10 Best Inflatable and Portable Cold Plunge Tubs of 2023
Take the plunge with the best cold plunge tubs.
Cold plunge tubs aren’t just for athletes anymore. Thanks to the array of ice bath options on the market, anyone can have a plunge tub for use in their home. What’s more, many of the ice bath models on the market are portable, which means on-the-go recovery. Discover the many benefits of taking a plunge into icy cold waters, including what it can do for your physical and mental well-being. Plus, find out who makes the best cold plunge tubs and where to buy them!
Best cold plunge tub deals
- Save $600 on the Sun Home Cold Plunge™ Portable Ice Bath With Chiller
- Save 33% on the Polar Recovery Tub/Portable Ice Bath
- Save $100 on The Viking from Nordic Wave
- Save 10% on The Ice Pod
- Save 38% on the Cold Plunge Tub XL
- Save 36% on this Ice Bath Tub for Athletes with Cover
- Save 57% on this Ice Bath Hot SPA Tub
What is an ice bath? How cold does it have to be?
An ice bath might sound freezing, but that’s not always the case. Typically the water in a plunge bath is 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. However, that temperature can vary based on personal preference, with some preferring the water to be as cold as 38 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re just getting started with ice baths, it’s better to start with warmer water and work your way down to colder temperatures. No matter how much experience you have with ice baths, it’s recommended you limit your plunge to 10-15 minutes at a time.
Cold plunge tub benefits
Exposing your skin to icy cold waters might sound silly, but there are various health benefits associated with ice baths. The cold temperature of the water in an ice bath can bring down your metabolism, slow down your breathing, and decrease the amount you’re sweating. It can also reduce swelling. limit tissue damage, and shift lactic acid away from your muscles, which is why many athletes opt to include cold plunge tubs in their recovery. Other benefits of cold plunge tubs include:
- May improve insulin sensitivity
- May provide a boost to your immune system
- May improve mental health
- May better equip you to handle stressful situations
- May increase brown fat, which can burn extra calories
- May improve skin
Top 10 Cold Plunge Tubs for Sale
- Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub : Sun Home Cold Plunge™
- Best Outdoor Ice Bath Tub : Tuff Stuff Super-Duty Oval Stock Tank
- Best Portable Ice Bath Tub : Polar Recovery Tub
- Best Easy-to-Store Cold Plunge Tub : Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Spa
- Best Compact Cold Plunge Tub : G Ganen Ice Bath Tub
- Best Multi-Layered Cold PLunge Tub : Portable Ice Bath Plunge Pool by The Cold Pod
- Best Cold Plunge Tub for Athletes : Plunge Lab Ice Bath Tub
- Best 5-Layer Insulation Cold Plunge Tub : NAICID Ice Bath Tub
- Best Beginner Cold Plunge Tub : The Ice Pod
- Best Splurge Cold Plunge Tub : The Viking
What size should an ice bath tub be?
First and foremost, you’ll need a vessel, like one of the 10 options we’ve listed below. You’ll need to make sure the tub is big enough for you to lie down in with your head above the water. Typically, that means something that can hold seven cubic feet of volume, or just over 50 gallons of water.
When to take an ice bath
Athletes will typically take an ice bath after a workout as part of their recovery (usually within the 30 minutes immediately after). But the truth is you can take a cold plunge bath any time of day — it really comes down to personal preference.
Shop the Best Cold Plunge Tubs You Can Buy Online
Sun Home Cold Plunge™
Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub
Buy from Sun Home Saunas, $4,399
Named the Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub of 2023 by Sports Illustrated, the Sun Home Cold Plunge™ can help you experience enhanced circulation, reduced inflammation, and an overall sense of invigoration. It’s the only inflatable cold plunge in the world equipped with a military-grade XL tub and 1HP smart-chiller/heater to give you next-gen cooling (and heating), filtration, and sanitation technology. The best part? It’s all controlled from your phone.
Tuff Stuff Super-Duty Oval Stock Tank
Best Outdoor Ice Bath Tub
Buy from Tractor Supply Co., $100
The Tuff Stuff 110 gal. Super-Duty Oval Stock Tank was designed for outdoor use, making it the perfect outdoor cold plunge tub. Made from sturdy LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and a half-inch brass-made ultra flash drain plug, it comes with a black plastic finish that’s built to last. Plus, this tank is chemically neutral as well as UV, heat, cold, and crack resistant. Measures 36 in. W x 53 in. L x 20 in. H.
Polar Recovery Tub
Best Portable Ice Bath Tub
Speed up your recovery process on the go with this portable cold plunge tub. Unlike some inflatable tubs, this portable option was built with durable materials and comes with a protective cover that makes it even easier to maintain, preventing leaves, bugs, and other debris from getting in. Plus, this ice water tank tub is large enough to sit in with your legs crossed and suitable for people up to 6’7″.
Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Spa
Best Easy-to-Store Cold Plunge Tub
This portable, inflatable spa from Coleman fits up to four people, has 140 bubble jets that massage the neck, back, and shoulders, and is easy to set up and break down! Made from durable materials, this 242 gallon tub can be used with or without heat.
G Ganen Ice Bath Tub
Best Compact Cold Plunge Tub
Looking for a cold plunge tub for one that won’t take up a lot of space? This compact cold plunge tub from G Ganen is very light and portable, suitable for travel or smaller homes. It’s made from environmentally friendly non-phthalate PVC materials, durably designed with 3 layers waterproof and resistant fabric, and most importantly, easy to clean.
Portable Ice Bath Plunge Pool by The Cold Pod
Best Multi-Layered Cold PLunge Tub
The Cold Pod cold water therapy tub is engineered from multiple layers of waterproof, tear-resistant materials and features a PVC inner layer, Nylon outer layer, and Pearl Foam middle layer. This tub is recommended for use with water that’s between 37.4°F and 51.8°F and for people up to 6’7″ tall. What’s more, The Cold Pod Ice bath requires very little maintenance and has a reassuringly easy drainage system.
Plunge Lab Ice Bath Tub
Best Cold Plunge Tub for Athletes
Boost your performance and recover quickly while alleviating stress and anxiety in this ice bath tub for athletes. Designed with your performance in mind, this cold plunge tub is easy to set up and use anywhere. It comes complete with a carrying case to make plunging on the go a breeze, plus it’s optimally sized to fit anyone up to 6′ 5″.
Designed for folks up to 6’5″, the NAICID ice bath tub is for anyone looking to alleviate muscle soreness. Featuring a 5-layered insulation system that ensures optimal cold water temperature retention, this durable plunge bath is made of polyester, nylon, and PVC with an inner layer of PVC and waterproof coating to ensure an effective, long-lasting dip. It takes less than five minutes to assemble so you can spend more time soaking!
The Ice Pod
Best Beginner Cold Plunge Tub
Buy from The Pod Company, $119
Designed for indoor and outdoor use for people up to 6’9″, this portable ice bath for beginners was designed for those just getting into ice baths. It’s made of high quality materials, holds 79 gallons of water, and keeps it cold for up to 24 hours. If you’ve always wanted to try ice baths, this is the starter cold plunge tub for you!
The Viking
Best Splurge Cold Plunge Tub
Available in three colors, The Viking is a sleek and modern vertical cold plunge tub designed with aesthetic in mind. With a low-profile and small-footprint, it’s the perfect energy-efficient plunge tub for any home or business. The vertical design helps minimize the footprint and make it easier to breathe when you take your plunge. Plus, the 95-gallon tub has a foam wall construction that ensures your water stays cold while the in-line filtration and ozone sanitization system maintain consistent water quality.
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