Our Experts Say These Are the 6 Best Cold Plunge Tubs and Ice Baths of 2024

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Maybe you’ve seen your favorite football player taking a dip in an ice cold tub after a big game or wanted to try the cold plunge pool at a fancy spa. Cold exposure through cold plunge tubs and ice baths is becoming more mainstream, thanks to purported benefits for athletes and non-athletes alike.

But this icy treatment is more than just taking a cold shower or soaking in a cold bath. Cold plunging, the practice of fully immersing yourself in ice cold water for a set amount of time.

While many people dip their toes into cold water therapy by creating a DIY ice bath, others prefer to dive in feet-first and purchase a high-quality cold plunge tub to get the optimal experience.

If you’re ready to cold plunge at home, we’ve got you covered. We tested over 12 cold plunge tubs to provide you a list of the best, and our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about these popular therapy tubs and ice barrels. We also tapped Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, to help break down the benefits of cold plunging for athletes.

Our Picks for Best Cold Plunge Tubs and Ice Baths of 2024:

• Best Overall Cold Plunge Tub: The Plunge
• Best Cold Plunge Tub for Small Spaces: Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge
• Best Hot Tub and Cold Plunge Combo: Polar Monkeys Star Treatment 2.0 Tub
• Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub: Sun Home Cold Plunge
• Best Portable Cold Plunge Tub: Redwood Outdoors Yukon XL Cold Plunge Tub
• Best Affordable Cold Plunge Tub: Cold Pod

Best Overall Cold Plunge Tub: The Plunge

The Plunge at a glance:

• Safe for indoor or outdoor use
• Coldest temp: 39 degrees Fahrenheit
• Setup: Digital thermostat cools; can be left on
• Size: 67 inches L x 31.5 inches W x 24 inches H (base model); 73 inches L x 32.5 inches W x 27 inches H (XL model)
• Key features: Ozone sanitation and water filtration system, included cooling system, white glove delivery
• Price: $4,990
• Warranty: 1-year residential limited warranty

If you're looking for a cold plunge tub with all the frills (including a rubber ducky), look no further than our pick for the best overall cold plunge tub—The Plunge. This high-end product, featured on "Shark Tank," boasts features that include a powerful cooling system, ozone sanitation and built-in circulating filtration. This tub is also safe for both indoor and outdoor use and is constructed with durable materials including acrylic and fiberglass with a reinforced metal base.

Our testers noted the Plunge is a good option for those who are committed to using a cold plunge tub on a regular basis. “You don’t need to fill up the tub with ice, you just set the temperature you want and you’re ready to cold plunge,” one tester said.

The filtration system was another notable feature of this tub; one tester said it was straightforward to replace the filter and water once a month.

One element of this tub the testers didn’t love was the position you have to lie in to use it. “I prefer the vertical tubs, where you can sort of crouch, rather than the horizontal ones where you have to lie down,” one tester said.

If you decide to purchase this product, you will receive free in-home delivery—a crew will place it anywhere in the home on the first floor, take it out of the box and remove all of the packing materials. From there, installation is straightforward: plug it in (requires standard GFCI outlet), fill the tub up with a hose, set the desired temperature and plunge. 

For Sports Illustrated readers exclusively, Plunge is offering $250 off any cold plunge on the site with code SI250 at checkout.

For more details, check out our comprehensive Plunge review.

Pros:

• Water temperature can get down to 39 degrees Fahrenheit with constant circulation
• Sanitation and filtration systems allow water to last up to six months before changing
• Purchase includes an insulated cover, free in-home delivery, cell phone holder, hose filter, skimmer net, built-in underwater light and lucky rubber ducky
• One-year warranty included with purchase, options to purchase three-year and five-year warranties available
• Plunge offers 12-, 24- or 36-month financing

Cons:

• Upgrades to the tub add a significant amount of money to the final cost of the product
• The tub’s size makes it difficult to fit into smaller spaces

Best Cold Plunge Tub for Small Spaces: Nordic Wave Viking

Nordic Wave Viking at a glance:

• Safe for indoor or outdoor use
• Coldest temp: 38 degrees Fahrenheit
• Setup: Digital thermostat cools
• Size: 30 inches L x 36 inches W x 41 inches H
• Key features: Multi-stage sanitation and water filtration system, two-inch foam insulated walls, vertical design
• Price: $5,999
• Warranty: 5-year warranty on tub, 2-year warranty on chiller

The Viking from Nordic Wave is a compact, small-footprint cold plunge that's designed to fit in the smallest of indoor or outdoor spaces. This model is a true space-saver, taking up roughly the same amount of room as a large dog crate standing on its end. The vertical design also makes for easier placement in areas that don't have a lot of horizontal square footage. The chiller unit is also compact, at 16 inches wide by 14 inches deep by 22 inches high.

