Wood Maintenance
A guide to looking after the teak on your ice bath and chiller. For both residential and commercial owners.
Who is this guide for?
Everyone who owns an icebaths.com product, whether at home or in a commercial setting. The wood care is the same regardless of how many people use the ice bath. The only thing that changes is how quickly the finish weathers, and that depends almost entirely on where the unit is placed.
Understanding the Wood
What your ice bath is made from and why it matters. This section explains the material itself so you understand what you are caring for.
Every ice bath is built using 4cm thick premium-grade teak planks. Teak has been the material of choice for shipbuilding, luxury yachts, and high-end outdoor furniture for centuries. It is naturally rich in oils that make it highly resistant to water, decay, and insects.
Before the wood reaches your ice bath, it goes through a specific process in our factory. The teak is dried to 8% moisture content in a microwave vacuum kiln. This makes it completely termite-free and dimensionally stable. It is then shaped on Italian SCM precision machinery and finished with a water-based UV-cured protective coat followed by multiple layers of marine-grade yacht finish.
At 4cm thick, there is no risk of wearing through the wood. With proper installation and basic care, the teak on your ice bath should last a lifetime. This is wood that has stood for close to a decade before it ever reaches our factory. Every grain, knot, and variation in colour is unique to your unit.
The wood is purely cosmetic. It does not affect the structural integrity, watertightness, or performance of your ice bath. Whether the teak looks brand new or has aged and weathered over the years, the ice bath works exactly the same. Nothing in this guide is urgent or critical. This is about keeping the appearance the way you want it.
How the Finish Changes Over Time
What to expect from the appearance of the wood depending on where your ice bath is placed. The factory finish will last longer in some environments than others.
The finish on your ice bath is a marine-grade protective coating designed to withstand constant water exposure. How long it retains its original appearance depends on how much the wood is exposed to the elements.
Indoor
If your ice bath is indoors, the finish does not change. The colour will remain the same as the day it was delivered. There is no need to ever reapply the finish. A monthly wipe with a damp cloth is all that is needed to keep it looking clean.
Outdoor, covered or sheltered
If the ice bath is outdoors but under a roof, canopy, or pergola where it is protected from direct sunlight and rain the finish will hold for a long time. You may notice a gradual, slow colour change over one to two years. The teak will still look good without intervention, but a refinish every two years or so will bring it back to its original appearance if you prefer that.
Outdoor, fully exposed
This is where the finish changes most noticeably. Direct sunlight, wind, rain, and temperature cycling all work on the protective coating over time. UV from the sun breaks down the finish and causes the wood to lighten. Rain washes away the surface oils. Wind carries dust and grit that gradually wear the coating. In a tropical climate with strong sun and regular rain, you will see the finish start to change within 6 to 12 months.
If left untreated, the teak will eventually develop a silvery-grey patina. This is a natural process that happens to all teak exposed to the elements. It does not affect the structure, the joints, or the watertightness of the bath in any way. It is purely a visual change.
Some people love the aged look. Weathered teak has been a hallmark of luxury yachts and outdoor furniture for decades. Others prefer to keep the original golden-brown factory finish. Both are perfectly fine. It is entirely a matter of personal preference.
Routine Care
Simple, regular habits that slow down the weathering process and keep the wood looking clean. This is not a restoration. It is just basic upkeep.
Wipe down the exterior
Once a month, wipe the exterior of the ice bath and chiller cover with a damp cloth and a small amount of normal washing-up liquid. This removes grime, dust, and any buildup from the wood surface. It makes a noticeable difference in how clean and fresh the wood looks, especially on outdoor units.
Do not use abrasive cleaning products, scouring pads, or pressure washers on the wood. A soft cloth and mild soap is all that is needed.
Restoring the Finish
If the finish has faded or the wood has greyed from outdoor exposure, you can bring it back to its original factory appearance. This is a straightforward process that takes about 3 hours and requires no specialist tools or skills.
How often this is needed.
| Location | Refinish Frequency |
|---|---|
| Indoor | Not needed |
| Outdoor, covered or sheltered | Every 2 years |
| Outdoor, fully exposed | Every 6 months to 1 year depending on climate |
What you will need. Fine-grit sandpaper (180 to 220 grit), a clean damp cloth, and a wood finish. We recommend Sikkens as our preferred finish. However, you can use any teak oil or marine-grade wood finish. If you want to change the colour of your ice bath, this is your opportunity to do so with whatever finish you choose.
Step by step
1. Clean. Wipe down the entire exterior with a damp cloth. Remove any surface dirt, grime, or dust. Allow to dry. (10 minutes)
2. Sand. Lightly sand the exterior with 180 to 220 grit sandpaper. You are not trying to sand deeply. You are removing the weathered surface layer to reveal the rich teak underneath. Work with the grain of the wood, not against it. (20 to 30 minutes)
3. Wipe. Remove all sanding dust with a clean damp cloth. Make sure the surface is completely free of dust before applying the finish. Allow to dry. (10 minutes)
4. Apply the finish. Using a brush or cloth, apply the first coat of your chosen wood finish in thin, even strokes. Follow the direction of the grain. Allow to dry fully between coats. Drying time depends on the product and conditions but is typically 30 to 60 minutes. (30 minutes + drying)
5. Apply a second and third coat. Two to three coats gives the best result and the longest-lasting protection. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next.
Your ice bath is now back to factory condition.
We offer a wood maintenance kit that includes sandpaper, finish, application tools, and instructions. Contact the team for details.
Visit icebaths.com/resources for step-by-step videos of this process.
What About the Chiller Cover?
The chiller unit comes with a teak wood cover that matches the ice bath. The same care applies.
The chiller cover is made from the same teak and finished in the same way as the ice bath itself. It weathers at the same rate. If you are refinishing the ice bath, do the chiller cover at the same time so they continue to match.
If your chiller is placed indoors or under the steps, the cover will require no maintenance at all.
Things That Do Not Affect Your Ice Bath
Changes that are normal and cosmetic. These are not defects and are not covered under warranty.
Colour change. Any shift in the colour of the teak, whether it deepens, lightens, or develops a grey patina, is natural. It is a characteristic of real wood exposed to the environment.
Small surface cracks. Teak is a natural material. Small surface cracks may appear over time, particularly in dry or hot climates. These are superficial and do not affect the structural integrity or watertightness of the bath.
Grain and knot variation. Every piece of teak is different. Variations in grain pattern, knot placement, and colour between planks are part of what makes each unit unique. These are not defects.
Why we use real wood. We will never use synthetic, plastic, or imitation wood products. Real teak is central to what makes an icebaths.com product what it is. The wood carries a weight, a story, and a quality that no synthetic material can replicate. It is part of our heritage and our commitment to building something that lasts.
Wood Care Schedule
A summary of all wood-related care.
| Task | Indoor | Outdoor (Covered) | Outdoor (Exposed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wipe down with damp cloth and mild soap | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly |
| Full refinish (sand and recoat) | Not needed | Every 2 years | Every 6 to 12 months |
Need Help?
If you have any questions about wood care, need advice on finishes, or want to order a maintenance kit, our team is here to help.
Email hello@icebaths.com
