Cooling pool: why cold water after a sauna is the most important step

A sauna without cooling is like a meal without a final course – pleasant, but incomplete. Rapid cooling after a sauna is not just a form of hardening for the brave. It is a physiologically necessary part of the entire sauna cycle, which enhances its effects, accelerates regeneration and is responsible for that characteristic feeling of vitality that makes you return to the sauna.

What cold water does to the body

When immersed in cold water, there is immediate vasoconstriction – the blood vessels contract and push the waste substances accumulated during the sauna out of the capillaries. Blood circulation is activated, the immune system receives a boost, and the body switches from parasympathetic (relaxation) to a slightly sympathetic mode. The result is a combination of physical relaxation and mental freshness that no other wellness element fully replicates.

The ideal water temperature in the cooling pool is between 8 and 12 °C. The immersion time should not exceed two minutes. The correct procedure: first a short warm shower, then a gradual transition to colder water, and only then immersion – so that the body is not subjected to a sudden temperature shock.

Vertical or horizontal pool?

Cooling pools are divided into two basic categories according to the method of immersion.

Vertical pools are designed for cooling in a standing position. A depth of at least 1.5 metres is required for the visitor to be fully immersed. They take up less floor space – ideal where space is limited.

Horizontal pools function classically as small pools where the visitor lies down or sits. They offer a more comfortable immersion and greater flexibility in the number of people.

The second important division is into pools with filtration and bath pools. The filtration variant uses pool chemicals; the water remains in the pool and is continuously treated. The bath pool is drained after each use – maximum hygiene, but higher demands on maintenance.

Stainless steel as the material of first choice

Stainless steel is clearly the best choice for both indoor and outdoor cooling pools. The non-porous surface prevents the build-up of bacteria, withstands extreme temperature differences without damage, requires no coatings or renovations, and retains its appearance throughout its lifetime – no matter how intensively the pool is used.

The stainless steel pool can be equipped with ladders with a non-slip surface, underwater LED lighting (blue tones work particularly well – they enhance the elegant character of the stainless steel surface) and connected to an automatic filtration and temperature system that keeps the water at the optimum temperature without manual intervention.

A concrete pool with cladding is the second option – it offers more flexibility in shaping, but requires regular surface maintenance and is more demanding to implement.

Cooling alternatives: when there’s no space for a pool

A cooling pool is the most effective solution, but it’s not the only option. For smaller wellness areas or as a supplement to a pool, there are alternatives, each of which works in a slightly different way.

An ice well produces ice crystals for local cooling – it stimulates circulation while gently exfoliating the skin. Ice is also used during the sauna itself: placing it behind the neck allows you to stay in the heat for significantly longer.

The cooling bucket is a classic: a large container of cold water poured over the entire body in one movement. Intense, instant, refreshing. Experienced sauna-goers prefer it precisely for this immediacy.

The mist shower is the gentlest alternative – tiny water droplets gradually lower the body temperature without an intense shock. Ideal for seniors, children or those who are just starting out with cold water therapy.

The cooling tunnel is a premium solution for larger wellness centres: nozzles placed along the entire length of the tunnel evenly cool the body from all sides at the same time. The resulting effect is more complex than with a shower, but less intense than immersion.

How to incorporate cooling elements into the wellness zone

Regardless of which type you choose, one basic rule applies: the cooling element must be located immediately next to the sauna – the transition should take seconds, not minutes. Every extra metre between the sauna and the cooling reduces the intensity of the physiological reaction.

In premium wellness areas, the cooling pool becomes the natural visual and functional centre of the space – complemented by lighting, quality materials and a thoughtful approach, it forms a whole that guests and owners will immediately appreciate. Cold water is not an unpleasant addition to a sauna. It’s the most important part of it.

Stainless steel cooling pools are part of the IMAGINOX portfolio – we design them as an integral part of the overall wellness zone, not as an additional element. Do you want to see what it looks like in practice? Reference projects for hotel and private wellness areas can be found at www.imaginox.com