Want a relaxing way to invest in your health? Soak in a cold plunge tub. Cold immersion therapy has been gaining popularity as a fantastic way to invigorate the system and improve overall health and well-being.
Soaking in a cold plunge bath can wake up your system, which is a great way to start the day. It can also help the body recover much faster after a strenuous workout or help you relax and get a good night’s rest.
So, if you’re in the market to upgrade your at-home recovery and wellness routine, consider getting a plunge bathtub. And featured as the top pick in our cold plunge tub review and buying guide, the Plunge is one of the top-of-the-line options for at-home ice bathing.
We give you the Cold Plunge review. Below, we’ll cover what you have to know about cold plunging and its potential health benefits and help you decide if this tub is the best system for ice bathing. Let’s dive right in!
Plunge Cold Tub Overview
The Plunge Cold Tub is a revolutionary wellness device designed to provide individuals with the benefits of cold water therapy in a convenient and accessible manner. It is a high-tech tub that enables users to immerse their bodies in icy-cold water, offering a range of health benefits and promoting overall well-being.
The tub utilizes advanced temperature control systems to maintain a consistent cold temperature, typically ranging from 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius).
Users can customize the temperature according to their preferences and desired therapeutic effects. The tub is ergonomically designed to comfortably accommodate a person’s body, allowing for a full immersion experience.
Pros
- Powerful cooling.
The standard Plunge can cool water at around 2.5 degrees per hour, three times faster if you get the Pro model. And you can set the water temperature in the Plunge to a bone-chilling 39°F.
- Low maintenance level.
The sturdy, fully insulated cover means the tub is suitable for indoors and outdoors and for year-round use. What’s even better is the unit’s continuous filtration system, including an ozone and 20-micron filter, which means maintenance is minimal. You’ll only need to change the water filters every six months with the Plunge’s maintenance package.
- Available in different sizes and styles.
The Plunge offers multiple sizes, so if anyone in the family is tall and won’t fit in a standard cold plunge tub, you can get the XL. You can also upgrade to the hot & cold plunge tub, which can be perfect for freezing climates. Or, switch to the Cold Plunge Pro option for a faster cooling speed and extra cooling power, enough for five plungers per hour.
- Plunge protocol videos.
The Plunge crew offers bonus features to ensure that you’ll get the most out of your Cold Plunge tub. They have Plunge Protocol videos and tools from the fundamentals of cold plunging to guided plunge videos from experts to help you get the most out of every session.
Cons
- It’s not portable.
The in-home delivery is a bonus. But on the negative, once you settle on a spot for the Plunge, it might as well stay there for good. The tub isn’t exactly portable, and dragging the unit around and looking for a new and better location can be a pain.
Cold Plunge Specs
| Specification | Details |
| Dimensions | 67” L x 43” W x 24” H |
| Temperature Range | 40°F to 45°F |
| Capacity | 100 Gallons |
| Control System | Advanced temperature control and display |
| Ergonomics | Comfortable seating and body contour design |
| Additional Features | Massage jets, chromotherapy lighting, audio |
| Water Filtration | Built-in filtration system for cleanliness |
| Drainage System | Efficient drainage for easy water removal |
| Safety Features | Non-slip surfaces, safety locks, and sensors |
| Warranty | One year |
Main Features of the Cold Plunge
Here are the main features of the Cold Plunge tub that make it worth the investment:
- Adjustable Temperature: The Cold Plunge offers adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to customize the water temperature according to their preferences and desired therapeutic effects. Typically, the temperature ranges from 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C).
- Ergonomic Design: The Cold Plunge is designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a comfortable and spacious interior for users to immerse their bodies. The tub is contoured to fit the shape of the body, ensuring a relaxing and immersive experience.
- Advanced Temperature Control: The Cold Plunge is equipped with advanced temperature control systems to maintain a consistent and precise temperature throughout the immersion. This ensures that the desired therapeutic benefits of cold water therapy are achieved effectively.
- Easy Maintenance: The Cold Plunge is designed for easy maintenance and cleanliness. It typically includes a built-in water filtration system that helps keep the water clean and clear, making it convenient for regular use.
