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The 7 Best Cold Plunge Tubs: Cheapest, Coldest and Best Overall

Key factors include cooling performance (can it reach and maintain the temperatures you need?), water filtration (to keep the water clean and safe), and portability (will it fit your space and can you move it if needed?)

The Best Cold Plunge Tubs

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Cold plunging has been a regular part of my wellness routine since I took my first ice bath in a Morozko Forge tub at a biohacking conference in 2021. Since then, I’ve installed numerous cold plunge tubs in my home spa (we currently have six), testing them for comfort, temperature and a range of other factors.

This article lists my top picks based on first-hand experience. The table below offers a quick summary of key attributes, but you can click the links to jump to a more detailed review of each tub.

PlungeMy RatingLowest TempWater CapacityLength x Width x HeightPrice
Sun Home Cold Plunge ProBest overall33 degrees150 gallons34 x 78 x 33$9,599
MorozkoBest performance33 degrees97 gallons88 x 27 x 31 $13,900
The Plunge + Evolve Pro ChillerBest design39 degrees105 gallons88 x 32 x 27$7,490
The Plunge All-InBest cold/hot combo37 degrees100 gallons77 x 32 x 29$8,490
Ice Pod ProCheapest worth buyingChiller not included106 gallons32 (Diameter) x 30 (Height)$150
InergizeBest for small spaces37 degrees80 gallons51 x 28 x 30$3,990
Ice Barrel 500Best upright or sitting plungeChiller not included94 gallons58 x 31 x 42$1,499

At the end of the article, I’ll also briefly touch on the pros and cons of a DIY ice bath (and why I decided against going that route), as well as what to consider when buying a cold plunge.

If you’re looking for general information about cold plunging, you can learn more in my in-depth article on ice bath health benefits.

Best Overall: Sun Home Sauna Cold Plunge Pro

Michael Kummer in the Sun Home Saunas Cold Plunge Pro.
I use the Cold Plunge Pro daily as part of my wellness routine.

Pros

  • Powerful cooling capability that can chill water down to 33 degrees (and can make ice).
  • Low ongoing maintenance requirements thanks to ozone sanitation.
  • Integrated design, with the pump, chiller and tub all combined into one sleek unit.
  • Super quiet operation.

Cons

  • Costs more than most people are willing to pay for a cold plunge.
  • The unit is bulky and takes up a significant amount of space.
  • The integrated tablet isn’t WiFi-enabled and doesn’t support custom on/off or sanitation schedules.
  • Ozone and UV sanitation have to be enabled manually.

The Cold Plunge Pro has become my go to tub because, unlike all other units I’ve owned so far, it can actually make ice and keep the water at 33 degrees, even in triple-digit ambient temperatures.

The second feature I love about the Cold Plunge Pro is that it has the chiller and water filtration system built in, instead of relying on an external chiller. That looks better and is easier to maintain. The entire unit is also incredibly quiet, which means we can have dinner on our porch without being bothered by noise from the chiller.

Yet another feature that makes the Cold Plunge Pro Stand out from most of the competition is its ability to maintain high water quality without requiring chemical treatments. That’s in part because most pathogens don’t grow much at 33 degrees, but also thanks to the built-in combination of sediment filtration, and ozone/UV sanitation.

The only negative thing I can say about the unit’s sanitation capabilities is that you have to trigger the 15-minute sanitation cycle manually via the built-in touchscreen. While I have made that a part of my plunging routine (I press the button when I exit the tub), it would be more convenient if the system would automatically run a sanitation cycle once an hour (or just keep the ozone generator turned on 24/7 like the Morozko does).

The major downside to the Cold Plunge Pro is its price tag. At just shy of $10,000, it’s certainly not the most budget-friendly tub I’ve owned. But if you’re serious about cold plunging, it’s well worth the investment.

If you’re considering adding the Cold Plunge Pro to your home spa, make sure to use code MKUMMER200 to get $200 off your purchase.

Shop Cold Plunge Pro

You can also read my in-depth Cold Plunge Pro review to learn more about the tub.

Best Performance: Morozko Ice Bath

My first ice bath in 33-degree cold water.
My first ice bath in 33-degree cold water.

