11 Best Cold Plunge Tubs in 2024

What’s better than a long, hot shower or a warm bubble bath? Why would you even want to know what the best cold plunge tub is when freezing in icy water isn’t something that sounds too pleasant?

Well, to be completely honest, it’s not the most comfortable thing in the world and most people shiver at the mere thought of an ice bath.

However, did you notice how popular these scary icy baths are and how more and more people are doing it? The thing is, this can be an incredibly healthy thing to do, and it comes with so many amazing benefits – not just physical.

Cold can be good for you, if you know how to do it right, and if you decide to give it a try, you may want to treat yourself to a new cold plunge tub.

Our highly specialized team consisting of a variety of experts (e.g., Doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Performance Architect/Strength & Conditioning Specialist, PhD in Sport Science, Professor of Physical Education and Sport, etc.) has tested out 30 cold plunge tubs and spent over 400 hours testing, reviewing, and analyzing each in order to find the best 15 ones.

Their evaluations were based on 6 key factors (material quality, capacity, durability, comfort, features, and price/quality), so they could score them and precisely place them in dedicated categories. We’ll ensure to keep up with market updates and refresh the list as newcomers appear, challenging our current rankings.

We have the best ice bath tubs in this review, so let’s dive right in.

Let’s get frosty!

Top 11 Best Cold Plunge Tubs Reviewed

1. Fire Cold Plunge – Top Pick
2. Anything Sports Inflatable Ice Bathtub – Budget Cold Plunge (With Chiller)
3. Ice Barrel 300 – Premium Pick Ice Barrel
4. Prodigy X Ice Bath Tub – Budget Cold Plunge (With Optional Chiller)
5. Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub – Best Inflatable Bath for Tall People
6. Recoverex Cold Plunge System – App Connected Cold Plunge
7. Explore Ice Bath Tub – Ice Bath Tub With
8. Inflatoast Mobile Bathtub – Budget Ice Bath
9. Eosprim Inflatable Bathtub – Best Budget Portable Bathtub
10. Inflatoast XXXL Ice Bath Tub – Most Lightweight Ice Bath Tub
11. G Ganen Ice Bath – Best Compact Ice Tub

Product	Total	Material Quality	Capacity	Durability	Comfort	Features	Price/ Quality
Fire Cold	59.5	10	10	10	10	10	9.5
Anything Sports	56.5	9	10	9	9.5	9	10
Ice Barrel	56.5	9	10	9	9.5	9	10
Prodigy	56	9.5	9	9	9.5	9	10
Cold Pod	54.5	8.5	9.5	8.5	9.5	9.5	9
Recoverex	54	9	9.5	9	9	8.5	9
Explore	53	8.5	9.5	8	9	8.5	9.5
Inflatoast Mobile Bathtub	52.5	9	8.5	9	9	8	9
Eosprim	51.5	8.5	9	8	9	8	9
Inflatoast XXXL Ice Bath Tub	51	9	9	8.5	8	8	8.5
G Ganen	50.5	9	8	9	8	8	8.5

The Fire Cold Plunge is the best cold bathtub you can buy, and if you want the best experience, then this is what you need.

This tub cools the water down to a chilling 37°F; if you think you know cold water, prepare to be shocked by the actual cold. You’ll feel like you’ve taken a dip in a glacial river thanks to the 300-gallon-per-hour circulation, and it’s going to be absolutely invigorating. That is… if you’re already used to cold plunges.

If not, you’ll shiver like a twig in the wind, but keep repeating to yourself that it is good for you, and before you know it, you’ll love it.

This tub has an 8-layer filtration system that incorporates honeycomb cotton and activated charcoal to remove small sediments and debris from the water. And when it comes to changing the filter, you only need one filter change per year.

Setting this up is easy: it has one power cord that plugs into a standard 110V outlet, and the user manual that’s included is simple to understand and very detailed. You basically fill the tub up, plug it in, set the temperature and you’re good to go.

