It's Time to Get a Cold Plunge Tub

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Like outdoor saunas, the best cold plunge tubs are showing up in plenty of stylish backyards across the country. And similar to saunas, they offer plenty of health and wellness benefits, so we tapped not one but two doctors to discuss them in clinical terms. Dr. Robert McLaughlin, an orthopedic surgeon in Boston, and Dr. Kevin Huffman, a board-certified bariatric physician in Elyria, Ohio, are all for the use of cold plunge tubs—as long as you’re using them as intended and safely because, like anything extreme, these chilly experiences could get dangerous.

Before we get into the potential issues, though, let’s talk about the benefits. “From a medical standpoint, cold water immersion acts as a highly effective method of reducing inflammation and soreness post-intensive physical activity,” Dr. McLaughlin says. “The primary benefits observed include accelerated recovery times, reduction in muscle soreness, and improvement in overall well-being by means of enhanced circulation and endorphin release.” That said, anyone with cardiovascular issues or sensitivity to the cold should definitely consult their personal medical professionals before experimenting with cold water, especially because plunge pools are usually pretty chilly at 50 or so degrees Fahrenheit.

So how does it work, you may be wondering? “Immersion in the cold constricts the blood vessels, which reduces swelling and inflammation of muscle and joints,” Dr. Huffman notes. “It also causes the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural opiates that relax the muscles and can give a feeling of euphoria.”

Interested in trying one out for yourself? Ahead, we offer nine different options that will definitely help you heal in whatever ways you need. Plus, after we list our favorite finds, we’ll answer all your questions about cold plunge tubs and let you know what to consider before buying one.

Ice Bath Tub

When you think of a basic cold plunge tub, something like this comes to mind. It's not exactly something you'd spread out and relax in, but lounging isn't really what you do in an ice bath. At just 30 inches tall, it's something you'd crouch in once it's all set up and filled with chilly water. It's also portable, so if you don't want to leave it outside, feel free to dismantle it once you're done, fold it up into its carrying case, and tuck it away until you're ready to use it again. "From the get-go, the setup was straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions provided," one customer said. "The tub itself is exceptional quality, with durable materials that promise longevity and a sleek design that complements my home setup perfectly."

Oval Ice Bath Tub

Designed in an oval shape for full body immersion, this cold plunge tub is a bit more comfortable than the previous one if you plan on spending a few more minutes (remember: no more than 10!) submerged. Like the previous one, it's also portable, so if you don't want it on display, pack it up and stow it away. Did we mention that it's only nine pounds?

The best part is that the tub's constructed using five-layer thermo-insulated materials that guarantee to maintain any temperature you're in the mood for—whether it's cold or hot. "As a yoga and HIIT enthusiast, I bought the portable ice bucket bathtub recently, and I'm delighted with my decision...Upon receiving the product, I was immediately impressed by its high quality. The materials used are top-notch and the craftsmanship is evident in every detail," one reviewer noted.

Cold Therapy Training Tub

This cold therapy training tub includes everything you see: ‎a step stool, lid, and, of course, the ice barrel itself. There's also a UV-protective cover for super-sunny days. Unlike inflatable ones, this portable tub is made of high-quality recycled materials, including low linear density polyethylene (LLDPE), which is a fancy way of saying it's lightweight, durable, and non-toxic plastic. One customer said, "I really can not say a bad thing about this purchase. Not only is it a perfect size, it's sturdy and well made to stay nice and cool in the Florida weather."

Portable Ice Bath Tub

There's something about the convenience of inflatable tubs that make them highly desirable. Case in point: This one, which, when blown up and assembled, can fit someone as tall as six-foot-nine. If you're worried about how exhausting blowing this up may be, rest assured that it comes with a dual-action air pump for quick and easy set up in as little as five minutes. What's more, you may be indulging in the benefits of buying on Amazon, including free two-day shipping while also supporting a small business. Inglacier is a family-owned and -operated business located in Missouri. "This exceeded my expectations," one customer said. "It has withstood below freezing temps up to hot sunny days. I definitely recommend this product if you're trying to save money but want a quality product."

Inflatable PortableIce Bath Barrel

Available in two sizes, this inflatable tub feels like a permanent fixture when it's all blown up. That's the beauty of the specific type of PVC it's made of; when inflated to capacity, it feels totally rigid. You'd never guess it can fold into a backpack. The double-insulated walls will also keep your water icy cold for as long as you want it to be. "Using this tub was an experience. I have only used a smaller tub in the past and using a larger tub was so much different. I loved it," one reviewer said. "This was easy to put together and held up well when filled. It was easy to get in and out of and I like that it has a lid. It is a solid piece. I highly recommend it."

