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If you plan on plunging every week (or even every day), that can add up fast.
The Spruce
We researched and spent several months testing 13 indoor and outdoor cold plunge tubs at home.
It’s also surprisingly light (light enough for one person to move around when it’s empty).
We also appreciated that the chiller plugs into a standard wall outlet, which simplifies installation.
We installed The Plunge outside and loved that it included a place for our phone.PHOTO: The Spruce
During testing, we dipped in the tub three to five times a week.
It’s made of durable yet lightweight thermoplastic that’s waterproof, fade- and crack-resistant.
Leave room for the ice (and melted water).
Setting up the barrel was pretty straightforward.
Due to its large size, we recommend having at least two people build it.
Adults of most heights and weights can fully submerge themselves upright.
Getting out was a bit trickier, but the ladder helped.
After each use, our muscles were less sore, and it felt like a meditative experience.
While we tested other inflatable models, we were impressed with the simplicity of setting up the Ice Pod.
To speed up the process, we used a bike pump to inflate the tub’s rim.
The PVC support rods helped stabilize the ice bath’s structure.
Before using, you must add ice to cool the water.
We added about 60 pounds of ice before each use, which took roughly 20 minutes to chill.
Draining the tub is a breezeattach a standard garden hose to the drain.
We used the excess water for our garden.
The cover kept dirt, bugs, and leaves out.
Although the thermometer tends to fog up, we found it effective.
The tub weighed only 15.5 pounds before inflating, so relocating it was a breeze.
Having the tub within easy reach made us utilize it more often.
The chiller can cool the water to 32 degrees Fahrenheit and heat it to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
We liked how easy it was to adjust the plunge tub’s temperature using the Tuya app.
With a larger size comes ample space, and our 5-foot-7-inch tester had no trouble lying flat.
The setup for this plunge was straightforward.
The tub part can be inflated using the provided air pump, which we found simple.
Despite being inflatable, it is certainly not made cheaply.
Unlike any other inflatable cold plunge tub, this one is built to last using military-grade drop stitch technology.
When the cold weather set in, we also enjoyed the heating function for a relaxing soak.
We installed The Plunge outside and loved that it included a place for our phone.PHOTO: The Spruce
We loved its sleek, rectangular form, which made it a seamless addition to our outdoor space.
We set it up outdoors so we could soak up the sun before plungingand for easy draining.
If you change your mind about placement, the tub has casters for easy relocation.
We were really able to stretch out and relax when we tested the Plunge.The Spruce
The setup only took about 20 minutes.
We filled it with a garden hose, powered it on, and found its insulation quite effective.
When you change your water, a simple twist opens the drain at the bottom of the tub.
The Plunge is very sturdy, so we were able to brace against the walls when getting in and out.PHOTO: The Spruce
We enjoyed the attachable headrest, which we were able to adjust to accommodate our height.
However, it’s worth noting that the tub lacks cushioning and ledges for varying seating positions inside.
After that, a 20-micron water filter eliminates extremely fine particles.
A water balance kit, compressor unit, and air pump are all included with this plunge tub.
Another accessory we enjoyed was theanti-slip matthat kept us from slipping when entering or exiting the tub.
We also recommend keepinga bath towelaround to dry your body.
For reference, our best overall option is 15 inches longer.
A 6-foot-8 person also fit comfortably in the tub, they just had to sit much more upright.
Everything went smoothly during the setup process.
The pool and cover were simple to inflate, and the directions were clear.
While the setup was easy, we were not fond of the app.
Like ourbest outdoorpick, this barrel is made of extremely durable material.
PHOTO: The Spruce
It also has an insulated barrel and lid to help keep the water cold between uses.
We tested it on our back deck near the hose for easy refilling.
We liked the side shelvesthey’re great armrests.
We added 80 pounds of ice to the Ice Barrel 400 for a chilly, bracing plunge.The Spruce
This is essential for a smooth and effective water-filling process.
This will help you avoid any potential water spills or messes inside.
Like theIce Barrel 400, this cold plunge tub has a user-friendly setup.
The Ice Barrel 400 barrel is quite tall, but we were able to use a step stool to get in easily.PHOTO: The Spruce
We also added thewater stabilizerthe manufacturer recommended, adding about one and a half teaspoons to the water.
Overall, the tub has been a great addition to our home.
However, the Plunge All-In is designed for anyone who needs extra legroom.
The underwater light, which not many models on our list have, was a great feature.
It allowed us to take a dip at night, which was chilly but something we enjoyed.
It’s also incredibly easy to set up.
The cold plunge tub may also be operated using a control panel.
However, we preferred the ease and convenience of using the app.
We found that the chiller consistently maintained the water temperature within 1 degree Fahrenheit of the desired temperature.
Additionally, the cold plunge has an insulated lid that extends its cold retention period even when turned off.