Pros

  • Best cooling performance available.
  • Good filtration performance.
  • Slick design.
  • Made in the USA.

Cons

  • Very expensive.
  • Difficult to install and move.

I first exposed my entire body to ice-cold water at a Biohacking conference back in 2021. Morozko Forge was exhibiting at that show and brought their ice bath for attendees to try. I had no idea what to expect, but remember I went through the five stages of grief in the two and a half minutes I stayed in the literally ice-cold water. 

To put in perspective just how cold it was: I was sitting on a block of ice forming on the bottom of the 16-gauge stainless steel tub. To this day, I have yet to come across another cold plunge tub that can cool the water down to the freezing point while actively filtering and sanitzing it. That’s what puts Morozko Forge in a class of its own.

The reason why Morozko Forge offers such incredible cooling performance is because they designed a fully-integrated refrigeration system (instead of using a third-party “chiller box”).

Morozko Forge Ice Bath
Morozko offers the only plunge I’ve tried that can make ice and filter the water at the same time.

Unfortunately, that cooling performance, paired with the stainless steel tub and wooden accents, makes the Morozko Ice Bath one of the most expensive options on the market.

The tub is also relatively bulky, making it potentially difficult to fit through narrow door openings. And it’s almost impossible to move it around after installation. 

As far as the filtration system is concerned, Morozko Forge uses a combination of microfiltration and ozone disinfection to keep the water clean and sanitary for extended periods. 

I truly appreciate the design and materials used for this cold plunge tub, as well as the fact that it’s hand-made in the United States by a small business. If you have an outdoor spa area, an appreciation for natural materials, the necessary budget, and are seeking best-in-class cooling performance, the Morozko Ice Bath is for you. 

For everyone else, this cold plunge tub — which starts at $13,900 — is likely beyond what you want to spend on an ice bath. The Morozko Ice Bath Pro, which offers even better cooling performance (for high-volume use) and a five-year warranty, sets you back at least $21,900.

Using code KUMMER500 will get you $500 off any model.

Shop Morozko Ice Bath

You can also learn more about the company’s products in my in-depth Morozko Forge review.

Best Design: The Plunge

I’ve spent hours in this Plunge tub over the past few years.

Pros

  • Sleek, premium design that looks great in almost any environment.
  • Good cooling performance and outstanding filtration.
  • Made by one of the most reputable companies in the industry.

Cons

  • While the acrylic design looks great, it’s very heavy and difficult to move.
  • The Evolve Standard chiller is loud and doesn’t offer ozone sanitation. The Pro chiller is 30% quieter and offers ozone, but it’s also more expensive.

The aptly-named Plunge was the first ice bath I ever owned, and it’s still one of my favorites, thanks in large part to its best-in-class filtration and sanitization system (if you opt for the Pro chiller), which leverages a clever combination of a sediment filter (to physically trap debris and particles) and ozone treatment (to kill viruses, bacteria and other pathogens).

I also appreciate The Plunge’s sleek design, which is something that’s often overlooked by cold plunge manufacturers who are (rightly) more focused on performance. The Plunge looks like a high-end acrylic bathtub, and it looks great in almost any indoor or outdoor setting.

Cold plunging has taught me the skills to better cope with stress
Cold plunging has taught me the skills to better cope with stress.

It’s worth noting that the company behind The Plunge offers a range of models at different price points, as well as two chiller options — a 5HP “standard” chiller that cools water to 39 degrees, and a 10 HP “pro” chiller than cools water to 37 degrees. You can also add an optional heater to any of the company’s models, allowing you to switch between a cold plunge and a hot tub.

I own the first generation of The Plunge, but recently had the chance to visit the company’s Sacramento headquarters to try out some of their new products, including the Plunge Gen 2 (see the photos of me in the new tub below).

The Gen 2 has an in-house designed chiller that matches the aesthetic style of the tub itself. It also boasts super quiet operation, easy filter changing (because the filter housing is part of the chiller), and a design that makes it easy to recline (which helps you relax). Perhaps most importantly, the new model has a slightly bigger interior than the Gen 1, allowing me (at six feet tall) to fully submerge my body (as opposed to having my knees or chest sticking out of the water).

