Unusual Smell from Your ChillerUpdated an hour ago
Most chiller smells are harmless, but one kind needs you to act straight away. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Quick guide
| What you smell | What it is | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Light and clean, like the air after a storm | Your chiller’s built-in ozone sanitiser | Nothing. This is normal. |
| Musty, stale or “swampy” | The water, not the chiller | Change the water and clean the filters (see below) |
| Burning, acrid, smoky or like melting plastic | A possible electrical problem | Switch off, unplug, stop using it and contact us now |
Ozone smell (normal)
Chillers with integrated ozone filtration release small amounts of ozone into the water to help keep it clean. You may notice a light, fresh smell while the chiller is running, especially near the tub.
If the smell seems strong:
- Make sure the chiller and tub are in a well-ventilated space, not an enclosed room or cupboard
- Keep the lid on the tub while the chiller runs
- Open a window or door if it’s indoors.
Musty or stale smell (comes from the water)
This usually means organic matter (sweat, skin oils, debris) has built up in the water or filters.
- Switch the chiller off and drain the tub.
- Clean the tub, paying attention to the waterline and floor.
- Rinse or replace the filters. See [Filter Maintenance Full Guide].
- Refill, prime the pump and add your water treatment.
Don’t try to mask the smell with extra chemicals. Fresh water and clean filters fix it. Full steps are in Cleaning & Descaling Your Cold Plunge.
Burning or electrical smell (not normal)
Act straight away:
- Switch the chiller off at the power button.
- Switch it off at the wall and unplug it.
- Don’t switch it back on.
- Contact us immediately.
- Don’t open the casing or try to find the source yourself.
When to contact us
- Burning or electrical smell: contact us immediately with your order number, serial number, and a photo of the chiller, power cord and plug.
- Musty smell that comes back within a few days of fresh water: send us your order number and when you last changed the water and filters.
Prevent smells
- Shower before you plunge.
- Keep the lid on between sessions.
- Clean your filters on schedule and change your water regularly. See [Cold Plunge Water Maintenance].
- Keep the chiller ventilated, out of enclosed spaces.