If you’re looking for the best cold plunge tub available to buy now, why not consider one that is both inflatable and portable? Not only is it packable, it offers both hot and cold capabilities, too. In this Inergize cold plunge tub review, I’m going to walk you through the pros, cons, and other details of testing this tub.
For this review, Lindsay Scheele, expert product tester and lead reviewer at Garage Gym Reviews Everything took a dip into the Inergize Cold + Hot Plunge Tub and documented her experience so you can make an informed decision about this inflatable tub.
Lindsay also used our GGR fitness equipment testing methodology to review the following categories on a 1-to-5-star scale:
- Footprint and portability
- Delivery and setup
- Dubability and construction
- Ergonomics and comfort
- Technology and conveniences
- Draining and cleaning
- Overall value
- Customer experience
Testing the Best Hot and Cold Therapy Options
Our expert product testers at Garage Gym Reviews have jumped on the bandwagon of testing both hot and cold therapy options of all shapes and sizes. At the time of writing this review, our team of expert product testers have used 9 different cold plunge tubs and sauna products.
RELATED: Best Home Saunas
While we have more experience with the things like pre-workout or the best treadmills for home gyms, we know that our knowledge of the fitness industry helps you make the right decision when it comes to your home gym investments.
Our team is made up of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, gym owners, Olympic athletes, and endurance athletes—all cognizant of recovery and full-body wellness.
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.
A Quick Look at the Inergize Cold Plunge Tub
On the Inergize Health website, you will find only one product for sale: The Inergize Cold + Hot Plunge Tub. It’s the only product they offer and it’s sold as a complete package. You cannot buy the tub alone without the chiller and you cannot buy a chiller that does not have heating capacity.
If you’d rather not buy a portable cold plunge tub as a complete package, the inflatable tub we tested for the Redwood Outdoors Yukon Tub review is comparable but everything can be bought separately.
Before You Buy
- Expect it to take about 4-6 minutes to inflate or deflate this Inergize tub
- Filling the tub with water (between 60 to 70 gallons) will take about 15 minutes
- Draining this tub indoors requires a sump pump or other indoor draining system
Is the Inergize Cold + Hot Plunge Tub Worth It?
If you’re anything like me, after a few minutes on Instagram, you may be convinced you need a cold plunge tub for all your post-workout woes. But like my mom alway says: “Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean you should, too.”
OK, but what about all the ice bath benefits the internet keeps buzzing about?
Well, the truth is more research is needed around the benefits of cold plunges and ice baths—specifically when it comes to muscle recovery. A systematic review published in Sports Medicine1 notes that cold water immersion is more effective at reducing muscle soreness after high-intensity workouts than it is for eccentric style strength training (like bodybuilding workouts).
However, there are other possible health benefits of cold water therapy including mental health and stress reduction2, immune system support3, and the potential to reduce body fat4.
That said, if you’re mainly interested in a cold plunge tub for muscle recovery, a cold plunge tub might not be worth the investment if you mostly perform eccentric movements and bodybuilding-style training.
Training methods aside, GGR product tester Lindsay Scheele gives the Inergize Cold + Hot Tub a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for overall value. She appreciates the fact it’s portable, durable, and it heats and cools. She docks a half point because it’s a bit smaller than other inflatable cold plunge tubs on the market for nearly the same price.
The Redwood Outdoor Yukon tub is practically the same price point (about $4,700) but offers more leg room, making it suitable if you’re on the taller side. The Inergize Cold + Hot Tub is several inches shorter (with many of the same features) and is priced around $4,800. While it may be shorter and about $100 more expensive, this review will cover the details on why it might be the best choice for inflatable tubs.
Great for:
- Outdoor use
- Packing away for on-the-go plunges
- Hot and cold water temperatures
Not recommended for:
- Recovery from bodybuilding-style workouts
- Cold plunge beginners
- DIY extraordinaires
Inergize Cold + Hot Plunge Tub Specs
| Price | About $4,800 |
| Exterior dimensions | 51” L x 28” W x 30” H |
| Interior dimensions | 43” L x 20” W x 30” H |
| Chiller weight | 60 lbs |
| Dry weight | 25 lbs |
| Filled weight | 600-700 lbs |
| Water capacity | 60-70 gallons |
| Temperature range | 37-105 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Power requirements | Grounded 120 V power supply on 15A circuit |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Extras | Duffle bag, connection hoses, drainage hoses, insulated cover, hand debris net, 4 months of sanitation solution, micron filter |
Using the Inergize Cold Plunge Tub
Ice bath tubs have come a long way in recent years. It’s gone from a backyard fill-a-chest-freezer-with-water kind of deal to a luxury spa-like experience.