- Safety Measures: Cold Plunge tubs often incorporate safety features such as non-slip surfaces, safety locks, and sensors to ensure user safety during entry, exit, and use of the tub.
Cold Plunge Cost
The company offers several different plunge options in varying sizes with different features, including one that can heat the water.
The standard Plunge model retails at $4,990. But the awesome news is that the company offers flexible monthly payments via Affirm for as low as $173 per month if you qualify. 0% APR financing is available for 12 months.
For reference:
- Plunge Pro (standard size) with 3x faster cooling speed retails @ $5,990
- Hot & Cold Plunge (standard size) retails @ $6,490
- Plunge Pro XL (6 inches longer, 3 inches taller, 1 inch wider) retails @ $6,990
- Hot & Cold Plunge XL retails @ $7,490
The Plunge has a one-year residential warranty covering the shell structure, pumps, heaters, control systems, and plumbing components. But you can extend coverage up to three or five more years by buying an optional protection plan.
Delivery and Set Up of the Cold Plunge Tub
The shopping experience with the Plunge is easy through their website. You’ll only need to select the cold plunge model you want. And just below the “Add to Cart” button, you’ll see the estimated ship date of the product you picked. Lead time can be quite long, around a month or so, so you’ll need to have some patience when ordering the cold plunge tub.
The good news is that in-home delivery thru FedEx for the lower 48 United States is free. They will place the Plunge where you want it, two flights above or below the entrance level, remove all packing materials, and dispose of the trash. It’s a huge perk since the tub can be quite heavy. But you’ll need to set up the unit yourself.
What’s included in the package:
- Cold plunge tub
- Insulated spa cover
- Hose filter
- Cellphone holder
- Skimmer net
- Rubber ducky
For deliveries on other US territories, they will deliver the unit curbside. Shipping time may also be longer, so you’ll have to wait around a week or so more for the delivery.
International shipping is currently limited to UAE, Australia, and Puerto Rico. They will deliver the cold plunge to your address with the box and palette for international deliveries.
Once the unit is dropped off, setup is easy.
Take note: Let the chiller rest for at least four hours after drop off before turning it on. Otherwise, it may result in a failed chiller.
Overall, setting up the Plunge is quite seamless. Like their website claims, it’s a plug-and-plunge device. First, you’ll have to place the tub on a flat, stable surface, then connect the water hose and drainage and plug the chiller into an outlet. Then, attach the carbon hose filter that comes with the package to your garden hose and fill the tub with water.
All you’ll need to do next is switch on the chiller, set your desired water temperature, and wait until the water is primed for cold plunging.
For a detailed setup guide for the cold plunge tub, follow the steps outlined on the setup page and video on the website.
What Is a Cold Plunge Bath?
A cold plunge bath is a practice where you sit in a tub or barrel neck deep in freezing water, also known as cold immersion therapy, ice bathing, or cold plunging. It’s been used as a form of therapy for centuries to reap various health benefits. Traditionally, a cold plunge bath is used by athletes to hasten post-workout recovery. But because of its promised health benefits, cold plunging has become a growing interest amongst the general population and has now become a hot wellness trend.
There are countless ways to experience this icy treatment. Essentially, you only need something sturdy where you can soak your body and water with some ice. Or, if you want a more luxurious option for cold water therapy, you’ll get a cold plunge bathtub or a cold plunge pool like the Plunge, for example.
It’s a 67-inch long, 43-inch wide, and 24-inch high cold plunge bath that looks like a sleek, minimalist bathtub. The ergonomic tub design ensures you have enough room to lie down and fully soak your body up to the neck in icy-cold water. It’s also available in XL to accommodate taller people.
But what makes it superior is it’s designed to be an easy-to-use cold plunge bath. The Plunge is essentially a plug-and-plunge unit with all the frills you want in a cold plunge. Some of its premium features include circular filtration with a 20-micron filter and UV sanitation to keep the tub clean and the water crystal clear for up to 6 months or even longer.
How Cold Does a Cold Plunge Need to Be?
