Cold Plunge Tubs

Choosing a Cold Plunge Tub for Home

A cold plunge tub lets you take a controlled cold-water immersion at home instead of filling a bathtub with bags of ice. Most people pair it with a sauna for contrast therapy: heat first, then a short plunge. The right tub depends on your space, how cold you want the water and how often you plan to use it.

Tub shapes

• Barrel tubs are compact and upright, a good fit for patios, garages and smaller spaces. Cedar barrel models also look at home next to an outdoor sauna.
• Oval tubs let you sit lower with your legs extended and suit most adults.
• Cuboid tubs are the roomiest option, with space for taller users and a full-body plunge.

Why a chiller matters

A dedicated cold/heat chiller keeps the water at a set temperature and circulates and filters it, so you don't have to keep adding ice. Chillers are rated by horsepower: a larger unit cools a bigger tub faster and holds temperature better in warm climates. Some systems can also heat the water when you want a warm soak.

Before you buy

• Measure the spot, including clearance for the chiller and hoses.
• Check the power supply the chiller needs and whether it will be under cover.
• Plan for filter changes and water sanitation to keep the water clean.

Cold plunges and saunas work well together. Browse our outdoor saunas and barrel saunas to build a complete contrast-therapy setup.