Troubleshooting Water Flow Fault of the Cold Plunge Cooler​: A Professional Guide

COLDCHILLER, a commercial cold plunge chiller​ manufacturer, is committed to providing users with comprehensive after-sales service. We are well aware that if the cold plunge cooler fails, it will cause you great trouble. In order to help you solve the water flow failure, we will provide you with the most practical solution. In this guide, you can also find cold plunge water treatment.

Water Circulation Route of Cold Plunge

The working principle of the cold plunge chiller is mainly through four core stages of evaporation, compression, condensation, and throttling, and it circulates continuously, removing heat in the process. So how does water circulate in the cold plunge cooler? Before understanding the E02 failure of the chiller, let’s understand how the water of the cold plunge circulates.
When the cold plunge cooler is turned on, the water pump will suck water from the ice bath tub into the pump body. The water comes out of the ice bath tub, is filtered through the filter, and the water enters the water pump.

After that, the water is transported to the evaporator of the cold plunge chiller by the water pump to exchange heat with the low-temperature refrigerant. The cooled water returns to the bath, forming a stable low-temperature water cycle.

Unlock the Reason of Cold Plunge Cooler Unit Water Flow Fault

E02 is a common fault that occurs during the water circulation process. E02 refers to water flow fault. Usually the reason for E02 is that the inlet water temperature and the internal water temperature of the evaporator exceed the F19 (inlet and outlet temperature difference) setting value and the cold plunge chiller filter is blocked.

The Inlet Water Temperature and the Internal Temperature of the Evaporator Exceed the F19 Setting Value

The temperature probe is inaccurate or malfunctions, and it is mistakenly detected that the inlet water temperature and the internal water temperature of the evaporator exceed the allowable range set by “F19”. At this time, in order to protect the normal operation of the system, the system will issue a reminder, which is our code E02.

Filter Blockage

The filter cartridge of the cold plunge cooler has not been cleaned and replaced for a long time, and impurities will accumulate in the filter, causing blockage. The filter blockage causes water circulation to be blocked. To ensure smooth water flow, it is recommended to check and replace the filter element, or clean the filter cartridge to prevent dirt or impurities from affecting the normal operation of the equipment.

Expert Advice: How to Solve Water Flow Failure?

Follow the COLDCHILLER instructions step by step, and the water flow fault will be solved soon. You also can solve the fault according to the video below.

Filling with Water

If you are using the cold plunge cooler for the first time, fill it with tap water when the cold plunge cooler is started until the water pump runs normally. First, make sure the water level is above the water inlet and outlet.
Second, connect the water pipe to the water inlet of the cold plunge tub. Turn on the faucet and fill the cold plunge cooler​ with water from the water inlet until there are no bubbles at the water outlet. Then restart the chiller.

Check if the Water Inlet and Outlet Are Blocked by Foreign Objects

Check if the water inlet and outlet of the ice bath tub are blocked by leaves, paper towels, or hair. If foreign objects are found, clean them out of the water inlet and outlet.

Clean the Water Inlet Mesh

There is a filter mesh at the water inlet of the cold plunge tub to help further enhance the filtering effect. If there is a mesh at the water inlet, you need to clean the impurities in the mesh. Take out the water inlet mesh and clean it. After cleaning, install the mesh back to the water inlet. It is worth noting that when installing at the water inlet mesh, you need to press it appropriately to fit the position.

Clean or Replace the Filter Cartridge

If your cold plunge cooler​ has been in use for a while, you need to clean or replace the filter element. Our chillers come with a wrench to help you remove the filter.
Use a wrench or your hands to unscrew the filter and remove the filter cup. Remove the filter element. If you are using a paper filter cartridge, we recommend that you replace it after 10-15 uses. If you are using a stainless steel filter cartridge, we recommend that you use a high-pressure water gun to rinse it. If you don’t have a high-pressure water gun at home, you can also use a garden hose.

Install the new paper filter cartridge or cleaned stainless steel filter cartridge into the filter cup. Finally, use a wrench to install the removed filter back in place.