One of the essential aspects of cold plunging is the water temperature. And that makes it important to check how cold the water will be before buying a cold plunge pool.
The basic is that a cold plunge is when you fully immerse your body neck-deep in water that’s 59°F (15°C) and below. That’s plenty cold for first-time cold plungers, but you’ll want something with a wider range of temperature settings as your body acclimates to the cold temperature.
For the Plunge tub, the lowest temperature setting to which you can set the water is 39°F (3.89°C).
That said, there are no standard temperature settings for cold plunges. How cold a cold plunge needs to be depends on your preference and tolerance to the frigid temperature. According to some studies, cold plunging in water at 50°F to 59°F (10°C to 15°C) for no more than 10-15 minutes at a time is considered optimal for those looking for relief from sore muscles. It’s also the safe recommended temperature for people cold plunging for the first time.
As you build a tolerance to icy-cold water, you can slowly increase the amount of time you spend in the cold plunge or lower the temperature.
Health Benefits of a Cold Plunge Bathtub
Soaking in a tub filled with ice-cold water sounds a bit crazy, but many people do it for the long list of potential physical and mental health benefits. Below are some advantages you can enjoy with regular cold plunging.
Elevated energy
If you need a quick way to wake up and start the morning right, a cold plunge may be the answer. Exposing the body to freezing temperatures for short periods increases the secretion of norepinephrine, a hormone and a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating attention, focus, and energy levels.
Stress relief
A dip in icy water seems stressful. And it is, at least at the beginning. But the long-term effects are worth it, which includes taking down your stress levels. Cold water immersion helps stimulate the vagus nerve, which regulates internal organ function, including breathing and heart rate. Using a plunge tub, especially with a sauna, can also help lower cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone.
Reduced muscle soreness
If your body hurts and needs to recover fast, jumping in a cold plunge bathtub will do your body good. It can relieve muscle soreness, reduce workout-induced fatigue, and lower levels of lactic acid, which is responsible for that burning sensation in your body post-workout.
Speedy recovery
Besides reducing muscle aches and pains, cold plunging can also increase perceived recovery after exercise. It’s been highly used in sports medicine for this reason. In fact, a 2020 study states that adding cold water immersion to recovery routines has significantly improved muscle recovery in volleyball players.
Improved cardiovascular health
The icy-cold temperature in a cold plunge bathtub causes a sudden increase in breathing, blood pressure, and heart rates. It activates the cardiovascular system, ultimately helping improve its function. And because it also reduces triglycerides, which block the blood flow through arteries, immersion in a cold plunge bathtub can also reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Reduced inflammation
The release of norepinephrine hormone from a cold plunge has several effects on the body, including reducing inflammation and chronic pain symptoms. Exposure to icy waters also decreases your skin, muscle, and core temperatures. It also causes the blood vessels to tighten, causing less blood flow and reducing perceived pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Radiant hair & skin
When blood vessels constrict due to the icy temperature in the cold plunge bathtub, it does wonders for your hair and skin. The cool water temperature tightens and strengthens hair cuticles, leaving you with healthier and stronger hair over time. In the same way, it temporarily tightens the pores, reducing puffiness and redness in the skin.
Mood boost
One of the effects of cold water on the body is an increased level of dopamine, or the feel-good hormone, which has a key role in regulating your mood. And that dopamine boost helps improve alertness, focus, and overall mental state throughout the day.
Immunity support
Another health benefit of regular dips in a cold plunge bathtub is supporting the immune system. The cold water temperature stimulates white blood cell production, which is responsible for helping the body fight off infections and diseases. In addition, cold water immersion also aids the lymphatic function. It stimulates the lymphatic system, forcing lymph fluids throughout the body, keeping things flowing, and flushing out toxins.
With an abundance of health benefits, cold plunging is fantastic for anyone looking for an alternative way to optimize their performance and overall health. With that said, cold plunging may not be for everyone. We advise anyone with high blood pressure, circulatory problems, and heart disease to consult their physician first before using a cold plunge pool.
Can the Cold Plunge Tub Be Used Indoors or Outdoors?
