Looks like several of us converged around a similar design. I've had mine built for over a month, with zero leaks or other issues. I'm using a small amount of chlorine for sanitization, and with my filter, the water is staying completely clear.

I have a Inkbird WiFi ITC-308 to run the chiller on a timer. It's worked well, and to keep it at 45°F, I only need about 45-60 minutes of chilling a day — all at night when electricity is cheaper for me.

Full build with links to parts: https://andrewconner.com/cold-plunge/

Happy to answer any questions.

    acon Nice job on the build and great write up!

    1. Why did you decide not to use the drain already existing on the cooler
    2. Do you only run your pump about an hour a day?
    3. You could really increase your water flow by using a less restrictive filter. Have you measured your flow rate?
      1. Drain location: I wanted the chiller/pump on the other side, and leaving the drain open made it easier for me to leave a hose connector installed there instead.
      2. Pump duration: 2 hours currently, in the middle of the night. The chiller is only cooling for 1 of those hours, currently. The water has stayed clear. If I was having filtering issues, I would probably connect the pump to a separate timer, but it's been fine.
      3. Flow rate: I haven't measured it, but this hasn't been a big concern. Any reason I should care more about this?

        acon That makes sense!
        If you're not having any water cleanliness or sanitation issues then I don't see a problem with the low operating time. Flow rate is just a nice to have, it helps to prevent a heat barrier build up, and it can turn over the water faster if you need it. I'm curious about the flow rate for a data point as there are a few of us that have been comparing. If you ever do end up measuring it please let us know. Thank you for sharing your build and your knowledge!

          15 days later

          acon I checked out your build. Nice job! Any chance you can show pics and talk about how the wifi timer works. I am trying to figure out how to plug this all in properly and set up. Thanks!

            8 days later

            @alman111

            Here you go (ignore the weird display, it looks fine live):

            The white box is this device that automatically cuts power to the chiller if the pump stops. Probably not needed, but provides extra safety.

            Power goes into the temperature controller, and out from the "cool" side (the "heat" side is left unplugged). The probe, not shown, is just placed into the cooler over the lip, under the lid.

            I considered drilling a hole to put the probe into the chiller, but what I'm doing now is working just fine.