The cold plunge industry is rapidly expanding, making the decision to purchase your first cold plunge tub more daunting than ever. To help you navigate your options, we've outlined various at-home cold plunge solutions from free methods to DIY setups, and from budget chillers to the most reliable solutions designed specifically for cold plunging.
The Free Solution to Cold Plunging
If you're eager to start cold plunging without spending any money, look no further than your shower or bathtub faucet. In colder climates, tap water during the winter months can reach approximately 11°C, which is ideal for cold water immersion. While cold showers can provide benefits, they are often more challenging to endure compared to full-body immersion in a tub being that only certain parts of your limbs are exposed to the cold water. Cold showers only target specific parts of your body, whereas a full-body plunge submerges you entirely, enhancing the experience and benefits.
For a cost-effective solution, fill your bathtub with cold water. This method allows you to fully immerse yourself and reap the benefits of cold water therapy. However, the downside is the time it takes to fill the tub, typically around 15 minutes which can be inconvenient considering the actual plunge may only last a few minutes. This is often when enthusiasts start exploring DIY solutions.
DIY Cold Plunge Solutions
Having run a business specializing in portable ice baths, we’ve seen a wide array of DIY cold plunges, including:
- Steel troughs
- Plastic garbage bins
- Rubbermaid stock tanks
- Chest freezers
The main advantage of DIY cold plunges is their affordability and the satisfaction of building a project yourself. However, DIY setups come with significant drawbacks. Without proper circulation or filtration, the water needs frequent changing, which is cumbersome for large containers like chest freezers. Additionally, manually adding ice to maintain the temperature can become expensive. Some DIY enthusiasts freeze water bottles or buckets of ice, but this method can be time-consuming and less effective during warm weather. Given these challenges, investing in a portable cold plunge solution like our Kryo Pod might be a more practical option.
The Kryo Pod 2
Our first product, the Kryo Pod V.1, was designed as an affordable, portable ice bath and quickly sold out. Priced at just $164.99, it offered an introductory-level ice bath without breaking the bank. Feedback from our customers led to the development of The Kryo Pod 2, featuring improved insulation, a more durable design, and enhanced usability.
With added insulation to maintain cooler water temperatures and a redesigned structure, the Kryo Pod 2 is perfect for those serious about cold plunging. For $164.99 with free shipping, it’s an investment in a product specifically designed for cold water therapy.
DIY Chillers
Water chillers provide an internal filtration system to keep your water clean and regulate temperature. Many DIYers purchase cheap chillers from Alibaba or use aquarium coolers. These options can cost between $500-$800 and often come with limited warranties, unreliable performance, and minimal customer support. Plumbing these chillers can also be a hassle, making them a potentially frustrating solution.
The Kryo Plunge
After the success of our Kryo Pod, we developed The Kryo Plunge, a top-tier cold plunge solution priced at $5999.99 CAD. Designed for ease of use, safety, and reliability, The Kryo Plunge features:
- Inflatable paddleboard material for quick setup
- 1HP commercial-grade chiller capable of cooling water to 1.5°C (coldest portable ice bath in the world)
- Integrated ozone sanitization for clean, safe water
- 2 step filtration system
- WiFi app controlled
- LED screen
With a sleek, modern design, The Kryo Plunge is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The chiller unit includes unique features such as an illuminated 'Kryo' logo, laser-engraved details, and durable handles for easy transport.
Investing in The Kryo Plunge also means you receive 24/7 customer support and a one-year warranty, ensuring you have assistance whenever needed.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice of cold plunge solution is yours. Whether you opt for a DIY setup with a chest freezer or stock tank, invest in a portable option like The Kryo Pod 2, or choose a comprehensive solution like The Kryo Plunge, each option has its own set of benefits and challenges. Evaluate your needs and budget to find the best fit for your cold water therapy journey.