Feel the chill — and the benefits — in the comfort of your home.
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Aside from recovering from an intense workout with a foam roller or massage gun, you might be tempted to try one of the latest wellness trends: cold plunging. According to Neil Paulvin, D.O., a NY-based board-certified longevity and integrative medicine doctor, cold plunging can have a variety of benefits, including increased dopamine, lower inflammation, lower heart rate and better sleep, to name a few.
If you want to try an ice bath for recovery, there are many options depending on the amount of features you want and the amount of space you have. To suss out the best ice bath tubs for recovery, we did the research, tapping integrative medicine doctors who not only use them, but are knowledgeable about the benefits.
An ice bath tub for recovery can be a huge investment, depending on the model you choose. To make the decision process easier our experts narrowed down the best of the best below and explain what to consider when choosing one.
Celebrities and influencers alike have been seen taking a dip in the Plunge. Dr. Paulvin recommends this model to his clients because it’s self-cleaning, it fills up the water supply with a connected hose, it has a filtration system and there’s an easy temperature control system.
At nearly $5,000, this ice bath tub for recovery isn’t for the casual plunger: Originally featured on Shark Tank, it goes above and beyond with features such as a powerful cooling system that goes down to 39º F, underwater light and built-in circulating filtration that makes maintenance and usage much easier. It also features an insulated spa cover, a cell phone holder, skimmer net and guided plunge videos.
It’s made for indoor and outdoor use — so long as you have the room for it. It comes in a standard size and an XL model that could be housed in a garage, home gym or backyard, plus there is a “hot” version for more functionality and a pro version for faster cooling, though these upgraded versions will add to the cost. You’ll also get free in home delivery and a 1 year warranty on this pricey ice bath, which may make it worth the splurge.
Functioning essentially as a giant tub, the Polar Recovery Tub is a great affordable option at around $150 — but it does require some extra work. You need to assemble the tub yourself, fill it up with water, load it with ice to your desired temperature and drain and clean the tub regularly. However, if you don’t mind the effort, you’ll still get similar benefits as you would with the more expensive options.
At 31.5 inches in diameter and 27.5 inches in height, it can fit someone up to 6'7" yet takes up a smaller footprint in your home or backyard. The insulated tub is said to maintain the cold water temperature and it comes with an outdoor cover to prevent any debris from getting in when not in use. The brand does recommend cleaning it every 10 days, but you could also purchase a water stabilizer or UV purifier for additional sanitation. It can also pack up flat for storage or if you’re moving.
If you’re tight on space, Dr. Paulvin recommends this stand-up tub that is literally shaped like a barrel with a few steps to hop on in. The Ice Barrel is incredibly sturdy and allows the user to sit upright to soak in the chill. It measures 31 inches wide by 42 inches high, making it narrower for storing at home or outside and offering more coverage for taller individuals.
It can hold up to 105 gallons of water, but note that you’ll need to fill it up with water and ice yourself each time you go in. The brand recommends changing the water every four weeks using the included Easy Flow Drainage System at the bottom of the barrel and rinsing it. You can also invest in a water stabilizer or UV purifier to help keep it clean. It also comes with a lid, protective UV cover and barrel stand to keep it protective and in place.
The stunning Scandinavian spruce thermowood on the exterior of the Redwood Outdoor Pacific Cold Plunge Tub makes it something you’ll want to show off outside. The interior of the ice bath tub is made of stainless steel. At 70 inches, it's long enough for most people to sit down with legs extended, and each plunge tub has the cooling capabilities down to 37º F and heating capabilities up to 104º F, so it can be used as a hot tub as well.
The pump system features an intuitive touchscreen display that can also be controlled remotely via smartphone for the perfect temperature before you hop in. It’s expensive, but it comes pre-assembled and the high-quality construction can be worth the price. However, add ons like a wooden cover and floating thermometer are going to cost you extra.
For those who go through cold plunge phases or only want to use an ice bath when they’re in the midst of training, this inflatable option from Tru Grit is a good choice. It can take between two to five minutes to inflate with the included pump, meaning it's easy to take down after you’re done and put up again at a later time if you’d like. The “tub” itself is made from drop stitched chassis that’s overlayed with a high grade PVC, which reviewers say makes it both durable and stable enough to get in and out without splashing water everywhere. It also comes with a mat and a repair kit in case any tears do occur.
There’s an included spout for draining, so you don’t have to deflate it to empty it out for cleaning — although it is recommended to double check the air pressure every few weeks if you do leave it up. Like other simple tubs, this one requires you to add your own ice to control the temperature.
The Nordic Wave Viking is a sleek minimalist option that’s perfect for those with minimal space who still want a cold plunge experience. It comes in three color choices and features an integrated chiller system to control the temperatures as well as a multi-stage sanitation and filtration systems for clean water. There are also 2-inch foam insulated walls to help keep the chill in, and the low profile of 30 inches in diameter and 41 inches in height makes it space savvy.
The sloped floor design makes it easy to get out of and there’s a dedicated drain valve for when you want to empty it for deeper cleaning. You’ll just need to maintain a slight squatting position in the buoyant water to fit your whole body. Also note that you’ll need to save additional space for the included step stools and chiller system. It’s quite expensive, but know that you’ll have a 5-year warranty on the Viking tub and a 2-year warranty on the Viking chiller if any issues arise.