Some cold plunge tubs (like the one we tested for The Cold Plunge review) offer sleek acrylic tubs with a modern design fit for a spa. Most tubs are also now equipped with temperature regulation systems (i.e., a basic chiller—I’m still holding out for a more sophisticated tub with heating and cooling coils as part of the tub design).
While the Inergize cold plunge tub doesn’t exactly give off luxury vibes, it’s not an eye-sore either. It’s an inflatable tub with solid construction that doesn’t bend or wobble getting in, out, or leaning against it once you’re inside.
Overall, GGR tester Lindsay Scheele reports fully enjoying this tub. While it’s a bit shorter than others she’s tested, it’s deeper and lets you sink in.
It is also easy to get it set up (even if you’re alone) with a powerful dual-action hand pump. The insulated cover also needs to be inflated but offers additional insulation to keep the water at your desired temperature.
Lindsay likes the fact the top cover secures onto the tub with side release buckles featuring a combination lock for extra security for small children or pets.
Lindsay rates the Inergize tub with pretty high scores across the board, but she notes, “When you switch from cold to hot (or hot to cold) condensation gathers on the chiller, filter, and the hose around the area.”
While she says this is not a dealbreaker, it’s worth noting especially if you plan to use this indoors.
RELATED: Ice Bath vs Cold Shower
Footprint and Portability
GGR tester Lindsay Scheele gives the Inergize tub a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating when it comes to the footprint and portability. “It’s inflatable, which offers the most functionality for folks who want to move it around,” says Lindsay.
The Inergize tub itself is only 25 pounds and even comes with a duffle bag carrying case for the tub once it’s deflated. What Lindsay thinks is important for potential buyers to realize is that you’ll still need to transport the chiller if you plan to pack up the Ingerize tub for a weekend trip. She also notes the chiller is an additional 60 pounds.
But, once it’s in place it doesn’t take up too much room. It’s just over 4 feet long, nearly 2.5 feet wide, and sits about 2.5 feet tall. It’s also hassle-free for one person to set up and take down alone.
Durability and Construction
When it comes to the overall durability and construction of the Inergize Cold + Hot tub, Lindsay gives it a 4-out-of-5-star rating. To earn this rating, the tub needs to be sturdy and constructed from high-quality materials.
In the case of the Inergize tub, it’s constructed from a drop-stitch material, which is a manufactured knit polyester fabric that takes tens of thousands of polyester threads to create a strong inflatable material. It essentially looks like a large web of woven threads.
The Inergize tub does not earn a perfect score because a 5-star rating for a cold plunge tub in this category has water resistant accessories and components. It’s unclear whether or not the chiller is waterproof.
Comfort and Ergonomics
After testing the Inergize Hot and Cold tub, expert product tester Lindsay Scheele gives it a 3.5 for ergonomics and comfort. This score reflects the fact the tub is sizable but the resting position is not the most comfortable. For a cold tub to earn a perfect score, the tub needs to allow for legs to be stretched out and offer a sitting position where arms can be in or out of the tank.
While the comfort of a given tub is highly subjective, Lindsay’s experience didn’t allow her to fully stretch out her legs. “I had to keep my legs slightly bent and I’m only 5 feet and 4 inches tall,” says Lindsay. “However, the tub is pretty deep. Even with my knees bent my legs were fully submerged.
“When I sat up straight, the water line was at my sternum. I was also able to relax and sink lower, allowing the water to come up to my neck,” she adds.
Cleaning and Draining
Cleaning and draining is a testing category extremely important for those of you who want to experience cold exposure at home. We want to make sure you know what to expect on how frequently you should clean the tub, if water changes are required, and the ease of draining if you should need to.
To earn a perfect 5-out-of-5 star rating in this category, a cold tub does not require frequent water changes and comes with a filtration system (like an oxidizer) for clean water. The draining system also needs to be easy to use (both inside and outside).
