hp be able to keep it for 59-50 degrees Fahrenheit?
@@ericeckley5615 I'm in the South too and it gets to around 100 degrees with plenty of humidity around here. If you keep it out of direct sun, you should have no issues maintaining those temps.
Can you provide links to the different products please?
All of the links are in the description. If I can help you out in any way, let me know. Thanks for watching!
@@Recovatech thank you. Not sure how I missed that
Just use a freezer ....
I have a ice pod pro, which is holds 110 gallon. My set up would be outside on my back patio under an awning. I live in Central Indiana where the average temperature is roughly 85 degree in July & August. Do you think for my circumstances that I should upgrade to a 1/2HP chiller or do you believe the 1/3 HP chiller will do the trick? I like to plunge at 45 to 50 degrees.
Great question. So, yes, the 1/3hp will definitely work. That said, a bigger chiller has the advantage of cooling it down faster and potentially consume less energy because it won’t have to work quite as hard. The trade off being that 1/2 HP chillers run about $1000 or more.
@@Recovatech Thank you. I think I am going to go with your specific set up as Indiana is only hot for 3 months out of the year. The $1,000 chiller just seems a little over kill for the price point. Great video and thanks for the help!
@@Recovatech Thanks for the DIY video. I have been using the set up for a few weeks now and it works great!
Does it matter which side of the pump the strainer goes on?
The idea to have the strainer before the pump is to make sure the pump doesn’t get gunked up with grass/hair/dirt.
@@Recovatech I figured. In theory, do you need to use a submersible pump? Or could I get away with say a transfer pump from Harbor Freight.