Affordable Cold Plunge Ideas

Cold plunging is a type of cryotherapy that involves immersing your body in frigid water. As soon as your body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures, your internal temperature drops, your body heat begins dissipating, and your blood flow begins to change.

Cold plunges may not sound like the most fun, or they may even sound slightly intimidating, but due to the health benefits, the popularity of this practice is steadily growing.

Cold plunging has been seen to relieve muscle soreness, reduce inflammation (which greatly improves workout recovery), and boost immune systems. There is also evidence suggesting cold plunging improves mental health and reduces anxiety.

Improving your mental and physical health is an admirable goal, but we all know how as soon as something starts becoming popular, the prices become extreme. Cold plunge tubs are worth it, but the expense can be inhibiting to many people.

Thankfully, you're options aren't just to spend your life savings or do without. We're here to offer you an alternative.

How Can You Start Cold Plunging Before Building A Tub?

You don't have one of the best cold plunge tubs on the market to begin your journey. It's advisable to slowly work up to extreme colds, so starting off with a modified version isn't going to hurt your goals, it will, in fact, further them.

Another benefit of using what you have is that you can see if cold plunging is going to be for you. Not everyone loves extreme colds and not everyone gets all the benefits from such an endeavor. Maybe you're not built for frigid temperatures and ice chunks floating near your face, but here are some ways you can test the waters, so to speak:

Cold Shower or Bath

Cold showers are a great way to begin acclimating to cold water temperatures. If you're one of those people who only take showers that are so hot you step out steaming, turning down the temp little by little is one of your best options for beginning this journey.

Once you're ready, switch off the hot, and cold plunge in the comfort of your bathroom. A bath is the next step towards total cold water immersion. Add ice into the mix to create your own, budget cold plunge tub. If you do go the extra mile and add ice, make sure you're correctly monitoring water temperature. If you accidentally go too cold, you could cause problems for your body and health. An inflatable tub would just as well for these purposes.

If you're really accustomed to showering and bathing in hot water, it can be discouraging to find that you're really uncomfortable with colder temperatures. If that's the case for you, just remember that everything takes time and your body has to be allowed to adjust to something new. Don't give up on the first try. You may find that you can not only endure the cold, but you actually find it invigorating to rise to the challenge and do what it takes to traverse the path toward a happier, more fulfilled life.

Cold Lake

If you have access to a cold lake, you can ditch the little ice barrel in your bathroom and go for something roomier. However, with lakes, there is no temperature control. It's crucial that you stay on top of the temperature.

We talked a little bit about allowing your body time to acclimate, so don't just jump head-first into 50-degree waters or you might cause damage to your body, and you'll likely never attempt a cold plunge again. Cold shock is a very real thing that shouldn't be treated lightly. If your body goes into shock because the water is too cold, you will find it difficult or impossible to rescue yourself from the water.

Monitor the lake's water temperature and take all the proper precautions before taking the dive. If you have someone willing to go with you, all the better. Take turns doing your plunges instead of going at the same time like you might if you were safely at home. Also, make sure you remember to bring all the necessary equipment to warm yourself up once you're finished. Don't accidentally leave your towel hanging on the porch railing.

Ocean

The ocean is not the favorite cold plunge for very many people, but it is an option. Just as with the lake, you can't control the temperature of the ocean, and you are leaving your home, which means you need to remember to take the proper equipment with you.

What is different about the ocean is that you're introducing large waves and potential riptides into the mix. You may be in favor of this experience but do be aware that when you're cold, your reaction time is diminished, so using the ocean as your cold plunge comes with a little more risk than a cold tub at home.

The ocean is therapeutic in and of itself, so combining the power and grace of such a vast body of water with your own goals is wonderful if it can be accomplished without adding danger and stress to your life.

Should You Own an Ice Bath?

Whether or not you should own an ice bath is dependent on your specific lifestyle. If you only want to plunge a couple of times a year, you can just use your bathtub and save the money. However, if you truly want to enjoy the health benefits of regularly cold plunging, it's worth the investment.

Both athletes and non-athletes use and thoroughly enjoy ice baths on a consistent schedule. Benefits such as reducing stress, improving mood, and reducing muscle pain and swelling, should be accessible to everyone who wants to partake.

That being said, unless you're certain you want to make it a part of your life, you might want to hold off on purchasing. See if any of your friends have a cold plunge you can try, or check with your local gym. You can also use the methods mentioned above to test your desire to be in the cold.

Some experts recommend ice bathing two to three times a week. Some professional athletes take up to five a week. The point is, what your goals are will drastically impact the answer to the question, "Should I own an ice bath?" If you plan on using it often, it is worth the investment to have a reliable setup that you love.

What are the Pros and Cons of Cold Plunging?

Pros

As cold plunging is studied more, more benefits are being found. Most people who cold plunge find relief from post-workout muscle soreness. They also see less inflammation and improved moods a lot of the time. Some athletes are using cold plunging as a way to treat and prevent heat stroke.

