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How to Choose the Best Cold Plunge: A Comprehensive Guide to Cold Plunging Tiers and Options

Cold plunging is becoming increasingly popular for its health benefits, from boosting recovery to improving mental resilience. One of the most common questions I get asked is, “Which cold plunge should I choose?” With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to select the right one for your needs.

To simplify the process, I’ve broken cold plunges down into five distinct categories. Whether you’re just starting out or are ready to invest in a luxury cold plunge, there’s a solution for everyone. Let’s walk through the categories to help you find your ideal setup.

1. DIY for Basic & Occasional Use (or High Volume)

Just looking to cold plunge occasionally? Not sure if you want to commit serious money yet?

This tier is perfect for occasional use and is budget-friendly.

The easiest way to start cold plunging is to “Just add ice.”

Step 1 – Pick a vessel. Here’s three common options :

  1. Bathtub. Pros : You already have it. Cons : Hauling ice to your bathroom can be extra tedious.
  2. Stock tank. The 100-gallon Rubbermaid tub from Amazon works great. Bigger sizes can hold more people, but they also require a LOT more ice.
  3. Cooler / Ice Chest. Pros : One batch of ice water can stay cold for a few days – just close the lid. Plus, you can use the ice chest for other things … party anyone? Cons : Human size ice chests start getting expensive. I like this one from YETI but its $1500 brand new.

Step 2 – Add ice + water.

Even 40 lbs of ice will help drop the temperature of a bathtub of water. But if you want the full cold plunge experience, I prefer to get 200 – 250 lbs ice to keep a 100 lb. stock tank tub cool for about an hour of continuous usage.

Grocery stores and ice vending machines are two good spots for buying ice. If you need larger amounts of ice (usually 500 lbs or more), you can even have it delivered. Ice delivery costs range from $150 to several hundred dollars depending on your location and volume.

2. DIY Enhanced. Upgraded options for the Handyman Enthusiast.

Cleaning tubs after each usage + hauling ice around gets tedious. If you’re committed to a budget option or just like to build your own solutions, you can look into building your own tub.

The most critical component is the chiller which circulates water in the tub and keeps it cold. I’ve listed some options in the cold plunge resources section.

With a chiller only, you’ll still need to empty your water vessel regularly every few days and put clean water in. You’ll need a particle filtering system to remove contaminants like hair etc. You also need a system to sanitize the water. Most cold plunge systems used an Ozone based filtration system to kill bacteria + a combination of chemicals like chlorine or bromine that are also used in pools to kill or neutralize other contaminants.) Some chillers can be purchased with an add-on water sanitization component. Example : The Penguin Chiller.

If you want to see a full do-it-yourself video of how to build a full cold plunge system using an ice chest + water filtration and sanitization system, check out this video I made.

3. Off the Shelf Systems – Budget Options

When you want to cold plunge regularly and don’t have the time or interest to build your own, or simply want the convenience, elegance, and warranty of a turn key option, you’ll want a full turn key system.

As you’re picking cold plunges, here a few things to think about :

  1. Shape and Size. The two most common formats are a tub like format and a barrel format. Barrels are typically cheaper, but require you to stand or squat while you’re inside. Tubs allow you to more easily get in and out and also be more relaxed inside. Tubs come in different sizes to accommodate larger and/or taller body types (or even 2 people at once.)

  2. Tub format. Some tubs are designed for portability, which often means they’re inflatable plastic. While the plastic is high grade and very resistant to damage, its still less durable than hard shell tubs made from robust plastic or metal. Inflatable tubs also lack drains at the bottom, which means debris tends to accumulate on the bottom of the tub after a few days of usage. Other tubs are build for a compromise of cost and durability and effectively use a larger cooler as the form factor for the tub. These tubs are often smaller and not as aesthetically pleasing.

  3. Aesthetic. There are many different aesthetics to match your preferences.

  4. Chiller. Make sure to read the specifications on the chiller, the part most prone to breakage on the tub. In general, Chinese made chillers are less robust than American made chillers. Lower horsepower chillers will cool your tub more slowly than high horsepower chillers. This doesn’t make a huge difference when only 1 person is using the tub, but when multiple people are going in and out it can make a huge difference.

  5. Circulation. Higher end tubs will have more robust circulation systems. This not only helps with keep the tub consistently cool and sanitized, but tubs with high end circulation will feel colder.

For consistent cold plungers, brands like The Plunge offer more robust setups. These models are designed for regular use and fall into a mid-range price point. They are well-built, reliable, and ideal for someone who makes cold plunging a regular part of their recovery routine. A full list of options is listed in the Resources section below.

4. Off the Shelf Systems – Mid Tier

The resources section below focuses on Chillers and Budget options. Serious cold plungers will want to invest in more robust options. The biggest differences between this tier and the tier below is the robustness of parts and quality of warranty. Chillers are notoriously finicky and break. Higher end chillers + plumbing components means the cold plunge gets colder and stays colder more quickly and operates reliably for a much longer period of time.

In this tier, you’ll find cold plunges with advanced features such as improved temperature control and aesthetic finishes. Companies like Renu are known for creating premium cold plunges that offer better durability and sleek designs for users who prioritize both form and function.

5. High-End / Luxury / Custom Setups

At the top of the line are options for those seeking the ultimate experience. Brands like Blue Cube allow you to tailor your plunge’s size, finish, and features and use top of the line components. Other options include custom built cold plunge systems. For example, a pre-fabricated pool from a manufacturer like Plungie Arena can be combined with commercial spa grade equipment to get a robust cold plunge experience. As you can imagine, these are expensive and time consuming solutions relative to the other options above.

Time to Cold Plunge

Its your turn now. Try out one of the solutions above and let me know if you have any questions.

Resources : Explore Your Cold Plunge Options:

Here’s a list of links to cold plunge options across the various tiers. From budget-friendly DIY setups to ultra-luxury plunges, there’s something for everyone.

Elegant Cold Plunge Solutions

Portable Cold Plunge Options (Inflatable / Collapsible Tubs)

Cooler / Ice Box Based Cold Plunges

Barrel Based Cold Plunges

Chiller Only

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