The best cold pools (and where to buy one online)

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our site, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

At a glance: The best cold pools

Sitting in a tub filled with ice cold water might not sound like the most relaxing thing you can do for your body, but you might be surprised how many health benefits come from the cold.

The routine goes back to an ancient Greek practice called Thermalism. people would bathe at various temperatures to help with a range of ailments, from general skin conditions to deep muscle aches. Today, many physically active people and professional athletes (like Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt) are incorporating these colder-than-normal baths (i.e. ice baths) into their post-workout routines.

Ice baths and cold spas have been gaining attention recently (you've probably seen them on TV or social media), and for good reason: Users report reduced inflammation (and therefore less pain) and an emotional and mental “high” after exposure to cold and some even claim that cold boosts the immune system.

Now, while you can try turning your personal bathtub into your very own cold pool (or in some cases, an empty trash can), a personal cold pool could be an easy way to upgrade your at-home wellness routine .

in this article

What are the best cold pools?

Below is our list of the best cold pools available to buy online right now. We came up with these picks after trying a few ourselves and researching customer and expert reviews for top brands. All options have at least an average customer rating of 3.7/5 stars and ship from a trusted retailer.

1. Polar Monkeys The Portal 2.0

Considering temperature range and adjustability, build quality and filtration, the Polar Monkeys' Portal 2.0 comes out on top as our favorite cold plunge.

The deluxe cold plunge is two feet wide, two feet deep, and six or four feet long, making it big enough for a leisurely swim (we suggest going with the longer six-foot option). It's also a good weight at 120lbs (1000lbs when filled with water), which gives a nice solid feel as you lie down.

In terms of power, Portal does very well. Using a full one-horsepower chiller, the tub can cool the water down to 36 degrees. It also uses a huge filter, which ensures clean water at all times (no need to change the water with each use), although there is an easy drainage system if you need to replace the water. Finally, at $3,290 (with the cool monkey artwork), the Portal is very well priced considering its power and size.

2. The Cold Plunge

The Cold Plunge Pool puts the 'L' in luxury, recreating a spa experience at home.

For starters, it's 67 inches long and 43 inches wide, meaning there's more than enough room to sit comfortably during your session (though if you want even more space, you can upgrade to the Pro XL model).

This pool is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, which makes filling the pool easy: You can even use a garden house with the pool connector to fill or drain it. Powerful cooling and filtration ensure your dip is cold and stays that way throughout. There is also a UV hygiene system that keeps the water and the tub itself clean. Each unit also has an insulated cover and is equipped with an underwater light in case you're in the mood for a night dive.

3. G Ganen Ice Bath Spa

If you're not ready to drop $1,000+ on a freezing bath, you can still dip your toe into the cold practice of soaking (pun intended) with a budget-friendly option like this tub from G Ganen. The inflatable unit is made of PVC which is easy to set up (simply inflate and build using the support poles provided) and easy to clean after use.

Users are very happy with the G Ganen bathtub, which has a 4.3/5 star rating on Amazon with over 1,300 reviews. Reviewers say the tub works great in a walk-in shower, is easy to set up and clean, and is sturdy enough to stand on.

4. Sun Home Cold Plunge

Sun Home is best known for their home saunas (which we love), but they also make some of the best cold pools on the market. Our favorite from the brand is this fully portable cold plunge because it's one of the only portable cold plunges that also has a portable water cooler (most “portable cold plunges” are just inflatable tubs). The whole thing is a breeze to set up and take down so you can quickly break it in the morning and put it away when not in use.

Once set, the Sun Home dive it's spacious, feels comfortable and durable, and cools down to 37.5 degrees Fahrenheit or heats up to 104. The temperature can also be adjusted from your phone, so you can turn it on while, say, you're leaving the office for a cold shower just when come home.

5. Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub

For such large appliances (which most likely live in your yard year-round), multiple cold pools are an eyesore. But Redwood Outdoors' Alaska Cold Tub is the opposite. The powerful plunge features a Nordic fir “thermo-axle” exterior for a Finnish sauna-inspired look that we think enhances the ambiance of your backyard rather than disrupting it. But the Redwood Outdoors tub isn't all looks. Lining the inside of the tub is a hard plastic that traps the cold to keep the tub colder for longer. It's also nice and spacious at 40.5 inches tall and even has a ledge to sit on while you dip.

6. Barrel Ice tub

There's a reason the Ice Barrel is the “ice tub for athletes.” With a 105-gallon capacity and ergonomic design, this tub can fit almost anyone comfortably while still managing to be easy to transport and store. The plastic exterior, which is made from recycled materials, keeps the barrel insulated so the water temperature doesn't fluctuate during your dive. Stool, protective cover and lid included. Available in black and desert tan colors.

7. The Cold Pod Ice Bath

Don't have a lot of space to spare? Try The Cold Pod, which is 29.53 inches tall, wide and deep. Without ice water, it also weighs just under eight pounds, making it easy to store (perhaps in the garage) when not in use. It's made using a clever blend of nylon, PVC and pearl foam that keeps the weight down while still providing some insulation to keep icy water cold. Overall, it's durable, super easy to use, and perfect for small spaces.

How do cold pools work?

The key to any effective cold pool or ice bath is rather simple: cold water, specifically below 59 degrees cold.

The cold water temperature must be kept constant to get the desired effect. After you submerge, your body responds by closing your pores and boosting circulation throughout your bloodstream. The cold temperature of the water also numbs the nerves surrounding your joints and muscles, which in turn release hormones and endorphins, helping to relieve any physical pain or stress you may be feeling in your body. This is why cold pools are an effective tool for athletes or those engaged in high levels of physical activity.

Beginner's Guide to Cold Dipping

Like everything else in life, moderation and patience are key when it comes to taking the (cold) plunge. think of it as a marathon, not a race. If you're just starting out, we recommend taking a few steps to prepare your body for the sensation of taking an icy bath or using a cold pool. try taking a cold shower or bath to start, especially if you haven't done it before.

When you're ready to take the plunge, you'll need to start small (between two and three minutes) and progress to longer sessions. Your ice bath should never last more than 10 minutes and if you start shivering then it's time to get out. While it's important to get the mental and physical benefits of a cold soak, you should never ignore your body when it's trying to communicate with you. Keep in mind that you should always consult a doctor before starting any routine.

How we chose the best cold pools

We've chosen our list of the best cold pools based on ease of use, ease of installation, and overall value. All of these cold pools and ice baths can be used at home without the need for professional installation and are all designed for all levels of 'diving'.

All of these cold pools also have good reviews from other online buyers, who give top ratings for comfort, flexibility and results.