7 Ways to Make Lots of Ice for Ice Baths

The effectiveness of an ice bath is significantly dependent on having enough ice to achieve the desired cold temperature.

The main ways to make or source enough ice for an ice bath are:

Make enough ice for ice baths by using commercial ice bags, creating large ice blocks, optimizing freezer space, investing in ice maker machines, partnering with local businesses, employing bulk ice production techniques, or initiating community ice-making projects.

This article explains seven ways to keep enough ice on hand, plus what each one can realistically produce.

The Importance of Making Enough Ice for an Ice Bath

Creating an ice bath that is both effective and beneficial requires a substantial amount of ice.

A Cochrane review found some evidence that cold water immersion reduces muscle soreness after exercise compared with rest.

Without sufficient ice, the water may not reach a cold enough temperature, diminishing the ice bath’s effectiveness.

Having enough ice ready, and a thermometer to check the water, makes it easier to reach the intended temperature without guessing.

7 Best Ways to Make Lots of Ice for Ice Baths

Let’s go through all of the best ways to make lots of ice for ice baths.

You don’t need to use every method every time. Find the method that works best for you and just do that one.

1. Utilize Commercial Ice Bags

Investing in commercial ice bags is a straightforward method to ensure you have a large quantity of ice at your disposal.

These bags are readily available at most convenience stores or gas stations and can be a quick solution for those needing ice in large quantities without the wait.

The convenience factor is significant, as it eliminates the need for preparation or equipment.

However, the cost can add up over time, making it a less economical option for regular ice bath enthusiasts.

Despite this, the immediate availability and the hassle-free aspect make commercial ice bags an attractive option for many.

Use ordinary water ice only. Never use dry ice to chill a bath. It can burn skin and it releases carbon dioxide gas, which is dangerous in a small room.

2. DIY Ice Block Makers

Creating your own ice blocks at home can be a cost-effective and satisfying way to produce the necessary ice for your baths.

By using larger containers, such as plastic storage bins or oversized ice cube trays, you can freeze substantial blocks of ice.

This method requires a bit of planning, as these larger blocks will take more time to freeze, often a day or more depending on the freezer temperature and the size of the container.

A block of ice lasts longer than the same weight of ice cubes, so it keeps the bath cold for longer. The trade-off is that a block also chills the water more slowly, so add blocks well before getting in or combine them with loose ice.

This method is perfect for those who are organized and can anticipate their ice bath needs in advance.

3. Freezer Optimization for Ice Production

Maximizing your freezer’s ice-making capabilities is another method to ensure a steady supply of ice.

This involves organizing your freezer to dedicate a significant portion of its space for ice production.

Using multiple ice cube trays or small containers can help produce ice more efficiently.

Keep in mind that setting your freezer to a lower temperature can speed up the freezing process.

This method requires regular attention to transfer the newly formed ice cubes to bags or bins, freeing up the trays or containers for another batch.

It is a more hands-on approach with little extra cost, but output is limited. GE says a refrigerator ice maker produces only about 3 to 4.5 pounds of ice per day, so relying on that alone means saving ice for about a week per bath. Extra trays and containers are what make this method practical.

4. Ice Maker Machines

Investing in an ice maker machine specifically designed for high-volume ice production can be a game-changer for avid ice bath users.

Output varies widely by type. GE lists its countertop Opal nugget ice maker at 24 pounds of ice per day, with a bin that holds up to 48 ounces at a time. A countertop unit therefore needs about a full day of running, with the ice moved to a freezer as it is made, to produce enough for one bath. GE lists a built-in clear ice maker at 48 pounds per day.

While the initial investment is higher, the convenience and efficiency of having a continuous ice supply can justify the cost for those who regularly take ice baths.

Plus, you’ve got a bunch of different sizes to pick from with these machines.

So, finding one that’ll fit right in your space and make the amount of ice you need is pretty straightforward.

5. Collaborate with Local Businesses

Forming partnerships with local businesses that have a surplus of ice, such as restaurants or cafes, can be an innovative way to source large quantities of ice.

Some businesses may be willing to sell or give away spare ice. Ask first, since availability and prices vary.

This approach requires networking and negotiation but can be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

6. Bulk Ice Production Techniques

Adopting bulk ice production techniques at home, such as using large commercial ice trays or specialized ice-making accessories, can streamline the process of making large quantities of ice.

Stackable trays and lidded moulds make better use of freezer space than loose containers.

This method combines efficiency with practicality, catering to those who prefer a DIY approach but with the assistance of tools that enhance productivity.

7. Community Ice-Making Initiatives

Engaging in community ice-making initiatives can offer a sustainable and communal solution to ice production.

This involves collaborating with neighbors or fellow athletes to share resources and collectively produce the required ice.

Such initiatives can be organized through social media groups or local clubs, where participants contribute either by providing freezer space or by purchasing ice in bulk together.

This not only ensures a steady ice supply but also fosters a sense of community and shared commitment to recovery and wellness.

By pooling resources, participants can take advantage of bulk purchasing discounts and distribute the workload of ice production.

As you might guess, all of this makes it a cost-effective and social way to meet their ice bath needs.

This video shows one way to make ice for an ice bath:

How to Use Frozen Water Bottles Instead of Ice for Ice Baths

Using frozen water bottles as an alternative to traditional ice cubes is an ingenious and eco-friendly method for cooling your ice bath.

This approach not only reduces waste but also offers a reusable solution.

To implement this method, fill several plastic water bottles with tap water, leaving about an inch of space at the top.

The space allows for expansion as the water freezes.

Place the bottles in your freezer and allow them to freeze completely, which may take a few hours to overnight depending on the size of the bottles and the temperature of your freezer.