The tub’s construction is sturdy and durable, and the outside is covered with faux wood, to make it look elegant and sauna-like.

You can adjust the temperature straight from your smartphone and the LED lights make the experience visually appealing. Maintenance is super straightforward: you change the water every 1-2 months and clean the tub with soap.

You get only 1 year of warranty, and if you want an extended 3-5 years of coverage, you need to pay extra. Since the tub itself is not cheap, this is a pain, but it is what it is. Other than the warranty, there’s really not anything else to complain about. If you decide to get it, you’ll be enjoying the best at home cold plunge and all of its benefits.

Since there’s a premium option listed, it’s only fair to mention something that’s more budget-friendly. There’s no rubber ducky included in the package, but this is a great way to enjoy an ice bath without your wallet taking a hit.

The package includes everything you need: a chiller, inflatable tub, pump, carry case, and cover. The tub is durable because it’s made from the same material used in the highest quality inflatable stand-up paddleboards, and you don’t have to worry about it falling apart.

The chiller is also of great quality and it’s the kind of chiller that’s used to keep large aquariums cool for years.

You can fit this tub anywhere because it’s compact and easy to store. You’ll need to wait for a while for it to dry after you use it, though, but this is just how polyvinyl chloride is.

This tub is fabulous value for money. Cold plunge tubs are known for being expensive, so when you find one at a decent price that’s good quality, it’s like winning the lottery.

An ice barrel can be a great alternative to a tub because it’s more compact and it costs less. Sure, you can’t lay down and relax like you would in a tub, but let’s be real – how much relaxation do you expect from ice-cold water?

This barrel is sleek and fully insulated and makes it seemless to include cold therapy into your life. Whether you prefer ice or a chiller, it’s easy to use, and since it has a small seat inside, it’s also comfortable.

The barrel has polyurethane foam on the inside to keep it insulated, and the foam is in both the barrel itself and in the lid. This means that you can use it even if the weather is warmer, because the generous insulation will keep the water cool for a long time. The lid is UV resistant, so there’s no worry about the color fading if you’re using this outside.

Cold therapy’s natural position is upright and seated because this position keeps your core temperature stable, so from this perspective, having to sit doesn’t seem so restrictive. The fact that you’re sitting down can also help improve your recovery from exercise and reduce any inflammation.

It’s lightweight and made in the USA from recycled materials. You also get a lifetime warranty, which is a rarity. This outdoor cold plunge tub is a perfect way to enjoy an ice bath without breaking the bank or having to take up too much space while doing it.

This bath is perfect for anyone that wants to experience the benefits of cold baths and if you want, you can use it with a chiller. The absence of the chiller included in the package may be a reason not to get this for some people, but keep in mind that this is what makes the price affordable.

The tub is made of reinforced fiberglass, and it has a hardened wall with insulation to keep the water cool and the tub durable. The capacity is great: 130 gallons, which is almost 5 times larger than an entry-level cylindrical ice bath tub. Its size is suitable for people of up to 6’9’’.

As previously mentioned, it’s compatible with a water chiller if you don’t want to be bothered with adding ice, and if you want to use an ice bath regularly, this is something that can make a difference and make the entire experience more seamless.

The clip-on lid is just as durable as the tub itself and it also helps keep the water cool. Unfortunately, the lid is not too secure, so after you use the tub, make sure the lid is closed tightly and everything fits together. Apart from this, the tub is great!

Looking at its dimensions, you can already tell that this cold plunge barrel isn’t going to take up too much space – it’s compact and comes with everything you need to make use of it.

The tub is made of polyvinyl chloride, which is very durable and resistant to tears, but the quality of material used for this tub is not the best and its layers start to tear quickly. The capacity is 84.5 gallons, which is not too much but enough for a comfortable experience. Sadly, the overall experience gets damped by the flimsy feel of the tub – it’s not nearly as sturdy as it needs to be.

The design is multi-layered: the inner layer is PVC, the middle layer is pearl foam, and the outer layer is nylon. This kind of design adds a lot to the tub’s insulation properties, especially when you take into account that people like to use cold plunge tubs outside, in the warm weather.

