Ice Bath in the Winter
Freezing outdoor temperatures are not a problem.
We build Morozko ice baths for resilience.
Every Morozko comes with a heating coil wrapped around the water filter to add warmth to the water when the outside air drops below 40°F. The extra layer of heat helps to guard the filter against freezing outside in the cold, which may cause it to crack. However, for extra precaution, please review our winterization protocol below.
To continue using your Morozko outdoors through the winter months:
When the outdoor temperature falls below 40°F (4°C):
1. Set the filtration timer to “ON”.
(See video for a quick 'how-to'.)
2. Continue to run the filter pump 24/7. With the water moving constantly thru the heated filter, it will stay liquid inside your filter & plumbing lines at temperature as low as 10°F without causing damage. This ensures that water does not freeze in the plumbing lines & damage any of the mechanical parts.
3. Turn the ice bath temperature up to 40°F (4°C) as an extra precaution against water freezing in different parts of the unit.
The above steps are necessary for ALL outdoor Morozko Forge ice baths & plunges in regions that experience extreme cold weather conditions & will keep your Morozko functional down to -10°F (-22°C) so you can continue your ice bath practice through the winter.
To shut your ice bath down for the winter months:
When the filter, pump, and tub are dry, freezing winter temperatures pose no threat to your Morozko.
1. Unplug your Morozko.
2. Drain all water from the tub.
3. Use a shop vacuum or towels to remove any remaining water from the filter housing.
4. Remove and rinse the filter cartridge & allow it to dry completely.
5. Unscrew the filter housing top & leave it cracked open, or remove it altogether & store it in the mechanical space.
6. Allow any moisture trapped inside the plumbing system to dry out completely.
7. Replace & secure the lid for the season.
To prepare your body for winter plunging:
As read in "Safety Protocols for Winter Ice Bath", there are precautions you can take to stay prepared to avoid cold overdosing:
1. Do not prolong your ice bath past the point at which you feel the urge to shiver,
2. Towel off immediately upon emerging from the water,
3. Use some light exercise to restore circulation to your extremities. Some of the exercises that may work well include:
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squats & lunges
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jumping jacks
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pushups & pullups
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kettlebell swings & steel mace
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a brisk walk
4. Get dressed in warm clothes and use a red light and/or sauna if you feel the need to rewarm rapidly.