Yes, you can use the Cold Plunge tub indoors or outdoors. The tub is made of acrylic and fiberglass with a metal base and extra insulation at the bottom and the back. It’s a long-lasting, durable tub designed to withstand all the elements. So, you can put the Cold Plunge tub anywhere you want and expect it to last a lifetime, rain or shine.
When placing the tub indoors, take note of the cold plunge dimensions. Make sure there’s ample space to fit the tub comfortably.
For reference:
- Plunge (standard size): 67 in x 43 in x 24 in
- Plunge XL: 73in x 47 in x 27 in
If you place the tub outdoors, the insulated spa cover included in the package will help keep the temperature consistent and debris out of the water.
Sauna vs. The Cold Plunge
The hot heat in the sauna and the icy-cold water in a cold plunge are two powerful healing elements with overlapping health and wellness benefits. The main difference is that hitting the cold plunge will prove effective if you’re looking for a quick energy boost. On the other hand, if you want to de-stress, 20-30 minutes in the sauna is the way to go. In other words, the cold plunge is more stimulating, while the sauna is more relaxing.
That said, a sauna and the cold plunge provide plenty of the same benefits. For instance, both the sauna and the cold plunge help relax tired and sore muscles and soothe any pain and inflammation you may feel. The sauna and cold plunge also improve immune function, although the way they cause it differs.
In the cold plunge, the icy-cold water causes the lymphatic vessels to constrict, forcing them to pump fluid, which results in an increase in white blood cells and an improved immune response. Meanwhile, the heat from the sauna raises the core body temperature, kickstarting a fever-like state. And that artificial fever increases white blood cell production and stimulates the immune system.
You won’t go wrong with picking either one to add to your wellness routine. But what about combining the two?
The hot sauna-cold shower technique is not something new. It’s been used to rejuvenate both the mind and body for centuries. In Scandinavian traditions, this technique is called the Nordic Cycle. Finns traditionally jump into an icy-cold lake or roll in the snow after leaving the sauna.
What happens is that the hot heat from the sauna increases your alertness and mood and decreases your perception of pain. And when you follow that with a dip in nearly freezing water, your adrenaline rises, and your heart rate increases. The result? Your mind and body activate, your focus is improved, and you get a winning combo that offers an array of benefits.
How about giving the sauna a try with your cold plunge? Check out common sauna questions to get started.
Cold Plunge vs. a Cold Shower
There are various ways to practice cold therapy at home. The easiest and cheapest way is cranking the water temperature as low as you can handle and taking a cold shower. It works fantastic in the morning. You’ll wake up the instant that frigid water hits your skin. Some people take cold showers as a way to shake off the day’s stress and help them relax and get better sleep at night.
But there’s a main downside to taking a cold shower—you won’t get much of the benefits of that cold water because you can’t stay fully submerged in it, unlike when using a cold plunge. Besides that quick wake-me-up and boost of energy, a cold shower doesn’t have a lot of lasting benefits. On the other hand, taking a cold plunge lowers your core body temperature, also increasing your resilience.
In addition, a cold shower doesn’t get anywhere near the water temperature of a cold plunge. The water from the tap is typically around 55°F or 49°F during winter months. Meanwhile, the Plunge can get as cold as 39°F. So, while a cold shower is good, a cold plunge offers more. For instance, white blood cell production is possible when immersing the body in near-freezing water, something that a cold shower can’t do.
A cold plunge is also much superior in terms of workout recovery. Cold showers may help you cool down after an intense workout, but when you submerge your entire body in ice-cold water is more effective in reducing inflammation and muscle soreness.
That said, switching your typical hot shower to a cold shower is one way for you to get used to the frigid water on your skin. It could help you prepare yourself for cold plunging.
Cold Plunge vs. DIY Ice Bath
Another concept of at-home ice bathing is using a DIY ice bath. You’ll need a container, whatever size or style, as long as you can fit your entire body inside. A freezer chest or a barrel usually works for this. Fill it with water, then throw in some packs of ice. Getting a thermometer to measure until your desired temperature is achieved will help in this method.
