5 Best Ice Bath Tubs To Optimize Your Recovery

Make the leap! Cold water therapy has grow to be all the fashion since making its way into popular culture over the past few years. You are here because you recognize that cold water immersion produces quite a few excellent mental and physical health advantages, or you have heard others discuss it, and you would like in on the key.

On this post, we cover the 5 best ice bath tubs that can fulfill all of your cold water recovery needs. There are cold plunge tubs for all budgets and preferences, so proceed reading on to seek out the bathtub that gives you with the right, icy experience.

5 Best Ice Bath Tubs 

1. Overall Best Ice Bath Tub: PLUNGE
2. Best Ice Bath Tub On Amazon: Tubble
3. Best No Frills Ice Bath Tub: Rubbermaid Tank
4. Best Foldable Ice Bath Tub: PLKO Foldable Bath
5. Best Premium Ice Bath Tub: Cold Stoic

1. Overall Best Ice Bath Tub: PLUNGE

PLUNGE is a reputation you is perhaps conversant in after the founders of The Cold Plunge appeared on Shark Tank. We selected their base model as one of the best ice cold plunge tub overall since it looks great, works well, and is super easy to make use of.

Unlike many ice baths in the marketplace that require you to purchase or make ice, then add it to the bathtub, then wait for the water to get cold before getting in, the PLUNGE ice bath is at all times able to go!

The Cold Plunge tub is the right alternative for individuals who need to take their ice bath routine seriously. As a substitute of the additional time and planning of using an everyday ice bath, this one is at all times on the ready.

What makes this among the best ice baths on the market includes the substantial cooling units, filtration system, and sanitation capabilities. This machine was built to plug and plunge. Grab your garden hose, fill it up, turn it on and set it to your ideal temperature. The Cold Plunge tub goes all the way down to a cold 39 degrees Fahrenheit for advanced cold water therapy users.

Measuring 67″ in length, 28″ deep, and 43″ wide, this luxury ice tub should fit most individuals comfortably, but should you’re on the larger side, additionally they offer an even bigger model with the PLUNGE XL.

The PLUNGE ice bath comes with a hefty price tag, but you are sure to get your money’s price, assuming you reap the benefits of its convenience.

The PLUNGE pool comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty, insulated spa cover, guided cold plunging videos, hose filter, mobile phone holder, and skimming net.

The empty tub weighs 150 lb and 1000 lb when full. The mood lighting on the PLUNGE makes this the final word cold plunge experience. One other nice feature of the PLUNGE is that you would be able to upgrade from the bottom model to models with stronger cooling units as much as 1hp or the power to do cold and hot plunges.

You haven’t got to fret concerning the cleanliness of your ice bath because the PLUNGE sports circular filtration, Ozone sanitation, and a 20-micron filter.

Ice bathing has never been really easy with this cold tub that is perfect for indoor or outdoor use.

We should always also mention that they provide other cold plunge pools including the PLUNGE XL for larger people and the Business PLUNGE that is perfect for cold therapy businesses.

Key Features:

• Price: $$$$
• 39F temperature capability
• 67”(L) X 43”(W) X 28”(D)
• Material: Acrylic and fiberglass with a reinforced metal base that can last a lifetime
• 1 yr manufacturer warranty (add on warranty for more years)
• Tub weighs 150lb empty, 1,000lb full
• Free delivery to the 48 contiguous states
• Pro Cooling Speed
• Plug and plunge
• Cleanliness: Circular filtration, Ozone sanitation, and a 20-micron filter
• Also features a cold and hot plunge option
• 4.8 star customer reviews

2. Best Ice Bath Tub On Amazon: Tubble

Tubble is probably one of the best portable ice baths in the marketplace as it is easy to establish and inexpensive; just throw it in your bag, and you’ve got an ice bath anywhere you go.

The Tubble is an inflatable ice bath so it’s fabricated from plastic. Nevertheless, it also boasts a prime quality 6 layer PVC, which makes it a durable ice tub that ought to last you a protracted time to come back (so long as you are careful).

Sufficiently big to carry people as much as 6′ 2″, you may stretch your legs out while reaping the advantages of ice baths, including boosted muscle recovery.

Not all inflatable tubs are as easy to make use of because the Tubble. You possibly can get this up and running inside 60 seconds due to the electrical air pump included together with your purchase.

What’s more, is that Tubble makes taking ice baths as comfortable as possible as a result of the built-in headrest and the soft bottom.

Once you’re done together with your cold water therapy session, you may simply use the integrated drain pipe to empty it of the water.

