A new Cold-Water Maintenance CPD programme has been launched by Brass Monkey Health Ltd in partnership with Andy Rudkin Pool Plant Training Ltd, with endorsement from STA.

Developed in response to the rapid growth of ice baths and cold plunge systems across commercial environments, the CPD supports professionals responsible for the operation and maintenance of these facilities within gyms, spas, hotels and elite sports settings. The programme focuses on the technical, operational and water-quality considerations required to manage cold-water installations safely and effectively.

The CPD is delivered in person and via live virtual face-to-face sessions, providing flexible access for pool plant operators and technicians. Learners completing the programme are awarded 1 STA CPD point. The CPD is also endorsed by CIMSPA in recognition of its relevance to the wider sport, physical activity and leisure workforce, with learners receiving 3 CIMSPA CPD points on completion.

Over the past five years, ice baths and cold plunge pools have moved from niche installations to increasingly common features within the UK fitness, wellness and sports sectors. While early growth was driven largely by residential use, demand is now being led by commercial operators, as cold-water facilities become an established element of structured recovery provision.

This trend is reflected internationally, with the global cold plunge and ice bath market valued at approximately US$350 million in 2022 and forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%, reaching around US$500 million by 2028. In the UK, this growth is evident in the expanding number of gyms, wellness centres and sports organisations installing cold-water systems as part of dedicated recovery and performance spaces.

Elite sport continues to play a key role in driving awareness and adoption, with cold-water immersion now embedded within recovery protocols across many professional teams worldwide. This visibility has accelerated uptake within the UK’s wider commercial market, where recovery suites incorporating cold plunge facilities are increasingly being introduced alongside traditional pool and spa provision.

Commenting on the launch, Steve Jones, Head of Sales & Partnerships at Brass Monkey Health Ltd, a leading supplier of ice baths, said: “As cold-water therapy becomes more widely adopted in commercial environments, it is essential that those responsible for these systems understand the practical realities of operation, maintenance and water quality. This CPD has been developed to address those needs directly, drawing on real-world experience from the sector.”

Andy Rudkin, Director of Andy Rudkin Pool Plant Training Ltd and a STA Pool Plant Tutor, added: “Cold-water installations present different operational challenges to traditional pool plant systems. This programme provides clear, practical guidance that reflects how these facilities are being used in practice and the standards required to operate them safely.”

Zoe Cooper, STA’s Commercial Director said STA’s endorsement reflects the programme’s alignment with professional development standards across the aquatic sector. She said: “Endorsing this CPD supports continued learning in an area of growing importance, helping professionals evidence competence while maintaining consistent standards as new types of water-based facilities continue to emerge.”

Further information, including course dates and booking details can be found at www.brassmonkey.co/products