Plunge Review 2024: A High-Quality Cold Plunge Tub

The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.

Cold water immersion has been offering therapeutic benefits to humans as far back as the ancient Greeks. While not studied in-depth until the 20th century, humans have been embracing the benefits of cold water immersion (CWI) to reduce inflammation, boost metabolism and stimulate muscle growth and recovery for thousands of years. Until recently, cold water therapy was something mainly utilized by athletes. However, with the realization of the broader scientific benefits of CWI combined with modern technology, athletes of all levels or individuals who embrace CWI can now settle into a sleek cold tub from home, designed to deliver such benefits with precision. The Plunge is one such tub. No more dragging out bags upon bags of ice to fill up an ice barrel (unless you want to, of course); the Plunge offers an easier way to reap the benefits of cold water therapy. And for SI Showcase readers exclusively, Plunge is offering $250 off ANY cold plunge on the site by using SI250 at checkout.

The ergonomic cold tub from Plunge is a home-friendly tub designed to be used without plumbing, requiring nothing more than water, some space and a conventional home outlet. In this article, I'll discuss the ins and outs of the Plunge cold tub while also helping explain the benefits of CWI and how best to embrace them. 

What Is the Plunge Cold Plunge Tub?

Specs:

• Capacity: One person for full immersion
• Low/High Temperature: 39 degrees Fahrenheit (Low) on all Plunge models, Upgraded Hot and Cold Plunge can get up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit (High)
• Cooling Speed: Standard tub cools water one to two degrees Fahrenheit per hour, Pro tub cools water eight to 10 degrees Fahrenheit per hour

The Plunge is a high-tech, temperature-regulating tub created to allow people to experience the benefits of cold water therapy whenever they want from home without having to buy countless bags of ice. The Plunge resembles the cold plunge pools you may have seen in boutique gyms or spas, but is specifically designed for at-home use, requiring no plumbing, little space and a standard home electrical outlet to function. If you’re mainly using your gym membership to take advantage of the sauna or spa, it might be worth considering getting a cold water tub for yourself. It's definitely an investment, both in terms of price and size. Yet, if you have the budget and believe in the benefits of cold water therapy, the Plunge can be an excellent tool for your fitness routine, recovery and broader long-term well-being.

Plunge Design and Features

The Plunge is a two-foot tall ergonomic cold tub made with fiberglass, acrylic and a reinforced metal base that can work indoors and outdoors all year round, only requiring water and a standard 110-volt outlet from your home. The Plunge is top-of-the-line when it comes to home-based cold plunge tubs, offering a variety of unique and modern benefits. Most notably, the Plunge will create and maintain a crisp 39-degree Fahrenheit cold temperature tub on demand. The Plunge also has a circular filtration system, which helps reduce water waste and the need to refill it by constantly refreshing the water. Additionally, the Plunge has a 20-micron filter that helps keep the tub consistently hygienic, cleaning out hair, skin cells or debris after each use. However, a skimmer net is also included with your purchase if the filter misses anything.

The Plunge also has an underwater light, making it great for nighttime post-workout recovery sessions while adding to its sleek look. Also included is a phone/tablet mount for entertainment that is easily attached or removed via suction cups.

The Plunge is also quite durable and includes an insulated waterproof cover, making outdoor storage easy. The Plunge's electrical components are designed with precision and safety in mind, so you do not need to unplug anything before getting in.

The Plunge also offers upgrades that include different features depending on your choice. For example, the Pro version expedites cooling or heating at four times the speed per hour compared to the regular version. The Hot & Cold Plunge version lets you heat the water (up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit) in addition to cooling it, enabling outdoor use in colder climates (to prevent freezing) or transforming it into a jacuzzi. Additionally, the Plunge is available in a Plunge Pro XL version for taller or bigger folks, which is six inches longer and three inches taller than the standard base model Plunge.

Related Post: Plunge All-In Review

How to Install the Plunge Cold Plunge Tub

1. Place the Plunge at least five feet from any appliances on a level surface that can support up to 1,200 pounds. The Plunge weighs 150 pounds without water, so moving it in place may require an extra set of hands (the Plunge does include free home delivery and placement for all orders in the continental US). Once set in place, place the chiller system behind the tub, ensuring it is at least one foot from any wall to maintain quality airflow. If less than one foot from the wall, the chiller system may not function properly. Lastly, let the chiller system sit for at least four hours before turning it on.

2. Attach the included water hose to the "in" connection on the Plunge's water pump to the "in" link on the chiller. The hose's "in" side, and the chiller and water pump's "in" connectors are marked to be easily identified.

3.  Attach the Plunge's blue hose filter to your hose, and run the water for 10 seconds away from the tub before filling the Plunge with water. Plunge recommends filling the tub three inches beneath the top for outdoor use and four and a half inches under the top for indoor use.

4. Only after the Plunge's filter is at least half full, connect the "out" hose from the "out" connector on the water filter to the "out" connector on the chiller.

5. Plug the Plunge's main cord into a 110-120V outlet, and confirm that the Plunge's water jets are flowing, then plug in the chiller.

6. Set the chiller to your desired water temperature, then wait until the Plunge's chiller has cooled down the tub's water to your selected temperature, and you're ready to go.

