Cold plunges and ice baths may seem like just another internet trend, but humans have been using cold therapy for centuries1. There are even potential health benefits—suggesting cold plunges are more than a cool Instagram post—including reducing perceived muscle soreness2, boosting mental health3, and immune system support4.
The best cold plunge tubs on the market offer both hot and cold temperatures, high-quality materials, and built-in sanitation systems. In this Sun Home Cold Plunge review, we’re going to explore a cold tub with all of those features with the added benefits of being inflatable and packable for ice baths at home or on the go.
Health, Fitness, and Recovery Pros
Here at Garage Gym Reviews, our staff comprises of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and Olympic athletes. We’re a team of health and wellness professionals dedicated to finding, researching, and testing everything from the best muscle recovery tools to the best home gym equipment. And, our collective fitness industry experience allows us to give you the most honest take on everything from cardio exercise to cold water immersion.
For this Sun Home Cold Plunge review, ISSA-certified personal trainer and expert product tester for Garage Gym Reviews Everything Lindsay Scheele took the plunge in this portable ice bath. She used our detailed fitness equipment testing methodology to rate a variety of categories on a 1-to-5-star scale. Some of these categories include:
- Durability and construction: Are the materials used disclosed? How well do the materials hold up to prolonged water exposure?
- Ergonomics: Will the average person have enough room to be comfortable?
- Conveniences: Can the temperature be controlled remotely?
- Draining and cleaning: What is the draining process like? And how often is it required?
- Overall value: Do you get enough bang for your buck? How are comparable products priced?
Inflatable Sun Home Cold Plunge
Sun Home Cold Plunge
Product Highlights
- Inflatable tub
- Can be used as a cold or hot tub
- Easy setup process
- Durable construction
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Goes from 37.5 to 104 degrees
- Inflatable tub is lightweight and portable
- Feels durable
- Controllable with an app
Cons
- Expensive
- Only fits one person
- External chiller is heavy
- Requires power outlet
Bottom Line
The Sun Home Cold Plunge was described by our expert product testers as "the most durable inflatable tub" they've seen. It can be used with hot or cold water and sets up easily.
A Quick Look at the Sun Home Cold Plunge
Sun Home Saunas is a wellness brand offering high-end recovery products for both heat therapy and cold water therapy. On the Sun Home Saunas website you’ll find red light therapy masks, infrared sauna blankets, cold plunges, and at-home infrared saunas (fitting up to six people).
RELATED: Infrared Sauna Benefits
The portable ice bath from Sun Home is one of two cold plunge options. The brand also manufactures a non-portable unit with a hard exterior designed for indoor or outdoor use (it’s called the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro). For the purposes of this review, I’m going to focus on the inflatable version only.
Before You Buy
- You’ll have to accommodate for about 20” of clearance around the chiller, according to the owner’s manual.
- The chiller has WiFi capabilities to control the cold plunge water temperature from your phone.
- Take advantage of 3- or 5-year payment plans with 0% APR for qualified buyers through Affirm.
Is the Sun Home Cold Plunge Worth It?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: If you’re new to cold exposure, I’d highly recommend starting with cold showers or a DIY cold plunge in your bathtub. I certainly don’t deny the fact there are benefits of cold plunge sessions, but I don’t want you to invest your time, energy, or money into an ice bath tub if it’s just going to sit idle in your garage. You’ll only reap the benefits if you use it!
RELATED: Ice Bath vs Cold Shower
All that to say, the Sun Home Cold Plunge tub is an excellent choice if you’re a cold plunge veteran looking for a high-quality ice bath with the added benefit of portability. While the Sun Home inflatable cold plunge tub is not cheap, with a price tag just over $5,000, it offers WiFi temperature control, an advanced filtration system, and an energy-efficient chiller and circulation pump.
Lindsay gives the Sun Home Cold Plunge a 4-out-of-5-star rating for overall value saying, “Sun Home offers a comparable price point to other cold tubs we’ve tested—most hot and cold tubs are around this price range.”