One thing that sets Plunge apart from other companies is that they offer free white glove delivery to most states, and the shipping carrier takes back all packaging material (so you don’t have to worry about disposing of it).

To learn more about this tub and why I love it, check out my in-depth Plunge tub review.

Shop The Plunge

The Plunge Gen 2 starts at $5,990 with the Evolve Standard Chiller (not recommended) or $7,490 if you go with the Evolve Pro Chiller, but if you use my discount code MK you can knock $150 off your purchase price.

Best Hot & Cold Combo Tub: The Plunge All-In

The Plunge All-In

Pros

  • Can be used as a cold plunge and a hot tub.
  • Powerful water filtration.
  • Fantastic cooling speed (10-12 degrees per hour).
  • Smartphone connectivity.
  • Integrated cooling and filtration system (no external chiller required).

Cons

  • Much more expensive than plunges that use an external chiller.
  • The extended warranty costs extra.

Released in 2023, the Plunge All-In functions as both a cold plunge and a hot tub, with the ability to heat the water up to 104 degrees.

On the cold plunging side, it features a fully-integrated chiller and filtration system, similar to the one built into the Morozko Ice Bath (see the “coldest” section below for more on the Morozko).

The advantages of an integrated system (as opposed to a separate chiller) are better cooling performance, a smaller footprint and simplified maintenance.

For example, the Plunge All-In can cool the water down to 37 degrees Fahrenheit (two degrees colder than the standard Plunge model), and replacing sediment filters is super convenient thanks to an easy access filter cover on the side of the tub.

The Plunge All-In
The integrated chiller is smartphone enabled and performs better than most standalone chillers.

The Plunge All-In features also features the roomiest interior of any option on this list (even larger than the Plunge XL), which should provide enough space for even the tallest plungers. Plus, the tub features smartphone connectivity, making it easy to control the plunge so it’s ready when you are.

The Plunge All-In retails for $9,590, and you can get $150 off by using the promo code MK during checkout.

Shop The Plunge All-In

If you don’t care about the hot tub feature but like the larger interior and integrated chiller, you can get the cold-only Plunge All-In for $600 less, before the discount.

Cheapest Worth Buying: Ice Pod Pro

The Ice Pod Pro is the most budget-friendly cold plunge tub I've found to date.
The Ice Pod Pro is the most budget-friendly cold plunge tub I’ve found to date.

Pros

  • Very inexpensive.
  • Ultra-portable.
  • Small footprint.

Cons

  • The optional chiller doesn’t filter the water.
  • Flimsy in comparison to higher-priced options.

If you want to make cold plunging a regular part of your routine but don’t have the budget to shell out thousands of dollars, the Ice Pod Pro from The Pod Company might be your best bet.

Made from lightweight, insulated and UV-resistant materials, the Ice Pro Pro is ultra-portable and easy to use. When fully inflated, the tub holds about 79 gallons (300 liters) of water and ice, and it’s large enough to fit people up to six and a half feet tall. I’m six feet tall, and I fit comfortably in the relatively small tub.

I fit in just fine, though the Ice Pod Pro is less spacious than some of the other tubs I own.
I fit in just fine, though the Ice Pod Pro is less spacious than some of the other tubs I own.

While the tub has an insulating middle layer wedged between the durable outer peach skin fabric and the waterproof PVC plastic layer, don’t expect the water inside to remain cold for extended periods — especially when using the tub in warmer climates. 

What’s neat about the Ice Pod Pro is that you can use it with an ice maker (the most cost-effective way if you don’t plunge daily) or with an optional chiller. Technically, you can hook up any third-party chiller, but the company also sells a standard and pro chiller for $999 and $1,499, respectively. 

The downside to those chillers is that they don’t filter the water, unlike some of the more expensive options that come with the cold plunges listed above.

The Ice Pod Pro retails for just $149. For $40 more, you can get an insulated cover, a floating thermometer and an extended warranty.

If you want to spend even less, you can opt for the standard Ice Pod, which has less insulation and no UV-resistant fabric. Frankly, I’d spend 40 extra bucks to get the Pro version, even if you’re a beginner.

