10 Best Cold Plunge Tubs 2023

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Cold water therapy reportedly has various benefits, such as boosting circulation and reducing inflammation. Cold plunge tubs allow people to practice this therapy at home.

A cold plunge tub is a product that people use for a type of cryotherapy treatment called cold water therapy, or cold water immersion.

Cold water therapy is most effective for muscle recovery when a person immerses themselves in 50–59° F (10–15°C) water for 10–15 minutes. Cold water therapy is more effective if a person does it immediately after exercise.

Cold plunge tubs offer a convenient way to practice cold water immersion therapy at home. These tubs are often around the size of a bathtub. Some products have temperature control, whereas others may require manually adding ice until it reaches the correct temperature.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.

The Plunge tub has a circular filtration to keep temperatures cold and improve water quality. It includes ozone sanitation and a 20-micron filter, which the company claims remove impurities and maintains system hygiene.

Users don’t need any plumbing for this model; they fill the bath with water and plug it in. The water inside the bath remains usable for 6 months with proper maintenance.

The bath features a cell phone holder, an insulated spa cover, a skimmer net, and a rubber duck. The company offers a 1-year warranty and free in-home delivery.

The ice barrel plunge tub is reportedly deep enough to immerse people fully, even when sitting up. It has a capacity of 105 gallons of water and features an easy-to-use drainage system.

The design is lightweight, weighing 55 lb when empty, and contains 100% recycled materials. The ice barrel plunge tub is available in two colors and has a protective UV cover, stand, step stool, and built-in drainage system. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

The Odin Ice Bath can reach up to 32º F (0°C), or freezing. It can create ice by using a cooling compressor, as opposed to an external chiller. This helps it reach colder temperatures.

This product also has an ozone generator filtration system for sanitization, and a sediment filter to keep the water clean. Once a technician installs the tub, people can add water, plug in and go.

This plunge tub has a barrel-style design, and the outside is cedar wood.

Each purchase includes and insulated lockable spa lid and a 5-year limited warranty.

The G Ganen Ice Bath is lightweight and portable, making it suitable for small spaces where a larger plunge tub might not fit.

The design features three layers of waterproof and durable fabric — one mesh and two PVC — making it easy and quick to clean. It also has a detachable drainage valve to let out water.

This foldable tub comes with a neck support and an armrest, which are inflatable by mouth.

The Cold Stoic is a made-to-order plunge bath. Lead times are currently 6–10 weeks. Customers can customize the tank and base colors, as well as upgrade with spa light feature.

It features a programmable thermostat to allow users to control the temperature. It has a patented magnetic drive water pump, which can chill water to 36ºF (2°C), as well as a filtration and ozone purification system to keep water clean.

The thermally insulated tub keeps water colder than external temperatures, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

The bath includes a step stool, insulated lid, and 5-year limited warranty.

This bathtub is foldable, weighs under 7 lb, and is reportedly easy to store. Its size also makes it suitable for small spaces.

The tub is PVC and also has EPE insulation that maintains the water temperature. These materials mean that it is also useable with hotter water.

There is a cushion around the lip of the tub to increase comfort.

This tub has a portable and inflatable design. It comes with a pump, so there is no need to inflate it manually. It has an attached chiller that helps regulate the water temperature. As the water can reach freezing, there is no need to add ice to the tub.

The filter and ozone generator keeps the water clean, so there is no need to drain the water after each use. This means the tub may be suitable for people who use cold plunge tubs on a regular basis.

This tub comes with a drain hose hookup, tub cover, 100% moneyback guarantee, and 1-year warranty.

The Malibu 56 has customizable aesthetics, with customers choosing from wooden and stainless steel options.

This tub has space for full submersion, measuring 66 in internally. It reportedly takes 15 minutes to fill and drain. People can attach the bottom drain to a garden hose.

The accompanying chiller will keep water at a consistent temperature while it is on. This makes it suitable for people who want to plunge at any time. A 20-micron filter and ozone generator keep the tub clean without the need for chemicals.

The Malibu 56 comes with a 5-year standard warranty on the frame, 18-month warranty, and 30-day money-back guarantee. It also requires a 120 V 20 Amp GFCI dedicated outlet.

This bath reportedly inflates and drains in under 5 minutes. The company states that it fits into the included backpack, making it easy to use while traveling.

This product has fill and drain ports that are compatible with the majority of garden hoses. It also comes with double action pump to manually inflate the tub.

The Inflatable Ice Bath also comes with cover, floor mat, and repair kit.

The inflatable design of this RecoveryCare makes it suitable for people wanting a plunge tub that is foldable and easy to store. It weighs 11 lb when empty and can hold up to 48 gallons of water.

Mueller states that this tub is suitable for when a person needs cold immersion on short notice, such as after an injury during team sports.

The tub comes with a rechargeable air pump and adapters. It has a backrest in the design, as well as space for users to stretch out their legs. Each tub also comes with instructions, a mesh carry bag for travel and storage, and a puncture repair kit.

The following table compares the cold plunge tubs in this article on price, temperature, and more.

Medical News Today chooses cold plunge tubs that fit the following criteria:

People may wish to consider the following when choosing a cold plunge tub:

Supporters of cold water therapy state that it can boost the immune system, improve circulation, burn calories, decrease stress, and improve libido. However, there is very little scientific evidence to support most of these claims.

A 2022 review of 104 studies found that there is some evidence that cold water therapy may increase the body’s tolerance to stress and respiratory infections, and improve cardiovascular function, mental health, and insulin sensitivity.

Cold water immersion therapy is also effective as a recovery tool after intensive exercise, according to a 2022 meta-analysis. This therapy may decrease muscle soreness and improve muscle power and perceived recovery 24 hours after exercise.

Cold water can cause a cold shock response. People who have a cold shock response may experience:

Cold shock responses can cause cardiac arrhythmia in people without any health conditions. People who have a heart condition, those who are pregnant, or anyone with a health condition that may become worse if the heart does not beat regularly, should contact a healthcare professional before using these products.

Here we answer some common questions about cold plunge tubs.

It is possible to do a cold plunge in a bathtub. However, manufacturers typically do not design bathtubs to withstand freezing temperatures.

People can choose to purchase a bathtub-style or barrel-style cold plunge tub. It is important to ensure there is enough space for a person to fully submerge their body or specific body parts.

A cold plunge tub with in-built sanitation generators is easier to maintain than tubs that a person has to drain and clean on their own.

Cold plunge tubs are a convenient way to explore the benefits of cold water therapy at home. There are many products available to buy online at different price points.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using a cold plunge tub if a person has a health condition, including a heart condition, or is pregnant.