So what does our product tester, Lindsay Scheele rate the Inergize Cold + Hot tub? She gives it a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating.
The Ingerize tub comes with a four-month supply of sanitation solution and a micron filter. You’ll need to change the micron filter every month and top up with non-chlorine sanitizer (which is the solution included in the purchase). The website recommends changing the water every three to six months.
While that may sound tedious, the Redwood Outdoors Yukon tub requires water changes every 48 hours for the tub to keep its shape, for the top cover to fit, and to not bulge.
When it comes to draining the tub—either for packing up and carting somewhere new or changing the water—you’ll unscrew the drain hose attachment. This will be a simple task outside but inside this will require you to be near a sump pump or to run a garden hose outdoors.
Tech and Conveniences
GGR product tester Lindsay Scheele gives the Inergize cold plunge tub a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for the teach and conveniences category.
A 1- or 2-star rating in this category means there is no temperature control and it’s essentially just an insulated tank of water that requires bags of ice to cool down (much like the tub in our Ice Barrel review). To earn top score in this category, a tub needs to have water temperature regulation and the ability to check or change the temperature remotely through an app.
Lindsay is happy to report the Inergize chiller that comes with the inflatable tub features WiFi so you can connect your device to the chiller and remotely control the temperature on the Inergize app. Lindsay also notes that on average, she noticed the temperature can change about 10 degrees in an hour.
Comparison to Similar Products
Yukon Tub
Redwood Outdoors Yukon Cold Plunge XL Deluxe Kit
Product Highlights
- Inflatable cold plunge tub kit
- Pump to inflate the tub included
- Deluxe chiller and heater combo
- Packable and portable
- Backpack carrying case comes included
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Straightforward installation
- Portable design
Cons
- Pricey
- Not insulated
- Changing water frequently is recommended
Bottom Line
The Redwood Outdoors inflatable Yukon cold plunge kit is a packable solution to bringing a cold with you on-the-go. It’s easy to inflate the tub with the pump that comes with the purchase. The main drawback to the inflatable design is the brand recommends changing the water frequently due to the fact that leaving water in the tub for 48 hours at a time can lead the tub to bulge and change shape through the center of the tub.
Expert tester, Lindsay Scheele has plunged in several cold tubs, but the Redwood Yukon XL cold plunge tub with deluxe chiller and heater is the most similar to the Inergize Cold + Hot tub. The Redwood and the Inergize tubs are inflatable and offer both heating and cooling options, going as low as 37 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 104 or 105 degrees.
The price point is even similar, with both options edging close to $5,000. The main difference is the tub size and water capacity. The Redwood Yukon XL offers a larger footprint (almost 2 feet longer) and practically doubles the water capacity of the Inergize tub.
Even though the Redwood tub offers more leg room, the Inergize has a better drainage system with a hose designed for draining the tub. The Redwood tub is vague on draining instructions which will make it tricky for anyone looking to use it indoors.
The Redwood tub also requires frequent water changes (every 48 hours) to keep the shape of the tub and prevent bulging, while the Inergize tub does not require frequent water changes (only about every 3 to 6 months). I think that alone is worth considering the Inergize tub.
RELATED: Redwood Outdoors Sauna Review
| Ingerzie Cold + Hot Tub | Redwood Yukon XL | |
| Price | $4,790 | $4,699 |
| Footprint | 51” L x 28” W x 30” H | 72.75″ L X 31.5″ W X 32.75″ H |
| Temp range | 37-105 degrees F | 37-104 degrees F |
| Water capacity | 60-70 gallons | 155 gallons |
| Dry weight | 25 lbs | 35 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | Limited 1 year |
Customer Experience
For overall customer service, Inergize Health earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating because the brand offers a live chat function, email, and phone number. GGR product tester Lindsay Scheele says she used the live chat function and got a response right away.
There are also videos on the website for installation, maintenance, takedown, and troubleshooting. There are also detailed instructions for using the Inergize app that you can download from the website.
When it comes to financing options, warranty, and return policies Lindsay gives Inergize a 4-out-of-5-star rating. She docks a point because the tub and powerful chiller are only covered by a 1-year warranty. The website also notes it doesn’t cover wear and tear, it’s covered against manufacturing defects.
