A chiller is not a cold plunge pool!

When it comes to pool technology, confusion can be costly. Whether you're a seasoned pool professional or a homeowner considering aquatic equipment, understanding the difference between similar-sounding technologies could save you thousands of dollars and prevent serious disappointment. In this week's episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, hosts Stephen Wing and Steve dive deep into one of the most misunderstood distinctions in the industry: chillers versus cold plunge pools.

Celebrating Industry Excellence: The Top 10 Mentor Award Nominees

Before tackling the technical discussion, the hosts took time to celebrate the pool industry's most dedicated mentors. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) has announced the top 10 nominees for their prestigious Mentor of the Year Award, selected through a blind judging process that even surprised the judges themselves.

When Steve and I were part of the judging crew, we had no idea whose names they were. I was trying to guess, and I didn't guess. I'm so bad... I guessed three of them only because I know them really well, but I didn't know that when we got the information because all we got was their write-ups and not their names.

— Stephen Wing, Talking Pools Podcast

The distinguished list includes professionals from across the country: Lacey Davis from The Grit Game in Florida, Mandy Van Diver with Pool Butler in Atlanta, Q Hales from Pool Core in Tucson, Ron DeLue with Big Bull Pool Services in California, Shannon Wilson from H.H. Hunt in Virginia, Tim Bolden from Bull Butler in Georgia, Rich Gallo, CEO of Pure Swim in L.A., John Poma from A-Plus Pool Service in Florida, Kevin Post, Chairman and CEO at Councilman Hunsaker in Colorado, and Greg Beard of Greg Beard's Pool Service in California.

The winner will be announced in November, potentially coinciding with the international show in Las Vegas, making it a celebration worthy of the industry's top mentoring talent.

The Critical Distinction: Chillers vs. Cold Plunge Pools

The main focus of this episode centers on a distinction that's causing significant confusion in the marketplace. As Stephen Wing explains, many people assume that anything involving cold water serves the same purpose, but this misconception can lead to expensive mistakes.

A chiller is not a cold plunge pool, and a cold plunge pool is not a chiller. Even though there's both cold water involved, they don't have the same purpose.

— Stephen Wing, Talking Pools Podcast

This distinction has become increasingly important as both technologies gain popularity, particularly in regions with extreme climates and among health-conscious consumers seeking therapeutic benefits.

Understanding Pool Chillers: The Cooling Solution

Pool chillers serve a straightforward but crucial function in hot climates. These systems work exactly as their name suggests - they chill pool water to make it more comfortable and maintain proper chemical balance.

Chillers are particularly valuable in geographic regions where outdoor pools face constant heat exposure. Think of areas like the Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Texas, southern California, and southern Florida, where relentless sun and high temperatures can make pool water uncomfortably warm.

A chiller is basically what it sounds like. It chills the water... So this would be in geographies where you have an outdoor pool and it's constantly hot... The water temper in the pool rises because of the heat and the sun beating on it.

— Stephen Wing, Talking Pools Podcast

The technology operates similarly to an air conditioning unit's condenser, running warm pool water through a cooling system and returning it at a more comfortable temperature. Steve aptly describes it as "like a reverse heat pump," which perfectly captures the concept.

From a chemical standpoint, chillers serve an important maintenance function. Higher water temperatures accelerate chemical reactions, often in ways that create maintenance challenges and water quality issues. By keeping water temperatures in an optimal range, chillers help maintain chemical balance and reduce the workload on other pool systems.

Cold Plunge Pools: The Therapeutic Powerhouse

Cold plunge pools operate in an entirely different realm, both in terms of temperature and purpose. While chillers might bring pool water down to a refreshing 75-80 degrees, cold plunge pools push temperatures to near-freezing levels - sometimes as low as 35-40 degrees, approaching the 32-degree freezing point.

The primary application for cold plunge pools lies in sports therapy and recovery. Athletes use these systems after intense training sessions or competitions as part of their recovery protocol. The extreme cold serves a specific physiological purpose, different from the muscle-relaxing warmth of a traditional spa.

Cold plunge pools almost get there. Not quite, but almost get there. They go down to, what, 35, 40 degrees deep? Almost 32... And what cold plunge pools do is primarily it's involved with sports therapy.

— Stephen Wing, Talking Pools Podcast

The therapeutic benefits center around muscle invigoration and circulation improvement. Unlike hot tubs that relax muscles through heat, cold plunge pools stimulate the body's natural recovery processes through controlled cold exposure. Users typically spend limited time in these pools - often just a few minutes or as long as they can tolerate the intense cold.

Why the Confusion Matters: Financial and Functional Implications

The distinction between these two technologies isn't just academic - it has real-world implications for consumers, pool professionals, and the industry as a whole. The PHTA's concern about this confusion stems from several practical issues.

First, there's the cost factor. Cold plunge systems require specialized equipment capable of reaching and maintaining near-freezing temperatures, which typically costs significantly more than standard pool chillers. A homeowner expecting to cool their pool to a comfortable swimming temperature would be paying premium prices for capability they don't need.

Second, installation requirements differ substantially. Cold plunge pools often require different electrical specifications, plumbing considerations, and safety features due to the extreme temperatures involved. A standard chiller installation wouldn't accommodate a cold plunge system's needs.

Third, maintenance protocols vary between the two systems. The extreme temperatures in cold plunge pools create unique chemical balance challenges and equipment stress that standard pool maintenance techniques may not address adequately.

Professional Insights and Industry Impact

The podcast hosts' involvement with PHTA committees gives them insight into how widespread this confusion has become. As industry professionals encounter more requests for "cold water systems," the need for clear communication becomes critical.

For pool professionals, understanding these distinctions helps in several ways. It enables proper system recommendations based on client needs, accurate pricing estimates, and appropriate installation planning. It also helps professionals educate their clients about what they're actually purchasing and what results they can expect.

The rise in popularity of both systems reflects broader trends in the pool industry. Chillers represent the practical response to climate challenges and the desire for year-round pool comfort. Cold plunge pools reflect growing interest in wellness, recovery, and therapeutic water applications.

Practical Takeaways for Pool Owners and Professionals

Before investing in either system, pool owners should clearly define their goals. Are you looking to make your existing pool more comfortable during hot weather, or are you interested in the therapeutic benefits of cold water therapy? The answer determines which technology suits your needs.

For pool professionals, this distinction represents an opportunity to demonstrate expertise and provide genuine value to clients. By clearly explaining the differences, professionals can build trust and ensure clients make informed decisions that meet their actual needs.

The industry's focus on mentorship, as highlighted by the Mentor Award nominees, becomes particularly relevant here. Experienced professionals who can guide others through these technical distinctions help elevate the entire industry's credibility and customer satisfaction.

As Stephen Wing and Steve demonstrate through their podcast, clear communication about technical topics helps everyone in the pool industry make better decisions. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, understanding these distinctions contributes to better customer service and more successful projects.

The pool industry continues evolving with new technologies and applications, but fundamental principles remain constant: understanding what you're selling, properly educating customers, and matching solutions to actual needs. The chiller versus cold plunge pool distinction perfectly illustrates why these principles matter in practical, financial terms that affect everyone involved.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Mentor Award Announcements
• 05:00 Top 10 Mentor of the Year Nominees
• 12:00 The Chiller vs Cold Plunge Pool Discussion
• 18:00 Understanding Pool Chillers
• 25:00 Cold Plunge Pool Applications and Benefits
• 32:00 Industry Implications and Professional Insights