How Much Electricity Does a Cold Plunge Use Per? A Complete Guide to Energy Efficiency

Cold plunges offer significant health benefits. When we enjoy a cold plunge, using a cold plunge chiller to cool the water not only involves water costs but also raises concerns about electricity expenses. Many of our customers are particularly curious about the electricity consumption required for cooling. So, how much electricity does a cold plunge use per ? Let ColdChiller, the manufacturer, reveal the answer!

The power consumption of a 1HP cold plunge chiller is listed as 1kWh by the manufacturer. However, our actual measurements reveal that real-time power consumption varies depending on the ambient temperature and water temperature. The results are as follows:

• When the ambient temperature is 36°C, the initial power consumption ranges from 1080W to 1000W.
• When the ambient temperature is 22°C to 27°C, the initial power consumption ranges from 900W to 700W.

Coldchiller Actual Test Ice bath Chiller Cost to Run

According to measurements by ColdChiller manufacturers, when the ambient temperature is 36°C and the water temperature is 25°C, it takes approximately 5 hours and 4 to 5 kW of energy to cool the water to 3°C in a well-ventilated environment with 400 liters of water. However, actual results may vary depending on fluctuations in the ambient temperature.

For the United States

Based on the average residential electricity rate in the United States, which ranges from $0.12 to $0.20 per kWh for single-phase electricity, the cost to run a cold plunge consuming 5kW of power is about :

• At $0.12 per kWh:5kWh×0.12USD/kWh=0.60USD
• At $0.20 per kWh: 5kWh×0.20USD/kWh=1.00USD （For reference only)

For Australia

The average cost of residential electricity in Australia typically ranges between AUD 0.20 and AUD 0.35 per kWh. Therefore, the electricity cost for running a cold plunge can be calculated as follows:

• At 0.20 AUD per kWh: 5 kWh × 0.20 AUD = 1.00 AUD
• At 0.35 AUD per kWh: 5 kWh × 0.35 AUD = 1.75 AUD

For Canada

Average residential electricity costs in Canada typically range from CAD 0.15 to CAD 0.17 per kWh, depending on the province or region. The cost of operating a cold plunge will vary based on this rate and the amount of energy consumed during the cooling process. For example, if a cold plunge uses 5 kW of energy over 5 hours, the cost would be approximately

• At 0.08 CAD per kWh: 5 kWh × 0.15 CAD =0 .75 CAD
• At 0.15 CAD per kWh: 5 kWh × 0.17 CAD = 0.85 CAD

What You Must Know Key Factors Affecting Electricity Consumption In Cold Plunge ！

The factors that affect the power consumption of a cold plunge chiller are crucial for cold plunge enthusiasts to consider.

Environmental Factors

The cooling operates in a relatively low-temperature environment, and the power consumption of the cold plunge chiller will be relatively
low. Power consumption is highest at noon and during extremely hot conditions.

Water Volume

The amount of water has a significant impact on the cooling time. For example, under the same conditions, it takes about 7-8 hours to cool 600 liters of water to 3°C, while 400 liters of water can be cooled in about 4-5 hours. If the cooling time is prolonged, the power consumption naturally increases. ColdChiller recommends selecting the appropriate amount of water to reduce energy consumption.

This statement is in line with basic thermodynamics: cooling a larger volume of water requires more energy and more time. Adjusting the water volume can optimize efficiency and minimize unnecessary energy consumption.

Water Temperature

The influence of water temperature is significant. Based on our measurements, the lower the water temperature, the less power is consumed by the chiller. For instance, when the water temperature is between 25°C and 20°C with an ambient temperature of 36°C, the chiller consumes between 1150W and 1080W. When the water temperature drops to 20°C-15°C, the power consumption decreases to between 1080W and 900W. If the water temperature is below 10°C, the chiller’s power consumption further reduces to between 850W and 780W.

（Electric power variation diagram when ambient temperature is 22℃-26℃）

Cold Plunge Chiller Power

Cold plunge chillers are typically 1HP, while our ColdChiller units are generally 1HP+; this means our chillers provide superior cooling performance compared to older models on the market.

The Influence of the Internal Structure of the Cold Plunge Chiller

ColdChiller chillers feature two distinct internal structures:

• The plate exchange-microchannel structure.

• The tubular titanium structure.

