The Drake Cold Plunge – Setup Guide

Quick Start & Resource Guide (PDF)

Setup Videos

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Placement & Location  

  • Indoor/Outdoor Use:
    • Black Tub = Must be placed indoors or fully shaded/covered if outdoors. Sun exposure can raise surface temps and cause slight deformation 
    • Moonshine Tub = Lighter color reflects heat, so can be placed indoors or outside in sun 
  • Clearance: Leave at least 12" at back vent to access chiller, filter, mechanical compartment, drain spigot
  • Exterior dims: 66"L x 33"W x 35"H
  • Electrical: Standard household 110V outlet (extension cord works great) 

Place cold tub with clearance space at the back vent for accessing the chiller and filter.

2. Install the Chiller

  • Keep the chiller upright at all times
  • Remove the large vent panel on the tub and the caps from both chiller ports
  • Slide the chiller into place with its connections facing the back wall and control panel facing the small vent door
  • Push each chiller connection down firmly so the black gaskets seat properly, then twist hand-tight
  • It’s secure even if there’s a visible gap or the collar doesn’t twist all the way down

Remove the vent panel and port caps from the cold tub before installing the chiller.Slide chiller into place inside the tub, with connections facing the back wall and control panel facing the small vent door.Push chiller connection down to seat the black gasket before twisting it hand-tight.

3. Plug In the Chiller

  • Connect the chiller to the power strip inside the compartment above it

Connect chiller power cord to the power strip inside the compartment above it.

4. Install the Filter

  • Unwrap the filter
  • Seat the black gasket in the groove
  • Hand-tighten firmly to prevent leaks

Filter with black gasket seated in the groove, ready to be hand-tightened onto the tub.

5. Ensure Valves Are Open Before Filling 

  • Make sure both right-side valves (top & bottom) are open before filling
  • Valves should be parallel to the plumbing as shown below

 Ball valve in the open position, used for water flow control in cold plunge setup.Second ball valve in the open position, parallel to the plumbing as required before filling.

6. Partially Fill & Test

Tip: This saves you from draining the tub later if any issues come up during setup or power testing.

  • Add water a few inches above the bottom inlet inside the tub to check for leaks and circulation before filling completely
  • Important: Never power on the tub while empty—it can damage the pump

7. Plug into Outlet 

  • Plug the main power cord into a standard outlet (an extension cord works great)

Main power cord plugged into a standard wall outlet.

8. Fully Fill the Tub & Turn on Power 

  • Fill the tub to about 4" above the jet
  • Tip: If using the tub indoors, don’t overfill—leave room for displacement
  • Switch on the power strip (green light = on)

Power strip switched on, indicated by the green light.

9. Set Temperature

  • Open the small vent door to access the control panel (If this vent is against the wall, you can access from the back vent as well)
  • Press and hold SET, use ▲/▼ to choose your desired temp, then press SET again to confirm
  • The display always shows the current water temp—not the set temp unless SET is pressed
  • Once you've filled and set your temperature, it usually takes 12-24 hours to reach it, depending on your starting water temperature. To plunge sooner, just add some ice to cool it faster!

Hand pressing the SET button on the chiller's digital control panel, with the display showing the current water temperature.

🙋 Need Help?

📞 Call/Text: (909) 232-8920