Shop The Ice Pod Pro

Make sure to use my discount code mkummer to get $10 off your purchase.

Best For Small Spaces: Inergize Cold Plunge

Me stepping into the Inergize cold plunge.
The Inergize is short and tall, which is great for small spaces but can make getting in and out a little more challenging.

Pros

  • Small footprint makes it ideal for garages and patios.
  • Excellent cooling and filtration performance.
  • Minimal maintenance requirements.

Cons

  • Low-quality touchscreen that’s hard to use in direct sunlight.
  • Interior dimensions may be too small for some people.
  • Relatively high price for an inflatable plunge.

The Inergize is an inflatable cold plunge tub specifically designed for use in relatively small spaces like garages and patios. In fact, it’s 9 inches shorter, and 2.5 inches narrower, than its closest competitor the TheraFrost, while offering almost identical chilling and filtration performance. It’s also $1,000 cheaper.

Of course, the sacrifice you make for that smaller footprint is some level of comfort. I’m six feet tall and can sit in the Inergize comfortably, but I can’t scoot back far enough to submerge my head, and I think that if I were much taller I would feel cramped. At that point, there would be no real advantage over a barrel-style plunge (like the Ice Barrel 300 or the Ice Pod Pro), which give you an even smaller footprint in exchange for having to stand or squat.

Shop Inergize

Learn more about my experience in my Inergize cold plunge review, and if you decide to buy it, be sure to use code MICHAELKUMMER at checkout to get $150 off the purchase price.

Best Upright or Sitting Tub: Ice Barrel 500

Me sitting in the Ice Barrel 500.
Me chilling in the Ice Barrel 500.

Pros

  • The built-in seat offers a compromise between traditional and barrel-style tubs.
  • Has excellent insulation that holds water temperature for days.
  • Has connections to add a third-party chiller and filtration system.

Cons

  • The design is great if you want to sit, but it limits the ways you can position your body.
  • Has a bigger footprint than the company’s barrel-style models.
  • The shallow depth makes it difficult to submerge your head.

The original Ice Barrel (now called the Ice Barrel 400) was the second cold plunge I added to our home spa and the one I used to set my personal cold plunging record of 15 minutes (thanks to a memory card running out of space during the recording of my Ice Barrel video review).

But while the 400’s barrel-style design offered the benefit of allowing for a standing plunge (or a squatting plunge, depending on how tall you are), the high sidewalls made getting in and out difficult. Plus, there was no way to add a third-party chiller and filtration system, which meant constantly adding ice and frequently changing the water.

The company’s latest model, the Ice Barrel 500, corrects for those shortcomings by moving away from a barrel style design in favor of a hybrid design that falls somewhere between a traditional tub and an upright plunge.

As shown in the photos below, the 500 has two built-in outer steps that make getting in and out easy, as well as a built-in step on the inside that double as a seat.

After a few weeks of testing the 500, here are some of my key takeaways:

  • The fully insulated body (and lid) can maintain the water’s temperature for days. This is a big improvement over previous Ice Barrel models, which were not insulated and would warm up significantly after a few hours.
  • Attaching a third-party chiller/filtration system was fast and easy.
  • The integrated steps make getting in and out of the tub a breeze, which in turn makes this a great option regardless of your age, body type or any mobility limitations.
  • The 500 requires more floor space than prior models and is $300 more expensive.

For reference, here are the stock photos of each of the three designs currently offered by Ice Barrel, to show the differences:

To summarize the differences:

  • Ice Barrel 300: Relatively short and wide, requires squatting.
  • Ice Barrel 400: Allows for standing (depending on heigh).
  • Ice Barrel 500: Has an integrated seat.

Overall, I appreciate the 500 for its ease of use, excellent insulation and chiller connectivity.

Shop the Ice Barrel 500

If you’d like to purchase the Ice Barrel, make sure to use my discount code MKUMMER for $150 off.

Other Cold Plunge Tubs to Consider

There are countless cold plunge tubs on the market that might be as good or better than the ones I talk about in this article. However, while I haven’t had a chance to test all of them, I noticed many products on the market that appear to be carbon copies of the better-known brands. 

