The Best Cold Plunge Tubs for Every Type of Athlete and Wellness Lover
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Once a ritual among pro athletes and biohackers, cold plunges have entered the mainstream, as seen in Josh Brolin’s latest Saturday Night Live hosting appearance. Wellness-minded stars including Jason Momoa, Chris Hemsworth, Courteney Cox, Lady Gaga and Gwyneth Paltrow have dipped themselves into sub-zero water seeking health benefits ranging from muscle recovery and reducing inflammation to boosting blood flow and more.
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Made famous by extreme athlete and “Ice Man” Wim Hof, cold plunge therapy has been used by Jeremy Renner to help recover from his near-deadly snow plow accident, while Paltrow said she’s have it on the wellness menu if she ever opened a Goop hotel. The treatment is offered at five-star resorts, spas and Hollywood wellness centers such as L.A.’s Remedy Place and Pause Studio, Murrietta Hot Springs, Austin’s 7744 Ranch and countless others. And NPR reports that there are even groups dedicated to diving into the frigid waters of Puget Sound.
Anecdotally, cold plunge enthusiasts claim the therapy has helped to strengthen their immune systems, lower stress, boost their mental clarity and improve their energy and mood. Though there aren’t enough studies to prove those claims, scientists are currently conducting studies to determine whether ice water immersion or cold temperature exposure can affect immunity, dopamine levels and more, notes NPR. If you’re interested in trying ice baths, you should always consult their doctor or trained health professional first, especially if you may have underlying health conditions.
Ahead, we’ve included the best cold plunge tubs for every budget, use and space. Our picks include free-standing entry-level options under $200 that need water, ice and regular cleaning, so you’ll need accessories such as a water stabilizer and a net to remove debris. For those who want to invest more, our list also features inflatable tubs and commercial-grade vessels with built-in or optional chillers that control the temperature and clean and filter water automatically.
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into cryotherapy, or ready to upgrade your basic ice water barrel, check out some of the cold plunge tubs from Sun Home Saunas, Plunge, Redwood Outdoors, Amazon and more.
BEST INVESTMENT
Sun Home Saunas Cold Plunge Pro
On sale for $450 off, Sun Home Saunas’ 150-gallon Cold Plunge Pro is our top pick for the dedicated athlete and wellness devotee — its commercial-grade gear is trusted by pro sports leagues such as the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC. We like the self-cooling feature that allows the tub to reach freezing temperature without plugging in a separate chiller, thanks to the built-in ice generator. The self-cleaning system has advanced filtration, ozone purification and ultraviolet disinfection.
Made of stainless steel, the Cold Plunge Pro also boasts industrial-grade wheels that make the 345-pound tub easy to move. You can even roll it to your deck, as the LineX coating makes it durable enough to use outdoors.
Sun Home Saunas Cold Plunge Pro Specifications
Volume capacity 150 gallons
Empty weight 345 pounds
Dimensions 34 x 78 x 33 inches
Temperature range 32 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit
Warranty 1 year
BEST ON AMAZON
Polar Recovery Tub
$49.99 $149.99 67% off
On sale for 67 percent off, Polar Recovery’s 110-gallon portable ice bath is one of the best portable cold plunge tubs we’ve seen on sale at Amazon. This freestanding tub can hold up to 110 gallons with enough space to seat someone as tall as 6’7″ — just add water and ice to immerse yourself in cold therapy. The company says the UV-resistant PVC inner lining is easy to clean, and eight removable legs make it easy to assemble or break down.
Polar Recovery Tub Specifications
Volume capacity 110 gallons
Weight 6 pounds
Dimensions 31.5 x 31.5 x 27.5 inches
Warranty 1 year
BEST INFLATABLE
Plunge Evolve Air Pro with Chiller
For a “smart” way to dip into your ice bath, Plunge’s inflatable Evolve Air Pro tub with Chiller takes only 20 minutes to set up or put away, and pairs with the company’s iPhone app (Android compatibility coming soon) so you can start up your cold plunge remotely so it’s ready when you are. The angled tub lets you sit back during your plunge, and the PlungePure chiller filters and chills water down to 37 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s made with nylon and PVC fabric, so you can use the tub indoors and outdoors.