Set F19

Find “Settings” in your control panel. Click to enter. Press the “Parameter”, type “8888” and press “√” to enter the parameter interface. Find F19 code, then click value.
A new interface will pop up, enter the value 45. Because the temperature of the water inlet and the internal temperature of the evaporator is greater than the temperature difference value originally set by the machine. Therefore, we recommend that you increase the temperature difference setting value (F19) to a value greater than the alarm value. In order to ensure that the reset temperature difference value is greater than the temperature difference value that causes the alarm, we recommend that you adjust the temperature difference value to the maximum, i.e. 45.
Then Press “√”. Then click “return”.
Then click “confirmed settting”. Finally, click “return” to return to the main interface. Click “On/Off” to restart the machine.

How to Prevent Water Flow Failure? Maintenance Suggestions for Cold Plunge Cooler

To reduce the occurrence of failures, the best thing to do is to prevent them in advance. Proper maintenance and care of the cold plunge cooler can minimize the occurrence of failures and keep your water chiller in the best operating condition.

Clean and Replace the Filter Cartridge Regularly

After the filter cartridge has been used for a long time, the filtered impurities will accumulate in the filter element, which will slow down the speed of water flow and affect the filtering effect. Blockage of the filter element is a common cause of water flow failure.
In order to reduce the occurrence of failures, it is necessary to clean or replace the filter cartridge regularly. If you feel that the filter cartridge has obvious dirt and the water flow rate has decreased, you should clean the filter cartridge.

Clean the Mesh Regularly

The mesh at the water inlet can filter impurities such as hair, paper towels, leaves, etc. Clean the mesh regularly to prevent impurities from accumulating in the mesh at the water inlet and causing blockage. If there is a mesh on the water inlet of your ice bath tub, it needs to be treated promptly.

Maintain Proper Water Quality

Water contains many minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. They will leave dirt on pipes and filters and reduce water flow. Proper water quality can reduce the formation and accumulation of scale. You can reduce scale residue by softening water, deionizing water, or using some chemicals to adjust the pH value of water.

Check the Temperature Sensor Regularly to See if It Is in Working Condition.

Check if the temperature sensor plug is loose and if the circuit is damaged or aged.

Cold Plunge Water Treatment

Good water quality plays an important role in keeping your ice bath system clean and running efficiently. If the ice bath water is not treated, it will cause bacteria to grow, scale to accumulate, and pipes to become clogged, affecting your health and causing equipment failure.

So how do you keep your cold plunge water clean? Here is the cold plunge water treatment.

Rinse Your Body

Before taking a cold water immersion, give your body a brief rinse, especially your back and feet, where you tend to sweat. Oil, sweat, and debris on the surface of your skin can contaminate the ice bath water, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This step can effectively prevent impurities from your body from being introduced into the ice bath water.

Change the Water Regularly

Even if you take a variety of protective measures, the ice bath water will gradually become dirty as the number of uses increases. COLDCHILLER recommends that you change the water after using the ice bath 10-20 times. Regularly changing the water is the most direct way to reduce the generation of bacteria and ensure the cleanliness of the water.

Filter the Water with a Filter

Use a small filter to filter out foreign objects such as hair, leaves, and paper towels from the water. This not only ensures the cleanliness of the water, but also prevents foreign objects from clogging the filter and affecting the normal flow of water.

Place a Lid on the Ice Bath

When you are not using the ice bath, cover the bath with a lid to prevent dust and leaves from falling into the water. This method ensures that the cold water immersion is clean from the source.

Purify Water

Use ultraviolet disinfection, ozone treatment, chlorine or bromine disinfection to effectively inhibit bacterial growth and keep the water clean. Water contains many minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can easily cause scale formation and accumulation.

You can reduce scale residue and maintain proper water quality by softening water and deionizing water, or you can use some chemicals to adjust the pH value of water.

Water flow fault of the cold plunge cooler can be solved by filling water, cleaning and replacing filter elements, and setting F19 parameters.

If you need further help, we are happy to answer your questions. As a professional commercial chiller manufacturer, we will do our best to provide you with comprehensive technical support.

Thank you for choosing our chiller products. We always focus on providing customers with better services.

If you want to know other solutions to chiller faultures, click the link to find out.

If you need to buy stainless steel filter elements and paper cores in bulk, COLDCHILLER welcomes you to come and buy. Order now and enjoy discounts immediately.