What types of cold plunge are there?
| Type | How it stays cold | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice bath (tub or trough) | Bags of ice each session | Trying cold plunging cheaply | Ongoing ice cost, no filtration, temperature drifts |
| Inflatable plunge with chiller | Separate chiller unit | Renters, small spaces, portability | Durability, insulation, chiller noise |
| Hard-shell tub with chiller | Integrated or matched chiller | Everyday home use | Chiller capacity in Australian summers |
| Premium cabinet plunge (timber, acrylic or steel) | Integrated chiller, filtration, sanitation | Design-led outdoor sauna areas | Weight, base, price, power |
Chiller or ice: which is better?
A chiller holds the water at the temperature you set, so every plunge is consistent, and most units filter the water as they circulate. Check the chiller's cooling capacity: Australian summers push water temperature up, and an undersized chiller struggles to get below the mid-teens on hot days.
Ice works but is a chore. You need a lot of it to drop a full tub to single digits, the temperature starts rising straight away, and without circulation the water needs changing often.
How cold should a plunge be?
Home plunges are commonly set somewhere between 3 and 15°C. Many people start nearer the warm end and shorter sessions, then adjust over time. Colder isn't automatically better. Choose a temperature you can enter calmly and breathe through.
How do you keep plunge water clean?
- Filtration: a circulating filter catches skin cells, hair and debris. Rinse or replace cartridges on schedule.
- Sanitation: ozone or UV systems reduce bacteria. Some owners also use a small, controlled sanitiser dose.
- Habits: rinse off before getting in, keep the lid on, and change the water regularly.
How do you pair a cold plunge with a sauna?
Most people alternate a sauna round with a short cold plunge and a rest, repeated two or three times. Place the plunge a few steps from the sauna door, on a level, drained base, with a non-slip surface between them. Plan power for both: a traditional heater and a chiller may each need their own circuit. Read what to consider in a sauna install.
Want to try it first? Many venues in the sauna finder offer sauna and ice bath sessions.
Questions people ask
What temperature should a cold plunge be?
Home cold plunges are commonly set between 3 and 15°C. Start at the warmer end with shorter sessions and adjust over time.
Is a chiller worth it for a cold plunge?
If you plunge more than occasionally, yes. A chiller holds a consistent temperature, circulates and filters the water, and removes the need to buy ice every session.
Do cold plunges need power?
Chiller plunges do, and larger chillers may need a dedicated circuit. Ice baths need no power but need ice every time.
Should you do the sauna or cold plunge first?
Most people start with the sauna, then plunge, then rest, and repeat. Everyone's routine differs, so start gently and check with your doctor if you have a medical condition.