Cold Plunge Tubs We Also Tested

We tested 13 cold plunge tubs in total, but only seven met our high standards. While these options had features we liked, they ultimately weren’t impressive enough to earn a spot on our list.

• The Ice Pod provided a pleasant enough cold plunge experience, but we found it hard to inflate, even with the included pump. Plus, even though it's more of a budget option, we had to use such a substantial amount of ice that it ended up being pricier than more expensive picks on our list.
• We found Sun Home's Cold Plunge large enough for plungers as tall as 6 feet 8 inches. However, the ill-fitting cover, and the fact that it took all day to cool down to 60 degrees, left us unimpressed with this option.

What We've Updated

• Since our initial tests, we have continued to test cold plunge tubs in the real world to collect additional information on their performance.
• We have also added four additional products to this round of testing.
• Based on the most recent test results, we updated our Best Budget choice and added a Best for Beginners choice.

What to Look for When Shopping for Cold Plunge Tubs

• Size and Capacity: You should be able to fit your whole body comfortably in the tub while keeping your head out of the water, Beall says. Keep in mind, larger capacity tubs will require more water and ice to cool fully, or they may take longer or use more energy to cool down. Make sure you choose a tub that you can easily fit into and is not difficult to submerge in. You'll also need to consider the space you have to set up the tub and make sure there's room to maneuver around it.
• Material: Different materials are better suited to different systems, like an electric chiller versus ice. We prefer durable materials like acrylic, fiberglass, and reinforced metal. If you are not interested in options with a chiller, consider insulating materials for the best experience.
• Temperature Control: Plunge tub options that require water and ice offer you less control over the temperature. Pricier options that include a chiller offer more precise temperature control, with some models even featuring an app for easy adjustments. Beall suggests a temperature of 53 degrees Fahrenheit for an optimal experience and maximum benefits.
• Special Features: Depending on your budget, your cold plunge tub can offer many special options. Some features that might enhance your experience include built-in lights for night plunging, water circulation jets, a ladder for taller options like a barrel, and insulated covers to keep the water cool and clean when not in use.
• Warranty: Because cold plunge tubs can be pricey, it’s worth choosing one with a warranty. Consider the length of the warranty and the parts and service included.

How We Tested the Cold Plunge Tubs

To find the best cold plunge tubs, we tested 13 models for a total of 540 hours of plunging. We selected our picks based on the following key criteria.

• Ease of Setup: Cold plunge tubs are generally not ready to use right out of the box. They require some form of setup, even if it’s just filling them with water. To assess ease of setup, we note whether assembly is quick and simple or time-consuming and requiring extra hands. We also note if additional plumbing is needed or if we simply need to fill it with water and plug it in.
• Ease of Use: We pay attention to how long it takes for the tub to cool down, how easy it is to fill, and how often it needs to be refilled. If the tub has special features, like lights or filters, we evaluate how easy they are to use. Lastly, we consider whether the included instructions are clear and whether it’s easy or difficult to incorporate the cold plunge into our regular routine.
• Design: Next, we measure the space each tub requires, noting whether certain models are better suited for those with limited space. We record whether the tub comes with accessories, like a cover or remote control, and whether any included accessories improve the overall experience. While using the tub, we assess how spacious the inside is and if we can fully submerge our body. We prioritize tubs that can accommodate a wide range of body types.
• Value: To assess each tub’s overall value, we wait until the end of the testing period to check the price. We then consider whether, based on our thorough testing, we would personally purchase or recommend the tub to a friend.

Our Experts

We spoke with experts to get their input on how to use cold plunge tubs safely and the best ways to evaluate them in testing. As physical therapists, our experts helped us understand the benefits of cold plunging. We test and recommend products independently, but expert input helps inform our final choices.

• Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, CKTP, CPI, FAAOMPT, board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City and India
• Jordan Beall, PT, DPT, physical therapist at Tribeca Physical Therapy

Benefits of Using a Cold Plunge Tub

Sitting in a cold tub will do a lot more than just earn you strange looks and likes on a social media post. Some benefits include:

• Inflammation Management: Wu says that a cold plunge tub can help reduce swelling and pain, which will, in turn, assist with recovery. 
• Immune Health: Triggering your body's stress response with cold plunging can enhance the immune system, Wu says, by increasing your metabolic rate and spiking a neurohormone that’s crucial for the body’s response to stress.
• Improved Mood: When exposed to the cold, emotion-regulating hormones may be released, improving mood and mental acuity, and reducing stress, Wu says.
• Exercise Recovery: Beall says that the decrease in intramuscular temperature and metabolism during cold exposure can limit hypoxic stress and generate reactive oxygen species, resulting in boosted recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How often should I cold plunge for optimal benefits? 

Wu suggests two or three times per week, emphasizing that the body needs time to recover, so anything more frequent is not ideal.

How long should I stay in a cold plunge tub? 

Start slowly and gradually increase to no more than five to ten minutes. According to Wu, however, two to three minutes is ideal.

Are there any health conditions that make it unsafe to cold plunge? 

Always talk to your primary care physician before starting cold exposure therapy. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, venous stasis, cold agglutinin disease, sensory defects, and certain cognitive deficits should exercise caution when cold plunging, Beall says.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and fitness writer. Jen has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications. She has lots of experience with home and outdoor fitness. Jen knows what works and what to look for when shopping for fitness products and she prioritizes products that are easy to use, versatile, and well-made.