How Much Electricity Does a Cold Plunge Use?

TL;DR: Cold plunges, while beneficial for wellness, can impact electricity bills, especially if a chiller is used. Learn how to calculate energy usage and explore cost-saving strategies for a more energy-efficient plunge experience.

Main Points:

• Cold plunge benefits: muscle recovery, reduced stress, better mood, and improved focus.
• Energy factors: pool size, insulation, and chiller efficiency affect electricity usage.
• Cost calculation: estimate power consumption using formulas or energy meters.
• Saving tips: use insulated chillers, run them 24/7, and explore affordable electricity plans.

From muscle recovery to mental health benefits, the cold plunge craze has the potential to transform your health. That leads many people to ask if it also has the potential to transform their monthly energy bill.

How much electricity does a cold plunge use per session, and are the benefits worth the price?

This can be a valid concern for those who use plunge pools with built-in chillers. Exact electricity usage varies. However, there are some guidelines that can help you determine if your morning plunge is worth taking a financial plunge.

Keep reading to learn more about this wellness trend, and how to maintain financial wellness in the process.

Lately, everyone from popular influencers and celebrities to elite athletes is taking the plunge. Over the past few years, cold plunges have become a mainstay of wellness culture.

Also known as “cold water immersion,” the process involves briefly immersing yourself in water below 50°F. Plungers spend anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes in the chilly water, often starting small and building tolerance.

Participants frequently cite both physical and mental health benefits. These make this daily practice a solid component of many holistic wellness routines. According to The Mayo Clinic, there is still research to be done.

With that said, a few of the most commonly cited benefits include:

• Enhanced muscle recovery following exercise
• Lower cortisol levels, reducing daily stress
• Improved mood due to a sudden release of endorphins
• Decreased inflammation in the body
• Quick cool-down following physical exertion
• Improved focus and sleep quality

There can be some risks to trying out the cold plunge trend, too. We recommend getting cleared by a doctor before attempting this viral craze.

Wellness often requires an investment. Cold plunge tubs with dedicated chiller units can cost thousands of dollars. Once you install your tub, there are ongoing expenses to consider, too. Your cold plunge has electrical requirements that can drive up your monthly energy bill before you realize it.

Factors that contribute to cold plunge electrical requirements include:

• The size and volume of your plunge pool – smaller pools use less electricity
• The efficiency of your pump and chiller
• How well-insulated the plunge pool is
• The location of your plunge pool – is it in direct sunlight or shaded?

The primary culprit is the chiller unit, which cools down your tub and keeps your water icy cool. During the initial cooling process, the average chiller uses as much as 10 amps of power. That’s equivalent to 120 volts, and 1.2 kwH per hour.

What does that mean for your electric bill?

In most cases, your electricity bill is calculated by multiplying the rate per kWh by kWh used. The median kWh used per month in America is approximately 900 kWh. That’s about 30 kWH per day.

There is a huge variation in the amount of energy a given plunge pool uses. You might consider using a plug-in energy meter. It’s the easiest way to accurately determine how much energy your specific pool and setup requires.

You don’t need an energy meter to estimate how much electricity your plunge pool uses in a month. Start by looking at the power rating on each component of your cold plunge setup. It should be listed in either watts or kilowatts on the packaging, instruction manual, and/or manufacturer’s website. Pay particular attention to the pump, chiller, and any dedicated lighting in the pool area.

Then, estimate approximately how many hours per day you run each piece of equipment. Be aware this may vary based on ambient temperature and insulation.

Even the weather can play a role. If the pool is well-insulated or in a mild climate, the chiller may run less frequently. Conversely, poor insulation or extreme weather can increase consumption.

Take that information and calculate your daily energy usage. The formula is Energy Consumption (kWh)= Power (kW) × Runtime (hours). Multiply the total by the number of days in the month.

Finally, multiply the energy usage by your local electricity rate (cost per kWh). That’s how much you pay to plunge per month.

If that number seems high, there are several ways to reduce it.

First, consider choosing an insulated chiller. This keeps the water colder for longer, which means your chiller won’t have to run as often.

With that said, keeping your chiller running 24/7 can save you money, too. While counterintuitive, chillers use the most electricity when initially cooling your water. By running it constantly eliminates the need to turn it on before each use. As a result, you can significantly reduce how much power you pull per day.

The above combination can consistently cut electricity costs for cold plunge pools of all sizes.

Another approach? Consider reducing the amount you pay per kWh for electricity.

If you live in a deregulated state, you may have more control than you think over your energy costs. Start by browsing the energy marketplace at EnergyPricing.com. Compare your current rate with the most current rates from pre-vetted energy companies in your area.

It takes as little as two minutes to switch to a more affordable energy plan. Ready to take the plunge? Start by entering your zip code.