Although compact, this tub is suitable for anyone up to 6’7’’, which makes it a popular choice for athletes. A lot of tubs are best suited for people of average height, which can be limiting and inconvenient.

Installation and maintenance are just as straightforward as the product itself: the tub has an Easy Flow Drainage System at the bottom to drain it and keep it clean. You need to replace the water inside every 4 weeks, and you can maintain its cleanliness using a water stabilizer or UV purifier.

If the issue regarding durability and material quality were handled, this tub would be almost perfect.

This tub is sturdy, reliable, and you can control its temperature through an app. This feature may seem unnecessary to some, but let’s be real – everything is app-controlled these days because it’s convenient and quick, so why not include that convenience in a cold plunge tub?

The Recoverex tub is designed with military-grade technology, which is why it’s so durable and heavy-duty, and installing it is a breeze – you won’t need an electrician to set it up; you can do it yourself.

Like many other tubs, this one plugs into a standard 110V outlet, and you’ll need about 15 minutes to get everything settled. The app, although it glitches sometimes, is functional and user-friendly, so commonly, you shouldn’t have any issues with changing the temperature.

You can use this tub indoors or outdoors because it’s portable, inflatable, and has an IPX4 weather resistance rating. You can keep it going in temperatures as low as 37°F, which means year-round cold plunges! If you’re using it outside, just make sure you place it somewhere sheltered to protect it from the elements.

The tub has a two-step filtration system that keeps the water clean, and the sanitizer it uses contains no chlorine, so the water is always fresh and has no scent. It’s self-cleaning and you don’t need to drain and refill it all the time.

Unfortunately, it’s close to impossible to know when exactly you need to change the filter. Recoverex advises looking for a diagram that lets you know when the filter needs changing, but the diagram is nowhere to be found.

The coolest thing about this tub? It’s an app-connected plunge, which means it lets you control the temperature straight from your smartphone: all you need is the app and Wi-Fi. It will glitch a bit here and there, but it’s nothing too bad.

The cooling is fast – the commercial grade 1HP chiller will cool the water down from room temperature to 37°F in less than 3 hours, which saves quite a bit of time.

And if it is your first cold plunge tub, you’ll be happy to learn that everything you need is included in the package: aside from the tub itself, you also get a chiller, a hand skimmer net, initial sanitizer kit, an insulated cover, pump, and a carrying bag. If you decide to take a chance on this tub, you’ll be starting your home ice bath experience the right way.

The ice barrel with the best water capacity title goes to Explore Ice. Their tub boasts a significant water capacity of 116 gallons (approx. 440 liters). The title refers to the context of ice baths as opposed to cold plunge tubs, which may offer higher capacities but are also generally more expensive and require additional equipment (e.g., water chillers).

This ice bath tub is popular with a lot of athletes and it’s suitable for people up to 6’7’’ tall. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to use.

The design is ergonomic, and the tub can accommodate people of various weights and heights. Overall, it’s an okay tub that has an affordable price, but it’s kind of baffling to see all these athletes recommending it.

The thing about this tub is that it looks great on paper, but it’s a different thing when you start using it. Its best feature is certainly its capacity - 116 gallons is quite the amount of water. If you want to take it a step further, the Black Stealth comes with a 3-gallon increase in terms of capacity.

It's made of all sorts of stuff – polyester, nylon, and PVC on the outside, and pearl cotton and PVC on the inside. This is supposed to keep the water temperature cool long enough for you to experience all the benefits cold water has, but the water warms up very fast and you’re left sitting in tepid water.

Another issue is the fact that this tub starts to leak after a few uses. Some people even reported it leaking during the first use, so durability is questionable, to say the least.

The materials used in construction can withstand extreme temperatures without cracking or warping, but there seems to be a manufacturing flaw somewhere because a lot of people are getting frustrated by the leaks.