While this cold plunge doesn't allow you to lie down, the almost 3.5-foot height and 95-gallon capacity still provide deep immersion without sacrificing the amount of space necessary for a longer tub. The Viking is also constructed from stainless steel for maximum durability and includes two-inch foam insulated walls designed to eliminate any "sweating" on the outside of the tub. This feature not only helps to keep your ice plunge cold, but it also saves on energy costs and reduces the need to keep a towel or absorbent mat underneath your unit. The Viking also includes in-line filtration paired with an ozone sanitization system to maintain consistent water quality.

Brandon Lunsford tested the NordicWave Viking, noting that the footprint of this cold plunge tub was considerably more compact than others he had used and commenting on the construction of this product, “The durability to the tub is very nice. This looks and feels like a premium insulated plastic.” Lunsford also mentioned that the setup, use and cleaning processes are all very straightforward and easy to figure out. Filling up the Viking took between 30 and 45 minutes, though he didn’t mention how long it took to then cool the water.

One thing Lunsford found less than ideal was trying to fully immerse himself in the tub. At 6 feet tall, he said he felt a little cramped, and wouldn’t recommend this to individuals larger than himself. 

If a compact design is a must, then the Viking cold plunge from Nordic Wave is one of the best options on the market. The brand also clearly stands by its product offering a standard two-year warranty on the chiller system and an exceptional five-year warranty on the Viking tub. Also, Nordic Wave cold plunges are used by athletes from MLB, the NHL and the PGA Tour.

Check out our Nordic Wave Viking review for more information on this cold plunge tub.

Pros:

• Compact and aesthetic design that optimizes space
• Three color options available, charcoal gray, arctic white and nordic blue
• Purchase includes the chiller system, hoses, stay-cold lid and step stool for easy entry and exit
• Five-year warranty on tub and two-year warranty on chiller

Cons:

• Compact design doesn't accommodate some taller, heavier people
• The Viking has no steps or seat inside the tub

Best Hot Tub and Cold Plunge Combo: Polar Monkeys Star Treatment 2.0

Polar Monkeys Star Treatment 2.0 at a glance

• Safe for indoor or outdoor use
• Coldest temp: 39 degrees Fahrenheit
• Setup: App controlled
• Size: 34 inches in diameter, 40 inches tall
• Key features: Ozone sanitation and water filtration system, included cooling system, mobile-app-enabled temperature controls
• Price: $5,390 for grey, $5,990 for wood
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Joining the ranks of the Portal and Brainpod, the Star Treatment 2.0 cold plunge tub from Polar Monkeys is the brand's premier cold-water therapy system. This high-end cold plunge comes loaded with features, including a filtration system, smartphone programming capability and an ozone generator to help keep your plunge crisp and clean. The customization options include a sleek grey color or a classic wood look. It has dual capability as a cold plunge (as cold as 39 degrees) and a hot tub (up to 102 degrees).

The Star Treatment 2.0 has a barrel-shaped, upright design so you can comfortably submerge your body, and includes a ladder for easy access. This tub is made from stainless steel, which Polar Monkeys says is non-toxic and easy to clean.

Lindsey Scheele tested the Star Treatment, saying she “[loved] being able to sit upright in a cold tub… having an added seat for comfort was also nice, whereas with other barrel-shaped tubs you’re in a standing/squat position.”

Scheele reported a quick and simple installation and set-up, with no difficulty figuring out how to get the tub up and running. She also confirmed that draining and cleaning the tub is very easy, and using Polar Monkeys’ sanitation kit is straightforward.

One thing that concerned Scheele was the wood on the bottom of the tub, and whether it would hold up if regularly wet. The included platform to keep the tub elevated off the ground was useful, but Scheele said she wasn’t sure whether the wood would rot after multiple drainings. 

Check out our Polar Monkeys review for more information on this popular cold plunge tub brand.

