Auburn University is known for its school spirit, deep traditions, and top-tier athletic programs. But beyond Jordan-Hare Stadium and the hardwood of Neville Arena, there’s another Auburn success story. It’s one that has nothing to do with touchdowns or buzzer-beaters.
Home to a paw-print recreational pool and an in-house bike shop, the university’s Recreation and Wellness Center has been called one of the coolest college gyms in America.
But the facility got even cooler when they installed cold tubs from Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs. In just over a year, they have become the most in-demand amenity on campus. In fact, they’re so popular that Auburn recently installed its third unit to meet rising demand.
The story at Auburn isn’t a one-off success; it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when campus leaders invest in wellness experiences. For college rec directors, aquatics managers, and even commercial gym owners, Auburn’s cold tub expansion shows how the right amenity can drive engagement and reshape facility use.
From idea to impact: Auburn’s cold tub story
In February 2024, the Auburn Rec and Wellness Center introduced Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs to their facility for the first time. From the moment the tubs arrived, they were a hit.
“People of all ages, from students to retirees, enjoy taking a dip in the tubs for various reasons,” the staff shared. “Some use them to recover from soreness, others to wake up in the morning, and some even to help focus before a study session.”
More than 10,000 uses were recorded in the first year alone.
That’s an average of 24 patrons per day, with usage spiking over 100 on peak days.
This surge in popularity led to a dramatic shift in facility operations. Where the aquatics area once opened at 11 a.m., it now opens at 6 a.m., giving early risers a chance to dip before class, work, or training.
“Thanks to the Chilly GOAT tubs, our aquatics facility now serves patrons from dawn to dusk.”
Wellness that works for everyone
While many universities reserve cold tubs for varsity athletes or athletic training rooms, Auburn made a different choice. The Recreation and Wellness Center brought recovery to the entire campus community — students, faculty, staff, and retirees — by integrating Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs into its aquatics space. The response? Immediate and enthusiastic.
“They have transformed our aquatics area, and we are proud to offer this unique form of aquatics programming to our patrons.”
Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs are now a part of daily routines across campus. Students step in before study sessions to boost focus and mental clarity. Faculty use them to recover after long days on their feet. Retirees enjoy the therapeutic effects for joint comfort and muscle recovery. And lifters, runners, and weekend warriors alike use the tubs to bounce back faster.
Cold water immersion offers a wide range of benefits, including reduced muscle soreness, faster recovery, improved circulation, and enhanced mental resilience. Research also points to potential cognitive benefits, including improved focus and reduced stress — outcomes that are just as valuable for anyone on the Auburn campus.
Building structure around success
Scaling an amenity is one thing. Sustaining it is another. Auburn has done both by building infrastructure and routines around their cold tub program.
Adding cold tubs
What started as a single-tub installation in early 2024 quickly became a cornerstone of the facility’s wellness offerings. As the cold tubs became more popular, Auburn expanded its program to include a second, and now a third, Chilly GOAT Cold Tub. The additional units help meet demand while preserving the high-quality experience that users expect.
Permanent guard station
With increased usage came the need for added supervision. Auburn established a dedicated guard post near the tubs to ensure patrons follow posted guidelines and stay safe.
Nightly maintenance shift
Every facility is different — and so is the right water care routine. At Auburn, the team drains the tubs, replaces the filters, and refills them each night to ensure they’re clean and ready for use by 6 a.m. While daily draining isn’t necessary for most commercial settings, this routine helps Auburn provide a clean and consistent experience for users. For other commercial gyms with cold tubs, it's important to find the right maintenance rhythm based on usage, staffing, and available resources.
Why Chilly GOAT was the right choice
Not all cold tubs are built for high-traffic, multi-user environments. However, Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs are designed to deliver reliable performance, easy maintenance, and a premium recovery experience. For college athletic facilities and recreation centers, that means an elevated member experience without operational headaches.
Commercial-grade chiller
Chilly GOAT’s Alpine and Valaris tubs come standard with a powerful 2.1-horsepower chiller system that keeps the water consistently cold, even with constant daily use. No aftermarket upgrades or third-party equipment needed.
Durability that holds up
Crafted by Master Spas, a trusted name with more than 30 years of experience in high-quality spa manufacturing, Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs are made with long-lasting components. The tub shell features reinforced acrylic for strength and structural integrity, while the sleek, weather-resistant cabinet is built to handle the demands of both indoor and outdoor environments.
Plug-and-plunge simplicity
Set-up doesn’t require complicated plumbing or construction. Just fill the tub, plug it in, and it’s ready to go. This flexible installation makes it easy to integrate cold therapy into your facility — without downtime or disruption.
Clean water, every time
With high-use environments, water care can be a challenge. However, Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs are designed to make it simple. Each tub includes an integrated filtration system and a built-in UV sanitation system to help maintain clean, clear water throughout the day. Auburn’s team even developed a nightly cleaning schedule to keep their tubs ready for 6 a.m. use.
Wi-Fi-enabled controls for remote management
Facility teams can monitor and manage the temperature settings remotely, thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity. Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs have a temperature range of 40 degrees to 104 degrees. While Auburn University keeps their Chilly GOAT tubs, well, chilly, some facilities will have a hot spa for contrast therapy.
What could cold therapy do for your facility?
If you’re looking to increase member engagement, offer differentiated programming, and provide a standout amenity that supports both physical and mental wellness, it might be time to consider what Auburn already knows: cold tubs work.
Ready to bring the coolest recovery experience to your space? Contact us today to learn how easy it is to add a Chilly GOAT to your gym, campus rec center, or performance facility.
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