If, however, you’re one of the lucky ones that doesn’t have these issues and you don’t plan on sitting in an ice bath for too long, this is a decent option that will introduce you to the world of ice baths without costing too much and taking up much of your space.

Basically, this is a good idea, but it needs some work. If Explore Fitness would work on a few tweaks, it could end up being an amazing option for an at home ice bath.

Ice baths can seem intimidating if you’ve never tried them, and you’re probably reluctant to invest a larger sum of money into a high-end tub. That’s completely reasonable, but you don’t have to refrain yourself from trying a cold plunge for home – this affordable freestanding tub is a great way to see if you even like ice baths, and if you don’t, at least it wasn’t too much of an expense.

This affordable cold plunge tub is spacious and will allow you to fully stretch and relax in it. It has a cushioned base and a supportive bath pillow and is made from environmentally friendly PVC. It is extremely comfortable, and if you decide to use it with hot water instead of cold, you’ll probably doze off because of how relaxed you’ll feel.

The material it’s made of is resistant to punctures (up to a certain point) and has independent airbags that support your body. It’s good at maintaining the temperature because it has a zipper cover, so you can enjoy your bath for as long as you want. The zipper is known to break, however, so use it carefully.

There’s also a cup holder, while the large nozzles will allow you to inflate and deflate it in a snap. Make sure to have a pump on hand because there’s not one provided in the package, so if you don’t have it, you’ll need to buy one.

The material dries quickly after you drain the tub and you can store it away relatively quickly, without waiting hours for it to dry. This is also a very good option for travel, because you know how dirty those hotel tubs can be.

Overall, it is an affordable, functional, extremely comfortable, and portable tub that’s unlikely to disappoint you.

This inflatable cold plunge tub seems so comfortable and soft, it makes you want to jump in right away and relax. There are a few things about it that need to be improved, but even without the improvements, it’s still good.

With its 51 inches in length and 23 inches in width, there’s more than enough space in this tub for you to stretch, lay back, and forget all about your stressful day.

It comes with a wireless air pump that inflates the whole thing in just 2 minutes, and the pump has two nozzles, so you can use it for other things in your house that need inflating. Unfortunately, you won’t get batteries for it in the package.

It's made of PVC and has a zipper-locked design, which plays a huge part in keeping the temperature consistent. You can, of course, use either hot or cold water. The bottom of the tub has pearl cotton to insulate it from the ground, and it also adds to the overall comfort of the tub.

The tub has a side storage bag, which is handy if you want to take your phone or a book with you and keep it within reach. There’s also a comfortable head rest, a shoulder protector, and a waist rest that supports your back. Its shape is oval, which is usually good, but this tub struggles a bit to keep the shape.

Once you fill it with water, the sides kind of bulge and make the tub more round than oval, which makes it difficult for the zipper to work. If the PVC they used to make the tub was just a teensy bit more heavy-duty, this wouldn’t happen.

This XXXL portable cold plunge is larger than some other inflatable tubs, but it’s not an actual XXXL size by any means. It’s more durable than some of its counterparts and the material it’s made of is firm and holds its shape without issues.

As soon as you get your package, you’ll notice how lightweight this tub is. You can easily carry it with you on trips because it works indoors or outdoors. Think about going on a vacation and being able to use your own tub, without worrying about if it’s clean enough and without who has been in there before you.

The package includes an air pump, siphon draining kits, a waterproof cellphone pouch, a product manual and, of course, the tub.

The quality of the PVC material used for this tub is surprisingly good. PVC often feels flimsy and is known to tear if it’s the cheaper kind, but this one is heavy-duty and does not feel like it’s going to tear. It also does not change its shape once you add water, which is another common issue with inflatable tubs.

The 106-gallon capacity is another great thing about this unit, and you’ll be able to soak blissfully in more than enough water. The only problem is that this tub is not as big as advertised, and tall people can’t really fit in there comfortably. Basically, if you’re 5’11’’ or over, you won’t feel too comfortable in it.