Pros:

• Purchase includes water chiller, pump, filtration system and ozone generator to keep your plunge cold and clean
• Available in wood and grey color options
• 100 percent money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Price puts it out of reach for most budget-minded shoppers
• Recommended to be set up in a waterproof area because the tub is not insulated, so condensation may cause puddles on the floor

Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub: Sun Home Cold Plunge

Product specs

• Safe for indoor or outdoor use
• Coldest temp: 37.5 degrees Fahrenheit
• Setup: Digital thermostat heats and cools; can be left on
• Size: 76.75 inches L x 27.5 inches W x 25 inches H
• Key features: Ultra-violet and ozone sanitation and water filtration system, dual heating and cooling system, mobile-app enabled to control your plunge remotely from anywhere
• Price: $4,999
• Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

If you’ve been searching for a high-quality and durable cold plunge tub that’s also inflatable for easy setup and teardown, then the Sun Home Cold Plunge is for you. Despite being inflatable, this tub has all of the same features as the premium stainless steel options, including a dual heater and chiller system (37.5 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit) and a high-efficiency ultraviolet and ozone sanitation and water filtration system. This tub is also designed with the same military-grade technology as inflatable paddle boards, making it one of the most durable inflatable cold plunge tubs on the market.

The main draw of this tub is the intuitive engineering that enables you to set up your Sun Home Cold Plunge permanently at your home, or take it with you on the go and set it up in just 10 minutes. When deflated, this almost 6.5-foot tub weighs just 15.5 pounds making it extremely portable, however, the chiller system weighs over 80 pounds and may require two people to carry.

Scheele tested this inflatable cold plunge tub, and felt it was “a great size for taller people,” going on to call this “the best inflatable tub we’ve seen so far.” She gave it 5/5 for portability, set up and delivery, noting that the process from delivery to being ready to use was “really easy with clear directions.”

For an inflatable tub, Scheele reported the Sun Home Cold Plunge to be quite sturdy: “This is one of the more durable inflatable tubs we’ve seen…It holds its shape very well. I’d place money on this lasting a long time.” 

Our testers found setting the temperature on the Sun Home Cold Plunge to be a breeze and liked that everything is controlled within the mobile app. The temperature system also boasts a powerful one-horsepower motor that can have you cold plunging or hot tubbing in less than 60 minutes. If portability is a must but you still want that high-end experience, then definitely consider the Sun Home Cold Plunge or their more upgraded model, the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro.

Pros:

• Powerful one-horsepower chiller for rapid cooling or heating
• Designed with durable military-grade PVC technology that’s safe for outdoor use
• Includes an insulated tub cover, smart hand pump for quick inflating (2-minute inflation time), carrying case and repair kit
• Includes a five-year limited warranty

Cons:

• Premium price point for an inflatable tub ($4,999)
• The chiller system weighs 88 pounds, which may make it difficult to move by yourself (though the tub does feature extendable handles and wheels to make this easier)

Best Portable Cold Plunge Tub: Redwood Outdoors Yukon XL Cold Plunge

Product specs

• Safe for indoor or outdoor use
• Coldest temp: N/A
• Setup: Add ice manually to cool
• Size: 72.75 inches L x 31.5 inches W x 23.75 inches H
• Key features: 155-gallon capacity, carrying bag, air pump and tub cover included
• Price: $1,099
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

If you're looking for an inflatable and easily portable cold plunge tub that won't put your wallet in a deep freeze, the Redwood Yukon XL is a great option to consider. Currently priced at under $1,100, it offers an affordable way to experience cold-plunging for those who don't want to spend several thousand dollars on a luxury product.

The Yukon XL model weighs 35 pounds empty and has a maximum water capacity of 155 gallons. When fully inflated, this tub is just over 6 feet long, 2 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. Even though the tub is plastic, it can handle water temperatures between 37 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit. If you ever decide you want to upgrade, it has built-in water inlets and outlets that can be easily paired with Redwood Outdoors' Cold Plunge Chiller or Deluxe Chiller + Heater systems. Be aware, though, that such upgrades cost three to four times as much as the tub itself.

Moving the tub around was super simple and had “an easy enough set-up that one person could do it all by themselves,” according to Scheele. She also mentioned that inflating the walls of this tub with the included pump required some effort, though it took around 20 minutes and wasn’t difficult. Once fully set up and filled with water, Scheele (who is 5' 4") found the tub to be comfortable, saying, “The insulated walls give a nice place to rest your head and arms.”

Once the Yukon was full of water, Scheele noted that it no longer kept its cylindrical shape, saying it distorted a bit. She also called out that she had to drain and clean the tub every three weeks or so to keep everything fresh. 