Cold plunges are known to reduce stress and improve mood. Negative feelings are found less frequently in those who cold plunge versus those who do not. The sense of well-being is drastically increased and moods are improved across the board. Many cold plungers report feeling a sense of euphoria in the bath as well as for several hours after. The intense sense of being in the moment allows bathers to let their cares go as they focus on their breathing, the feeling of their body slowing down, and the knowledge that they're doing good things for their health.

For those who love bathing in the sun, home cold plunge options in the winter seem to generate a heightened sense of understanding about one's health. Many upcoming studies are showing cold plunging as a potential treatment for depression and anxiety. Immune support and function are known to be improved with a regimented ice bath schedule. The list of benefits goes on and continues to grow beyond the basic understanding of reducing muscular strain.

Cons

Cold plunging does come with some downsides. If you have certain health conditions, you will be more susceptible to the risks, but that's no different than a hot tub, for example.

Ice bathing must have a time limit to avoid hypothermia. Waters at or below 50° carry greater risk even if you're in for a short amount of time. All aspects of a cold plunge must be monitored closely to ensure you are having the safest, most beneficial experience possible.

Cold plunges affect blood flow. They constrict the blood vessels and slow the flow of blood, which means people with heart conditions should be extremely cautious when considering ice bathing.

Low temperatures can be shocking, uncomfortable, and even painful. It's important to slowly work your way to colder temperatures to avoid as much of this discomfort as possible.

All of these things can be adjusted for, which is one of the beauties of cold plunging. There are very few people who cannot find a setup that works for their lifestyle and health needs.

Is it Safe to Own Your Own Ice Bath Tub?

It can be perfectly safe when done properly. If you're using equipment that isn't reputable, you run great and unnecessary risk. For example, a modified chest freezer could crack and leak its way toward electrical circuits or outlets. This will most likely lead to electrocution and severe injury.

However, building your own cold plunge can be just as safe as building your own pool. When done correctly, it isn't only safe, it saves a lot of time, money, and stress.

How Much Does it Cost to Buy a Cold Plunge?

The price tags on pre-made cold plunges are extremely versatile. You could spend anything from $7,000 to $40,000 depending on your circumstances. You could pay significant amounts in labor and be put on a long waiting list due to the popularity of the item.

What Are Some Things You Should Consider Before Owning a Cold Plunge?

Everyone's situation is different. It's important to take your own factors into account before signing up for the responsibility of something as significant as a cold plunge. You will have maintenance and other requirements if you want it to last a long time, so make sure you've looked at the purchase from all angles before diving in.

Here are some things you will need to consider to make sure your home and your life can support a cold plunge:

Space

Obviously, you will need enough space to house a cold plunge if you want to own one. Ideally, you will have a flat, open space outside where you can place the tub and leave it. You will need it to be near an electrical source and, preferably, not too far from the house.

Size

Who will be using the cold plunge? Will you always be using it by yourself, or do you expect to have company? If you are a tall person, you will need more space in the tub than someone without as much height.

You can technically make do with a very small tub almost regardless of your size, but that doesn't mean it's comfortable.

Weight

Tubs full of water tend to weigh quite a bit. If the cold plunge is sitting on soft ground, it's likely to become too heavy once it's filled and the ground will shift. This will make the tub unlevel and cause all kinds of issues.

Power Supply

If you're hooking a water chiller up to your tub, you will have to keep power nearby. This could be an outlet outside your home, or it could be a generator. This, again, will depend on your space and your resources.

Additionally, consider that adding a water chiller to your electric demands will increase your bill. How much it increases will depend on your company, the season, and what area you live in, to name a few things.

Is There an Affordable Way to Build Your Own Cold Plunge Tub?

Thankfully, there is! It would be a tragedy if you were left to the mercy of cold plunge companies looking to make a quick and fat profit.

There is a how-to course at DIY Pools and Spas that walks prospective cold plunge owners through the process from start to finish. It's very informative, clear, and accessible to all who are willing to learn.

The course creator, Brandon, saw early on that there was a trend being set. As cold plunges became more popular and as more health benefits were being discovered with each passing study, cold plunges went from a novelty item that was easily acquired to an expensive endeavor with a waiting list that would daunt anybody.

There had to be a solution and Brandon determined that he would be the one to find it. He collected parts, processes, information, and his wits, and applied all these things to building his own cold plunge that would match up (if not surpass) the quality of the top-market options.

Thanks to his determination, we now have a course that teaches anybody and everybody who cares how to DIY their cold plunge for an affordable price and on their own timeline. When you sign up, you will be saying "Yes!" to a cold plunge that's durable, efficient, and your own.

By creating this course, Brandon made cold plunges and all their health benefits available to everyone. Don't wait! Become the next satisfied owner of a cold plunge by signing up today!