Most of the lower-end tubs you can find on Amazon are made in China, and I wouldn’t necessarily trust their quality and customer support if something breaks and you need a replacement part.

That said, there are reputable companies out there that make excellent products, including cold plunge pools (which I haven’t had a chance to test yet). Here’s a list of products I’d feel comfortable recommending based on my experience with other products from the same company, or feedback from friends and family:

  • TheraFrost: The TheraFrost inflatable ice bath used to be my favorite tub but has since been dethroned by the Sun Home Saunas Cold Plunge Pro. The TheraFrost’s chiller had a hard time keeping up with the relatively dusty and debis-laden environment of our backyard (thanks, in part, to the livestock we raise as part of the Kummer Homestead project). As a result, I had to replace the vacuum and water pumps a few times because they got clogged up, and that got old quickly. I know TheraFrost is working on an upgraded chiller and I’ll update this review once I’ve had a chance to put the new unit through its paces.
  • Redwood Outdoors: We own a six-person barrel sauna made by Redwood Outdoors and I have nothing but good things to say about that company. As a result, I wouldn’t hesitate to invest in one of the company’s cold plunge tubs.
  • Renu Therapy: The Renu Therapy Cold Stoic is another excellent option for adding a cold plunge tub to your home spa. Starting at just under $10K, Renu Therapy’s tubs are pricey but made using high-quality and customizable materials.
  • Polar Monkeys: Polar Monkeys offers various cold plunge tubs, including steel, insulated and inflatable options. The tubs range from $2,790 to $12,900 and all include a heating and cooling chiller with a built-in filtration system. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Cold Plunge Tub

The cold plunge market has exploded over the past few years, making finding an affordable option that meets your needs easier than ever. However, you should consider several essential factors before purchasing a tub (or trying to build one yourself out of an old chest freezer or rain barrel). 

My article on the key factors to consider when buying a cold plunge covers this topic in detail, but here’s a brief overview of the main things to keep in mind.

Chiller or Ice Maker

A chiller ensures the water in the tub remains cold and ready for your next plunge.
A chiller ensures the water in the tub stays cold and ready for your next plunge.

If your cold plunge doesn’t come with a chiller to keep the water at the desired temperature, you have to invest in an ice maker that can produce about 100 pounds of ice per day. Then, you need to be willing to move the ice into the tub, and wait for it to cool the water down.

If making and pouring ice into your cold plunge doesn’t sound enticing, the more convenient option is choosing a tub with a chiller that keeps the water cold 24/7 (or as long as you keep it turned on). 

Choosing between a chiller and an ice maker depends on your budget and plunging frequency. An ice maker is likely more affordable, and could work if you only plan on plunging once or twice a week. Otherwise, for more regular use, I recommend a chiller.

Chiller Performance

If you plan on using your cold plunge in a commercial or athletic context (like in a gym or a sports club), it’s vital to pick a chiller that can handle back-to-back plunges. 

When a person gets into an ice bath, their body heat warms the water by a few degrees. As a result, your chiller must be powerful enough to prevent the temperature from creeping up and thus reducing the plunge’s health benefits for subsequent users.

If you opt for an ice maker instead of a chiller, make sure your ice maker can produce hundreds of pounds of ice daily to keep the water cold for all plungers.

If you use your cold plunge at home, you won’t have to worry about getting the highest-performing chiller. Even when we had two or three people plunge in our tubs back-to-back, the water temperature never increased more than three or four degrees Fahrenheit above the baseline.

As I explained in my article about the health benefits of ice baths, that slightly higher water temperature isn’t likely to significantly impact the tub’s effectiveness. 

Water Filtration

I prefer plunges with a built-in chiller and filtration system for ease of use
I prefer plunges with a built-in chiller and filtration system for ease of use.

Most chillers also filter the water to keep it clean and sanitary for extended periods. Many higher-end cold plunge tubs, including some mentioned in this review, leverage ozone, ultraviolet light and sediment filters (or a combination thereof) to keep the water clean for months, thus reducing the ongoing maintenance effort.