If you’re under 5’11’, though, you’ll probably love it. You can use this for all kinds of things – as a portable hot tub, as an ice tub, or as a soaking tub. If you use it as an ice tub, the temperature won’t go up as soon as you may think, and the water will remain cool long enough for you to enjoy the benefits of icy water.

Just be careful after you are done with your bath because the drain tears easily, so use it carefully.

This is the most compact and lightweight tub on the list. It’s ideal for travel because of how easy it is to transport, but there are things about it that could be better.

The tub is advertised as being suited for two people, but that’s not the case, unfortunately.

This is a small, compact tub that can fit one average-sized person. It’s made of imported non-phthalate PVC materials that meet strict standards, like EN71-3, SGS, and 6P, which means the tub is durable and environmentally friendly. It has 3 layers of resistant fabric that makes it easy to clean and durable.

Your ice bath won’t be that great if you’re expecting to be immersed in a lot of water because the tub’s capacity is only 36.9 gallons. But if you only want the benefits that come from being in cold water and you are not expecting too much comfort, then this will be just fine.

The tub is freestanding, so you can place it anywhere, and because it’s so compact, it won’t be in the way.

Overall, this is a good and compact tub that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of cold water, but don’t expect to be too comfortable in it.

What Is a Cold Plunge Ice Bath and How Does It Work?

People who do not know what a cold plunge is and are not familiar with its benefits probably think it’s a masochistic way to take a bath. However, the popularity of cold plunges is constantly increasing because they’re actually incredibly therapeutic and invigorating.

Basically, a cold plunge is a refreshing way to recover and improve your well-being. Yes, it can take you some time to get used to it, but when you do, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.

The process is pretty straightforward: it includes immersing yourself in cold water (typically ranging from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit; 4 to 15 degrees Celsius). The key features of a cold plunge are rooted in the physiological effects it has on your body.

You’ll get the best effects with a brief (1-3 minutes) exposure to very cold temperatures (35-45°F) or a longer (30-60 minutes) exposure to moderately cold (60°F) water.

One of the main benefits of cold water is the vasoconstriction and vasodilation cycle. Simply put, once you get in a cold plunge, your blood vessels constrict, and reduce the blood flow to vital organs and extremities.

This process is followed by vasodilation, where the blood vessels expand, which allows a rush of oxygenated blood to circulate when you get out of the water. Cold plunges also have mental health benefits and can help increase metabolic rate, but we’ll get into more details regarding benefits a little bit later.

Modern cold plunge baths usually have innovative designs and materials that help keep the water temperature cool enough and make the session effective.

4 Cold Plunge Ice Bath Types

Each of us has their own preferences, so you should do your research to try to figure out which of the cold water immersion tubs would suit you best. Think about how you want to use your tub and where – do you want to take it with you when you travel or are you happy just using it at home?

Do you want to take an indoor cold plunge or do you prefer being outside? Do you like traditional designs, or would you like to give something innovative a try?

Let’s go over the main types of cold plunge tubs and see what their characteristics are.

1. Bathtub or Barrel With Chiller

These are equipped with a built-in chiller system that allows you to set and maintain a specific temperature. Being able to control the temperature and not having to add ice is very convenient, but if you’re going for this option, be prepared for a higher price.

2. Bathtub or Barrel Without Chiller

You’ll save some money on these, but you will need to manually add ice to get to the desired temperature. There are many options when it comes to tubs and barrels without chillers, like durable, heavy models, or portable ones. They’re available in many different sizes, but they require more effort to maintain the temperature.

3. Chest Freezer Converted to an Ice Bath

This is a good option for those that are handy because it’s essentially a DIY solution. This option is less expensive than an ice bath with a chiller and can be set to maintain a specific temperature, but it requires some skill for conversion and maintenance.

4. Alternatives

You don’t necessarily need a cold plunge tub to expose yourself to cold water or to cold temperatures; you can start with taking cold showers, or just go outside in cold weather only in a t-shirt or find a natural body of water to take a quick dip in. How to do it properly - read our protocol below.

