FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What are the dimensions?
The ice bath outer dimensions - L1370mm x W720mm x H830mm
The chiller - L800mm x 480mm x 475mm
2. How noisy is the chiller unit
The level of noise in decibels (dB) is 52 dB(A) - the sound is similar in intensity as a running hot tub.
3. How fast does the chiller unit cool down or heat up the water?
The chiller unit can cool down or heat up the water temperature 4-5°C per hour, depending on the ambient temperature.
4. How often should I have an ice bath?
The frequency of ice baths depends on individual preferences, needs, and goals. Some athletes may incorporate them into their recovery routine several times a week, while others use them sparingly or for specific occasions. If you're in good health, there's no harm in taking daily plunges. If you're unsure, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable frequency and duration based on your specific circumstances.
5. Can the ice bath be placed outside?
The ice bath can be placed outside or inside. If placed outside, we recommend positioning the ice bath and chiller under cover and away from the elements to prevent damage from various weather conditions.
6. What is the warranty and what does it cover?
*We offer a 12 month limited warranty on the tub and on the chiller, plumbing and electrical, providing the ice bath and chiller are stored and maintained as per instructions.
7. Do you have a user guide?
8. How cold does the chiller get?
*Based on testing, the chiller can get down to 3-4°C in cooler ambient temperatures, however in warmer climates or if the tub/chiller receive direct sunlight, these temperatures can vary.
9. Do your ice baths require maintenance?
We recommend cleaning the tub with a soft brush or sponge, and rinse it with clean water after removing the dirt. Do not use the sharp objects or a hard brush to scrape the wooden tub, otherwise it will damage the waterproof of the tub. Depending on the location of where the ice bath is stored, it is recommended to oil the tub every 6-12 months with a clear timber sealer, such as Tung Oil. A thin bead of silicon can also be applied to the internal base of the tub floor perimeter if required.
When cleaning the stainless steel bands, please use the warm water and weak acid bleach. Do not use alkaline bleach to clean, otherwise it will destroy the protection layer. Use a stainless steel cleaner and cloth. Alternatively, you can wipe the stainless steel bands with methylated spirits to remove water marks. Do not scrape the steel with sharp objects or a hard brush, as this will damage the surface.
10. What is thermally-modified timber?
Thermally-modified timber, as the name suggests, is wood that has undergone heat treatment to alter its physical and aesthetic properties. The process is commonly used for outdoor furniture as it renders the wood more durable and resistant to moisture, decay and insect damage. Here's a brief overview of the process of thermally modifying rubberwood for our ice baths:
DRYING: The first step is drying. In this stage, the moisture content of the timber is reduced to approximately six percent. This step is critical to ensure that the timber is stable during heat treatment and to obtain the desired product qualities.
HEATING: The wood is then heated to around 180-215°C to reduce its moisture content and alter its physical and chemical properties.
COOLING: After the heating process, the timber is cooled gradually to room temperature under vacuum conditions to reduce the wood's propensity to crack.
FINISHING: Once cooled, the wood is planed to give it the desired finish and appearance. Thermal modification process alters the wood cell structure of the material and reduces its ability to absorb moisture. The end product is denser and stiffer than untreated wood, thereby reducing shrinkage and warping. As a result, the timber is more stable, resistant to decay, and has exceptional longevity. The finished product is ideal for outdoor ice baths, as it requires less maintenance compared to untreated timber and has a reduced risk of rot.
11. What makes thermally-modified rubberwood so great?
Thermally-modified rubberwood is an excellent material choice for making an ice bath for a number of reasons:
HIGH-DENSITY MATERIAL: Thermally-modified rubberwood is a dense and highly compressed material that has a high resistance to water and moisture, which means it doesn't swell, shrink or warp easily when exposed to water.
THERMAL STABILITY: The thermally-modified process stabilises rubberwood, meaning it is better able to withstand sudden temperature changes and stays stable through use.
DURABILITY: Rubberwood, due to its thermal modification processes, doesn't rot or decay easily and has a longer lifespan compared to other wood species typically used for ice baths.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL: We've made sure that our thermally-modified rubberwood is harvested sustainably which makes choosing it for an ice bath more environmentally friendly.
Other than these main reasons, modified rubberwood's resistance to warping and reduced risk of bacterial formation make it an ample choice for an ice bath.
12. What should I expect with the timber in the ice bath tub initially?
As a natural material crafted from timber, you may notice some initial expansion and contraction during the first few days as the wood acclimates to water and external temperatures, causing water to seep. This is a common occurrence and typically resolves itself after this brief adjustment period.
Due to its natural timber composition, our plunges may exhibit variations in colour and may undergo changes due to external factors.
13. What should I do if I notice an leaks in the plumbing of the tub or chiller?
It's normal for the plumbing to require occasional maintenance. If you observe any leaks, we recommend tightening the connections. Applying plumbers tape to the threaded areas can also help prevent and address minor leaks. If issues persist, it's advisable to contact us for further assistance.
14. Is it normal to experience condensation on the tub?
Yes, it's completely normal to observe condensation on the tub due to the varying water temperature. The temperature difference between the cold water in the ice bath and the surrounding air can lead to condensation. This occurrence doesn't impact the functionality of the ice bath and it is a natural result of its cooling properties.
15. Where do you ship?
We currently offer shipping within Australia only.
16. How much does shipping cost?
Shipping inside of Australia will take place via road-freight and will vary depending on the destination. Please contact us for quote at info@glaceplunge.com.au.
17. How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Delivery time will vary depending on product availability and your location. Please contact us to receive an approximate timeframe at info@glaceplunge.com.au.