If you are a wellness enthusiast looking for therapeutic at-home treatments, you have likely encountered several publications extolling the virtues of cold plunges. However, not everyone who cold-plunges has something positive to write home about.
Choosing premium cold plunge accessories is one way to make the most of these treatments. We’ve lined up the top considerations when shopping for the proper cold plunge for your home.
Understand the Various Cold Plunge Accessories
Cold plunge treatments often require multiple accessories and attachments. You’ll need to put in some research when looking to find a credible outlet that offers cold plunges for sale along with all the accessories.
But before you hit the stores, it’s best to familiarise yourself with all the essential cold plunge accessories. Below are the key items required for a successful cold plunge treatment and their distinct functions.
- Plunge tubs to hold the cold water
- Chillers for maintaining the desired water temperature
- Floating thermometer for detecting fluctuations in your cold plunge temperature
- Spa robe for recreating a glamorous spa treatment in your home
- Neoprene socks for preventing toe stiffness during a cold plunge
- Towels for drying off after each treatment
- Phone/Tablet mount for holding your smartphone, tablet, or timers during guided cold plunges
- Recovery wraps for massaging your leg muscles
- Massage rollers for full-body massage
- Massage creams for post-treatment application
While due diligence is critical while shopping for all cold plunge accessories, proceed even more cautiously when it comes to a plunge tub and chiller.
Critical Aspects When Shopping for the Best Cold Plunge Tubs
1. Footprint and Volume
Cold plunge tubs vary in size and volume. So, how do you pick the right dimension?
First, measure the space where you plan to install your cold plunge. Ensure the tub fits comfortably in the designated spot.
Note that cold plunge tubs shouldn’t be placed near walls, air vents, or electrical appliances. So, keep this in mind while measuring the intended installation point.
Next, consider how many people will use the cold tub concurrently. While a smaller tub may suit a single person, you’ll require a larger size for multiple users.
2. Strength and Durability
Cold plunge tubs are meant to hold water, so they are highly susceptible to moisture damage. Cheap tubs can quickly develop rust and mould, accelerating their overall wear.
Prioritise anti-corrosive materials like stainless steel, powder-coated aluminium, or high-grade acrylic.
Besides, insist on a well-insulated plunge tub. Insulation helps stabilise the tub’s water temperature and minimises overuse, which could diminish its longevity.
3. Ease of Set-Up
Installing a cold tub requires considerable effort. However, the process shouldn’t be too overwhelming.
Before purchasing a cold tub, go through the set-up manual to assess its ease of installation.
4. Ease of Maintenance
Some cold plunge tubs are equipped with high-end filtration systems to reduce cleaning frequency.
While such tubs may come with higher price tags, they are a worthy investment for busy individuals.
A good practice is to research a cold tub’s maintenance requirements and ensure they align with your lifestyle before choosing the equipment.
5. Comfort and Ergonomics
Cold plunges are meant to be relaxing experiences. So, you deserve a tub that can support your posture while using it.
To enhance your comfort, insist on tubs with non-slip surfaces and ergonomic backrests.
6. Additional Features
Modern plunge tubs come with several bells and whistles to maximise your cold plunge experience. These include LED lighting, Bluetooth speakers, and hydrotherapy jets.
Note that each add-on has a cost attached to it.
If you’re on a tight budget, define which extras are necessary and what you can do without.
How to Choose the Best Chiller
Chillers play the most fundamental role in a cold plunge set-up – regulating your cold plunge’s temperature. But with dozens of brands at your disposal, it’s easy to be overwhelmed.
One key factor when shopping for a cold plunge chiller is understanding its temperature control range. Insist on equipment that can cool the waterway below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal cold plunge temperature.
Be sure to also check if the equipment comes with variable temperature settings. This is necessary if you’re new to cold plunges, as you must experiment with multiple temperatures before finding your sweet spot.
Next, prioritise chillers equipped with advanced filtration systems. Filters let you maintain the clarity and safety of your cold plunge water, reducing the frequency with which you must clean the tubs.
It’s even better if the chiller comes with dual-stage filtration. Such filters are effective at removing different particles, from large debris down to 5-micron pollutants.
It’s also best to consider the desired automation levels while shopping for a cold plunge chiller.
Modern chillers come with self-priming pumps, reducing the need for manual priming. Some are also equipped with programmable thermostats. You can preset to automatically cool down water to the ideal temperature before taking a cold plunge and remotely heat the plunge tub to room temperature after each treatment.
Lastly, there are several add-ons to remember, including Wi-Fi compatibility and the provision for an LED control display.
Final Word
While many people swear by the health benefits of cold plunges, some report minimal to no therapeutic effects. The difference mainly depends on the quality of the accessories used.
Therefore, spare no effort while scouting for the best cold plunge for your home.
Carefully research brands and read online reviews for deeper insights into effective cold plunge accessories. Then, select products that align with your wellness goals while guaranteeing long-term value for money.