It is important to note that, under the same environmental conditions, the chiller with the plate exchange-microchannel structure provides a cooling effect that is 30-60 minutes faster than the tubular titanium structure.

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Coldchiller Manufacturer Cold Plunge Test

This outlines the process of power consumption measurement conducted by our manufacturer. The test conditions were as follows:

• Water Volume: Approximately 600–700 liters, equivalent to a two-person bathtub.
• Test Environment: Conducted in an unventilated space without an insulation cover.
• Ambient Temperature: Started at 22.8℃ in the morning.
• Initial Water Temperature: 20.4℃.

Throughout the test, we observed that higher ambient temperatures led to increased power consumption. Additionally, as the water temperature decreased in the later stages, the rate of cooling slowed. For instance, once the water temperature reached 3°C, it took progressively longer to drop by 0.1°C.

In this test, it took 6–7 hours for the water temperature to reach 3°C.

How To Choose Energy-Saving And Reliable Cold Plunge For Your Purchase

With so many products on the market, how do we make the right choice? There are two main scenarios to consider:

For Business Needs:

If you’re planning to operate a business—whether online or offline—or need to purchase a large quantity of cold plunge tubs, chillers, or similar products for gyms, spas, supermarkets, etc., it’s best to work directly with a reputable manufacturer like ColdChiller. Only established manufacturers can meet requirements such as mass production, customizations, and reliable after-sales support. In China, only a few companies focus on product research and development, while most are trading companies without manufacturing expertise. It’s essential to distinguish between them when making a purchase.

 

For Personal Use:

For individual buyers, ColdChiller recommends purchasing from local distributors or country-specific platforms like Amazon or Shopify. While buying directly from Chinese manufacturers may be more cost-effective, it often comes with challenges in after-sales service and assembly, as support is usually provided remotely.

Heating and Cooling in Cold Plunge : Which Parts Consume the Most Electricity?

Our machine also features a heating function. Tests under identical conditions revealed that heating to 39°C consumes more power than cooling to 3°C. For instance, when the water temperature is at 20°C, the power consumption is 850W, while at 30°C, it increases to 930W

The actual heating performance of the chiller is as follows:

• Ambient temperature: 20.8°C
• Initial water temperature: 8.7°C
• Water volume: 600–700 liters
• Conditions: No ventilation or insulation cover during operation
• Maximum temperature reached: Approximately 6–7 hours

Key Observations
Heating consumes significantly more power compared to cooling. The primary reason lies in the mid-range water temperature. When the water temperature reaches 30°C, power consumption peaks, and the chiller operates for an extended duration to maintain the heating process.

is the Insulation Cover Effective During the Cooling and Heating Process?

Through testing, we found that our thermal insulation cover significantly enhances both the cooling and heating processes. With the cover, the cooling and heating times are approximately 30 minutes faster compared to operating without it. Therefore, choosing a thermal insulation cover is a crucial consideration when purchasing a cold plunge tub.

Importance of Regular Maintenance and Cleaning to Improve Cold Plunge Chiller Energy Efficiency

Regular maintenance and cleaning of the cold plunge chiller are essential, particularly the filter. A blocked filter element can restrict water flow, reduce cooling efficiency, and hinder the chiller’s performance. In severe cases, it may even lead to damage to the chiller.

The picture above shows that one of our customers discovered the ozone function was not working during use. We professionally guided the customer to inspect the unit, and upon disassembling the filter, found that the filter element was blocked by impurities. If the filter element is not cleaned for an extended period, the refrigeration effect slows, and the water pump is more likely to be damaged. Impurities may also pass through the water channels, potentially damaging other components of the refrigerator. As a customer-focused supplier, we ultimately sent the customer a new accessory free of charge. This demonstrates how we, as a coldchiller manufacturer, handle after-sales service.

How to Improve Refrigeration Efficiency by Correctly Placing the Cold Plunge Tub

From the above, we can conclude that factors such as ambient temperature, daily maintenance of the cold plunge chiller, and water volume significantly impact the energy consumption during daily use. Since climate and temperature vary across countries, it is important to avoid placing the chiller in direct sunlight and to ensure it is in a well-ventilated area. Regular maintenance of the chiller is essential for optimal performance, allowing for a more enjoyable and efficient cold plunge experience.