Cold water therapy has emerged as the latest trend among celebrities as well as TikTok influencers. Plenty of high-achievers endorse the physical and mental benefits of a cold plunge experience. They mention that its benefits to enhance your overall health and wellness are numerous.
While a traditional tub for an ice bath is a bulky option, modern cold plunge tubs are coming with the best combination of high quality and portability. Even if you prefer the luxurious feel of wood for the best cold plunge experience, you can’t deny the advantages of using a portable cold plunge tub.
Imagine enjoying a cold plunge therapy session while vacationing on a beach!
The Inergize Cold Plunge tub is one such product that combines the best of both worlds- a luxurious cold water therapy experience and excellent portability. In this review, we take a closer look at this inflatable tub and find out how it performs.
Who Are Inergize Health?
Inergize Health was founded by Ciaran Flanagan to promote the idea of Cold Plunging and encourage people to take positive actions to improve their health. The term “Inergize” is a combination of the terms Inner work and Energy. Presently, the company has a single product in the form of the ultra-portable Inergize Cold Plunge Tub.
Ciaran was able to overcome depression and burnout through the process of cold plunging. His goal is to spread this life-changing idea and help others. The company focuses on innovation and delivering a reliable product that helps people to live consciously.
Inergize Cold Plunge: Bottom Line
The standout feature of the Inergize Cold Plunge Tub is the lightweight and collapsible design that allows you to carry it around. Even though this tub weighs a modest 25 pounds, it is large enough to fit taller individuals. It also includes a powerful chiller that can cool the water to 37 degrees within a few hours.
While the Inergize Cold Plunge is not a cheap option, you get a range of accessories with it. And the sturdy construction leaves no doubt about its durability. Considering the all-inclusive package and excellent functionality, we have no second thoughts about recommending it for enhancing your recovery routine.
Inergize Cold Plunge Review
Set Up
One of the best aspects of the Inergize Cold Plunge is its easy setup. The package includes a dual-action hand pump which allows you to inflate the tub within 15 minutes. Before inflating, ensure that the tub and the chiller are placed on a flat surface. Once inflated, attach the necessary connections and the hoses.
Next, you can fill the tub, and connect the chiller to a 120V/60 HZ power supply. The accessories include a micron filter and non-chlorine-based sanitizer as a part of the active filtration system. The filtration mechanism reduces the frequency of refilling and you can refill the tub after every 2 weeks.
The tub can be drained by connecting a garden hose and then deflated by using the pump. Then, you can roll it up in the supplied duffle bag. An inflatable and a fabric top cover are included with the tub.
Note, the tub will lose air and the pressure drop will be around 1-2 PSI per month. You can top it up with the hand pump. The only maintenance requirement is replacing the micron filter once per month. In case of heavy use, replace it twice per month.
Temperature
To save you the trouble of constantly fetching ice, the tub comes with a chiller. The chiller can cool the water to 37°F from 65°F within 4-5 hours. The cooling rate is around 6-7°F per hour when the ambient temperature is 65°F.
Inergize has included a powerful 3/4HP chiller with the tub whereas most other products in this price range offer a 1/4 HP chiller unit. By using Inergize’s app, you can set up the water temperature or schedule a cooling time.
Before you start cold therapy sessions, make sure to understand ice bath temperatures. For beginners, we would not recommend starting with the lowest temperatures. In general, a temperature range between 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit is good enough for cold immersion therapy. You need to build up your tolerance to cold temperatures gradually over a time period.
Features
There are quite a few features in the Inergize Cold Plunge tub that sets it apart from the other foldable cold water tubs.
- The app interface allows you to control the water temperature and pre-program the chiller settings by using a WiFi connection. Automated temperature adjustments can be done based on your preferences.
- The insulated walls of the tub help in preserving the water temperature for longer periods. Reduced heat exchange with the surroundings ensures the effectiveness of the plunge sessions. The inflatable insulated cover comes with lockable straps and prevents heat loss.
- The 24/7 filtration mechanism is equipped with a 20-micron filter for debris removal and an ozone sanitizer that removes bacteria.
- The maximum sound output from the chiller unit is limited to 60 decibels. The low noise level allows you to use it indoors.
- You can use the chiller to heat the water to 105 degrees. This allows you to alternate between cold and hot therapy.
Design
The interior dimensions of the tub are 43 x 20 x 30 inches. The depth of 30 inches makes it large enough for the full body immersion of users above 6 feet. For some, taking a cold plunge while lying down is much more comfortable than the upright position in an Ice Barrel. Besides, the end of the tub is designed to offer comfortable support for the back.
While your knees won’t be popping out of the water, I wish it was a bit longer than 43 inches. That would have allowed taller individuals to place their legs more comfortably. Or else, Inergize Health could have offered an XL version as a second option.
The thick outer walls of the tub are robust and can be used as support for getting out of the tub. Inergize mentions that the edges can support up to 200 lbs with bending or failing when the tub is filled. Overall, getting into or moving out of the tub is a breeze.
The superb portability of the Inergize Cold Plunge tub allows you to enjoy cold therapy sessions anywhere. Besides, those with limited space will appreciate the collapsible design. The weight of the tub is just 25 lbs. When filled with water, it can weigh between 600-700 lbs.
