Connecting Your KOVE 0.8, 1 or 1HP Chiller to Your Ice Bath

Before You Start

Inside the box you should have:

• KOVE 0.8, 1HP or 1.5HP chiller
• 2 × water hoses
• Filter housing / filter device
• Hair net / strainer filter
• Filter element
• Quick connectors
• Adapters
• PTFE thread tape
• Rubber O-rings / rubber seals
• Plastic filter wrench

If you are connecting the chiller to a KOVE inflatable ice bath, you will need the two gold adapters supplied with your ice bath accessories (orange tub).

If you are not using a KOVE ice bath, additional adapters may be required depending on your setup.

Before installation, check that the O-rings are fitted correctly at both ends of the water hoses. If any are missing, locate them in the accessory kit and install them before connecting the hoses.

If anything is missing, please contact us before beginning installation.

Quick Installation Overview

Your completed water flow should be:

Ice Bath Outlet → Chiller Inlet → Chiller → Chiller Outlet → Ice Bath Inlet

In simple terms, water leaves the ice bath, passes through the chiller, and returns cooled water back into the ice bath.

We recommend referring to the plumbing diagram supplied with your chiller while following these instructions.

Step 1 – Position the Chiller

Place your chiller:

• On a solid, level surface
• Close to your ice bath
• Outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
• With at least 30cm of clearance around the cooling fan and ventilation holes

Do not install the chiller inside a cupboard, cabinet, closet or any other confined space. Never cover the cooling fan, intake vents or exhaust openings.

Although the chiller is suitable for outdoor use, we recommend placing it under light cover, such as beneath a bench or small shelter, to help protect it from prolonged direct sunlight and severe weather while maintaining good airflow.

Step 2 – Prepare the Ice Bath

Before connecting the chiller, make sure the ice bath is ready for installation.

• If the ice bath is empty, you can connect the hoses directly.
• If the ice bath already contains water, make sure the water ports are sealed or isolated before removing any caps or fittings.
• Use PTFE thread tape on male threaded connections to help create a watertight seal.
• Install the required adapters into the ice bath inlet and outlet ports. For the KOVE ice bath this means attaching the two gold adapters in the orange accessories tub

Check that all fittings are clean and correctly seated before connecting the hoses.

Step 3 – Install the Filter / Strainer

Install the hair net filter onto the water inlet side of the chiller.

This helps protect the chiller from hair, debris and particles that could restrict water flow.

Important

• Make sure the filter housing is fitted securely.
• Check that the filter element is correctly seated inside the housing.
• Do not overtighten plastic fittings by force.
• If required, use the supplied plastic wrench to tighten the filter housing gently.
• It can be easier to install the filter without the housing first and then screw on the see through bottle. 
• If it is positioned upside down after attaching, add in additional washers to the filter to amend the finishing (tightened) position.

Step 4 – Connect Hose One

Connect the first water hose between:

Ice Bath Outlet → Chiller Inlet (hair net filter)

This hose carries water from the ice bath into the chiller.

Make sure the hose is fully connected and that the O-rings are correctly fitted.

Step 5 – Connect Hose Two

Connect the second water hose between:

Chiller Outlet → Ice Bath Inlet

This hose returns cooled water from the chiller back into the ice bath.

Your completed water flow should now be:

Ice Bath Outlet → Hair net filter → Chiller Inlet → Chiller → Chiller Outlet → Ice Bath Inlet

Check that the hoses are not kinked, twisted or pinched. Restricted flow can trigger chiller alarms and reduce cooling performance.

Step 6 – Fill the Ice Bath

Fill your ice bath with fresh water until the water level is above both the inlet and outlet ports.

If your setup includes isolation valves, open them at this stage so water can flow freely through the hoses and into the chiller.

Never run the chiller unless both ice bath ports are submerged and water can circulate freely through the system.

Step 7 – Test the RCD Before Use

Before switching the chiller on for normal operation, test the RCD protection device.

1. Plug the chiller into the mains supply.
2. Before turning the chiller on, press the Test button on the RCD.
3. The RCD should trip and the power indicator should turn off.
4. Press the Reset button to restore power.

If the RCD does not trip when tested, do not use the chiller. Contact KOVE before continuing.

Step 8 – Start the Chiller

1. Press the power button on the display panel.
2. Water should begin circulating between the chiller and the ice bath.
3. Check the filter housing after a few minutes.
4. Check all hose connections for leaks.
5. Confirm that water is flowing smoothly through the system.

If you see air inside the filter housing, follow the air lock removal instructions below.

Removing an Air Lock

If the pump is running but water is not circulating properly, an air lock is the most likely cause.

To remove an air lock:

1. Leave the pump running.
2. Locate the red air-release button on the top of the filter housing.
3. Press the red button to vent trapped air.
4. Wait until the filter housing fills properly with water.
5. Check that water is circulating continuously.

This is one of the most common setup issues and is usually resolved quickly once trapped air is released.

Setting the Temperature

Once water is circulating correctly, use the display panel to set your target water temperature.

1. Use the control buttons to adjust the target temperature.
2. Allow the display to set itself after selecting your desired temperature.
3. The chiller will begin cooling once the system is ready.

The compressor may include a built-in protection delay, so cooling may not begin immediately after switching the unit on.

The first cool-down from fresh tap water may take several hours depending on the starting water temperature, water volume and ambient conditions.