Overall should you’re in search of a reasonable portable ice bath, then look no further than the Tubble.

Key Features:

• Price: $
• 61.4”(L) X 31.4”(W) 20.4(D) – People of as much as 6’ 2” can comfortably stretch their legs)
• Material: Plastic and 6-layer PVC
• 60 gallon capability
• 12lb tub (when empty)
• 30 day warranty
• Able to use inside 1 minute with the included electric pump and auto inflator
• 4.5 star reviews on Amazon

The Rubbermaid stock tank is our pick for essentially the most durable ice bath on the market.

Although the Rubbermaid stock tank is not necessarily meant for ice bathing, it does the trick.

Many individuals have repurposed this stock tank to make use of for cold water therapy since it’s a reasonable option that’s great for outdoor space. The weather-resistant molded polyethylene can withstand the harshest conditions, much like the Ice Barrel, which is one other popular heavy-duty plastic ice bath tub at thrice the value.

The Rubbermaid stock tank has an oversized drain plug for efficient draining and cleansing. Add to this, the stock tank is available in 4 sizes 50, 100, 150, and 300-gallon sizes which provides you the choice to seek out one which’s suitable on your needs.

If you happen to desire a tub that can last you a lifetime and do not mind having so as to add ice each time to get your cold and clean water, then that is the one for you.

Key Features:

• Price: $$
• 58”(L) x 39”(W) x 25”(D)
• Material: Molded polyethylene for superior performance and long-lasting durability in every kind of weather
• 52.9 Kilos
• 150 gallons
• Drain plug
• Made within the USA
• 4.5 star reviews on Amazon

The PLKO foldable ice bath is an easy yet effective outdoor cold plunge tub.

Available in two sizes, most individuals should give you the option to reap the benefits of cold plunge therapy for the low price of $50-100.

The portable ice bath showcases a multi-layer of insulation, including peach skin suede, thermal insulation pearl cotton, and waterproof PVC. These layers end in an insulation time of 120 minutes.

Resulting from the foldable design, you may easily store the ice bath tub nearly anywhere, including closets or under your bed.

The setup and assembly of the bathtub is easy and should not take long to rise up and running.

If you happen to’re short on money or haven’t got a bath in your house, then you definitely may give this a go.

Key Features:

• Price: $
• 44”(L) x 26”(W) x 24”(H) [folded size is only 27.5”(L) X 8”(W) X 2”(H)]
• Material: Wear-resistant peach skin suede, thermal insulation pearl cotton, and waterproof PVC
• The thermal insulation pearl contton makes the insulation time as much as 120 minutes
• 7lb tub weight when empty
• 4 star reviews on Amazon

5. Best Premium Ice Bath Tub: COLD STOIC

Renu is an organization that is been putting out a number of the most premium ice baths in the marketplace. Their base model, the Cold Stoic, is not low-cost at slightly below $10,000, but it surely is extraordinary!

With the Cold Stoic, you get a beautifully designed cold tub that is finished with natural woods like Cedar or Redwood which are treated with natural oils.

The Cold Stoic maintains a water temperature between 39 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit so that you simply haven’t got to fuss about adding ice or waiting to hop in.

Just like the PLUNGE they use Ozone to maintain the bathtub clean even with day by day usage. All the equipment used to maintain this bad boy clean and funky is stored away out of sight in a weatherproof mechanic’s bay.

This tub uses Ultra Violet technology for natural sanitation, which removes the necessity to use chemicals; plus, the magnetic drive water pump goes through 20 gallons per minute, ensuring reliable performance.

The Cold Stoic and other models include a 5-year limited warranty, insulated cover, and an identical handmade step stool.

For one of the best ice bath experience with the looks to match, try Renu’s offerings.

Key Features:

• Price: $$$$
• Exterior Dimensions: 64”(L) x 33”(W) x 34.25”(H)
• Tank Dimensions: 36”(L) x 24”(W) x 30”(D)
• Tub weight when empty: 375 kilos (170 Kg)
• Filled Weight (with 80 US Gallons): Roughly 1,050 lbs
• Various color and design styles
• Weatherproof design for outdoor or indoor use
• Designed & Assembled in California
• Ultra-Efficient, Integrated Chiller may be set to sit back the water temperature all the way down to as little as 36F (2.2C).
• Advanced Filtration and Ozone Purification System
• Insulated Lid
• Free shipping contiguous US
• 5-12 months Limited Warranty, which applies only to non-commercial, in-home, or residential use
• 5 star customer reviews

Best Cold Plunge Tubs Comparison Table:

What’s an ice bath?

