Our ice baths are designed to produce and release sheets of ice into the water when the temperature of the water is near zero.
In this section we'll explain how this works, and what to do if your Brass Monkey is not producing ice as expected.
How a Brass Monkey bath produces ice
Our patented technology means our ice baths run what we call ’ice cycles’. Our residential ice product range has a cooling element running runs underneath the steel of the bath. When the water temperature drops below 1 degree, ice forms against the steel. Your bath then periodically puts this cooling element into reverse (we call this 'defrost') in order to release any ice from the steel into the water. When an ice sheet releases, it floats to the top of the water.
Consistency of ice sheets
Our ice baths run on software designed to optimise ice production when set below 1 degree. As the physics of the formation of ice will differs slightly depending on the environment the bath lives, you may need to try different temperatures, or use schedules, to optimise the consistency of ice production. If your bath lives outside, you'll also likely to need to tweak setting as the seasons change.
Another reason for Ice forming inconsistently is if the flow of water in your bath is low, this could be because the filter needs changing or the pre-filter is blocked. Try a filter change and see if the flow from the water inlet improves.
Not getting ice when expected?
Uncovered: Insulated cover is not used to cover your bath in between dips, the ice will melt quickly.
Temp not low enough: Typically, ice won't form until your bath is below 1 degree C. We recommend setting to 0.6 degrees.
Stuck ice: You may have ice, but it's stuck on the bottom. To release stuck ice, either enact a DEFROST (press and hold the UP arrow on the control panel), or if you have the app, simply click 'Release Ice' in Quick Actions.
Water too cold: OK, this one sounds weird! Ice forms on the bottom of your bath when it's cooling. When your bath is constantly at a very low temp (often the case in the winter when the ambient temperature is low), the cooling engine isn't on and ice is unlikely to form. Therefore try using a daily schedule. This lets the water temperature rise slightly each day, before coming down. It's this cooling that will help generate ice.
Ice melts!
Don't forget, as soon as ice is released into the water it starts to melt, even at super low temperatures. Therefore if you want ice for your daily dip, we recommend using the scheduling feature on the app to cool the water and produce ice for a time of your choosing. This will maximum the chances of ice being in your bath when you want it.
Don't forget the leatherette cover on your bath not only keeps out debris, but is also there to insulate the bath... keeping the cold in! So make sure when you are not taking a dip, you keep the cover on.
Want it cold but not with ice?
If you're not keen on ice for your dip, but you still want it cold, we recommend setting our bath no lower than 1.5 degrees.
Too little ice?
If you find you have too little ice and your bath is permanently set to a temperature below 1 degree, a common reason is due to low ambient temperatures where the bath is located (for example a bath located outside in Winter).
When you set the bath at a temperature the bath will maintain that temperature. When the ambient temperature is low the bath will need to cool a lot less. When ice melts it lowers the temperature of the water and won't create any more ice until the water temperature is above the set temperature. The best way to resolve ice issues when the weather is cold outside is to set a schedule.
When the bath is in a schedule, in between dip times the bath will allow the water temperature to rise to a max of 10 Degrees. It will always ensure your bath is at the set temperature for the start of your dip and because the bath has been allowed to warm the bath will create ice sheets to cool the water down.
Stuck ice
Manual ice release
Your bath is designed to form ice on the bottom at very low temperatures to create ice sheets. However, occasionally it may not release when expected.
To release stuck ice, either enact a DEFROST (press and hold the UP arrow on the control panel), or if you have the app, simply click 'Release Ice' in Quick Actions.
Keep getting stuck ice?
If you constantly get stuck ice, try raising the water temperature, then gradually bring it back down to find the temperature that works before for ice production, without the ice getting stuck.
1. Press defrost and wait 30 minutes for the ice to release.
2. Set your bath to 0.6 degrees C and wait 24 hours.
3. Reduce the temperature of your bath by 0.1 of a degree every 24 hours.
Also check there is a good flow in your bath from the water inlet hole as poor flow can affect ice releasing. If the flow in your bath seems low, check the pre-filter is clear of any debris and try replacing the particle filter to see if this improves.
If the issue persists, don't hesitate to get in touch and we'll check our bath's live stats (if connected to wifi) and if necessary make some adjustments to its settings.
support@brass monkey.co.uk