Recommended Temperature

For most users, we recommend setting the chiller between 7°C and 10°C.

If you are new to cold water therapy, consider starting around 10°C to 12°C and gradually lowering the temperature over time.

Always enter cold water gradually and stop immediately if you feel dizzy, faint or unwell.

Wi-Fi Setup

Your KOVE 0.8HP chiller can be connected to a smart app for remote control, where applicable.

Before pairing:

• Ensure your phone is connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
• 5GHz Wi-Fi networks are not supported.
• Turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and location services on your phone.
• Follow the in-app instructions to add the device.

The Wi-Fi icon on the display panel shows the current connection status.

• Off: Wi-Fi is initialising or the module is not connected.
• Fast flashing: Device is in network pairing mode.
• Slow flashing: Device is in network pairing mode.
• Always on: Device is connected successfully.

Wi-Fi Reset

If the chiller fails to connect to Wi-Fi, or if the device has changed ownership, you may need to reset the Wi-Fi connection.

1. Power on the controller and allow the Wi-Fi module to initialise.
2. Make sure the display is unlocked.
3. Press and hold the menu key and minus key together for approximately 6 seconds.
4. If the Wi-Fi indicator begins flashing within 15 seconds, the reset has been successful.
5. If the reset fails, repeat the process or restart the device by disconnecting and reconnecting power.

Before Your First Cold Plunge

Before using your ice bath, check the following:

• All hose connections are secure.
• O-rings are fitted correctly.
• Water is circulating freely.
• The filter housing is full of water.
• No air is trapped in the system.
• The ice bath inlet and outlet ports are fully submerged.
• No leaks are present.
• The RCD has been tested successfully.

Once these checks are complete, you are ready to enjoy your KOVE cold plunge.

Maintenance

Every Use

• Check for leaks.
• Ensure water is circulating normally.
• Check that hoses are not kinked or restricted.

Weekly

• Remove and clean the hair net / strainer filter.
• Inspect all hose connections.
• Check that the filter element remains clean.
• Check that airflow around the chiller is unobstructed.

Replacing the Filter Element

Replace or clean the filter element whenever:

• Water flow becomes restricted.
• The filter becomes visibly dirty.
• The filter has reached the end of its service life.

Using a blocked filter can reduce cooling performance, trigger flow alarms and place unnecessary strain on the pump.

Winter Storage and Freeze Warning

Never allow water to freeze inside the chiller.

If the chiller will be stored in freezing conditions, or if it will not be used during winter, it must be fully drained.

• Drain all water from the chiller.
• Drain the hoses.
• Drain the internal pipework.
• Tilt the machine carefully to remove residual water from the water inlet.
• Store the unit in a dry, protected location where possible.

Freezing water inside the chiller can damage internal components and may not be covered under warranty.

Operating Environment

Use the chiller within an ambient temperature range of 0°C to 45°C.

Do not operate or store the chiller in freezing conditions unless it has been completely drained of water.

If the chiller is used continuously for long periods, allow the unit rest periods to help protect the system and extend service life.

Troubleshooting

Pump Running But No Water Flow

This is usually caused by an air lock.

Press the red air-release button on the filter housing to vent trapped air. Check that the water level is above both ice bath ports and that all valves are open.

Water Flow Alarm or Poor Circulation

Check for:

• Low water level
• Air trapped in the filter housing
• Dirty or blocked filter
• Kinked hoses
• Closed valves
• Blocked pipework

Water Is Not Cooling

Check that:

• The chiller is powered on.
• Cooling mode is active.
• The target temperature has been set correctly.
• Water is circulating properly.
• The filter is clean.
• The cooling fan and ventilation holes are not blocked.
• The ambient temperature is within the correct operating range.

Remember that the first cool-down from fresh tap water can take several hours.

Leaks Around the Filter Housing

Check that the filter housing is seated correctly and that the seal is in place. Use the supplied plastic wrench to tighten the housing gently if required.

Wi-Fi Will Not Connect

Check that:

• Your phone is connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
• Bluetooth and location services are enabled.
• The chiller is in pairing mode.
• The Wi-Fi indicator is flashing.
• You have followed the Wi-Fi reset process if required.

Can I Leave My Chiller Outside?

Yes. Your KOVE 0.8HP chiller is designed for outdoor use.

We recommend protecting it from prolonged direct sunlight, heavy rain and severe weather where possible, while always keeping the cooling fan and ventilation holes clear.

Never place the chiller in an enclosed cabinet or cover the vents while it is operating.

Safety

• Always connect the chiller to a properly protected mains supply.
• Test the RCD before first use.
• Never operate the unit without water circulation.
• Never cover the cooling fan, intake vents or exhaust openings.
• Do not install the chiller in closets, cabinets or confined spaces.
• Disconnect power before carrying out maintenance.
• Do not insert fingers or foreign objects into the ventilation grilles.
• Do not place heavy objects on the power cord.
• Do not climb, sit or stand on the chiller.
• Keep children away from the unit unless supervised.
• The chiller should only be operated by adults aged 18 or over.

Need Help?

If you need any assistance with installation or operation, we are here to help.

Email: hello@kove-designs.com
Phone: +44 (0)7506 983562

If contacting support, photos or a short video of your setup will often help us diagnose any issues much more quickly.