Great for:
- Portability
- Hot or cold baths
- Reaping ice bath health benefits
Not recommended for:
- Primary recovery method from exercise
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Cold plunge beginners
Sun Home Cold Plunge Specs
| Price | $5,099 |
| Tub dimensions | 74.8” L x 27.6” W x 25.2” H |
| Chiller dimensions | 21” L x 16” W x 22” H |
| Tub weight | 15.5 lbs |
| Chiller weight | 88 lbs |
| Temp range | 37.5 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Water capacity | 95 gallons (360 liters) |
| Power requirements | 110 volt, 11A |
| Extras | Tub cover, carrying case, hand pump, repair kit, spare filter |
| Warranty | Limited 1-year warranty |
Using the Sun Home Cold Plunge
The Sun Home Cold Plunge offers a heavy-duty design for an inflatable tub. You’ll have the opportunity to pack it up and take it in its own carrying case for a weekend away or vacation.
GGR tester, Lindsay Scheele has tested eight different cold plunge tubs—including the Ice Barrel and Cold Plunge—and says, “It’s not the coldest tub I’ve tested, but it was still freezing for me.”
RELATED: Ice Barrel Review
Lindsay reports her first test was a five-minute plunge. While she doesn’t cold plunge as part of her regular wellness routine, she admires the folks who do. “If I could get a little mentally tougher than yes, I’d plunge regularly,” says Lindsay.
On this note, she says it’s super convenient to be able to control the temperature wirelessly through an app without any hassles. She was able to set the temperature in the mid-50s for her first test and gradually try colder temperatures.
RELATED: How to Cold Plunge
Footprint and Portability
Lindsay gives the Sun Home Cold Plunge a 5-star rating when it comes to footprint and portability saying, “It’s super easy to move.”
When the tub is empty it weighs about 15 pounds. The chiller is 88 pounds, but Lindsay reports most people shouldn’t have any trouble moving it. However, when the tub is filled to the 95-gallon capacity, moving this tub is not going to happen. When full, it weighs over 700 pounds.
Because of this, Lindsay notes to check with a structural engineer if you plan to use this on the second floor of your home or on a balcony.
It’s also worth noting that the user manual recommends allowing 20 inches of clearance around the chiller. So, you’ll need to plan for not only the 6-foot-by-2-foot dimensions of the tub, but the 21-inch-by-16-inch chiller (and the 20-inch clearance).
Durability and Construction
The Sun Home Cold Plunge tub earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for durability. It’s made from a heavy-duty, military-grade drop stitch technology, which is a composite PVC material that’s also used in inflatable stand-up paddle boards, high-pressure rescue bags, and airplane wings.
Our tester Lindsay can attest to the durability of the drop stitch material. “When I push all my weight down—from a standing position—it has a little give, but pops right back into place and holds its shape,” says Lindsay.
“I tested another tub at GGR headquarters that does not hold its shape when we leave water in it,” says Lindsay about the Redwood Outdoors inflatable cold plunge tub. “So far we’ve had multiple people in and out of the tub, kept water in it for over two weeks, and have had no issues with the Sun Home tub keeping its shape.”
RELATED: Redwood Outdoors Yukon Tub Review
When Lindsay compares the outer material to the other inflatable tubs she’s tested she says, “I’d place money on the Sun Home lasting the longest.”
Lindsay also notes that the hose from the chiller to the tub features the most premium version of the other tubs she’s tested. “The hose has an inner wiring that will keep it from bunching up. And it’s made from a clear material, which will allow you to see any sort of issues or clogs in the hose,” she says.
Cleaning and Draining
It’s all fun and games while you’re using the cold plunge, but the reality is cold plunges require cleaning and maintenance in order to keep enjoying them for years to come. Lindsay gives the cleaning and draining process on this Sun Home Cold Plunge a middle-of-the-road rating at 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Lindsay thinks it’s important to mention that you’ll want to have some forethought when choosing a location for your inflatable tub. Even though it’s portable, she notes the draining ports sit a few inches from the bottom of the tub. This means if you need to drain it for any reason (let’s say for general cleaning or a chiller malfunction), there will still be water in the bottom of your tub.
RELATED: The Cold Plunge Review
“This is fine if you keep your cold plunge tub outdoors, but if you have the tub inside, it does make things a little more complicated,” says Lindsay. Presumably if your tub is outdoors, you’ll be able to flip the lightweight tub over to drain it fully.
When it comes to cleaning and maintaining the water quality, Lindsay says the built-in ozone sanitation system and 20 micron filter performs well with little effort on her part. But, she reports if you notice a film on the top of the water or debris, it’s time to drain and refill the water. You won’t have to leave the tub open to debris though, as the insulated lid will help keep dust and other environmentals from falling in.
