I've been taking ice baths for years and this stylish tub stands out from the crowd. (2023)

ODiveit's a rectangular bathtub that looks a lot like a standard bathtub. It's made from acrylic and fiberglass and is insulated - so you can use it both indoors and outdoors.

Best of all, there's no need for plumbing as the Plunge has its own filtration system. The water circulates continuously, keeping the tub at the ideal temperature (up to 39° Fahrenheit).

1. Use the supplied hose filter to fill the tub with water from a hose. The filter helps remove any impurities from the water. Note: this is the most time-consuming part of the installation.
2. Plug your bathtub into a standard 110-volt outlet.
3. Adjust the temperature using the tub's control panel.
4. Wait until the temperature reaches the desired coolness - then dive in!

As we mentioned, theDivecomes with an integrated filtration system. These include an ozone sanitizer for ultra-small particles and a 5-micron filter for the bigger stuff like hair, dirt, and skin cells.

The Plunge also comes with a skimmer (which is especially useful if the tub is placed outside) and an insulated lid that snaps on with attached buckles.

When it comes to routine maintenance, the Plunge isn't much different than a hot tub. The brand says you can use the same water for 6 months with itproper care, which requires monthly filter changes and addition of alkalizing and oxidizing agents to keep the water healthy (you can buy them throughbrand website).

mindbodygreen's head of video, Andreas Von Scheele, experimentedDivethe same. Here's what he had to say:

“It has a very sleek, modern design, made from sturdy, insulated acrylic – so you can use it inside and out. The bathtub is very easy to use and set up. It has a water flow and filtration system, which helps to clean the dirt and is very useful if you use the Plunge outdoors in sub-zero temperatures, so that the water does not freeze. I also like the cover alone. It applies very well and keeps the water clean. And I appreciate the horizontal format so you can really spread out."

On the other hand, Andreas says he would like the Plunge to be available in a color that would allow it to blend in more with its exterior. “For outdoor use, white really stands out—it would be nice to have a clay or forest green color,” she suggests.

You can watch Andreas unpack the Plunge and try it out for yourself.our full video review:

While theDiveThe bathtub is only available in one shape and color, thisIt iscustomizable in a few ways:

Size:Choose from the Standard Plunge (67” x 43” x 24”) or the larger model called “XL” (73” x 47” x 27”).

Style:Both the Standard and XL models are available as a strictly cooled tub or one coldewhirlpool. Hot tub feature costs an additional $500.

Cooling speed:The Standard Plunge is available in either standard cooling speed or “Pro” speed, which the brand claims cools water three times faster and is better suited for hot climates. The Pro cooling feature costs an extra $1,000 for the Standard Plunge, while the XL Plunge automatically includes the Pro cooler (at a higher price).

As you can see, the price varies depending on the features you choose. See how it all falls apart:

Typical dive:

• starts aceUS$ 4.990for a bathtub only cold at a standard cooling rate
• The addition of the optional whirlpool function elevates the entireUS$ 5.490

• professional start6.490$and increases cooling speed is 3 times faster

• starts aceUS$ 6.990for a cold-only bathtub with Pro cooling speed
• The addition of the optional whirlpool function elevates the entire7.490$
• Plunge XL holds approximately 100 gallons of water

• An insulated cover to keep things fresh and clean
• A tube filter to remove impurities from tap water
• Tablet/phone holder to keep you entertained while diving
• A skimmer net for capturing floating debris (especially useful for outdoor use)
• A rubber duck – why not?

The brand manufactures all tubs at its factory in Lincoln, California and ships free to the lower 48 states. At the time of this writing, the lead time for a Plunge bathtub is approximately 4 weeks (shipping from California to New York).

When your Plunge is ready to ship, you'll receive an email and SMS message to schedule a delivery time. Again, someone will help you take the tub home and remove all unnecessary packaging. However, the team will only deliver to the first floor. If you're building an underground shelter or have a serious set of patio stairs, you might want to ask for reinforcements.

WhileDiveBathtubs are designed to last a long time, it never hurts to be prepared for any mechanical or electrical problems. The brand offers aone year manufacturer warranty, which covers manufacturing defects in plumbing, electrical functions, and tub shell structure.

We'll note: a one-year warranty isn't a long time, especially for this heavy market. That said, the brand offers an additional protection plan through its warranty partner, Clyde. You will have the option to choose a 3-year protection plan for $339 or a 5-year protection plan for $677.

Benefits:

• Easy setup
• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• aesthetically pleasing design
• Continuous water filtration, insulated casing and robust cover mean it's suitable for year-round outdoor use
• Does not require ice or regular water changes

Disadvantages:

• Only one color available
• Requires hot tub level maintenance to keep water clear and plumbing working properly
• Prices are higher than many other models (although not unreasonable for this level of tech and plumbing)

Intended for athletes and wellness enthusiasts only,hot and cold therapytechniques have become increasingly popular over the past decade. To better understand the benefits of cold sauces, we spoke withSeema Bonney, M.D., founder and director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia.

“Cold diving is a great biohack that can (and benefits) us in so many ways,” says Bonney. “It has several effects on youneurotransmitters1, such as increasing levels of dopamine (which improves focus and motivation) and norepinephrine (which reduces inflammation and chronic pain symptoms). It can also reduce cortisol levels, which reduces stress andimproves sleep2.»

Research shows benefits of supercold water could reach ushair and skin. And, of course, athletes of all levels have used ice baths for decades asmuscle recovery3post workout tool.

“While cryotherapy is a great tool for most of us, I recommend that patients with high blood pressure avoid it because of the cold shock response,” advises Bonney. “When you submerge your body in cold water, your blood vessels constrict. This triggers an involuntary increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and even breathing rate. This is not a problem if you can compensate – but if you have high blood pressure or are taking medication for high blood pressure or have a history of heart disease, then you may not be able to compensate normally.”

Bonney adds that pregnant women should also avoid cryotherapy. “The drop in body temperature can cause fetal growth restriction, premature birth and other complications,” she explains.

If you're not sure whether cold soaking is a good idea for you, it's always wise to talk to your doctor.