But there’s a major downside—DIY ice baths are a pain if you plan to cold plunge daily or consistently. The temperature will not hold as well as a cold plunge, which means you’ll have to refill the tub with fresh vice every time you take a plunge. Imagine the amount of ice you’ll need to prepare or buy if you take regular plunges.
The Plunge uses a powerful cooling system and has in-built filtration and sanitation features. What it means is that the water quality is maintained, and the temperature is consistent. The water will always be clean, hygienic, cold, and ready for plunging with the Plunge tub.
In terms of convenience, a cold plunge is a better option than a DIY ice bath, especially for frequent cold plungers.
When Is the Best Time to Use the Cold Plunge?
Some of the common questions first-time cold plunge users have are when is the best time of the day to plunge? Are there benefits to dipping in a cold plunge at certain times or activities?
Much of it depends on what benefits you want to get out of the cold plunge. We have a simple guide to help plan your cold plunge routine below.
- First thing in the morning
A cold plunge is an ideal way to start the day for people who need a little energy boost in the morning. An early morning cold plunge is also great if you’re looking to improve your mood for the day. The cold will give you that mental awareness and energy to face the big day ahead of you.
- After a workout
After a strenuous workout is another best time to use the cold plunge. A dip in the icy-cold water will help your body recover and reduce sore muscles the next day. Cold plunging after exercising under the heat is also beneficial to avoid the risk of overheating. It can be a part of your post-workout recovery ritual.
- After a sauna session
As stated above, the contrast therapy of a cold plunge following a hot sauna session has been used by Nordic cultures for centuries as a way to rejuvenate the mind and body.
- During your afternoon break
Afternoons are always when you feel a bit sluggish and out of focus. Hence, afternoon break times are a great time to use a cold plunge and get that mental clarity and an extra boost of energy from the cold water. That shock from the icy-cold temperature will be enough pick-me-up during your afternoon slump.
- Before bed
Some people may find that a cold plunge late in the day can help them get a restful sleep. The cold water can help lower your core body temperature, allowing your body to relax and be ready to go to sleep. But if you try taking a cold plunge at night, we recommend doing it an hour before going to bed.
The gist of it is to take a cold plunge at the most convenient time or when you need it most.
How Does the Cold Plunge Compare to Other Cold Tubs?
Plenty of cold plunges are available in the market. Check out how the Plunge compares to other brands.
Cold Plunge vs. Ice Barrel
Ice Barrel is designed for conventional ice plunging and is among the cheapest options in the market for people wanting to try cold plunging. It’s a barrel-type design where you sit upright and soak in literally icy water up to the neck. In other words, you’re going to need bags of ice to take a cold dip in the Ice Barrel.
Sure, you don’t have to worry about racking up your electricity bill since the Ice Barrel doesn’t have a chiller that you need to plug into an outlet. But, it also means that the water temperature won’t be consistent, unlike with the Plunge. Also, unlike the Plunge tub, the Ice Barrel is not self-maintained. You’ll need to change and treat the water every couple of weeks to keep it sparking clean.
So, if buying many bags of ice sounds like a hassle, the Ice Barrel won’t be for you. In terms of convenience and comfort, the Cold Plunge is a better option.
Cold Plunge vs. Blue Cube
Both the Cold Plunge and the Blue Cube are quite similar in functionality. Both are indoor-outdoor cold plunge units with ozone sanitation and 20-micron filtration systems. The main difference between them, at first glance, is the design. The Cold Plunge has a minimalistic, clean, white aesthetic that fits most modern interiors. If placed outdoors, the white, traditional bathtub design will really stand out, and not in the most pleasing way. On the other hand, the Blue Cube features a stainless tub with a beautiful wood finish that will look incredibly nice in an outdoor setting.
That said, the Blue Cube does go a few degrees cooler at 36°F, compared to the Plunge’s 39°F lowest setting. But considering that you’ll have to pay over 3x the price for a Blue Cube cold plunge to get that extra 3-degree range, it’s simply a huge amount of investment. The Plunge offers comparable functionality at a much lower price.
