Differences between Cold Plunges and Cold Tubs: Which One is the Best?

Ever wondered why a cold water shower after a steamy sauna feels shockingly good, or why do some people swear by their early morning ice baths? 

Well, ‘cold plunges’ and ‘cold tubs’ are buzzing in the wellness community thanks to their ability to boost mood, enhance recovery, and even improve mental health. Most people often use cold plunges and cold tubs interchangeably, but they're not exactly the same. 

In this article, we’ll explain all the differences between these two cold therapies so you can choose the best one for post-workout recovery or self-care Sunday. 

What are Cold Plunges?

A cold plunge, often simply referred to as a "plunger," is a large insulated tub designed for performing cold water immersion therapy to get therapeutic benefits. 

Construction and Features

These plungers are usually constructed from durable materials such as acrylic, fiberglass, or metal to withstand the rigors of holding ice-cold water. Some even feature a wooden outer shell that adds a rustic touch to them while increasing durability. 

They come in various designs, but the most common one is larger barrel-like tubs that can accommodate full-body immersion when sitting. Many cold plungers have features like temperature control units, covers, and even circulation pumps to keep the water evenly chilled. 

Some manufacturers have also integrated an internal heating device to leverage the benefits of contrast thermal therapy, also known as Nordic Cycle. 

During contrast therapy, you can take a sauna session followed by a brief plunge into cool water. This will help enhance blood flow, decrease muscle soreness, and even improve your sleep patterns, as per Verywell Health.

Working Mechanism

When you plan on enjoying cryotherapy, simply use a hose, pitcher, or any water source at hand to fill the plunger to the desired level. Ideally, there should be enough water to submerge yourself comfortably, but not so much that it spills over when you get in.

Once your plunger is filled, turn it on, and the built-in cooler or chiller will help it reach the optimal temperature, typically between 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Afterward, you can slowly submerge yourself up to your neck to embrace that invigorating sensation and reap maximum health benefits. Step out of the tub and dry off after a session, which usually lasts between two to five minutes.

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What are Cold Tubs?

Also known as ice barrels and ice baths, cold tubs are oversized bathtubs used to rapidly cool the body, often after sauna sessions, workouts, or as part of targeted therapy for patients. 

Operating Mechanism

Unlike cold plungers with a built-in cooling system and immediate water immersion, cold tubs must be filled with copious amounts of ice to reach the desired temperature. 

The amount of ice depends on various factors, including the initial water temperature and external environmental conditions. 

If it's a scorching summer day, you'll need a mountain of ice to get that 50-degree Fahrenheit temperature. Conversely, you might get by with just a modest amount of ice to get that same frosty feeling.

Construction and Features

When it comes to the material of cold tubs, they are crafted from durable substances like fiberglass or hardy plastic, along with polyurethane foam insulation. These materials retain the cold and are resistant to wear and tear. 

Since these tubs don’t have mechanical parts like electric coolers or circulation pumps, they’re pretty straightforward to use. With the tub filled and the temperature nailed, you skip the technological fuss and focus solely on the icy experience.

Differences Between Cold Plunges and Cold Tubs

The following are key differences between cold plunges and ice tubs:

Size and Capacity

Both cold plungers and cold tubs are available in various sizes and shapes. Depending on your requirements, you can get a compact model for a refreshing foot dunk or a communal-style model that can accommodate multiple people at once — a popular pick for sports teams. 

Installation and Setup

Cold plunges are much more convenient when it comes to installation and setup. Often outfitted with integrated systems and electric hookups, these units can be quite plug-and-play, requiring less initial setup and typically being ready to use not long after they've found their place in your home or garden. 

While not overly complex, cold tubs might require a bit more muscle and time to set up. As such, you must continuously change the water and add a lot of ice to reach that freezing temperature.

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Temperature Consistency

Temperature consistency is the fundamental aspect of cold therapy. Although an ice bath can be initially colder, the temperature might fluctuate throughout your soak as the ice melts — a real nuisance when you’re short on time.

On the flip side, cold plunges typically have the edge here. They often sport sophisticated chillers and cooling systems that keep the temperature steady, so each dip is as refreshing as the last. 

Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintenance and cleaning are key factors that can also influence your choice. Cold plunges, especially those with filtration and circulation systems, are quite low-maintenance. The circulation system keeps the water clean while including filters to clear out debris, minimizing the efforts required for daily upkeep.

Since cold tubs rely heavily on ice, draining and scrubbing are crucial to maintaining optimal hygiene and performance. 

Cost and Affordability

Cold plungers can be a bit pricier upfront due to their built-in features and add-ons. For example, if your cold plunger has dual heating functionality, you may have to pay a few more bucks. 

However, you can think of it as an investment in your health. Cold tubs might seem more budget-friendly initially, but the ongoing cost of restocking ice adds up to a hefty sum over the long run. 

Portability and Space Requirements

Regarding space requirements, cold tubs and plungers require a dedicated water source and drainage area. Still, cold tubs are much more portable than cold plungers. 

Cold plungers usually feature advanced chillers, sanitization systems, filters, and circulation pumps, which increase their overall weight and make it difficult to move around the house. 

Benefits of Cold Plunges and Cold Tubs

Despite the differences, cold plungers and cold tubs offer the same health benefits. When you immerse your full body in freezing cold water, it activates your fight and flight response, and your body goes into a minor shock. 

Once you get acclimated to that temperature, you start reaping the following benefits of cold water therapy: 

• You might get muscle soreness if you’re an athlete who runs miles every day or an MMA player engaging in HITT exercises. As such, cold therapy can help speed up recovery. A 2022 study shows that cold water therapy changes muscle blood flow, which helps reduce pain perception and associated soreness.

• Cold water therapy constricts blood vessels and dilates them upon rewarming. This process helps improve blood flow, reduce heart rate, and enhance overall cardiovascular functioning.

• Some research points to cold immersion helping to amp up metabolism. When you shiver, the body produces extra heat to combat that cold response. Research shows that this ultimately activates brown adipose tissues and increases metabolic rate, helping you burn calories at rest. 

• Regular exposure can sharpen your mental focus and resilience, helping you stay calm and collected in the face of challenges.

• Cold plungers, in particular, are known to stimulate the vagus nerve, which can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote a sense of calm on gloomy days.

Choosing the Best Option for You

When it comes to cold plungers and cold tubs, the best choice depends on your usage frequency, personal health goals, and available space. 

GRIM PARENT LIMITED has a wide selection of high-quality options from top-rated brands. Contact us today to learn more about the cold therapy system and its wellness benefits!