That said, you need to consider the size and weight of the chiller unit while moving the tub around. Without it, you will have to use ice to cool the water. Even so, the fact that you can pack the tub away in a closet is a big plus.
When compared to other portable cold plunge options like the Ice Barrel, the Inergize Cold Plunge has a few distinct advantages. We mentioned in our Ice Barrel review, that heading to the store for a supply of ice cubes can be a pain. The Inergize tub does away with the hassle by including the chiller unit.
Manufacturing
The Cold Plunge tub was designed by Ciaran Flanagan, and it is manufactured in San Diego. Since Flanagan had comprehensive experience in designing cooling systems he was able to combine the best materials and technology to ensure a great cold plunge experience. The operating temperature range for using the tub is between 40°F and 105°F.
The outer fabric of the tub is drop-stitch polyester along with multiple insulating layers to prevent heat loss. Once inflated, the walls become super rigid and the strength is as good as any acrylic ice bathtub. This allows the tub to withstand high loads. The material is also robust enough to resist scratches and punctures.
Price
You can buy the Inergize Cold Plunge tub at $4,790 including discounts. When you compare it to other portable ice plunge tubs like the Ice Barrel, the price is much higher. The point is, the Inergize product comes with an automated chiller unit which saves you the cost of buying ice.
In fact, in terms of features, the Inergize tub can easily match steps with more expensive tubs like the Plunge. It has innovative features like app control and a more powerful chiller that the Plunge lacks.
At this price point, the Cold Plunge tub offers excellent value for buyers looking for portability without compromising performance. Unless you are looking for a premium design that looks like a high-end piece of furniture, the Inergize Cold Plunge tub is a great pick.
That said, if you do not plan on moving the tub around, there are more affordable cold plunge tubs in the market. If you have a steady source for fetching ice, those options are worth a closer look.
Warranty
Inergize offers a 1-year warranty on both the chiller and tub against all forms of manufacturing defects. This is on par with the other products of the same category. For commercial use, the warranty is limited to 6 months. Besides, the product also comes with a 30-day return policy. However, a 30% restocking & handling fee is charged for all returns.
What Is Included in the Inergize Cold Plunge?
The following items are included in the package you will receive from Inergize Health.
- The Inergize Cold Plunge Tub
- Duffle Carry Bag
- Quick Connect Hoses
- Dual Action Hand Pump
- Inflatable Top Cover
- Fabric Top Cover
- Hand Debris Net
- 4 Months of Sanitation Solution
- 1 Micron Filter
- Garden Hose Drainage
If you ask me, Inergize Health could have included a thermometer and an anti-slip mat with the tub. In fact, the latter is a practical addition to any tubs for preventing any accidental falls resulting from water spillage.
Are Cold Plunge Baths Beneficial to Your Health?
There are multiple cold immersion therapy benefits that not only impact physical health but mental health as well. No wonder, it has been a common wellness practice for centuries across the globe.
For starters, recent research has pointed out that cold water immersion can boost recovery rates after high-intensity exercise sessions. Since the low temperatures constrict the blood vessels it also reduces inflammation in the extremities. This can lower muscle pain and promote blood circulation after the therapy session. While it has been said that cold water therapy can boost immune response, there is a lack of in-depth research in this area.
In reality, there is no scientific evidence that points out definite mental health benefits resulting from cold water immersion. However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that cold plunges can relieve stress and depression. It can also enhance mental clarity and enhance mood.
Some experts mention that the effect is related to the release of chemicals like dopamine and endorphins in the blood. Since the body considers cold water immersion as a stressful event, it results in mental clarity that helps us to react to a threat.
In fact, clinical trials have suggested that cold water swimming can reduce depression and anxiety. This can be related to the fact that such cold water immersion can reduce the inflammatory response in the body.
One effective way to reduce fatigue and muscle soreness is to go for contrast bath therapy which includes the best of both worlds. Here you take alternate immersions in cold and hot water. That means you can combine a cold therapy session with a sauna session in a hot tub. The hot water temperatures should be between 95°F to 113°F.
The truth is, every individual will have a different response to cold water immersion, depending on various factors. So the effects and benefits will not be the same for everyone.
Keep in mind, a cold water plunge is not the best idea for patients with heart disease or cardiac problems. If you have any doubts, consult your physician before trying out the therapy.
Pros of Inergize Cold Plunge
- Super easy setup and breakdown process
- A portable and space-saving option
- Great for indoor and outdoor use
- Excellent durability and build quality
- App Control adds to the convenience
- A high-power cooling system
Cons of Inergize Cold Plunge
- Available in one size only
- Not the cheapest inflatable tub
- The filter mechanism needs monthly replacement
Conclusion
To sum up, the Cold Plunge Tub from Inergize Health is a great option for small spaces. It is well-designed, exceptionally portable, and user-friendly. Quite simply, the level of convenience it offers is hard to find in products of similar category.
While it’s not the best option for buyers on a tight budget, the tub has quite a few premium-grade features that make it a great buy. All in all, this is a great option for active buyers who would like to enjoy cold plunge sessions on the go. Still, if you are still undecided about the type of cold tub to choose, you can start by taking a look at this cold plunge tub buyer’s guide.
Are you ready to supercharge your wellness routine through cold water therapy?
Then try out the Inergize Health Cold Plunge Tub for a high-end cold-water therapy experience.
Use code SAUNAGUIDE to get $150 off your order!