Cold Plunge vs. Renu
The Renu Cold Stoic, much like the Plunge, is a self-chilling plunge bathtub, and both can cool water up to 39°F. They are also built for indoor and outdoor use, although the Renu comes with a 5-year warranty compared to the 1-year warranty with an extension of the Plunge. The Renu tubs come with a timber top finish and six different color options, while the Plunge doesn’t have that option offered.
But the huge difference between them is the price tag. Renu Therapy’s base model, the Cold Stoic, starts from $9,699. Considering that the Plunge offers the same premium functionality at half the price, that makes the Plunge a more logical option to buy.
Why Use the Cold Plunge for Cold Therapy?
The Plunge is a premium cold tub unit, and it’s certainly not cheap. If you’re unsure about cold plunging or still trying to dip your toes into the routine, we can see how you might have second thoughts about spending a couple of thousands of dollars for a single unit.
But if you’ve tried cold plunging before and are an active or semi-consistent cold plunger, the value you get from a plug-and-plunge unit like the Plunge tub will make your investment worth it.
Customer Cold Plunge Reviews
When buying a cold plunge unit, it’s important to consider the quality of the product according to people who have purchased and used it. Needless to say, we had to take a minute and consider public opinion as part of the Cold Plunge review.
The brand itself is famous online, with the Cold Plunge reviews on their website ranking 5/5 stars based on 442 reviews.
Besides the wellness benefits that Plunge users claim to experience, they also adore the easy setup of the unit and that it needs little to no maintenance. Noting the endless health benefits that individual users mentioned, plenty of them noted that trying the Plunge for the first time seems daunting. But, after managing the stress from cold exposure, individuals found that they felt more relaxed after getting out of the plunge tub.
Previous cold water therapy fans also noted the seamless experience of cold plunging using the Plunge tub. Once the temperature is set, they adore that they can simply get in, get out, cover the tub, and come back and plunge again the next day.
The Cold Plunge Reviews—FAQs
Q: What is the highest temperature I can set the Cold Plunge to?
A: The highest temperature you can set the Plunge to and have it still considered a cold plunge is 59°F or 60°F. It’s a good way to acclimate your body to the feeling of the cold water, ideal for a first-time cold plunger. And when you begin to get used to your ice bath routine, you can work your way down to a colder temperature. The coldest temperature you can set the cold plunge to is 39°F, cold enough for Wim Hof ice bath practitioners.
Q: Is the Cold Plunge better than cryotherapy?
A: In a sense, the cold plunge is better than cryotherapy. Both effectively relieve muscle pain and reduce healing time after workouts or muscle injuries. Although cryotherapy is a more pleasant experience than an ice bath, there’s one great advantage to cold plunging.
The cold plunge is more convenient and accessible for an average person wanting to experience the benefits of cold water therapy. You can get a good-quality cold tub for home use, while a cryotherapy machine is mostly accessible in doctor’s offices or sports medicine rooms.
Q: Does the Cold Plunge really work?
A: The research around the potential benefits of cold plunging is still developing. But existing studies are available that support claims that the cold plunge actually works. Among the supported benefits of using the cold plunge are reduced muscle aches and pains, faster muscle recovery, stress relief, improved mood, and support to the immune system.
Q: Is an ice bath the same thing as the Cold Plunge?
A: Yes and no. An ice bath is sometimes called a cold plunge, and they aim to provide the same health and wellness boost. The main difference is that an ice bath may involve dumping ice in a tub or barrel filled with water to get that icy-cold temperature. On the other hand, a cold plunge is a more convenient unit fitted with a chiller that chills the water for you. No ice is needed.
Conclusion
We hope the Cold Plunge review helped you decide if it’s worth the investment. Although it’s not the cheapest in the market, and there are limited color options, the Plunge is a top-of-the-line pick that’s self-automated, offers optimal temperature for cold immersion therapy, and is versatile.
We’d recommend it if you plan to regularly take ice baths to upgrade your health and wellness routine. Regularly soaking in the Cold Plunge is effective in decreasing inflammation and swelling, de-stressing, and recovery, and it can help improve your skin and hair health, mood, and sleep quality.
Overall, the Plunge tub is a solid investment for those interested in cold water therapy at home.