To keep the water clean for longer between refills, jets continuously circulate it and pass it through filters.
This cold plunge is among the priciest options on our list, costing nearly $9,000.
In the long run, the Plunge All-In could be a cost-effective investment.
This flexibility allows for a personalized cold plunge experience.
After six months of testing, we found ourselves using it for about 10 minutes every day.
The Plunge Evolve Air is similar toThe Plunge(our best overall) at almost half the cost.
Like the other tub we tested from the brand, the Air is also incredibly spacious.
We tested it with someone who was 6 feet tall, and they could fit comfortably.
PHOTO: The Spruce
The biggest difference is that the Air is made from a durable inflatable material that offers easy portability.
We enjoyed the heater function when relaxing on cool fall nights, but that changed when winter set in.
This issue got even worse as winter set in and the temperature began to drop.
We added 60 pounds of ice to The Ice Pod for each plunge to achieve an ideal temperature.The Spruce
Aside from checking the air pressure, we also recommend buying a cleaning solution to maintain the water.
We found that using the cleaning solution was the only thing that helped to clear it up again.
Overall, were pretty content with the health benefits of incorporating the cold plunge into our weekly routine.
The The Ice Pod included a floating thermometer that fogged up, but we were still able to read it.PHOTO: The Spruce
We then evaluated setup, ease of use, design, ease of cleaning, and value.
We also recorded when white-glove delivery was used when the tubs were delivered.
For models with apps, we also tested those.
Design:Since cold plunge tubs are pretty large, we noted how much space they took up.
We also discussed the comfort or discomfort experienced by persons of varying heights while using the tubs.
Ease of Cleaning:While the test was underway, we checked the ease of the cleaning process.
We also noted any inconvenient spots that would require specialized cleaning tools.
We then discussed any maintenance that needed to be done on the cold plunge tub.
Tips from Testers
When you are not using your cold plunge, keep the cover on.
This saves you time and effort by keeping your plunge clean and reduces the frequency of cleaning and filtration.
Other cold plunge tubs follow a narrower, vertical design style.
Tub style plunges typically take up more room than barrel-style, but it’s still important to measure first.
The Sun Home Portable Cold Plunge is quite large, and it took up an entire wall in our living room.PHOTO: The Spruce
However, taller people may find these smaller pods confining and uncomfortable.
The main benefit of chilling via ice is the lower initial cost.
They do require electricity to run, but thats typically much less than the cost of ice.
The cooling system included with the Sun Home Portable Cold Plunge has a digital display.The Spruce
Regular water changes keep your water clean and free from dirt, bacteria, and fungal growth.
Then, all you need is a garden hose to empty the water.
The pH level determines how acidic or basic the water is.
The Sun Home Portable Cold Plunge Tub fit nicely into an indoor alcove.PHOTO: The Spruce
The recommended pH range for a cold plunge tub is 7.2 to 7.8.
We recommendtesting water pH levelsat least once each week.
Some brands, like Plunge, offer six-monthmaintenance kitsfor $190.
Cold plunge pools and tubs are relatively simple.
The best cold plunge tub to take care of is a self-cleaning design.
We found them to be relaxing and meditative.
Why Trust The Spruce?
He also considered tub size, maintenance procedures, and ease of setup, among other factors.
We found that the sturdy cover effectively protected the tub from debris when not in use.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is so large that a 6-foot 5-inch adult was able to lounge comfortably.The Spruce
Setting up the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro only took us about 20 minutes, including fill time.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge includes a convenient set of equipment.The Spruce
The Hydragun Supertub arrives in two boxes for easier handling.The Spruce
The barrel wasn’t deep enough to fully submerge, but we were able to use the built-in seat for a chilly dip.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Ice Barrel 300 only took us about six minutes to fill up using a nearby garden hose.The Spruce
Since it’s smaller than other, the Ice Barrel 300 takes less water and fills faster.PHOTO: The Spruce
We found that the tub was large enough that we were really able to stretch out and relax, which was enhanced by the built-in lighting.PHOTO: The Spruce
We connected the included filter to our garden hose when filling the tub.The Spruce
The integrated chiller simplified setup and operation, with a clear display showing the temperature.The Spruce
The tub is quite large, and we were able to spread out and relax.PHOTO: The Spruce
We used the included filter connected to a garden hose to fill the tub to cut down on debris.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Plunge is very sturdy, so we were able to easily brace against the walls when getting in and out.The Spruce
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We found the barrel to be more than tall enough for an average sized adult to float in comfortably in a squatting position.The Spruce
We like the drain spigot on the Ice Barrel 300 because it’s threaded, so you can attach a garden hose.The Spruce
The Ice Pod is on the smaller side, but we found it was still possible to plunge up to our chin.The Spruce