The Redwood Outdoors Yukon also includes a convenient carrying backpack, tub cover and other accessories with every purchase—things that other companies often charge extra for. Although this cold plunge needs to be manually filled with ice and water, it is a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality construction. (Note you can opt to purchase Yukon’s Deluxe Kit, which comes with an electric chiller for $4,699.)

For more information, check out our in-depth Redwood Outdoors Yukon Cold Plunge review. 

Pros:

• Convenient portable design weighing just 30 pounds when deflated
• Accessories include a carrying backpack, air pump and tub cover
• Has built-in water inlets and outlets and can be paired with chiller and heater system
• Budget-friendly price point and one-year limited warranty included

Cons:

• Inflatable tubs are less durable than steel
• Temperature cooling must be done via adding ice by hand

Best Affordable Cold Plunge Tub: Cold Pod XL

Cold Pod XL at a glance

• Safe for indoor or outdoor use
• Coldest temp: N/A
• Setup: Place on level surface, fill with water and ice
• Size: 29.5 inches Diameter x 35.4 inches H
• Key features: 85-gallon capacity, super lightweight
• Price: $185
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

If the idea of cold plunging is appealing, but the price point of many cold plunge tubs isn’t, the Cold Pod XL is a budget-friendly solution. At less than $200, this ice bath is a great entry point for anyone who’s curious about the benefits of cold plunging and wants to try it for themselves. This lightweight pod is smaller and more compact than other options, and is easy to move around with its 11-pound weight. With no cold plunge chiller or plumbing required or included, filling this 85-gallon tub is pretty straightforward, but you will have to supply your own ice to get it down to the cold temperature you want, which might be tedious. On the up side, this is a very low-maintenance tub; there are no limitations on where you can set it up, no additional costs or fees for necessary accessories and it’s very easy to drain and clean.

“At 5" 4', I found this tub to be O.K., but taller people might not enjoy it,” Scheele said.  Setting the tub up took Scheele less than 10 minutes. “It was a super simple process that requires no prior knowledge [of cold plunges],” she said. Once finished using it, draining the tub was super easy thanks to a drain at the bottom of the tub that you can just let water leak out of, Scheele said.

While this isn’t the most sturdy or comfortable cold plunge on the market (or on this list), she found it to be “a super affordable, budget friendly tub” for those who don’t mind filling it with ice and don’t need a high-end option for their cold tub therapy.

Pros:

• Can be placed anywhere
• Lower profile makes it easy to get in and out of
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Temperature cooling must be done via adding ice by hand
• Testers reported it didn't feel very sturdy

How We Chose the Best Cold Plunge Tubs

We chose the cold plunge tubs for our list by selecting the highest quality tubs at a variety of different price points based on the below factors to help you find a cold plunge tub that suits your needs. For more information, check out our full cold plunge tub methodology.

• User experience: Is the tub comfortable (i.e., are users of all heights able to fit or will taller people have to scrunch up? Can people of all heights and abilities get in and out of the tub?
• Temperature control: Is the temperature accurate and consistent? How quickly and easily does the tub cool down, especially when compared to similar models?
• Filtration and drainage: Does the filter keep the water adequately clean? Is it easy to drain? Is it easy to clean? Are there specific products you need to buy to clean it?
• Setup: Are there any special tools needed to set the tub up? Is a professional of any kind required to help with setup (installer, plumber, electrician, etc.)? Can one person set up the tub easily on their own?
• Value: Do the features and quality of this tub align with its price? Does it have unique features that set it apart from other models in its category? 

Benefits of Cold Plunging

“While immersed in an ice bath, blood vessels begin to constrict, leading to a reduction in blood flow. Once you exit the ice bath, the body begins to quickly push blood back to those areas, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote the healing process. Ice water exposure also has the potential to increase white blood cell production, improving the immune system," says Dasgupta.

"Some researchers suggest that immersing yourself in icy water places the body under stress, triggering a survival response to help maintain your body’s core temperature. This promotes improved blood circulation, facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to areas in need of recovery. Lastly, the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and dopamine, could potentially be linked to an increase in the positive mood-regulating effects of the ice bath.”