Through our testing experience, we’ve found this is rather normal but our testers agree that warranties for such large investments should offer multi-year coverage.
Inergize has a standard 30-day return policy. However, be warned there is a 30% restocking fee for all returns—which means you’ll be out about $1,400 (yikes!).
And lastly, if you’d rather not fork out the $4,790 all at once, financing is available on the website at the end of the checkout process through Affirm, ShopPay, or Klarna. Between these three third-party options, you’ll be able to access loan terms between 3 to 36 months. Qualified buyers may also receive 0% APR.
Ordering and Assembling the Inergize Cold Plunge Tub
Lindsay reports the set up process for the Inergize tub is easy and gives it a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for both delivery and setup.
“It was all delivered in one package that was well protected,” says Lindsay. “Plus, it took me very little time to set it all up.”
Before you make your decision, consider the following about your set up:
- The tub requires a 120 volt power outlet
- The chiller has an input of 700 watts
- The ground, deck, or floor space should be able to hold 600-700 pounds
Customer Reviews
The Inergize Health website lists 64 customer reviews from verified buyers. All 64 of these reviews give the Inergize Cold + Hot Tub a 5-out-of-5-star overall rating. While I believe that these buyers love their cold plunge tub, I also went to sites like Amazon and Trustpilot to scope out other opinions. However, at the time I’m writing this review, the Inergize tub is not sold on Amazon and is not featured on Trustpilot.
Final Verdict of Our Inergize Cold Plunge Tub Review
At the end of the day, if you’re someone who wants to take a dip in freezing cold water to clear your mind and improve well-being, the Inergize Cold + Hot Tub offers an ideal solution for indoor or outdoor use. Here are a few highlights to consider before you click add to cart:
- Lightweight inflatable design is ideal for one person to handle, carry, and set up alone
- You won’t have to change the water as frequently as other inflatable tubs on the market
- Use it as a hot tub or cold tub
- Insulated cover locks in place to avoid accidentally opening the tub
Inergize Cold Plunge Tub Rating
Inergize Cold Plunge Tub
For our Inergize Cold Plunge Tub review, our experts tested this lightweight, portable tub with cooling and heating options.
Product Brand: Inergize Health
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 4,790
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.35
Inergize Cold Plunge Tub: FAQs
Below I answer some frequently asked questions about the Inergize Cold Plunge Tub:
Is a cold plunge tub worth it?
Most ice bath tubs with water temperature regulation features will have a price tag upwards of $4,000. However, if you buy a tub without a chiller you’ll be spending time, effort, and money to add bags of ice to chill the water.
While cold plunges can be worth it for athletes or folks who perform high-intensity workouts, for the average person trying to increase muscle and strength with traditional strength training and progressive overload, the cold plunge experience may be overrated.
What are the risks of cold plunging?
Folks with cardiovascular disease should consult a doctor before cold plunging due to the body’s natural response to changes in blood flow while exposed to cold temperatures. Additionally, there is a potential risk of cold shock if the water is too cold for your tolerance or you spend too much time submerged in cold water.
How long should you stay in a cold plunge tub?
Most studies with cold water therapy have subjects in cold water for less than 20 minutes. However, the amount of time spent submerged in cold water will depend on your tolerance. It’s likely that with practice, you’ll be able to go longer.
References
- Moore, E., Fuller, J.T., Buckley, J.D. et al. Impact of Cold-Water Immersion Compared with Passive Recovery Following a Single Bout of Strenuous Exercise on Athletic Performance in Physically Active Participants: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis and Meta-regression. Sports Med 52, 1667–1688 (2022).
- Kurniasari MD, Monsen KA, Weng SF, Yang CY, Tsai HT. Cold Water Immersion Directly and Mediated by Alleviated Pain to Promote Quality of Life in Indonesian with Gout Arthritis: A Community-based Randomized Controlled Trial. Biol Res Nurs. 2022;24(2):245-258. doi:10.1177/10998004211063547
- 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
- Peres Valgas da Silva C, Hernández-Saavedra D, White JD, Stanford KI. Cold and Exercise: Therapeutic Tools to Activate Brown Adipose Tissue and Combat Obesity. Biology (Basel). 2019;8(1):9. Published 2019 Feb 12. doi:10.3390/biology8010009