Feature	Bath/Barrel With Chiller	Bath/Barrel Without Chiller	Chest Freezer Converted to an Ice Bath
Price	Higher price	More affordable than options with chillers	Less expensive, DIY solution
Temperature Control	Built-in system to set and maintain temperature	Manual ice addition	Can be set to maintain specific temperature, but needs DIY skills
Convenience	Highly convenient	Needs effort to add ice and maintain temperature	Some effort for conversion and maintenance
Maintenance	Needs regular maintenance of chiller system	Easier to maintain that baths with chillers	Needs DIY skills for setup and ongoing maintenance
Portability	Varies, but generally less portable	Options for both heavy, durable models, and portable ones	Not very portable after adding water. Empty - easy to move
Suitability	Ideal for ease of use and precise temperature control	Good for those willing to manually add ice or when is cold outside	Good for handy people who want a cost-effective solution

4 Benefits of Cold Plunge

Cold plunge baths are famous for being therapeutic, but it can be hard to persuade people to submit themselves to such low temperatures because the process is pretty uncomfortable at first. If you’re still thinking whether you should give this a try or not, the answer is – yes! Let’s see why. 

✅ Improved Mental Well-Being

A cold plunge will stimulate the release of catecholamines, including epinephrine and dopamine, which can improve mood. It can also reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and contribute to a positive mental state.

✅ Muscle Recovery

Sore muscles can be annoying, but they can also be extremely uncomfortable. Cold water immersion can help with reducing the inflammation and soreness. However, keep in mind that timing is everything and you shouldn’t jump into a cold bath too soon because it can kill the gains from working out.

Our expert Ihor Shymechko claims:

"If you want to make your cold plunge more relaxing, consider adding some essential oils, like lavender or eucalyptus. These scents are known to be calming and soothing and they are the perfect complement to the refreshing nature of cold water."

✅ Health Benefits

Regular exposure to cold water has been linked to an increase in the production of white blood cells, enhancing immunity, increasing insulin sensitivity, and potentially lowering blood pressure. 

It will also improve your circulation because exposing your body to cold temperatures will cause your blood vessels to constrict, and then once you get out of the ice bath, your blood vessels will dilate. 

This process improves your circulation and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to various parts of your body, which supports overall cardiovascular health by keeping the system responsible for vasodilation and vasoconstriction efficient.

✅ Brown Fat

Cold water immersion significantly impacts brown fat, which is crucial for thermoregulation. Unlike white fat, brown fat burns calories to generate heat, and if you expose your body regularly to cold water, it can stimulate the development and activation of brown fat. 

Cold water is even known to convert brown fat into white fat, which is a process called “browning”.

Our expert Oleksiy Torokhtiy noted:

"You can get the benefits from a cold plunge faster if you incorporate contrast therapy; pair your cold plunge with short intervals of warm water to give your circulation a boost."

Who Can Benefit From Ice Bath Therapy and Who Should Avoid It?

Nothing in this world is going to work for everyone, especially when it’s something as extreme as a cold plunge. Although it has a lot of incredible benefits, it’s not a universal cure and not everyone should do it.

If you’re an athlete or a fitness junkie looking to speed up recovery, an icy plunge may be a good choice because it can help make your muscles less sore and it may also help your performance.

People who are recovering from injuries can also benefit from an ice bath, although in these cases, it’s best to consult with your doctor before plunging into a tub full of icy water.

Beyond the physical benefits, people who want to help improve their mental health can also try a cold plunge and see if the refreshing, chilly feeling will help reduce their stress levels.

However, there are those who need to avoid cold plunges and temperature extremes. If you have a pre-existing cardiovascular condition or respiratory issues don’t even think about trying out an ice bath without consulting it with your healthcare provider.

Pregnant women, people dealing with hypertension, and those who have a history of frostbite or Raynaud’s disease should also avoid cold baths.