Ice baths and cold plunge treatment have become more popular in recent years thanks in part to professional athletes (including Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, aka “The Iceman"), who’ve all touted the benefits of cold exposure. Studies show that cold plunge tubs can provide a number of mental and physical benefits. Here are some of the positive effects linked to ice baths and cold plunge treatment:

1. Reduces inflammation: Cold water immersion can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for those with chronic pain, muscle soreness or injury. Doctors say this is because your blood vessels constrict in cold water therefore there's less blood flow creating less swelling which leads to less pain.
2. Improves muscle recovery and performance: Cold water immersion is often used by athletes as a way to enhance muscle recovery after intense training sessions.
3. Improves mental health: Cold water immersion has been shown to have positive effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
4. Boosts immune system: Cold water immersion may help boost the immune system helping to fight off illness and infection.
5. Better sleep quality: Cold water immersion before sleep may help some people fall asleep faster by lowering their core body temperature which signals the body it’s time to sleep.

What to Look For When Choosing the Best Cold Plunge Tub for You

It’s important to make sure that the cold plunge you choose aligns with your needs, preferences and budget. Here are a few of the key factors to consider when choosing the best cold plunge tub for you.

Construction

The type of material that’s used to construct a cold plunge is typically dependent on whether the cold plunge is designed to be a portable or permanent structure. Portable cold plunges are generally made from high-density plastics such as polyethylene (HDPE), vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). On the other hand, cold plunges that are designed to be kept in one place are usually made from materials such as stainless steel, acrylic or fiberglass and are crafted with durability, insulation and aesthetics in mind. Durability is one of the most important factors to consider if you’re considering a portable cold plunge or plan on keeping your ice bath outdoors.

Chiller

While conventional ice baths are cooled using ice, there are cold plunge tubs that come equipped with multifunctional chiller systems. These chillers allow you to cool your water to a specific temperature level and usually come integrated with filtration or sanitation systems to help clean your water.

Temperature range

If having control over your cold plunge’s temperature range is a must, then it’s highly recommended to purchase a system that comes with a chiller rather than messing around with a thermometer and ice. These powerful chiller systems are often remote controlled and can maintain a stable water temperature as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dimensions

Ice baths come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, so it’s essential to choose one that will not only fit you comfortably but also makes sense for your space. While larger tubs such as the Plunge or Cold Stoic 2.0 allow you to lay down completely, they do take up a significant amount of space. If size is an issue, you may want to consider a circular, barrel shaped model that allows for full body immersion with a smaller footprint. 

How to Cold Plunge

Soaking in an ice plunge tub is a recently popularized therapy method meant to jumpstart certain physical responses via the stimuli of sudden, sharp cold. Exposure to cold causes a physiological response, like the release of endorphins, and activates certain parts of the nervous system that may improve your mood and reduce pain and inflammation, according to a study published in Medical Hypotheses.

Cold plunge temperature

The ideal temperature range for a cold plunge is between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, according to research published in Sports Medicine. Staying within this "sweet spot" is more likely to help you enjoy the benefits of a cold plunge without the potential hazards of cold shock.

Your personal ideal temperature might vary from the norm, based on your tolerance and how long you've been cold plunging. Some experienced cold plungers might be comfortable with a cooler temperature range of 40–49 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're just starting out, on the other hand, don't push yourself into trying more cold than you can handle.

How long to cold plunge

In general, it’s recommended to start with short durations of 60 to 90 seconds and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable and accustomed to the cold water.

You should submerge yourself for no more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time, according to experts in a Cedars-Sinai blog. A cold plunge of less than 10 minutes is generally considered safe and effective for reaping the potential benefits of cold water therapy. It’s important to listen to your body and stop immediately if you feel uncomfortable or experience any adverse effects, such as shivering, dizziness or confusion. When you’re done, immediately remove wet clothes in favor of something warm and dry.

Advice From a Rookie Cold Plunger

One of our expert testers, Scheele, is relatively new to cold plunging. After doing it a few times, here’s her advice for first-timers:

• Jumping in the tub, focus on your breathing. As I descend into the tub, I count back from 30, which helps slowing my breath and keeps me from panicking. The shock from the cold was overwhelming as a first-time plunger, but I‘ve heard it gets more manageable with time.
• Ideally you want to sink your shoulders all the way in and eventually even duck your head under the water to stimulate the vagus nerve (the main component of the human nervous system responsible for heart rate, breathing, digestion and other functions). As a beginner, I focused on sitting down, letting the water rise to chest height and taking slow, controlled breaths.
• After my plunge, I grabbed a warm towel, though I have read it's best to let your body temperature naturally rise to get the full benefits of cold plunging, and as I do it more often, I will give that a try.

What to Know Before Taking the Plunge

Cold plunging and ice baths could have several potential adverse side effects, especially if performed at extreme temperatures or for too long a duration.

