How to Make a DIY Cold Plunge Tub

If you’ve been thinking about taking your wellness routine to the next level, a DIY cold plunge tub is an amazing way to do it. Cold plunging has become increasingly popular, thanks to the benefits it offers—including improved circulation, reduced inflammation, muscle recovery, and even mental clarity. The great news? You don’t need to spend thousands on a high-end cold tub. With a few materials, some creativity, and a bit of effort, you can make a cold plunge tub right at home. Let’s dive into how you can create your own setup.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Tub

The first step to building your DIY cold plunge tub is, of course, finding the right container. You’ll need something that’s large enough to fit comfortably and withstand the weight of the water. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Stock Tank Tub: A popular choice is a galvanized steel stock tank, often used on farms for feeding livestock. These tanks are both spacious and durable. You can find stock tanks in different sizes, depending on how much space you have and whether you’re looking for a solo plunge or something bigger. A highly rated option available on Amazon is the Behrens Galvanized Steel Utility Tub, which has been praised for its sturdiness and ample capacity.
2. Plastic Freezer Chest or Barrel: Another great option is a plastic freezer chest, which is typically used for bulk food storage. These can often be repurposed for a cold plunge since they already have insulation to keep the cold water in. Rubbermaid Structural Foam Stock Tank is an excellent choice, as it has great insulation and holds up well for this purpose.
3. Inflatable Pools: If you want something temporary or less expensive, you could even use a small inflatable pool. The Intex Mini Frame Pool is a well-reviewed inflatable option on Amazon that you can easily set up and drain when needed.

Step 2: Insulating Your Cold Plunge Tub

Once you’ve selected your container, you’ll need to think about insulation. Insulating your cold plunge tub helps keep the temperature down, which means you’ll use less ice and maintain that brisk temperature for longer periods. Here’s what you can do:

• Use Reflective Insulation: One simple and affordable way to keep the cold in is to wrap the exterior of your tub in reflective insulation, like Reflectix Bubble Wrap Reflective Insulation. You can get this material on Amazon, and it’s easy to cut to the size you need and secure with duct tape.
• Add a Lid: You’ll also want a cover for your plunge tub to help maintain the temperature. A simple, inexpensive lid can be fashioned out of foam board or thick plastic sheeting. The Arctic Chill Insulated Cooler Cover is a great option that’s popular on Amazon for keeping heat out and the cold in.

Step 3: Setting Up the Cooling System

Now that you’ve got your tub sorted out, the next step is ensuring you can cool the water effectively. If you don’t want to keep adding bags of ice each time, consider these options:

• Chiller System: Investing in a water chiller is an effective long-term solution to keeping the water cold without constantly buying ice. The EcoPlus Water Chiller is a well-rated Amazon option that works great for DIY setups.
• Using Ice Bags: If a chiller system is too costly for your budget right now, simple ice bags are also an option. You can buy bulk ice from a local convenience store or use your freezer. To make this easier, consider buying Reusable Ice Packs on Amazon, as they can be stored and reused as needed.

Step 4: Safety Precautions

Cold plunging is invigorating and has many health benefits, but it’s essential to consider safety:

• Thermometer: You’ll want to monitor the water temperature closely to make sure it’s at a safe level—between 45°F and 55°F is ideal for most people. ThermoPro TP50 Digital Hygrometer and Thermometer is a great product you can find on Amazon to make sure you’re always aware of the current water temperature.
• Step Stool: Getting in and out of a cold plunge tub, especially if it’s deep, can be tricky. A sturdy step stool like the Rubbermaid EZ Step Stool can be helpful to ensure easy entry and exit.

Step 5: Setting Up Your Location

Once your cold plunge tub is ready, you’ll need to decide where to put it. Ideally, your location should be:

• Shaded or Indoors: Direct sunlight will make the water warmer, meaning you’ll need more ice or energy to keep it cold. Set up your plunge in a shaded area, garage, or covered patio for best results.
• Near a Drain: Cold plunging can get messy, especially if you need to drain and refill your tub frequently. A good spot is near a drain or an area where water runoff isn’t an issue.
• Comfortable and Safe: Set up your cold plunge where you have plenty of room to enter and exit the tub safely. Consider placing rubber mats or non-slip padding around the base of the tub to prevent any accidental slips or falls.