Soaking Plunge Tub

You may not be spending more than 10 minutes in your cold plunge tub, but if you're going to shell out money on one, you may as well get as comfortable as you can, and this is definitely the most comfy. Complete with a removable wooden seat, backrest, and headrest, this is a good investment. Plus, if you're in the mood for hot over cold, the Thai oak will maintain the temperature for as long as you need. One happy customer said, "A little expensive for an outdoor, but worked great for a cold plunge."

Ice Barrel 300

We don't like to play favorites, but the classic Ice Barrel is definitely up there. It's fully insulated—whether you’re using ice or a chiller to make and keep it cold—with thick polyurethane foam walls. It's also designed so that you can sit in a comfortable upright seated position, courtesy of the hidden internal seat. When you're not using it, just slide the included lid over it so that it doesn't fill with rainwater or dirt. One customer said, "Originally, I thought I wanted a bath tub-style tank. However, after using the Ice Barrel, I'm glad I went with it. Submersion up to the neck is comfortable (6'2") and it uses up less space."

Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub

There may be quite a few wooden slats attached to the barrel, lid, and step stool, but you don't have to deal with any of them because this Alaskan cold plunge tub arrives fully assembled. You also don't have to worry about splinters, courtesy of the plastic liner that's fitted to the inside of the tub, with spruce thermowood covering the exterior. And if you want to go above and beyond for your wellness routine, add anything from a floating thermometer to a cold plunge chiller. "It's a great price for a great product," one reviewer said.

The Plunge

If it's good enough for Kylie Jenner, it's good enough for us. That's right, the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan uses this exact cold plunge tub to keep her mind and body as healthy as possible. This may look a bit basic, but here's what makes it so great: It uses a powerful cooling, filtration, and sanitation system to give you perfectly chilled, clean water sans chillers or ice. In other words, it's super easy to use and enjoy. It has nearly 700 five-star reviews and one customer said, "I love the plunge. The setup was super easy and maintenance is seamless. I use my plunge everyday and have been working the temperature down every two weeks. I am at 49 right now."

What to Look for in a Cold Plunge Tub

Whether you get a portable cold plunge tub or a permanent one, there are a few things to know before making your purchase.

Size: The size is perhaps the most important consideration because it will determine how comfortable you'll be in your ice bath. That said, no matter how big it is, submerging yourself in cold water will never be a cozy experience. If you're going with a compact barrel shape, you'll either be crouching on the base or perching on a hidden stool, both of which are common. If you opt for a longer, flatter one, you'll be sitting with your legs straightened in front of you. One is not better than the other, so go with your personal preference.

Material: The two most popular materials are wood and various types of PVC, both of which are sturdy and durable. Wood, however, isn't often as insulated as PVC, which are typically built with a layer that keeps the water cold. If you like the look of wood better, you don't have to worry about the water getting warm because you should only be immersed for five to 10 minutes, and that's plenty of time to keep the water cold.

How Cold Should the Plunge Pool Be?

If you've ever seen an Instagram Reel or TikTok of someone submerging themself in a cold plunge pool, you've probably noticed that their physical cringe must mean the water is really cold. While they are pretty chilly, they definitely should not be freezing. In fact, McLaughlin says they shouldn't be any colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything colder may cause hypothermia. "I advise soaking in the plunge pool for durations of five to 10 minutes, though this may vary depending on individual tolerance and specific health conditions," Dr. McLaughlin says. "It's crucial to monitor reactions closely to prevent adverse effects such as hypothermia or undue stress on the cardiovascular system."

Is It Okay to Cold Plunge Every Day?

Yes, you can cold plunge every day, but doing so may compromise the potential for long-term performance improvements, so if you're looking to improve your muscles' abilities, you may want to indulge in a cold plunge every few days. "This duration can vary depending on personal tolerance and the specific therapeutic goal," Dr. Huffman adds.

Are There Any Negatives to Cold Plunging?

"Long exposure to very cold water has the potential to trigger hypothermia. This is most likely to happen with cold water 'dippers' who are not acclimatized—though some individuals do experience a shock response, which involves a sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure," Dr. Huffman explains. So if you're not used to extreme cold, you may want to start with slightly warmer temperatures and gradually decrease the temperature until you are acclimated. If it doesn't start to feel good either during or after your plunge (after three or four tries), cold plunging may not be for you. "Cold plunges are potentially dangerous for those with medical conditions, including heart disease and hypertension, since the sudden temperature change puts significant additional demand on the cardiovascular system," Dr. Huffman says.

Why Trust House Beautiful?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, associate shopping editor Jessica Cherner has been covering furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home.

For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews, ratings, and tapped two medical professionals for their expert advice: Dr. Robert McLaughlin, an orthopedic surgeon in Boston, and Dr. Kevin Huffman, a board-certified bariatric physician in Elyria, Ohio. Both strongly advocate for the regular use of cold plunge tubs for a myriad of health and wellness benefits.

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