The Best Cold Plunge Pools (and Where to Buy One Online)

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At a Glance: The Best Cold Plunge Pools

Sitting in a tub full of ice water might not sound like the most relaxing thing you could do for your body, but you might be surprised just how many health benefits come with cold plunging.

The routine goes back to an Ancient Greek practice called Thermalism; people would take baths at varying temperatures to help with a host of ailments, from general skin conditions to deep muscle pains. Today, many physically active people and pro athletes (like Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt) are fitting these colder-than-normal baths (I.e. ice baths) into their post-workout routines.

Ice baths and cold spas have been gaining attention recently (you’ve probably seen them on TV or social media), and for good reason: Users report reduced inflammation (and thereby less soreness) and an emotional and mental “high” after the cold exposure and some even purport that the cold strengthens the immune system.

Now while you can try and turn your personal bathtub into your own cold plunge pool (or in some cases, an empty trash can), a personal cold plunge pool could be an easy way to upgrade your home wellness routine.

In This Article

What Are the Best Cold Plunge Pools?

Below is our list of the best cold plunge pools that are available to buy online right now. We landed on these picks after testing a few ourselves and researching customer and expert feedback for top brands. All options feature at least a 3.7/5-star average customer rating and ship from a reliable retailer.

1. Polar Monkeys The Portal 2.0

Taking into account temperature range and adjustability, build quality, and filtration, Polar Monkeys’ Portal 2.0 comes out on top as our favorite cold plunge.

The deluxe cold plunge is two feet wide, two feet deep, and either six or four feet long, making it suitably large enough for a lie-flat bath (we suggest opting for the larger six-foot option). It’s also a good weight at 120 pounds (1000 pounds when filled up with water), which lends a nice sturdy feel as you lie back.

In terms of power, the Portal does very well. Using a full one-horsepower chiller, the tub can cool water down to 36 degrees. It also uses a massive filter, which ensures clean water at all times (no changing the water with each use), although there is an easy drainage system if you need to replace the water. Lastly, at $3,290 (with the cool monkey artwork), the Portal is very well-priced considering its power and size.

2. The Cold Plunge

The Cold Plunge Pool puts the ‘L’ in luxury, recreating a spa experience at home.

For starters, it’s 67 inches long and 43 inches wide, meaning there is more than enough room to sit comfortably during your session (though if you’d like even more room, you can upgrade to the Pro XL model).

This pool is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, which makes filling the pool easy: You can even use a garden house with the pool’s hookup to either fill or drain it. The powerful cooling and filtration ensures that your plunge is cold and stays that way throughout; there’s also a UV sanitation system that keeps the water and the tub itself clean. Each unit also comes with an insulated cover and is outfitted with an underwater light in case you’re in the mood for an evening plunge.

3. G Ganen Ice Bath Spa Tub

If you’re not ready to drop $1,000+ on an ice bath, you can still dip your toe in the cold plunge practice (pun intended) with a budget-friendly option like this tub from G Ganen. The inflatable unit is made of PVC that’s easy to set up (just inflate and structure using the included support poles) and easy to clean after use.

Users are very happy with the G Ganen tub, which boasts a 4.3/5-star Amazon rating with over 1,300 reviews. Reviewers say the tub works great in a shower stall, is easy to set up and clean, and is sturdy enough to lean back on.

4. Sun Home Cold Plunge

Sun Home is best known for its at-home saunas (which we love), but they also make some of the best cold plunge pools on the market. Our favorite from the brand is this fully portable cold plunge because it’s one of the only portable cold plunges that also has a portable water chiller (most “portable cold plunges” are just inflatable bathtubs). The whole thing is a breeze to set up and take down, so you can quickly break it out in the morning and put it away when not in use.

Once set up, the Sun Home plunge is spacious, feels comfortable and durable, and cools down to 37.5 degrees Fahrenheit or heats to 104. The temperature can also be set from your phone, so you can turn it on while, say, leaving the office for a cold plunge right when you get home.

5. Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub

For such large devices (that are most likely going to live in your yard year-round), many cold plunge pools are eye-sores. But Redwood Outdoors’ Alaskan cold plunge tub is the opposite. The powerful plunge features a Scandinavian spruce “thermowood” exterior for a Finnish sauna-inspired look that, in our opinion, upgrades your backyard’s vibe instead of upsetting it. But the Redwood Outdoors tub isn’t all looks. Lining the inside of the tub is a hard plastic that traps cold to keep the tub chilled for longer. It’s also nice and spacious with a 40.5-inch height and even a ledge to sit on while plunging.

6. Ice Barrel Ice Bathtub

There’s a reason why the Ice Barrel is the “go-to ice bathtub for athletes.” Boasting a 105-gallon capacity and ergonomic design, this tub can fit just about anyone comfortably, while still managing to be easy to transport and store. The plastic exterior, which is made from recycled materials, keeps the barrel insulated, so the temperature of the water doesn’t fluctuate during your plunge. A step stool, protective cover, and lid are included. Available in black and desert tan colors.

7. The Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub

Don’t have a ton of room to spare? Try The Cold Pod, which measures a compact 29.53 inches tall, wide, and deep. Without ice water, it also weighs just under eight pounds, making it easy to stash away (maybe in the garage) when not in use. It’s made using a clever mix of nylon, PVC, and pearl foam that keeps the weight down while still providing some insulation to keep ice water cold. Overall, it’s durable, extremely easy to use, and great for small spaces.

How Do Cold Plunge Pools Work?

The key to any effective cold plunge pool or ice bath is rather simple: cold water, specifically below 59 degrees cold.

The cold temperature of the water must be kept constant to get the intended effect. After submerging yourself, your body responds by closing your pores and ramping up circulation throughout your bloodstream. The cold temperature of the water also numbs the nerves surrounding your joints and muscles, which in turn releases hormones and endorphins, helping to alleviate any physical pain or stress you might be feeling in your body. This is why cold plunge pools are an effective tool for athletes or those who engage in high levels of physical activity.

Cold Plunging Guide for Beginners

Like everything else in life, moderation and patience are key when it comes to taking the (cold) plunge; think of it as a marathon, not a race. If you’re just starting out, we recommend taking some steps to prepare your body for the sensation of taking an ice bath or using a cold plunge pool; try taking some cold showers or baths to begin, especially if you haven’t done this before.

When you are ready to take the plunge, you’ll need to start small (between two and three minutes) and work your way up to longer sessions. Your ice bath should never exceed 10 minutes, and if you begin to shiver, then it’s time to get out. While it’s important to receive the mental and physical benefits of a cold plunge, you should never ignore your body when it’s attempting to communicate with you. Keep in mind that you should always consult a medical professional before you begin any routine.

How We Chose the Best Cold Plunge Pools

We chose our list of the best cold plunge pools based on ease of use, ease of setup, and overall value. All of these cold plunge pools and ice baths can be used in the home without needing professional installation, and they are all designed for all levels of “plunging.”

All of these cold plunge pools also boast solid reviews from other shoppers online, who give top ratings for comfort, versatility, and results.