If your health does not prevent you from enjoying cold water, think about what workouts you’re doing and what results you want from them, because cold plunges are not always ideal. For example, weightlifters should refrain from cold plunges 4 to 6 hours after a workout because they can negatively influence muscle growth.

Your health condition is one of the most important things that is going to determine how appropriate cold plunge therapy is, and even if you’re completely healthy, it’s always good to check with your doctor before you decide on anything extreme and do some research to check if cold water can hinder your results.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Cold Plunge?

Cold plunge tubs can be very expensive, so before you choose one, make sure it’s going to last you a long time and that it’s going to work as intended. Making a choice seems harder than it actually is: all you need to do is pay attention to a few key factors.

1. Size

Decide where you want to place the tub so it suits your space. Additionally, a lot of brands will mention which height is the most suitable for their tub, so take your height and weight into consideration.

2. Capacity

You don’t need a pool-sized tub (unless you really, really want it), but you need it to be big enough to hold a decent amount of water. On average, a good cold plunge tub has a capacity of about 100 gallons.

3. Material Quality

The material is one of the most important factors when it comes to determining how long your tub is going to last you. Make sure to go for sturdy PVC if you’re choosing an inflatable tub, or materials like steel and fiberglass if you’re going for a more traditional option.

4. Chiller Features

The temperature needs to be consistent for you to enjoy your cold plunge, which means the chiller system needs to be high-quality, so it can quickly change the temperature and keep it in the optimal range without malfunctioning after 2 months of use.

5. Temperature Range

You want your tub to be versatile and have a range of temperatures so you can pick and choose. Different temperatures cater to different therapeutic protocols, so a good range is a must.

6. Extra Features

There’s nothing wrong with the basics, but if you’re making an investment, you may want to get more bang for your buck and have some extra features, like integrated seating, user-friendly controls, or LED lights. 

7. Comfort in Use

Ergonomically designed tubs are known for being comfortable, but there are some other features that improve comfort.

For example, how easy the bath is to get in and out, whether there’s a seat inside, a headrest, or some back support, etc. You shouldn’t expect to actually relax in icy water because that’s not its purpose, but make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

Our expert Ihor Shymechko claims:

"A good tub is easy to clean, so look for tubs with built-in filtration systems that keep the water clean and reduce the frequency of water changes. In addition, check that the warranty covers both the tub and its mechanical components."

8. Cleaning Features

Effective cleaning features are very important because you want to prevent any bacterial growth in your tub, maintain water clarity, and minimize health risks. Look for a tub that has a filtration system, UV sanitizers, or one that just uses regular chemical treatments, so you can prevent any bacterial infections or skin irritations.

Not only will this maintenance comply with health standards, but it will also prolong the lifespan of your tub. 

How to Cold Plunge – Simple Protocol

If you’re tempted just to fill the tub with water, add some ice to it, and then get in – don’t. You should mentally prepare yourself for the cold temperature, but don’t go into anything extreme on your first try.

The main idea is that the water should be cold enough for you to want to get out of it, but manageable enough for you to fight your instincts and stay. It’s all about healthy stress, and as you get used to this, you can increase the time you spend in the tub, or lower the temperature.

Keep in mind that you’ll see the best results from 11 or more minutes of exposure per week, but build up to that gradually.

If you’re going with a really low temperature (35-40 degrees Fahrenheit), you want a brief exposure of 1 to 3 minutes. Stick to this timeframe because hypothermia is no joke and it can cause severe issues, like a drop in core temperature that can lead to confusion, shivering, loss of coordination, and in some cases, even cardiac arrest.

If you’re starting out with moderately cold water (60 degrees Fahrenheit), you can be exposed to it for 30 minutes to an hour. This is what’s going to give you the best results, but remember - progress to it slowly.

If you’re just starting for the first time, fill your tub with water and then set the temperature to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s a low temperature, but it’s not anything that’s going to shock your body too much.