Without water filtration, you’ll have to replace the water every few days to every few weeks, depending on what water temperature you maintain and how often you plunge. That can get expensive, especially if your home is connected to a municipal sewer system. It’s also a huge pain that may discourage you from using your tub.

Portability

TheraFrost comes with a travel bag for its foldable tub
TheraFrost comes with a travel bag for its foldable tub.

If you plan on moving your cold plunge around, or if you intend on bringing it with you on camping trips, a portable tub is the way to go. While I never planned on moving my tubs around, I did end up having to relocate them on several occasions, and I appreciated that some tubs made that task easier than others.

Pros and Cons of a DIY Ice Bath

There are several alternatives to purchasing a cold plunge tub, including the following:

  • Repurposing a rain barrel, trash can or stock tank.
  • Adding ice to a regular bathtub.
  • Retrofitting an old chest freezer.

The advantage of a DIY ice bath is that the initial investment is relatively low (and often, zero). For example, filling your bathtub with cold water and adding ice doesn’t cost much, especially if you already own an ice maker. The same is true if you have an old rain barrel or stock tank you can repurpose.

The main problem with such DIY ice baths is that you have to add fresh ice before every plunge and frequently change the water. Even if you own an ice maker, that can get expensive if your home is connected to a public sewer, because you get charged for every gallon of water — even if that water doesn’t end up in the sewer. 

If your house has a septic tank, you only pay for water, which dramatically reduces the total cost of your water consumption.

To avoid having to add fresh ice before every plunge, some people have converted an old chest freezer into a cold plunge tub. The advantage of that approach is that the freezer keeps the water cold, thus negating the need for ice. However, you’ll still have to change the water once a week or so to keep it sanitary, since freezers don’t have any water filtration capabilities.

Additionally, there is a risk of electric shock if you forget to unplug the freezer before each plunge. 

For me, the downsides of DIY ice baths outweigh their pros, which is why I decided to stick with cold plunge tubs that don’t require an ice maker or constant water changes. In other words, I decided to pay for more convenience and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of cold water immersion?

Cold water therapy offers a wide variety of health benefits, including improved mental resilience, optimal immune function, increased blood flow, reduced muscle soreness and improved muscle recovery, to name a few. For a complete list and the scientific evidence, check out my in-depth article on the benefits of cold water immersion.

Is taking a cold shower as beneficial as jumping into an ice bath?

Taking cold showers is an excellent way to get used to cold temperatures and to reap some, but not all, of the benefits ice baths offer. If you’ve never taken a cold shower, it will likely require dedication and mental effort. However, you get used to cold showers relatively quickly and will experience diminishing returns when it comes to mental health benefits. That said, studies have shown that even regular cold showers can help boost the immune system and make you more resilient to infections.

What’s the best cold plunge for small spaces?

Depending on how small your available space is, I’d consider the Ice Barrel 300 (35.5 inches wide) or the Ice Pod Pro (32 inches wide) combined with a chiller, which (depending on the model) might double your space requirements. If you already have an ice maker nearby, you can use the mentioned tub dimensions to figure out which option fits best.

The next bigger option would be the TheraFrost, which requires approximately 60 x 30 inches of space, plus room for the chiller. While larger than the Ice Barrel and the Ice Pod Pro, TheraFrost should fit on even small patios while offering all the included chiller’s temperature control and water sanitation benefits.

What’s the best inflatable cold plunge?

Depending on your budget, the best inflatable cold plunges I tested are the TheraFrost and the Ice Pod Pro. The former is relatively pricey but comes with a premium foldable tub, a higher-performance chiller, and a filtration system that leverages ozone sanitation and a 5-micron filter. You can easily inflate TheraFrost using the included electric or manual air pump. 

The Ice Pod Pro is a low-cost option that doesn’t include a chiller but can be connected to one. Filling either tub is easy using a regular garden hose. If you don’t have a whole-house water filtration system (like we do) and a lead-free garden hose (most garden hoses contain lead), I recommend attaching a simple charcoal filter to the end of your garden hose to fill the tub.

Is it best to cold plunge before or after sauna bathing?

Most traditional sauna/cold plunge protocols start and end with sauna bathing. In other words, you’d spend some time in the sauna before cooling off in a cold plunge and returning to the sauna. You can cycle back and forth several times and decide how you want to end the cycle.