What We Love About the Plunge

• Easy installation
• Durably long-lasting design for indoor and outdoor use
• Allows for no-hassle cold baths on demand without the headache, mess, waste or set-up of making or buying ice
• Easy-to-use
• No plumbing is required
• In-home delivery and free shipping are included in the continental USA
• Allows for precision temperature regulation 
• Sleek design
• The upgraded Cold and Hot model transforms the Plunge into a hot tub
• All Plunge version purchases include an insulated cover, skimmer net, tablet/cell phone holder, video tutorials and a cute rubber ducky
• 12-month zero percent APR Financing is available via Affirm
• For frequent cold tub users, long-term use of the Plunge saves both water and time
• 30-day return with a full refund

What We Don’t Love About the Plunge

• Expensive
• The heating option requires an upgrade and an additional fee
• Regular Plunge is much slower at cooling than the Pro
• In-home delivery does not include installation
• Short warranty (one year) with longer three and five-year protection plans requiring a hefty fee
• Requires electricity, which may raise your utility bill

Customer Reviews of the Plunge

With nearly 600 reviews on the Plunge website by verified buyers or reviewers of the Plunge, the cold tub achieved an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars, which means that roughly 97 percent of Plunge customers recommend the cold tub based on their experience. Many customers who loved the Plunge attest that the ice-bag-free access to cold water therapy the Plunge provides enables them to embrace the benefits of CWI with a consistent routine and without stress.

"Ease of use makes the commitment to a consistent plunge schedule so much more enjoyable. No more ice, no more changing out and wasting water every 10 days, no more inconsistency of temperature and finally, no more waiting 30 minutes before the water drops to an agreeable temp. The Plunge ultimately saves me time and money," wrote one verified buyer who gave the Plunge 5 stars. Another verified customer claims a huge appreciation for the Plunge, writing after three weeks of use, "I'm blown away at the results I immediately experienced. Within a few days, the inflammation in my elbows disappeared. My energy level has skyrocketed and the euphoria mentally that you experience makes me feel more confident than ever."

Is the Plunge Worth It?

This depends on a few things. But what comes to mind most is how often you take cold baths and your budget.

Without a doubt, if you take cold baths often, the Plunge is worth it. The Plunge allows you to embrace the benefits of cold water therapy with the click of a button, and with its water filtration system, the Plunge lets you reuse water, unlike a typical ice bath. No ice runs to the gas station or spa memberships are required with the Plunge. You plug it in and get in.

However, while cold water therapy can potentially contribute significantly to your health and wellness, the nearly five-grand ($4,990) price tag for the standard Plunge may be out of reach for some. Yet, the price may be worth it long term, not only in terms of no longer wasting time and water when creating ice baths but also due to the health benefits of consistently engaging in cold water therapy. Cold water therapy could potentially decrease pain, improve mental health and improve muscle recovery, which may end up reducing other wellness expenses in your life. Furthermore, the Plunge being available in your home and having such an easy-to-use design may make you engage in cold water therapy far more often than you would otherwise.

Benefits of Cold Plunging

• It can relieve fatigue following high-intensity exercise by returning your heart rate, blood flow and skin temperature to pre-exercise levels.
• It can relieve muscle soreness and inflammation.
• It may improve muscle performance.
• Consistent cold plunging may boost your immune system against common colds.
• It may speed up your metabolism.
• Some studies have found it may help fight symptoms of depression.
• It may increase blood vessel circulation.

Plunge Cold Plunge Tub FAQs

Should you take a cold plunge every day?

Yes, you can take a cold plunge every day. However, many experts suggest starting out slow, plunging around three times a week, then increasing how often you do it. While plunging can have a variety of everyday life benefits, especially for your mental health and metabolism, coordinating your Plunge sessions with your fitness routine may ensure consistent performance-supporting muscle recovery immediately following training, as cited in this study on the effect of cold water therapy for some martial artists.

What is the difference between the Plunge and Plunge Pro?

The main difference between the Plunge and the Plunge Pro is the cooling power speed. The regular Plunge typically cools down the tub's water at one degree Fahrenheit per hour. While the Plunge Pro cools down the tub's water at a far faster rate, estimated at eight to 10 degrees Fahrenheit per hour.

How long should I stay in the Plunge?

This question is best answered by the individual. As a company, Plunge recommends sessions between two and 10 minutes at a time for users of its cold tub. However, many athletes attest that they prefer 10 to 15-minute sessions. What is certain is that your body responds immediately to cold water immersion, whether for a few seconds or a few minutes. However, the depth of the effects may vary based on your time. Regardless, this is up to your body and will, but I recommend starting slow and seeing how your body responds to cold water therapy.

Notably important, the American Heart Association warns about the risks of irresponsibly engaging in cold water immersion. Depending on your body's response, this could mean five or 15 minutes. Considering this, the most important thing is to listen to your body. For example, if you begin to experience irregular breathing, chest pain, lightheadedness or a change of skin color on your toes or fingers, it's a sign you have plunged too long and need to get out.

Can you shower after a cold plunge?

While you can shower after a cold plunge, it's generally suggested that you let your body warm itself up naturally first. Rather than rushing to shower, gradually allow yourself to return to your body's normal temperature by air drying or wrapping a towel around you and slowly returning to a non-shocked state after intense cold exposure. This slower, gradual return by your body to its regular temperature may allow your body some more time to reap the benefits of the cold plunge.

How often do you change the water in the Plunge?

This depends on how frequently you use the Plunge. The Plunge's high-tech filtration system can maintain clean water in your tub for months at a time, but with daily use, Plunge suggests changing your filter monthly to ensure you get the most out of your water each time. In saying this, there isn't a definitive time to replace the water. But, it should become noticeable if the water is dirty, with the water's lifespan being best determined by how often you replace the filter and use your Plunge.

Final Thoughts: Is the Plunge Right for You?

Similar to heat therapy experienced in saunas, the benefits of cold water therapy can be significant. From the logic of an ice pack during injury to a cold shower after an intense exercise session, cold water therapy is something most of us have experienced or engaged in, regardless of even realizing it. The Plunge offers a modern and safe approach to experiencing the benefits of cold water immersion at its fullest. 

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