Additionally, the brand warns against keeping the Sun Home tub set at high temperatures. If you decide to use the Sun Home cold plunge as a hot tub for extended periods of time, the brand recommends using standard hot tub chemicals like Chlorine to prevent the growth of bacteria in warm water. Instead, Sun Home recommends keeping the tub set to 50 degrees Fahrenheit for best performance.
Ergonomics and Comfort
You won’t need a step stool to get your plunge on in this Sun Home cold tub because it sits just over 2 feet tall. It’s easy to get in and out of at the edge of the tub and is sturdy enough to lean into or sit on before you take the plunge. Our tester, Lindsay also notes the tub dimensions make it possible to comfortably keep your arms on the edge of the tub if you don’t want to be fully submerged.
The Sun Home inflatable tub is also super spacious once you’re inside. It’s over 6 feet in length, making it suitable for most sizes. “The website says it can fit people up to 6 feet, 8 inches tall—I believe it,” says Lindsay. “I also think that two shorter people could easily use this tub at the same time.”
For that reason, Lindsay gives the tub a 5-star score for ergonomics and comfort.
Technology and Conveniences
The smart chiller is where you’re going to see technology incorporated into the design of this Sun Home Cold Plunge. Lindsay gives this tub a 5-out-of-5-star rating for technology because it features wireless control through the Tuya app.
The brand also claims the smart-chiller operates three times faster than competitors. Lindsay reports it can change temperature more rapidly than other tubs she’s tested, with most tubs only changing about one or two degrees per hour.
Sun Home Cold Plunge vs Inergize Cold + Hot Plunge Tub
Inergize Cold Tub
Inergize Cold And Hot Plunge Tub
Product Highlights
- Inflatable cold plunge tub
- Filtration system and chiller
- App for temperature control
- Set temperature from 37 to 105 degrees
Pros & Cons
Pros
- App control for temperature
- Portable and packable
- Replace water every 3-6 months
Cons
- Expensive
- Tub inflates with hand pump
- Over a 4-week lead time for shipment
Bottom Line
The Inergize Cold and Hot Plunge Tub allows you to regulate the water temperature with the touch of your phone. You can prepare the water for hot or cold therapy modalities depending on your needs. The inflatable tank is portable and comes with a duffle bag for packing up and bringing with you. The tank has a 60- to 70-gallon water capacity and you can choose your temperature between 37 to 105 degrees.
One of the biggest differences between the inflatable and portable Inergize Cold + Hot Tub and the Sun Home Cold Plunge are the dimensions and water capacity.
The Inergize tub offers nearly the same range of cooling and heating power as the Sun Home Cold Plunge, both have remote temperature control via WiFi, and both are inflatable. The Inergize tub is just a tad over 4 feet long, which pales in comparison to the over 6-foot-long Sun Home portable tub, allowing you to fully extend your legs no matter your height.
Other than the dimensions, you’re going to get a lot of the same benefits from each tub. The Sun Home brand is a bit more expensive, but just by a few hundred dollars. If you’re curious about the details of our hands-on experience, check out the Inergize Cold Plunge Tub review.
| Inergize Cold + Hot Plunge | Sun Home Cold Plunge | |
| Price | $4,790 | $5,099 |
| Tub dimensions | 51” L x 28” W x 30” H | 74.8” L x 27.6” W x 25.2” H |
| Weight | 25 lbs dry; 600-700 lbs filled | 15.5 lbs dry; about 760 lbs filled |
| Water capacity | 60-70 gallons | 95 gallons |
| Temperature range | 37-105 degrees F | 37.5-104 degrees F |
Customer Experience
Sun Home Saunas has a contact page where you can find a general inquiry form, email address, and phone number. Lindsay reports the live chat function on the website was speedy and helpful when she had questions. Overall, her customer service experience earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating.
Sun Home Saunas offers a 30-day risk-free return policy for new and “like new” cold plunge tubs. If you need to return your cold plunge, you’ll have to contact the brand for return authorization and send it back in the original packaging with product manuals. If your product meets the “like new” standards upon return, you’ll be refunded your purchase, less a 25% restocking fee.
RELATED: Sun Home Sauna Review
When it comes to the warranty, the brand provides a one-year limited warranty on the inflatable cold tub, which we find is pretty standard. Our product testers agree that it would be ideal to see popular recovery brands offer standard five-year warranty policies since it’s such a large investment.