Step 6: Filling and Cooling the Tub

After getting your tub set up in a good location, it’s time to fill it with water. Depending on your chiller setup, there are a few ways to get the right temperature:

• Hose and Ice Method: If you’re using a stock tank or inflatable pool, you can easily fill it with a garden hose. If you don’t have a chiller system, just add ice to bring the temperature down to the desired level. This method works well if you plan to plunge occasionally rather than every day.
• Water Circulation: If you’re serious about cold plunging and plan to do it regularly, you may want to invest in a submersible water pump to help circulate the water, allowing for more consistent temperatures. The VIVOSUN Submersible Pump is a great option from Amazon that’s reliable and easy to use.

Step 7: Making the Plunge Comfortable

Making your cold plunge experience as comfortable as possible will help you stick to a regular schedule. Consider adding these accessories:

• Floor Mat or Cushion: Sitting in a cold plunge can be tough on your body, so consider a yoga mat or waterproof cushion for the bottom of your tub to make the experience more comfortable.
• Timer: It’s important to keep track of how long you stay in the cold water, as most plunges last between 2 and 5 minutes. The KitchenAid Digital Timer is a great, easy-to-use option that you can set up nearby to track your time.

Step 8: Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your cold plunge tub clean is crucial, especially if you plan to use it frequently. Stagnant water can harbor bacteria, so make sure you:

• Use a Pool Skimmer: If your cold plunge is outdoors, you’ll likely find leaves, bugs, or other debris getting in. Use a manual pool skimmer to scoop out unwanted items. The Intex Leaf Skimmer available on Amazon is inexpensive and gets the job done easily.
• Add a Small Amount of Chlorine: You can also add a very small amount of chlorine to keep the water clean for longer, but be careful not to use too much, as you don’t want to irritate your skin. SpaGuard Chlorinating Concentrate is a popular choice for small bodies of water.
• Drain and Refill: You may also want to drain and refill your tub every 1-2 weeks, depending on usage. If you’re using a large container like a stock tank, consider a drain pump to make this easier. The Superior Pump 91250 is a well-rated, budget-friendly pump that can help you empty the tub quickly.

Step 9: Getting the Most from Your Cold Plunge

Once your cold plunge tub is complete and ready for action, it’s time to use it! Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your plunges:

• Ease Into It: If you’re new to cold plunging, start with shorter sessions, maybe around 30 seconds to 1 minute, and gradually work your way up to 3-5 minutes as your body becomes more comfortable with the cold.
• Breathe: Proper breathing techniques can make cold plunging much more tolerable. Slow, controlled breathing helps lower your heart rate and eases the shock that comes with cold immersion. Practice deep inhales through your nose and slow exhales through your mouth while you’re in the tub.
• Use It After Workouts: Cold plunges are great for recovery, especially after intense workouts. If you’ve been lifting weights or engaging in high-intensity exercise, jumping into a cold plunge can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery.

Step 10: Tracking Progress

Cold plunging has tons of benefits, but it’s helpful to track your progress and note how you’re feeling over time. Consider keeping a journal to record your sessions and note any changes in your physical or mental well-being. Over time, you may notice reduced stress, better mood, improved sleep, and faster workout recovery.

Conclusion

Building a DIY cold plunge tub is an exciting project that will add a powerful tool to your wellness arsenal. With just a few simple materials—like a galvanized tub, insulation, and maybe even a water chiller—you’ll have a fully functional cold plunge setup ready for use whenever you need a refreshing dip. And don’t forget about the little extras, like a thermometer and a sturdy step stool, to make your experience both safe and enjoyable.

The most important thing is to get started. Don’t overthink it—your body and mind will thank you once you begin experiencing the benefits of cold immersion therapy. Dive in, take a breath, and embrace the chill!