An ice bath is precisely what it feels like. Refill a shower with ice and water until at the specified temperature, then hop in and revel in. As you see above, there are multiple kinds of home ice baths available lately, from no-frills plastic tubs to inflatable tubs to premium options.

On the low end, you are looking at $50 for a straightforward foldable tub that requires constant filling and draining. On the high end, $5,000+ but as a substitute of filling the bathtub with ice and water, these expensive tubs have powerful cooling units where you may set the temperature routinely.

BENEFITS OF ICE BATHS:

The advantages of ice baths aren’t fully known at this point, but there’s some evidence of diverse mental and physical advantages. Take a look at a couple of of the advantages of ice baths below.

1) Lessen Muscle Soreness

One among the essential reasons people love cold water therapy is that it might probably help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness after a difficult workout. The science is not ultimately settled on how much ice cold water helps in lowering the quantity of soreness that is experienced, but some people swear by it. Sometimes even when the science is not 100% settled, there are advantages that individuals can get through the placebo or mental effects.

2) Lower Body Temp

The cold temperature of ice baths will lead your core body temperature to drop. After an intense workout, it is advisable to bring your body temperature back all the way down to normal levels, and while a chilly shower works, it is not nearly as effective as submerging your whole body in an ice bath.

3) Improve Focus

Many individuals report the sensation of mental clarity after using an ice bath. Improved focus is derived from the secretion of the hormone norepinephrine as your body is immersed within the icy water. This increased focus and energy won’t be long lasting, but it surely is noticeable and will make a difference in your day.

4) Reduce Inflammation

Ice baths promote blood vessel constriction, which in turn can result in reducing the swelling or inflammation within the body. By reducing the inflammation within the body, you may recuperate quicker from a brutal workout. We should always also mention that some people respond higher to heat slightly than cold. It comes all the way down to the person’s experience trying to seek out what works best for them.  

5) Promote Higher Sleep

Some people say that after they began taking ice baths repeatedly that their sleep improved tremendously. Once more, that is anecdotal because the science won’t be there yet to back up the claims, but it surely is something to contemplate seeing how many individuals have experienced the identical phenomenon.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING ICE BATH TUBS:

With the plethora of ice bath tubs on the market, it’s essential to take into consideration a couple of key aspects when trying to buy one. See below for a transient have a look at what goes into purchasing the right ice bath tub.

1) Construct Quality

Ice bath tubs range from heavy-duty plastic to durable PVC material to long-lasting acrylic basins.

It goes without saying that the inflatable or foldable tubs are less sturdy than the more substantial tubs, but they’ll still provide a reasonable and portable experience. These cheaper tubs could possibly be a superb option for people on the go or those that don’t need to take ice baths that ceaselessly.

The subsequent step up from the PVC or inflatable tubs are the solid plastic tubs just like the Rubbermaid stock tank we covered above or the favored and overpriced Ice Barrel. These tubs will last a lifetime and are easy to make use of, but they’re much like the cheaper tubs in that you’re going to need to add the ice and water every time you wish to use it, then drain afterward.

Lastly, you’ve got premium ice bath tubs just like the PLUNGE, Cold Stoic, or Odin ice bath (from Australia). This class of ice bath tub is for individuals who take cold water therapy seriously and plan to make use of the bathtub ceaselessly. Besides the cool aesthetics these tubs offer, they’re also super user-friendly as you plug them in, fill them up, and set them at your required temperature.

With these tubs, there is not any must buy ice and wait until the water cools down. All of them have motor cooling units to maintain them cold which makes them incredibly convenient but take note you will also need to pay the electrical bill to maintain them cold, which may be $1 or more per day.

2) USAGE

Your intended use of the bathtub will dictate which sort you need to consider buying. To make it easy, if you’ve got the cash and plan on ice bathing multiple times per week, then you need to really take into consideration buying something just like the PLUNGE.

Alternatively, if you wish to take ice baths occasionally and haven’t got a bigger budget, then you definitely’d be higher served by a less expensive option from Amazon.

3) Warranty

For the inflatable or foldable ice bath tubs you will find on Amazon; the warranty won’t be an enormous sticking point as a result of the price of the items being $100 or less.

Nevertheless, should you buy a bath that costs hundreds of dollars, then you need to definitely be concerned with the length of the warranty, especially considering the very fact there are motors involved. On this case, we recommend at a minimum, you search for options with a 1-year warranty, and you need to go for the additional coverage even when it costs a couple of hundred extra.