Ordering and Assembling the Sun Home Cold Plunge
The ordering process is easy on the Sun Home Sauna website. When you’re ready to checkout, you’ll have the option of paying in full with a credit card, making a bank deposit, or using your HSA (health savings account) or FSA (flexible savings account). You can also utilize Affirm for payment plans with loan terms up to five years.
Our tester Lindsay’s only qualm with the ordering process was the fact there is very little information about the delivery process listed on the website. While that made her question the experience at first, it turns out there were no hiccups.
“The Sun Home Cold Plunge tub is delivered in a well-protected box. There were zero issues with delivery or getting it set up,” says Lindsay. Overall, the ordering, shipping, and setup process earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating.
You may also like knowing that standard U.S. shipping is free, so you won’t have to worry about the 88-pound chiller adding to your shipping costs. Plus, you may notice there are no white glove delivery options at checkout, but our tester Lindsay doesn’t think you’ll need it.
The inflatable tub is easy to set up and use the hand pump to inflate, but it does take some patience. Lindsay reports it was about a two-hour process to set up the tub and completely fill it with water. It doesn’t require hard plumbing, so you’ll likely be filling this up from a garden hose or something similar.
Lastly, according to the owner’s manual, you’ll need to make sure your wall outlet is a 120-volt AC wall outlet, which is different from what is listed on the product description on the website.
Customer Reviews
On the Sun Home Sauna website and Google Reviews, the inflatable Sun Home cold plunge has a 4.9-star average rating. The website features less than 500 reviews and not one of them is rated below 4 stars.
While this is a high-quality inflatable cold plunge tub, it’s not listed on Amazon for our team to read a balance of glowing and down-to-earth customer reviews.
Final Verdict of Our Sun Home Cold Plunge Review
When it comes to inflatable cold plunge tubs, our tester Lindsay thinks that the Sun Home Cold Plunge is the most durable option on the market. It’s also roomy enough for even your tallest friends and family members (and perhaps spacious enough for two people willing to plunge together).
If you’re in the market for a cold plunge that is portable yet durable, this is the one for you, especially if you like the sounds of these benefits:
- WiFi temperature controls
- Cold temps down to 37.5 degrees or hot tub-like temps up to 104 degrees
- Advanced ozone injection sanitation system for ultimate water quality
Sun Home Cold Plunge Rating
Sun Home Cold Plunge
Portable, inflatable, and can heat or cool; learn about our hands-on experience in this Sun Home Cold Plunge review.
Product Brand: Sun Home Sauanas
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 5,099
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.24
Sun Home Cold Plunge: FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions on the Sun Home Cold Plunge tub and cold plunges in general:
Is a cold plunge worth the money?
If you’re someone who has prior ice bath or cold water experience, a dedicated cold plunge in your home, garage, or backyard might be worth the investment. A cold plunge with a chiller can regulate the temperature and offer cold therapy without buying (or making) tons of ice. However, if you’re someone who is brand new to cold plunges, you may want to consider cold showers or DIY ice baths to assess if it’s a habit you’ll keep up with before you make the investment.
Is a 1-minute cold plunge enough?
If you’re new to cold water exposure, 30 to 60 seconds is an excellent starting point. Just like exercise, you’ll be able to endure longer periods with more cold plunge experience under your belt. You can read our how to cold plunge in-depth guide for more details.
Are there any negatives to cold plunge?
If you suffer from a cardiovascular disease or condition, please consult a doctor before trying an ice bath. During a cold plunge, your heart rate changes to regulate your internal temperature, which may cause too much strain on your cardiovascular system if you have heart disease.
The other potential risk to cold plunges is cold shock. This could happen if the water is too cold for your tolerance or if you’re exposed to cold water temperatures for too long.
References
- Allan R, Malone J, Alexander J, et al. Cold for centuries: a brief history of cryotherapies to improve health, injury and post-exercise recovery. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2022;122(5):1153-1162. doi:10.1007/s00421-022-04915-5
- Stanley J, Buchheit M, Peake JM. The effect of post-exercise hydrotherapy on subsequent exercise performance and heart rate variability. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112(3):951-961. doi:10.1007/s00421-011-2052-7
- Srámek P, Simecková M, Janský L, Savlíková J, Vybíral S. Human physiological responses to immersion into water of different temperatures. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;81(5):436-442. doi:10.1007/s004210050065
- Kox M, van Eijk LT, Zwaag J, et al. Voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system and attenuation of the innate immune response in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014;111(20):7379-7384. doi:10.1073/pnas.1322174111
