Cold plunge tub buyer's guide: 11 must-ask questions

The hottest trend in wellness is giving people chills — literally. From Michael Phelps to JJ Watt to Lizzo, cold water immersion is no longer just for elite athletes. It's a recovery tool, a mindset reset, and a lifestyle choice.

While cold plunging has been around for centuries, at-home cold tubs have made it more convenient, consistent, and, frankly, way less messy than tossing ice in a tub.

But with more brands entering the space, it’s harder to know which cold plunge tub is right for you. And if you’re about to drop a few grand on something, you want it to fit your life.

This guide will help you ask the right questions, avoid common buying mistakes, and find a cold tub that works for your goals, your routine, and your space.

Ask these questions before buying a cold tub

Once found at just pro training centers and exclusive resorts, cold tubs were more luxury than lifestyle. But to truly benefit from cold water, practitioners recommend incorporating it into your routine — whether it’s after a sweaty gym session or before you start your day.

Dr. Susanna Soeberg, a prominent proponent of deliberate cold exposure, recommends that people plunge for 11 minutes a week. But rather than tough it out for 11 minutes, Dr. Soeberg suggests breaking it up into two to three sessions. 

From cold showers to cryotherapy to jumping in the ocean, there are myriad ways to practice deliberate cold exposure. But at-home cold plunges are efficient and effective. 

Cold tubs come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. It’s important to ask the right questions to get the best cold tub for you.

What is the installation and set-up like?

Not every tub is plug-and-plunge. Some models require tools, hoses, plumbing, or extra parts you didn’t know you needed.

Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs are built to make the process simple. The Alpine cold tub does not have any external plumbing. Plus, setup can be done in five steps: position the tub, fill with water, plug it in, power it on, and set your temp.

Need help? Our YouTube library walks you through everything.

How do you get the water cold?

A lot of tubs on the market still rely on ice to get the water cold. That’s not sustainable if you want to make cold plunging part of your daily or weekly routine.

Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs have a powerful chiller that capable of cooling water down to 40 degrees. That's cold enough for pros, performance athletes, and biohackers.

Bonus: Chilly GOAT tubs can also heat the water up to 104 degrees*, so you can use it as a hot tub, too.

How cold should a cold plunge be?

Most people plunge between 40 and 55 degrees. But here’s the thing: colder isn’t always better.

Science shows benefits begin around 59 degrees — especially if you’re new to cold exposure. Going colder can provide deeper benefits, but it also increases the risk of discomfort or cutting your session short.

Start where your body feels safe. Adjust as you get more experienced. With Chilly GOAT’s built-in temperature controls and app integration, you can fine-tune the plunge to fit your goals.

Is there a hot tub that can also be a cold plunge?

Yes — and Chilly GOAT has you covered. The Valaris is a dual-zone tub that combines a hot tub and cold tub in one stunning unit.

One side offers cold water immersion with precise temp control. The other delivers the recovery benefits of heat and massage jets.

It’s the ultimate contrast therapy setup. The Valaris is perfect for year-round use, recovery routines, or sharing the benefits of both hot and cold with family and friends.

Can you comfortably fit in the cold tub?

This one matters more than people realize. If you're tall, broad-shouldered, or just want a little more space to move around, not every tub will work.

Chilly GOAT offers a range of tub sizes, including the roomy Alpine model that comfortably fits people over 6 feet tall. (We even wrote a blog about it!)

Prefer a portable setup or have less space? The inflatable GO! tub is easy to store and move, and it can be paired with an optional chiller.

How safe is the cold tub?

When it comes to health and well-being, safety should be a top priority. The Chilly GOAT is built in compliance with relevant regulations and standards, ensuring a secure and worry-free cold therapy experience. DIY projects may not guarantee the same level of safety, potentially posing risks to your well-being.

How do you keep the water clean?

Clean water isn’t optional — it’s essential.

All Chilly GOAT tubs come with a built-in filtration system and UV sanitation to keep the water clear and safe. Just like a hot tub, you’ll still need to do light maintenance and use basic water care products, but you won't be draining and refilling constantly.

Are there other features? 

Cold therapy is powerful. But it doesn’t have to feel harsh or industrial.

Chilly GOAT tubs are thoughtfully designed for both function and feel. You’ll find:

• SoftTread nonslip flooring for safety and comfort

• Built-in armrests

• Dual-flow jets to prevent thermal layering

• LED lighting for a clean look, day or night

Who makes the cold plunge?

With so many new brands popping up, it’s important to know who’s behind your tub.

Chilly GOAT is built by Master Spas, one of the largest swim spa and hot tub manufacturers in the U.S. With more than 25 years of experience, Master Spas manufactures every cold tub in Fort Wayne, Indiana, using high-quality acrylic, durable cabinets, and foam insulation.

You're not just buying a tub. You’re investing in quality, backed by industry-leading customer support and warranty coverage.

Is a cold plunge tub really worth it?

For people who prioritize performance, recovery, and mental resilience — absolutely.

Sure, that studio membership or DIY setup might have made sense at first. But when it’s hard to stay consistent, or the space doesn’t feel right, it becomes easy to skip the plunge.

Creating your own cold tub environment at home helps you build a sustainable habit. It's available when you need it. You stay consistent. And you feel the benefits of cold water immersion.

How to buy the best cold tub

Do you want to enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy without buying bag after bag of ice? Having a Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tub by Master Spas allows you to realize the impact of cold water. Enjoy clean, clear, cold water on demand.  You can click here to find out more about the benefits of incorporating a Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT cold tub into your routine. Start your journey today!

*Some limitations using your cold tub as a hot tub may be experienced when water and air temperatures are elevated.