4) Price

The worth of ice baths can range from $50 to well over $10k. It really comes all the way down to your budget and planned usage, which dictates how much money you will have to spend. If you’ve got the cash to spend, we imagine the PLUNGE is your best bet.

5) Reviews

As with every purchase, it’s a great idea to see what verified buyers consider a specific product before you pull the trigger. You possibly can check online forums like Reddit, try YouTube reviews, have a look at the reviews on product pages or browse Amazon. The very best type of reviews is at all times word of mouth so attempt to ask around your circle to see if anyone has experience with the product you are considering buying.

Cold Plunge Ice Bath FAQs:

Is An Ice Bath Tub Value it?

An ice bath tub is completely price it should you use it ceaselessly. For many who need to test the waters before committing as much as hundreds of dollars, just start by buying some ice and filling your bathtub at home to see what you concentrate on the experience.

What Is The Best Ice Bath Tub?

In our opinion, the PLUNGE is one of the best ice bath tub in the marketplace due to its top-tier specs with an inexpensive price tag.

How Long Should You Spend In An Ice Bath?

Ice baths can provide improbable health advantages assuming you do not go overboard and spend an excessive amount of time inside. Most experts suggest never exceeding around a 10-15 minute cold plunge because it could lead on to hypothermia or worse.

When starting out, make sure that to maintain your sessions not more than a couple of minutes, then work your way up as your body becomes more accustomed to the cold water. All the time make sure that you tell someone that you’ll be taking an ice bath so that they can check on you, assuming the worst-case scenario.

Are ice baths good for you?

Ice baths may be good for most individuals barring any health risks. There is a reason why the highest athletes on the planet swear by ice baths; they work.

How often must you do ice baths?

The frequency you employ your ice bath is principally depending on your lifestyle, training methods, and goals. In theory, you can use an ice bath day by day, but this may increasingly limit the advantages as your body becomes more acclimated to the cold water. It is best to see how you are feeling at different usage frequencies, then either use it more often or less should you notice the advantages dissipating. You may as well try implementing some cold showers into your routine.

How Much Ice should I exploit within the ice bath?

As a general rule of thumb you need to aim for a 3:1 ratio of water to ice. In fact, there are other aspects to contemplate just like the style of tub you are using, the skin temperature, will multiple people be using it etc.

What are the disadvantages of ice baths?

The disadvantages of ice baths come all the way down to a couple of points.

• Are you somebody who will profit from them, considering your training and lifestyle?
• Do you’ve got the cash to purchase a premium ice bath that does not take much effort to make use of?
• Are you somebody who suffers from a medical condition that might make ice baths a dangerous activity?

Ask yourself a few of these questions to present you the reply to a number of the disadvantages you would possibly encounter, they will probably be different for everybody.

WHEN TO AVOID DOING ICE BATHS?

Ice baths aren’t useful for all situations. While cold water therapy has some advantages, it might probably result in negative results for others.

It’s generally considered helpful to take an ice bath in case your training consists of high intensity movements or is endurance based.

Alternatively, those that are bodybuilders or powerlifters where the goal is muscle or strength gain, then a chilly plunge could negatively impact your progress.

WHO SHOULDN’T USE ICE BATHS?

There are a couple of risk aspects when considering whether try to be taking ice baths. Below we cover a couple of of essentially the most common situations where people should not be ice bathing. We also at all times recommend that you simply speak together with your health provider before undertaking a chilly plunge; they may give you the option to guide you in determining should you should or shouldn’t take ice baths. Ice baths could possibly be detrimental to your health for individuals with:

• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease
• Poor Circulation

SUMMARY OF THE BEST COLD PLUNGE BATHS:

Now that you recognize a bit more concerning the options available, you need to give you the option to navigate your way through to seek out one of the best ice bath tub on your particular situation.

We hope enjoyed this post on our favourite ice baths and that it’d provide help to make a greater informed decision must you resolve to buy one.

Do not get discouraged originally, you’ll construct up the mental and physical toughness needed over time to reap the advantages of cold water therapy.  

Recap of the 5 Best At-Home Ice Baths:

1. Overall Best Ice Bath Tub: PLUNGE
2. Best Ice Bath Tub On Amazon: Tubble
3. Best No Frills Ice Bath Tub: Rubbermaid Tank
4. Best Foldable Ice Bath Tub: PLKO Foldable Bath
5. Best Premium Ice Bath Tub: Cold Stoic