As cold plunges and ice baths become increasingly popular, a new document offers guidance in evaluating their design and operation.
Released recently by the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), the guidance is non-regulatory and does not establish new legal requirements. Instead, it provides a consistent framework for public health agencies and industry professionals. It outlines best practices for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of cold-water venues in commercial and wellness settings.
The guidance covers:
- Design and plan review, including bather load, water circulation, and condensation control
- Water quality and disinfection challenges unique to cold-water systems
- Operations and maintenance best practices
- Recommended signage and risk communication for bathers
- Special considerations for single-bather, small-volume systems
CMAHC’s Ad Hoc Cold-Water Venue Committee, comprising public health officials and aquatics industry experts from the US, Canada, and Australia, developed the guidance.
“Cold-water venues present operational and safety challenges that are meaningfully different from traditional pools and spas,” said Sarah Cheshire, committee chair. “This guidance gives regulators and operators a practical, science-based framework to work from.”
The full guidance document is available here.
