The 7 best ice bath tubs for cold plunge recovery in 2023

Submit

Δ

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

If you’ve ever been to a five-star resort where there’s not just one above-ground pool but rather, a litany of individualized pools — each with their own unique temperature — you likely have some surface-level knowledge of cold plunge therapy and its benefits.

For one, a 2012 study showed that cyclists who underwent extreme training sessions experienced less muscle soreness when they submerged in cold water. More, a 2014 Dutch study highlights that time spent immersed in an ice bath-type of environment may stimulate your body’s immune system, thus helping its natural ability to combat sporadic illness.

“To make an ice bath at home, you’ll have to buy a standalone unit that works best for your home,” Constance McCarty, spa director at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa, in conversation with Holleigh Alexander-Ramsey, executive spa consultant and interim director of the Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa — the latter retreat undergoing a recent $20M renovation with cold plunge pools — told the New York Post. “There are a variety of different sizes and brands available for purchase, so we recommend finding one that best fits your needs.”

Ahead, New York Post Shopping turned to McCarty and Alexander-Ramsey to produce an FAQ section outlining what you need to know about ice baths — including their benefits and notes on temperature — for you to keep in mind while you shop (and, perhaps, take the *plunge* in ordering one for your home. (Related: Best home saunas).

Consider this splurge the marriage of self-care and wellness, just waiting for you to take a much-needed, refreshing dip.

The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is the closest model to a spa-housed ice bath. Though a splurge, it’s said to feature enhanced circulation, reduced inflammation and “an overall sense of invigoration like never before,” per the brand. In short, we want to hop right in.

Its internally integrated system features advanced cooling, filtration and sanitation — making it a high-quality model that’s impressively backed by a five-year warranty should anything go awry. Its contemporary teak wood aesthetic nods to its deluxe design you can enjoy from the comfort of your home, too.

Uniquely, this is the exact model used by the NBA, NFL, MLB, UFC and Olympics TeamUSA athletes for holistic wellness benefits, thanks to its ability to cool down to just 37.5 degrees Fahrenheit in just a few minutes. Plus, its Whisper-Chill technology ensures a quiet operation to rein in that R&R even more.

Additionally, Sun Home has another ice bath option — the Sun Home Cold Plunge ($4,699) — if you’re seeking an inflatable option.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly ice bath to test out and see how you like it, we recommend the G Ganen Portable Ice Bath — a less-than-$75 option that does the job and deflates for easy storage. With nearly 1,500 rave reviews, it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, features a convenient space-saving design and is made with three layers of waterproof, weather-resistant fabric that happens to be eco-friendly, too.

More, you’ll appreciate its comfortable air neck support and armrest for an even better experience, along with its ability to hit a recommended 35 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 38 to 40 degrees in the winter. Hello, relaxation.

The Plunge Cold Plunge is revolutionary on the market, thanks to its powerful cooling, filtration and sanitation to produce fresh, ice-cold water — just how we want it. Safe for indoor and outdoor use, its 39-degree temperature with circulating water helps improve the water quality and makes for an even colder plunge experience all the while.

Speaking of water quality, this model features ozone sanitation that breaks down unwanted contaminates, while its 20 micron filter pulls out hair, skin cells and other debris from the water. With an underwater light and plug-and-plunge design, it’s a surefire splurge worth the hefty price tag.

Monkeys in a barrel, but with health benefits. Shop the well-designed Ice Barrel Cold Therapy Training Tool Bath that’s fairly priced, comes with a lightweight design and functional features. Its ergonomic craftsmanship allows a variety of body types to sit upright, while its 100% recycled make nods to its sustainable nature.

Aside from black, this ice bath comes in a desert tan shade as well — both of which matching your outdoor patio furniture well. It comes with a lid, a barrel stand, a protective UV cover and a step stool as well to enhance your ice-cold experience, as well as a limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

Shop the Yukon Cold Plunge Tub — a relatively affordable option that’s just shy of $900. Why it’s worth the hype? Aside from allowing you to confer all the cold-plunge benefits our team of spa experts share, it has an impressive set-up time and includes a carrying backpack to quickly and easily maneuver — perhaps from your backyard to your team workout’s outdoor track.

Plus, its spacious design makes it an especially great value.

If inflatable ice baths are what you’re looking for, shop the Tru Grit Inflatable Ice Bath. Another fairly priced model, this one quickly inflates in no more than five minutes, is easy to transport and features an industrial-grade drop stitched cassis design that’s overlaid with a high-grade PVC shell that — conveniently — rolls up into a simple backpack.

It’s easy to fill up with most garden hoses, too, and even includes a Double Action Pump, mat and repair kit upon purchase. For a fairly priced buy, you can’t go wrong with Tru Grit.

For less than $250 right now, The Cold Pod Outdoor Ice Bath Tub is designed for indoor and outdoor use alike, is easy to transport and includes a cover to help shield your cold plunge from debris. It’s well-made, engineered with four layers of robust, waterproof and tear-resistant materials to help maintain its internally cold temperature. It also has a PVC-lined interior layer.

Adding to its appeal, it’s one of the easiest to fill up and drain, thanks to its Easy Flow Drainage System at the bottom of the barrel. According to the brand, it’s recommended to replace the water every four weeks as a best practice.

Below, our team of spa experts shared what to know about ice baths — including how to use them, their benefits and notes on temperature — to keep in mind while you shop for one of your own.

“The benefits of taking a cold plunge can be significant, including [helping to] improve blood flow and immune responses, stimulate weight loss and improve mental health, McCarty tells The Post. “They’re especially beneficial for workout injury and recovery, as the cold water constricts blood vessels which slows blood flow and relieves swelling and soreness.”

Additionally, it’s important to check in with your doctor ahead of time, especially if you have a heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. “Though there are many benefits of ice baths, exposure to freezing cold for prolonged periods can be harmful, so it’s always important to check in with your body during the experience and not push yourself,” she adds.

The recommended range for a cold plunge is 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, according to McCarry.

“The frigidarium at the recently renovated Seawater Spa at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is 50 degrees, which is perfect for guests to experience the benefits of the cold plunge,” she adds, referencing her resort’s best temp.

There isn’t a best practice for how many ice baths you should take per week — if well with your doctor, you can take a cold plunge or ice bath for a few minutes every day if you’re in good health and have checked in with your doctor, per McCarty’s recommendation.

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.