The Cold Pod Ice Bath
Budget-friendly portable ice bath
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Built-in Chiller | No |
| Water Capacity | 85 gal |
| Dimensions | 31.5" × 29.5" |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
| Material | Multi-layer PVC |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Most affordable option in the catalog at $99
- Easy setup in minutes
- Highly portable
- Great starter tub
Cons
- No chiller - requires ice
- Less durable than hard-shell
- Insulation less effective
- May need frequent water changes
Cost to own
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per session (3yr basis) | $0.63 |
| Chiller | none (ice-based) |
| True delivered price | $99 |
| Warranty | per manufacturer |
Assumptions: electricity at $0.17 per kWh (US average), cost per session over 3 years at about 1 session per week (price divided by 156), sauna running cost at a 30-minute session. These are estimates for comparison, not quotes.
| Ownership | What it means |
|---|---|
| Upkeep | Water chemistry is the whole job: hold pH between 7.0 and 7.8, sanitise with chlorine granules or bromine, and drain and refill every 30 to 50 uses no matter how clear it looks. By frequency that is roughly every 4 to 12 weeks on one or two plunges a week, 1 to 4 weeks at three or four, and every 1 to 7 days for daily or multi-person use. |
| What you rebuy | Water test strips, Chlorine granules or bromine tablets, pH up / pH down, Stain and scale remover |
These apply to the class, not to this record alone, and they are sourced from the manufacturer guidance for it. Anything a source does not state is left out rather than estimated.
Other portable plunges
The nearest in this class by price. Compare like with like before you decide, or open the full class below.
Compare head to head
The Cold Pod Ice Bath vs Canuck Cold Portable Cold Plunge
PVC drop-stitch portable cold plunge, Canuck's budget entry
The Cold Pod Ice Bath vs Sun Home Cold Plunge™ - Horizontal
Lay-flat cold plunge with built-in chiller
Looking at a different kind?
A portable plunge is one kind of cold plunge. These are the others.
The Cold Pod Ice Bath FAQ
What does the Cold Pod Ice Bath cost?
$99 delivered, which is $0.63 a session over three years at about one session a week. Every portable plunge on the same axis.
Does the Cold Pod Ice Bath have a built-in chiller?
No, the Cold Pod Ice Bath doesn't include a chiller. You'll need to use ice or cold water to maintain temperature. See our full comparison to find models with built-in chillers.
What warranty does the Cold Pod Ice Bath carry?
per manufacturer, from The Cold Pod. Every portable plunge warranty side by side.
What is involved in owning a portable plunge?
Water chemistry is the whole job: hold pH between 7.0 and 7.8, sanitise with chlorine granules or bromine, and drain and refill every 30 to 50 uses no matter how clear it looks. By frequency that is roughly every 4 to 12 weeks on one or two plunges a week, 1 to 4 weeks at three or four, and every 1 to 7 days for daily or multi-person use. You rebuy water test strips, chlorine granules or bromine tablets, ph up / ph down, stain and scale remover. How every portable plunge compares.
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