If I combine sauna bathing with cold plunging in the morning, I usually end the cycle with a cold plunge, so I feel invigorated for the rest of the day. If I do the same in the evening, I end with the sauna to not negatively impact my sleep and to feel more relaxed. 

How often do you have to change the water to prevent the build-up of contaminants?

How often you have to change the water of your home cold plunge depends on several factors, including whether or not you have a chiller with a built-in filtration system, the quality of your tap water, the average water temperature, environmental factors (e.g., pollen or dust in the air), and how often you plunge. 

As a rule of thumb, I recommend changing the water every few weeks if you keep the water cold but don’t have a filtration system (e.g., if you add ice daily or have a chiller without a filter). If you allow the water to heat up to ambient temperatures and don’t have a filtration system, I recommend changing the water every few days, but if you have a chiller/filter combo and you let the chiller run all the time, you can get away with changing the water every six months or so.

The best way to figure out whether you must change the water is to test it using test strips, such as the ones I use. Additionally, you can leverage non-toxic (chlorine and bromine-free) water treatment options to keep the water clean for longer.

Does cold plunging help with weight loss?

As discussed in my article about the benefits of ice baths, cold plunging can activate brown adipose tissue and cause shivering, both encouraging the body to burn fat for energy and helping with weight loss. However, it’s worth noting that losing unwanted weight is the byproduct of a healthy lifestyle, including an appropriate diet, quality sleep, proper stress management and regular exercise. I doubt you’ll reach your weight loss goals by using cold water immersion while simultaneously ignoring the key principles of a healthy lifestyle

Can cold plunging help reduce pain and inflammation?

When you expose yourself to ice-cold water, your blood vessels constrict, which leads to temporarily reduced blood flow, inflammation and reduced pain. 

However, it’s worth mentioning that cold exposure is often counterproductive to speeding up the healing process, which requires increased blood flow so that nutrients can reach the affected tissue. 

That’s one of the reasons why I apply heat (often in the form of red light therapy) after a bee sting or other causes of acute inflammation. 

Final Thoughts: The Best Cold Plunge Tub Depends On Your Space, Budget and Plunging Frequency

Cold water immersion gained popularity with Wim Hof (aka the Ice Man) when he demonstrated the amazing health benefits of cold therapy. I’ve been plunging for two years and have noticed significant changes in my immunity and resilience (not to mention my ability to thrive in extremely cold temperatures). 

I attribute those improvements to regular cold exposure, which acts as a hormetic stressor along the lines of “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

If you have never taken a cold plunge, I highly recommend considering cold water immersion a regular part of your routine. You can even start today by taking a cold shower while you think about which cold plunge tub would work best in your situation.

If you have any questions or concerns about the health benefits of cold plunging or any of the tubs mentioned in this article, just leave a comment below!

Medical Disclaimer

The information shared on this blog is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dieticians (which we are not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan or overall health. MichaelKummer.com and its owner MK Media Group, LLC are not liable for how you use and implement the information shared here, which is based on the opinions of the authors formed after engaging in personal use and research. We recommend products, services, or programs and are sometimes compensated for doing so as affiliates. Please read our Terms and Conditions for further information, including our privacy policy.

2 thoughts on “The 7 Best Cold Plunge Tubs: Cheapest, Coldest and Best Overall”

  1. Hi Michael, thank you for the excellent review. I was looking into getting the Plunge but it’s a little above my price range. I’m leaning towards the Ice Barrel 500 but I would like to pair it with a chiller/filter. Do you have a favorite 3rd party chiller?

    Reply
    • Hey Ryan,

      Thanks for reaching out! Frankly, I have not looked at third-party chillers yet. All my experience is based on chillers that came with the various plunges I own. However, I can tell you that the new chiller from Plunge is top notch and I also heard good things about the one Ice Barrel sells.

      I’d look for one that has 3/4 to 1 HP (depending on your location and planned use frequency) and includes ozone filtration. Noise levels may also be a consideration, depending on where you plan on using it.

      I hope that helps!

      Cheers,
      Michael

      Reply

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