Patrick Gunther
As someone who’s been practicing cold water immersion therapy almost religiously, I’ve had the opportunity to try various ice bath tubs and cold plunge units. When I first heard about The Plunge cold plunge, I was intrigued by the promises of advanced features and a superior chilling experience. After putting it through its paces, I’m excited to share my in-depth review with you. In this comprehensive evaluation, we’ll explore every aspect that an educated shopper should consider when investing in a cold plunge unit.
Design and Build Quality: ★★★★☆
The Plunge cold plunge immediately stands out with its sleek and modern design. Its minimalist aesthetic is not only visually appealing, but also highly functional. The unit measures 67-inches by 31.5-inches by 24-inches, and is constructed from high-quality, durable materials. Its makeup is comprised of acrylic and fiberglass, with a reinforced metal base. This stainless-steel base ensures longevity and resistance to corrosion. The craftsmanship is top-notch, with no sharp edges or signs of shortcuts in the manufacturing process.
The interior of The Plunge is thoughtfully designed with smooth surfaces. It could potentially be better with handles to grab onto to assist in getting you into and exiting the tub, and possibly even a comfortable bench seat, for extended immersion sessions. As well, a little nook for resting your head in would be nice. There is the attractive added feature in the form of an underwater light that facilitates ease of use for night plunging. And, being able to lie down in the unit and stretch out instead of having to ascend steps as with a barrel and lowering yourself in (plus having to heft yourself out afterwards), makes this plunge quite convenient. All things considered, the attention to detail in the design and build quality of The Plunge cold plunge earns it a 4 out of 5 score in this category.
Ease of Installation: ★★★★☆
Setting up The Plunge is relatively straightforward. The unit comes with clear, step-by-step instructions, and all the necessary components are included. However, due to its size and weight (150 lbs), it’s advisable to have at least two people on hand for the installation process.
The plumbing connections are easy to configure, and the included water filtration system is a nice touch, ensuring that the water remains clean and free from impurities. While installation is manageable, it could be slightly simplified for those with limited DIY experience. But, once it’s all ready to go, all you have to do is plug and plunge!
Performance: ★★★★★
This is where The Plunge cold plunge truly shines. Its cooling system is exceptionally efficient, quickly bringing the water temperature down to your desired level. Whether you’re aiming for a chilly 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or a bone-chilling 39 degrees, The Plunge cold plunge can deliver and maintain your chosen temperature consistently. The difference between The Plunge, The Plunge Pro, and The Plunge XL are their dimensions and the speed of which each of them gets to the desired temperature. The cooling speed of The Plunge is 2-4 degrees per hour, whereas the Pro and XL versions cool the water at a rate of 8-10 degrees per hour (The Plunge only having a ¼ horse power chiller, whereas the Pro and XL versions each have a 1 horse power chiller).
The unit offers a wide range of customizable settings, including timer controls and temperature presets. This versatility allows you to tailor your cold water immersion experience to your specific needs and preferences. The immersion experience itself is exhilarating, with the cold water enveloping your body in a way that’s invigorating and therapeutic.
The Plunge also features a powerful circulation system that ensures even cooling throughout the tub. This eliminates uneven temperatures, and provides a more uniform experience, crucial for reaping the full benefits of cold water therapy. To boot, you also get some added accessories, such as a cell phone holder, and a little skimmer net to catch any loose floating debris that might get in your plunge. The insulated spa cover is great to keep things out of the water between cold water immersion sessions, as well as keeping the chiller unit from being overworked, acting as excellent insulation.
Noise Level: ★★★★☆
One minor drawback is the noise level produced by The Plunge’s cooling system. While it’s not excessively loud, it’s not entirely silent either. This might be a consideration if you plan to use the unit in a shared living space, as the noise could be mildly disruptive. However, in a dedicated space, or a well-insulated area, the noise becomes less of an issue.
Energy Efficiency: ★★★★☆
Given the power required to maintain the water at low temperatures, The Plunge ice bath tub is relatively energy-efficient. It does consume a noticeable amount of electricity during operation, but it compensates for this by quickly reaching the desired temperature, and then cycling into a maintenance mode, where it uses less energy to keep the water cold. The included timer controls also allow you to set specific usage times, helping you manage energy consumption effectively. Plan on spending around $100 per month in electricity, though, to keep the water clean, circulating, and consistently cold.
Maintenance: ★★★★★
Maintenance is a breeze with The Plunge ice bath. The unit’s self-cleaning system automatically flushes and cleans the water, reducing the need for frequent water changes. The included water filtration system also contributes to water quality, reducing the formation of algae and other contaminants.
Additionally, the interior surfaces are designed to resist staining, making it easy to wipe down and keep clean. Overall, the low maintenance requirements of The Plunge cold plunge are a significant advantage for those who want a hassle-free cold water immersion experience. You’ll only really have to change the water out once every 6 months or so.
Price and Value: ★★★★☆
The Plunge represents a significant investment at just shy of $5,000 (with the Pro and XL versions coming in at $5,990 and $6,990 respectively), but it’s important to consider the value it offers. While it may be on the higher end of the price spectrum for cold plunge units, its superior performance, durability, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for serious enthusiasts and athletes.
If you’re just starting with cold water immersion therapy, there are more budget-friendly options available, such as The Ice Pod (~$120). However, for those who are committed to this practice and seek the best possible experience, The Plunge delivers exceptional value. The Plunge comes with a 1-year residential manufacturer warranty. You can upgrade to a 3-Year Protection Plan for an additional $338.99, or a 5-Year Protection plan for an additional $676.99.
Conclusion: ★★★★½
In conclusion, The Plunge cold plunge is an outstanding cold water immersion unit that excels in design, build quality, performance, and maintenance. Its powerful cooling system, customizable settings, and user-friendly features make it a top choice for individuals seeking the ultimate cold water therapy experience.
While there are minor considerations like noise and initial installation complexity, these are outweighed by the unit’s numerous benefits. If you’re serious about cold water immersion therapy, and want a premium, long-lasting solution that will enhance your overall well-being, The Plunge cold plunge is a top-tier choice that I wholeheartedly recommend.
Investing in The Plunge isn’t just buying a piece of equipment; it’s an investment in your health and vitality. With its combination of quality, performance, and ease of use, it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to take their cold water immersion practice to the next level. Click on The Plunge Discount Code page for a generous $150 off the price of this beauty.
Expand your options by perusing our ice bath tub reviews, where you’ll find a treasure trove of exceptional choices awaiting your consideration.