Once the temperature is where you need it to be, slowly get in the tub and let your body acclimate gradually – a sudden shock can be dangerous, so don’t rush. How deep you go depends on your preferences; you don’t need the water to reach your neck if that feels too uncomfortable. Try sitting in the water for about 5 minutes and then get out of the tub.

During the time you’re in the tub, focus on controlled intentional breathing. You should inhale and exhale without tension and enjoy the crisp air. This is going to help the initial shock, and with practice, it can get you into an almost meditative state, which can do wonders for your mental health.

FAQ

Is a Cold Plunge Tub Worth It?

Absolutely. It’s worth it for anyone who wants to improve their recovery, circulation, and mental health. This invigorating experience can help reduce inflammation and promote mental clarity.

Is a Cold Bath the Same as a Cold Plunge?

Hard to say - who has the right to say that they are or not 🙂. Let’s say for the sake of this example they’re not the same, although both involve exposing your body to cold water. Let’s refer to cold baths as immersing your entire body in coldish water, usually to relax. A cold plunge is more specific and focuses on a brief intense exposure to the really cold water and it’s usually used for therapeutic purposes. 

Is It Ok to Take a Cold Plunge Every Day?

It can be beneficial, but it can also cause problems. Listen to your body and see how it reacts. You should refrain from cold plunges if you’re strength training because it can have a negative effect on performance and results.

Conclusion

Cold plunging can be an invigorating and healthy experience that can help you recover faster, but it’s definitely something you need to get used to and learn to appreciate it. To get the most out of your cold plunge, make sure the tub you’re using is good quality, and if you want the best, the Fire Cold Plunge is the way to go.

Have you tried cold plunging? What benefits have you seen from it? How long did it take you to start enjoying it? Do you have any tips for newbies on how to get started easier? Is there an ice bath or a cold plunge pool you can recommend?

Share your thoughts and tips on how to enjoy being almost frozen, and let’s discuss!

Chilling out!

Also read:

• How to Keep Ice Bath Water Clean
• Ice Bath vs Hot Bath
• Cold Shower vs Ice Bath
• Do Ice Baths Burn Fat
• Ice Bath Before or After Workout

References:

1. Elvis S. Malta, Yago M. Dutra, James R. Broatch, David J. Bishop, Alessandro M. Zagatto, “The Effects of Regular Cold-Water Immersion Use on Training-Induced Changes in Strength and Endurance Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis,” Sports Medicine 51, no. 1 (2021): 161-174, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /33146851/ (accessed November 9, 2023).
2. Jacob E. Earp, Disa L. Hatfield, Andrew Sherman, Elaine C. Lee, William J. Kraemer, “Cold-Water Immersion Blunts and Delays Increases in Circulating Testosterone and Cytokines Post-Resistance Exercise,” European Journal of Applied Physiology 119, no. 8 (2019): 1901-1907, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /31222379/ (accessed November 9, 2023).
3. Jiří Néma, J. Zdara, P. Lašák, J. Bavlovič, M. Bureš, J. Pejchal, H. Schvach, “Impact of Cold Exposure on Life Satisfaction and Physical Composition of Soldiers,” BMJ Mil Health. 2023 Jan 4:e002237, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /36599485/ (accessed November 9, 2023).
4. Laura Williamson, “You're Not a Polar Bear: The Plunge into Cold Water Comes with Risks,” American Heart Association News, https://www.heart.org/en /news/2022/12/09/youre-not-a-polar-bear-the-plunge-into-cold-water-comes-with-risks (accessed November 9, 2023).
5. Nikolai A. Shevchuk, “Adapted Cold Shower as a Potential Treatment for Depression,” Medical Hypotheses 70, no. 5 (2008): 995-1001, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /17993252/ (accessed November 9, 2023).
6. Sara Shams, Mahdi Amirinejad, Sadegh Amani-Shalamzari, Hamid Rajabi, Katsuhiko Suzuki, “Swimming in cold water upregulates genes involved in thermogenesis and the browning of white adipose tissues,” Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & molecular biology 265, (2023 April-May): 110834, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /36740139/ (accessed November 22nd, 2023).