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Our best overall cold plunge tub honor goes to the aptly named Plunge, while your wallet might love the G Ganen tub. Take a dip into the best tubs that provide physical and mental recovery.
You don’t need to be a pro athlete or pay for fancy spa treatments to enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy.
Cold exposure — aka cold water therapy — involves fully submerging yourself in freezing water. It’s believed to be highly beneficial for health, and it’s becoming more popular. In fact, there are a growing number of cold plunge tubs on the market that you can add to your home.
We’ve rounded up our favorite cold plunge tubs that fit various needs, lifestyles, and budgets.
• ozone sanitation
• circular filtration
• indoor/outdoor use
• underwater light
• indoor/ outdoor use
• easy assembly
• financing available
• loud
• some experienced quality issues
• can return within 30 days for a full refund
• user-friendly drainage system
• easy setup & use
• easy-to-use drainage system
• cost-effective
• shipping costs extra
• returns within 30 days of delivery for full refund less 30% restocking fee
• upgraded insulation system
• large tank
• highly energy efficient chiller
• advanced filtration & ozone purification
• extra ventilation
• modern, customizable design
• large
• cover can be hard to maneuver
• returns within 45 days of delivery, subject to shipping costs & 5% restocking fee
• pump & filter always running
• ozone generator for sanitizing
• reusable filter
• both a plunge & ice tub
• handmade design
• UV sanitation not included
• pricey
• 3 years (working)
• 66-in stainless steel tub
• ranges from 37–60°F (3–16°C)
• low maintenance
• self-contained
• long lead times
• quite large
• easy-to-use air hole
• neck & arm rests
• inexpensive
• indoor/ outdoor use
• comfortable rests
• chemical odor lingers
• can be tricky to get in & out of
• cools to 37°F (3°C) within 5 hours
• backpack for easy transport
• lightweight
• easy-to-handle chiller on wheels
• self-cleaning
• videos or documentation are lacking for some
• some had issues with stated vs. actual shipping times
• returns within 30 days for full refund less shipping costs
• floor mat
• double-action pump
• repair kit
• lightweight
• less expensive than others
• some had issues with cover
• lettering can wear off
• returns within 30 days for refund
• mesh carry bag
• puncture repair kit
• compact
• easy setup and takedown
• small
• takes time to set up & fill
• returns on defective or incorrect items (must get authorization)
• 30-day returns
• straightforward setup
• can be used with or without the 1HP cooling system
• easy maintenance
• 29-3/4 x 15-7/8 x 17-3/8 in for the Chiller
When selecting our favorite cold tubs, we focused on the following criteria:
- Versatility: To offer the most value, we looked for tubs that you could use both indoors and outdoors or that you could transport to different locations.
- Customer feedback: User experience is important and, while everyone is different, it can be very helpful to know that a product is generally favored by those who have tried it. These products have mostly favorable reviews.
- Size: We looked for tubs in a variety of sizes to suit both large and small spaces.
- Price range: The tubs range in size to suit different budgets.
- Expert vetting: We vet each products to ensure they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
While cold plunging and cold tub therapy are still rising in popularity and need more research, experts note many positive effects.
For example, a
Some possible benefits of cold tube therapy noted in the review include:
- beneficial for reducing muscle soreness after exercise
- may prevent muscle soreness and pain
- may help treat chronic autoimmune inflammation
- may reduce stress
- may lower cholesterol
Though little research supports it, some experts claim it also helps:
- improve circulation
- improve depression
- enhance sleep
- boost energy levels
There are potential hazards to using a cold plunge tub. Before you buy, check with a healthcare professional to assess your personal risks. These may be based on:
- age
- overall health
- underlying health conditions
- body size and composition
- mobility
Do not use a cold plunge tub alone, especially if you are new to this experience. Accidents, drowning, and hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, are possible and may be more likely to occur if you are alone and inexperienced about cold plunge tub use.
Other potential hazards include hyperventilation, cognitive changes, and blood pressure changes.
Do not use a cold plunge tub after drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs.
If you’re new to cold plunging, these tips may help you use your tub safely:
- Set a timer for a short period. The first plunge should only last for 30 seconds to a minute.
- Do not exceed 2–3 minutes in the tub, or follow the manufacturer’s safety warnings.
- Enter the tub feet first.
- Breathe deeply while you let your body adjust.
- If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or ill, get out of the tub.
- Take long breaks of around 2 hours between plunges.
- Let your body warm up naturally. Do not immerse yourself in warm water or take a warm shower.
You’ll find a wide variance in cold plunge tubs, but there are some key considerations to make when shopping, no matter what your needs and preferences are:
- Purpose: Whether you’re a serious athlete looking to recover from sore muscles, you’re just wanting a new way to relax, or you’re somewhere in between, be sure to keep your purpose in mind. Also, ask yourself whether indoor or outdoor use or both is important to you. Different cold plunge tubs have different uses.
- Size: Cold plunge tubs typically take up a fair amount of room, though there are a few smaller options. Be sure you’re shopping for what will actually fit your space.
- Price: Cold plunge tubs range from about $60 to $30,000 or even more. Be sure you’re looking at models that are comfortably within your budget. Also, don’t forget to work in any additional maintenance costs involved with a particular unit — including increases in your electric bill.
- Warranties: Nothing is foolproof, even the highest quality tubs. A manufacturer should stand behind their product with a decent warranty, especially for high ticket items.
- Customer reviews: If you haven’t already tried a tub or you don’t know anyone who owns one, read several customer reviews. Pay particular attention to any trends that you see. You’ll get great insight into a tub’s design, functionality, durability, and ease of use.
People often use cold tubs to help reduce swelling and inflammation that leads to post-workout muscle pain. Our blood vessels constrict in the cold. If you’re nursing an injury or your muscles are sore, this constriction reduces blood flow to the area and may reduce pain caused by inflammation.
How often you should change your cold tub’s water depends on the tub and the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to read the information that comes with your tub or contact the manufacturer if you need to.
It can range from every few weeks to every few months or so. Generally, if you treat the water in your cold tub, you shouldn’t need to change the water as often.
Use a cover to help your cold plunge tub stay clean. The cover will help keep debris and dirt out of the water, maintain the water temperature, and reduce evaporation.
Your first plunge should only last for around 30 seconds to 1 minute — it should not exceed 2–3 minutes.
If you’re more experienced, up to 5 minutes may be all you need, but you can increase it from there. Just do not exceed 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Any more than that may lead to frostbite.
Think about your needs, space, and budget when shopping around for cold plunge tubs. Many have different purposes, come in various sizes, and accommodate many budgets.
Positive customer reviews and sufficient warranty coverage and length can also be important factors in your decision.
Cold plunge tubs can help relieve muscle soreness after tough workouts and cool you down quickly. You’ll find various options available, including inflatables, indoor and outdoor tubs, and compact tubs for individuals.
The great thing is prices vary widely, so you’re sure to find something in your budget that suits your needs.