Once frozen, you can add these ice bottles directly to your bathwater.

The ice inside a bottle melts more slowly than loose ice, so bottles cool the water more gradually. Put them in well before the bath, and expect to need about the same total weight of ice as with loose ice, because the cooling comes from the ice melting.

Avoid holding frozen bottles or ice against bare skin for long periods.

After use, simply refreeze the bottles for next time, making this a sustainable and cost-effective method for your recovery sessions.

FAQ Section

Finally, here is a FAQ section to answer your questions about making enough ice for ice baths.

1. How much ice do you need for an ice bath?

The amount of ice needed for an ice bath varies depending on the volume of water and the desired temperature.

There is no fixed amount, because it depends on how much water is in the tub and how warm the tap water is. As a rough physics estimate, a tub holding about 36 gallons of tap water at 65 to 70°F needs roughly 20 to 40 pounds of ice to reach 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C). If the tap water is nearer 80°F, expect 45 pounds or more. Starting with cold tap water, and less of it, reduces the ice needed.

Use a thermometer to check the water instead of relying on a set amount of ice, and add ice gradually.

2. How often do you need to make ice for an ice bath?

How often you need to make ice for your baths really hinges on how regularly you’re planning to take them for recovery.

If you take ice baths regularly, such as after daily workouts, you might need to make ice daily or have a continuous ice-making process in place.

For less frequent use, preparing ice a day or two in advance of your planned bath can suffice.

Consistency and planning are key to ensuring you have enough ice when needed.

3. Can you make too much ice for an ice bath?

It’s possible to make more ice than you need for a single ice bath, but it doesn’t have to go to waste.

Excess ice can be stored in the freezer for future use, provided you have enough storage space.

Having extra ice on hand can be beneficial, ensuring you’re always prepared for your next ice bath without the need for last-minute preparations.

4. What to do when you make too much ice for your ice bath?

If you find yourself with more ice than needed, consider storing it in the freezer for future baths.

Alternatively, you can use the excess ice for other purposes, such as cooling drinks for post-workout hydration, making a cold pack for a minor injury (wrapped in a cloth, not placed directly on the skin), or even offering it to neighbors or friends.

Excess ice doesn’t have to be a problem; it can be an opportunity for creative use.

5. How cold should an ice bath be for optimal benefits?

Medical sources commonly suggest 50 to 59°F (10 to 15°C), especially for beginners. Cleveland Clinic advises not going below 40°F (4°C), and UPMC says water below 45°F is not necessary and can be risky for most people.

Water in this range is still cold enough to trigger the cold shock response, a sudden rise in breathing rate, heart rate and blood pressure, and staying in too long can cause hypothermia. Get in slowly and keep sessions short.

A waterproof thermometer is the simplest way to confirm the temperature before getting in.

6. How long should you stay in an ice bath?

Start with a minute or two and build up gradually. Medical sources set different upper limits: Cleveland Clinic says a session should never go longer than five minutes, Mayo Clinic Health System describes working up to five to 10 minutes, and UPMC says not to stay in for more than 15 minutes.

A 2016 review of cold water immersion studies reported the best results for muscle soreness at 11 to 15°C for 11 to 15 minutes, but guidance for home use is more cautious than the research protocols.

It’s important to listen to your body’s signals and gradually acclimate to the cold, especially if you are new to ice baths.

7. Can ice baths help with weight loss?

While ice baths may ease muscle soreness after exercise, there’s limited evidence to suggest they significantly aid in weight loss directly.

The NIH explains that cold temperatures activate brown fat, which breaks down glucose and fat to produce heat. Ice baths have not been shown to cause meaningful weight loss.

8. Are there any risks associated with taking ice baths?

Ice baths carry real risks, and their safety has not been well studied. The Cochrane review noted that most trials did not actively monitor for harmful effects.

People with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage or Raynaud’s disease, and anyone who is pregnant, should speak to a healthcare provider before trying an ice bath. UPMC advises people with several of these conditions to avoid ice baths altogether.

Getting into cold water triggers a sudden rise in breathing rate, heart rate and blood pressure, known as the cold shock response, and staying in too long can lead to hypothermia. Do not take an ice bath alone, get out if shivering will not stop or you feel confused, and warm up slowly afterwards.

9. How often should you take ice baths for recovery?

How often you get into an ice bath really depends on how active you are and what your body needs to recover.

After hard endurance or team sport sessions, an ice bath may help ease muscle soreness. For people doing resistance training, Mayo Clinic Health System notes that cold water after sessions may hinder long-term gains in strength and muscle growth.

For casual exercisers, a less frequent schedule may be sufficient.

Final Thoughts: Ways to Make Lots of Ice for Ice Baths

Whether you opt for DIY methods or more innovative solutions, the key is to maintain a steady routine that aligns with your recovery needs, check the water temperature and keep sessions short.

Read This Next:

• 13 Ways to Keep an Ice Bath from Freezing in the Winter
• What Is a Cold Plunge Tub?
• Why Is Water Cold?
• What to Do Before an Ice Bath: Dos and Don’ts

Sources

Cleveland Clinic (cold plunges)
Mayo Clinic Health System (cold plunge after workouts)
UPMC (ice bath health risks)
Cochrane (cold water immersion and muscle soreness)
American Heart Association (cold water risks)
NIH (brown fat)
GE Appliances (refrigerator ice maker output)
GE Appliances (ice makers)

Reviewed October 2026. We removed a testing claim, added ice maker output figures from GE, replaced the fixed ice quantity with an estimate and a thermometer check, and corrected the temperature, duration, weight loss and safety answers using Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic Health System, UPMC, Cochrane and NIH sources.