If you can be a little innovative, this inflatable hot tub from Coleman also works as a great ice bath for recovery. Just turn off the heating element, fill it with water and ice and you’re good to go! It can also fit up to four people if you want to make it a group plunging activity and revel in the discomfort together.
It comes with a built-in AirJet system that releases warm air into the water, as well as a cover, pump, a filter cartridge and a repair patch. Made of durable PVC, it’s less likely to tear or pop and there’s a convenient drain valve for when you do need to release water. While it’s versatile in terms of use, the wide design can make it easy for you to slide around when sitting, so it can be a little less relaxing than other options.
Dubbed the Ferrari of cold plunges, the Morozko Forge is for those who take ice baths seriously and are willing to pay top dollar for it. “It does everything but give you a massage,” Dr. Paulvin says. For the five figure price point, it claims to feature microfiltration, a luxurious cedar frame, aluminum fans, all-weather protection and digital temperature controller. It even makes its own ice for the ultimate chill.
Tubs are offered in 60-inch, 66-inch, and 72-inch lengths, although you’ll need more space to accommodate for the outer shell that can be up to 90 inches long. The digital controller allows you to set a constant water temperature as low as 33º F, which is the lowest of the ice baths on this list and is nearly freezing. According to the brand, this will work even when surrounding temperatures up to 110º F. It feels truly like something out of a spa.
To choose the best ice baths for recovery, our editors tapped experts for their recommendations as well as researched a variety of models of different sizes and price points. When choosing ice baths for recovery, we considered factors such as:
✔️ Dimensions: Depending on your height, you’re going to want to be able to sit or lay down comfortably. We looked at models that were shaped similarly to a bathtub as well as barrel shaped options that allow a shorter person to stand or a taller person to squat comfortably in cold water.
✔️ Durability: Cold plunges that are designed to sit both indoor and outdoor need to withstand the elements. We considered options made of durable stainless steel, durable plastic and heavy-duty PVC. If an option was inflatable, we made sure there was a repair kit included in case a tear does occur.
✔️ Price point: Many ice baths that include multiple features, filtration and temperature regulation can run the average consumer a few thousand dollars. To make ice baths for recovery accessible to every budget, we included tubs that were on the lower end that require more work on the user’s end to reap similar benefits.
✔️ Lowest temperature capabilities: While research shows that an ice bath only needs to be around 58º F to experience the benefits, many users prefer something colder. Most options on this list can reach 40º F or below, but if you live somewhere hotter, you may want something powerful enough to reach a colder temperature.
Aside from your budget, there are a few things you need to consider for your cold plunge. You’ll need to think about how cold you’ll want it to be, how often you’ll use it, and how much functionality you need. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for an ice bath for recovery:
✔️ Filtration: Still water can easily get filled with debris and bacteria, which is why a good filtration system is needed if you don’t want to change out the water often. If your ice bath doesn’t offer a filtration system be sure to swap out the water every other week or so or consider purchasing a water stabilizer or UV purifier to keep it cleaner.
✔️ Cold regulation: Some models offer internal cold regulation that allows you to set the temperature rather than adding ice to the bath. This is a good way to ensure that the water is at the ideal temperature. If an ice bath does require you to add ice, check that the material is insulated so it won’t melt as quickly and use a floating thermometer to double check how cold it is.
✔️ Drainage valve: Regardless of if your cold plunge has a built-in filtration system, you’re going to need to drain the water if you plan on moving the tub or if you want to refill it with fresh water. Most options should have a secure drain valve to do so.
✔️ Space available: Consider your current space and theoretically how long the tub can be. If you can set a designated outdoor space or room for the ice bath, a longer option would work. But for those planning on housing their tub in the garage or workout space, a thinner, vertical tub would be more ideal.
✔️ Cover: Especially if your ice bath tub is going to be outside, you’re going to want to make sure you have a secure cover for it to prevent any debris or creatures from going inside as well as expelling less energy to maintain the temperature. Most options should have one included, but some require you to purchase them separately.
The research on cold plunging varies and many experts and athletes like Wim Hof tout the mental and physical benefits of taking the plunge “Pretty much anybody can use it,” Dr. Paulvin says. Though he recommends those with a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, talk to their doctor before trying an ice bath.
Here are some of the potential health benefits:
According to Dr. Paulvin, you only need to use an ice bath for about 11 minutes per week to feel the benefits. But he says on average, most people will use one for about three minutes, but you should never exceed 10 minutes in the tub in a single session for risk of hypothermia. For those nervous of the idea of sitting in cold water for an extended period of time, he recommends starting slowly with a cold shower for 15 seconds every couple days before jumping into the cold plunge.
According to Dr. Paulvin, an ice bath only needs to be around 58º F to experience some of the many touted benefits. However, an ice bath-taker may desire something colder to feel a rush of a chill and the benefits. It's also easier to control the temperature with an ice bath that has a cooling system rather than one that requires ice as the cooling mechanism, so you may want to get a temperature gauge to double check the temperature.
This roundup was written by contributing writer Courtney Campbell, a longtime product reviewer, who selected products based on hours of research and interviews with experts.
Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).
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