• Hypothermia: This occurs when the body’s core temperature drops too low, causing shivering, confusion and difficulty speaking. This is a life-threatening condition and is a reason why you should avoid plunging for longer than 10 minutes.
• Hyperventilation: Cold water immersion causes rapid and shallow breathing, which can lead to hyperventilation and dizziness, especially for the inexperienced cold plunger.
• Cardiovascular stress: Cold water immersion puts a significant amount of stress on the cardiovascular system and is the reason individuals with underlying heart conditions should be cleared before using cold water therapy.

These side effects are generally rare and can be minimized by starting slowly, listening to your body and immediately exiting the cold plunge tank if you feel any discomfort. It's also highly recommended to speak with your primary healthcare provider before trying cold water therapy to ensure your safety.

Cold Plunge Tubs vs. DIY Ice Baths

Some cold plungers prefer to make their own tubs and ice barrels rather than buying them from a manufacturer. Online forums host ongoing discussions about the topic, with DIY cold plungers offering advice and sharing photos of their homemade tubs. 

Creating a DIY ice bath is a fairly simple and cost-effective way to experience the benefits of cold water therapy—it’s something I’ve done myself. To start, you’ll need to purchase a large container, such as a plastic stock tank or steel trough. These can typically be found at most hardware stores and will cost between $100 and $200, depending on size. You’ll want a tub with at least a 100-gallon capacity so you can sit comfortably. I also highly recommend purchasing a tank that has a built-in drainage valve so you can easily drain and clean your tub as needed.

From here you will really only need a few bags of ice and enough water to fill the container to your desired depth. You can also choose to add a few quality of life items, such as a thermometer to measure the temperature and a step-stool for easy entry and exit from the tub.

Cold Plunge Tub FAQs

Does a cold plunge burn fat?

While cold plunge tubs can have numerous health benefits, there is currently no hard scientific evidence to suggest that they directly contribute to burning fat or weight loss. The literature does show that brown fat in the body activates at colder temperatures which subsequently increases metabolism. However, in response to this metabolic increase, food intake usually increases as well to compensate for the additional energy expenditure. In theory, if you were able to control your dietary intake, cold plunges could have potential fat-burning effects.

What are the side effects of cold plunge?

Cold plunging can have several potential adverse side effects, especially if performed at extreme temperatures or for too long a duration. These include hypothermia, hyperventilation and cardiovascular stress.

How many times per week should you cold plunge?

The frequency of cold plunging can vary significantly from person to person. In general, it’s recommended to start slowly. Most beginners start with one to two sessions per week. Cold Plunge enthusiasts might opt for a daily plunge.

Can I use my cold plunge tub outdoors in hot and cold weather?

You can, but keep in mind that weather conditions could affect the experience. Without launching into a full-blown physics lesson, just remember that water placed outdoors will naturally tend toward reaching something called thermal equilibrium with the surrounding environment. In hot weather, it will likely take longer for the water in your cold plunge to reach chillier temperatures. While colder weather presents less of an issue, maintaining a consistent temperature still hinges on the performance of your chiller unit or, if you're pouring ice into a manually cooled tub, on you.

Can I cold plunge in my bathtub?

You definitely can, although it doesn't provide the same experience as an ice bathtub or cold plunge tub. Most residential bathtubs are shallower than cold plunges and ice bathtubs, so you'll have a harder time fully submerging your body. Of course, you'll also have to put quite a bit of ice into the bathtub to get the temperature down.

Is a cold shower the same as a cold plunge?

Cold plunge advocates say no, for a reason that can be summed up with a single word: submersion. Directing a spray of cold water at your body doesn't provide effects at the same scale as submerging yourself. The temperature won't be as consistently cold when you're being struck by tiny droplets as opposed to being surrounded by water that's pressing against your body.

Final Thoughts

If you’re already working out and eating healthy, but want to take your fitness journey to the next level, maybe it’s time to take a dip in a cold plunge tub or ice bath. While not for everyone, cold water immersion has been proven effective at increasing energy levels, improving mood and reducing perceived muscle soreness. 

If you’re brand new to cold water therapy, it might be smart to start with a simple tub that will have a small footprint in your home. On the other hand, if you are a dedicated and experienced plunger, it might make sense to invest in a luxury ice plunge tub that can cool, sanitize and filter the water for you. Remember to start slow, have fun and hopefully taking the plunge will improve the quality of your life.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.