Outdoor Cold Plunge Tub: Your Guide to Benefits, Setup and Recovery

To achieve a better health and wellbeing routine, many people have started buying an outdoor cold plunge tub.

These compact tubs differ from your traditional ice bath where you would have to add ice to achieve your desired temperature. Not only was this hassle but it also took more time.

In contrast, cold plunge tubs use built-in cooling systems to maintain a consistent low temperature with minimal effort. This means you can enjoy the benefits of an ice bath without the fuss. They’re a great addition to many home set ups, from being placed in your garden/ yard or an at-home gym/ spa.

Also whilst it might be a shock to the system at first (due to immersing yourself in temperatures as low as 3°C), through regular use, your body will get used to it – and feel the benefit too.

In this blog we’re going to explore the benefits and set up of a cold plunge to help you see how this could fit into your wellness routine.

At Better Living Outdoors, we supply and install a range of wellness products from cold plunge tubs, to BBQ huts, to indoor and outdoor saunas. We can transform any space into a relaxing oasis and we offer finance options to make your purchase more affordable.

Cold Plunge Tub vs Ice Bath

Although cold plunge tubs and traditional ice baths offer similar recovery benefits and people tend to use the terms interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two:

• Temperature control – A cold plunge tub can maintain a consistent temperature due to its built-in cooling systems. This means you can set your preferred temperature, often as low as 3°C and enjoy the same experience every time. With a traditional ice bath, the temperature can vary depending on how much ice you add and how quickly it melts.
• Convenience – Ice baths require preparation before every session as you’ll need to buy to fill the tub and wait for the water to cool. In contrast, cold plunge tubs are ready to use at the touch of a button. This often encourages people to use them more as it’s more convenient instead of waiting around.
• Cost – Traditional ice baths are usually the cheaper option upfront, however, the ongoing cost and effort of constantly purchasing ice can add up. Cold plunge tubs offer long-term convenience and temperature control, and for many homeowners, they become a worthwhile addition to an outdoor wellness space or home gym.
• Design – Cold plunge tubs are designed for relaxation and recovery thanks to filtration systems and modern designs that elevate outdoor living spaces. Ice baths tend to be more functional focusing on cold exposure rather than aesthetics.

What Are the Benefits of A Cold Plunge Tub?

Cold plunge tubs offer a wide range of physical and mental wellbeing benefits, which is why they’ve become increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts and homeowners alike. One of the main advantages is muscle recovery, as cold water immersion can help reduce soreness and support recovery after exercise.

They’re also a great way to cool your body down following a workout, sauna session, or hot day. Many people find the experience invigorating too, with the sudden cold water creating a sharp, energising sensation that can leave you feeling more alert and refreshed.

Regular cold plunges may also help improve sleep quality and support your immune system, potentially helping your body better fight off illness over time.

What Is Involved In the Setup of A Cold Plunge Tub?

Setting up a cold plunge tub is often much simpler than you might think.

At Better Living Outdoors, our Chill Tubs are delivered on their side and require an access space of approximately 750mm in width and height, and 1900mm in length to allow for safe positioning and installation.

Once installed, the tub is ready to use with minimal effort. The built-in cooling system allows you to set the water temperature as low as 3°C without the need for bags of ice. Each Chill Tub also includes an insulated cover free of charge, helping to maintain temperature and improve energy efficiency.

To keep maintenance straightforward, the tubs come with a built-in ozone and filtration system designed to help keep the water clean and clear. Water quality can then be easily maintained using standard chlorine tablets.

At Better Living Outdoors, we keep Chill Tubs in stock and ready for delivery, with free installation included. Our team will deliver, position, and guide you through how to use your tub, so you can start enjoying the benefits straight away. For added peace of mind, every Chill Tub also comes with a comprehensive one-year warranty.

Different Types of Cold Plunge Tubs

At Better Living Outdoors, we offer a range of cold plunge tubs depending on your style and preference:

Barrel Plunge Tub

Combining natural aesthetics with craftsmanship, the Embawood Barrel Plunge Tub is perfect for homeowners looking to create a stylish outdoor wellness space.

Built using thermally modified spruce sourced from Norway, the wood goes through an eco-friendly heat treatment process that improves its resistance to moisture, decay, and warping. The interior fibreglass lining provides a smooth, waterproof finish that is durable and easy to maintain.

Chill Tub – The Original

The Original Chill Tub provides a premium cold plunge experience with little maintenance. The built-in cooling system allows temperatures to be set as low as 3°C without needing any ice while the included insulated cover helps maintain efficiency.

To keep the water clean and fresh, the cold plunge tub features a built-in ozone and filtration system. With its sleek design and user-friendly setup, the Chill Tub is a great option for those wanting a hassle-free addition to their home gym or outdoor space.

Chill Tub Lite

The Chill Tub Lite is designed with athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and wellness seekers in mind. This cold plunge tub delivers a refreshing recovery experience while maintaining the modern style the Chill Tub range is known for.

Built for performance and ease of use, it’s great for post-workout recovery, helping you cool down and recharge. It also includes a secure insulated cover with a lock, helping to maintain water temperature and improve safety.

Save £500 on The Chill Tub Lite when you pair it with a sauna of your choice. There are so many benefits to this heat and cold combination which you can read about here.

Chill Tub Pro

The Chill Tub Pro is the most advanced model in the Chill Tubs range, designed for those wanting a more premium recovery experience following exercise or physical activity.

It also features advanced circulation jets to maintain a consistently cold temperature during use, alongside a larger and more spacious design for extra comfort.

With premium finishes, filtration, and LED lighting, the Chill Tub Pro is perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Cold Plunge Tubs FAQs

How long should I stay in a Chill Tub for?

The length of time you can spend in cold water depends on water temperature, body size, cold adaptation, and experience level. Always check with your doctor if needed and begin with short dips of around 30 seconds. If you start to feel uncomfortable or begin shivering, get out and warm up gradually by moving around. You can also check the water temperature on the control panel before entering to ensure it feels suitable for your level of cold exposure experience.

Who is the Chill Tub suitable for?

Chill Tubs are suitable for most people when used responsibly, but it’s important to build up cold exposure gradually. Children should always be supervised around the tub and small children are not advised to use it. Pregnant women and anyone with medical conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, or blood pressure issues should consult their doctor before use. People with reduced mobility, sensory, or cognitive abilities should only use the Chill Tub under appropriate supervision and with a clear understanding of safe operation.

Outdoor Cold Plunge Tub: Your Guide to Benefits, Setup and Recovery

Cold plunge tubs are gaining increased popularity due to their easy set up and range of health benefits. Post workout or simply to feel more focussed, there are lots of reasons to buy a cold plunge tub so you can use it in the comfort of your own home.

Instead of the hassle of visiting a gym, you can set this up in your own garden or patio and use it any time of the day.

Thanks to installers like Better Living Outdoors, you can also relax knowing your plunge tub is being installed professionally. With an easy set up and immediate access, you can start enjoying the benefits right away.

To see the plunge tubs in-person or to ask any questions, visit one of our showrooms below.