It includes an insulated lid, ground cover, repair kit and a backpack to bring your plunge while traveling.
Plunge Evolve Air Pro with Chiller Specifications
Volume capacity 105 gallons
Empty weight 28 pounds
Dimensions Tub: 61 x 32 x 28 inches; chiller: 29 x 17.5 x 16 inches
Temperature range As cold as 37 degrees Fahrenheit
Warranty 1 year
SPONSORED PICK
Sun Home Saunas Cold Plunge Portable Ice Bath with Chiller
For a portable option that can chill and heat both indoors and outdoors, upgrade to Sun Home Saunas’ Cold Plunge Portable Ice Bath with Chiller, which is $600 off for a limited time. Made with military-grade material, this spacious cold plunge tub can fit people as tall as 6’8″. The smart chiller can get as cold as 37.5F or as hot as 104F and can be controlled and scheduled via the mobile app. The tub stays clean with the built-in circulation pump and the high-efficiency ozone injection sanitation system with a 20-micron filter for keeping dirt and debris out.
It comes with an insulated tub cover, repair kit, smart hand pump, carrying case and an extra filter.
Sun Home Cold Plunge Portable Ice Bath with Chiller Specifications
Volume capacity 95 gallons
Empty weight Tub: 15.5 pounds; chiller: 88 pounds
Dimensions Tub: 76.8 x 27.6 x 25.2 inches; chiller: 21 x 16 x 22 inches
Temperature range 37.5 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
Warranty 1 year
BEST BARREL-STYLE TUB
Ice Barrel 400
Ice Barrel’s 400 model is an ideal upright cold plunge tub for those who like a compact, barrel-style design for full-body submersion for those up to 6’6″ tall. Available in black or tan, the company says its tub is made from medical-grade, recycled and non-toxic material that’s lightweight and easy to clean.
Ice Barrel recommends changing the water every four weeks and using its water stabilizer or maintenance kit to treat and clean water. It includes a step stool, lid and a UV- and water resistant cover.
Ice Barrel 400 Specifications
Volume capacity 105 gallons
Empty weight 55 pounds
Dimensions 31 x 42 inches
Warranty 1 year
BEST UNDER $2,000
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub
Inspired by traditional Finnish design, Redwood Outdoors’ Alaskan cold plunge tub is made with Scandinavian spruce thermowood that matches the company’s indoor/outdoor wood saunas. This 130-gallon tub fits one person and comes fully assembled — all you need to do is add water and ice, no additional chiller or electricity required. It comes with exterior steps and a sturdy plastic liner with a built-in bench; you can also add on an all-in-one chiller or deluxe heating and chilling system.
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub Specifications
Volume capacity 130 gallons
Empty weight 250 pounds
Dimensions 40.5 x 37 inches
Warranty 1 year
BEST UNDER $200
The Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub for Athletes XL
Save $50 with Amazon coupon
$110 $160 31% off
Best for small spaces, the Cold Pod XL is 20 percent larger than its standard tub to fit seated users as tall as 6’7″. This 116-gallon cold plunge tub can be used indoors and outdoors and features a fully insulated interior and four-layered thermal cover to maintain its temperature after you add water and ice. Note that the barrel doesn’t include a built-in filter or cleaner, and the brand suggests using a UV purifier or water stabilizer to keep it clean.
The Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub for Athletes XL Specifications
Volume capacity 116 gallons
Empty weight 15.5 pounds
Dimensions 35.5 x 35.5 x 30 inches
Warranty 1 year
BEST UNDER $100
Savage Ice Baths Portable Cold Plunge Tub
For those dipping their toes into ice baths, Savage’s cold plunge tub is a great entry-level option. It can hold 78 gallons of ice water for users as tall as 6’6″, and comes with a floating thermometer, repair patches, air pump, cover, travel-friendy storage bag and a robe (so it also makes a cool gift).
Savage Ice Baths Portable Cold Plunge Tub Specifications
Volume capacity 78 gallons
Empty weight 13 pounds
Dimensions 29 x 32 inches
Warranty 1 year
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