If you want to start cold plunging at home, the first decision is simple but important: an inflatable ice bath you fill with ice, or a hard-sided cold plunge kept cold by an electric chiller. The first costs far less and packs away; the second keeps water cold on demand with no ice runs. This guide compares both using real products and specs from our store, so you can pick the setup that fits your budget, space and routine.
The quick answer
- Choose an inflatable ice bath if you plunge a few times a week, want to try cold exposure before investing heavily, need to store or travel with the tub, or have a limited budget.
- Choose a cold plunge with a chiller if you plunge daily, want a consistent water temperature without buying ice, and have a permanent spot with power and drainage.
Side-by-side comparison
| Inflatable ice bath | Cold plunge with chiller | |
|---|---|---|
| Example | Tru Grit Fitness Inflatable Ice Bath | Dundalk Polar Plunge Tub plus a chiller |
| Upfront cost | $999 | Tub from about $2,500 plus a chiller from about $2,600 |
| How it gets cold | You add ice | Electric chiller holds a set temperature |
| Setup | Inflates in 2 to 5 minutes | Permanent placement, power and plumbing connections |
| Portability | Rolls into a backpack; kit weighs 38 lb | Stays put |
| Ongoing cost | Ice for every session | Electricity and filter maintenance |
| Best for | Beginners, renters, travel, occasional plunges | Daily users who want convenience |
Prices are as listed on our product pages at the time of writing and can change.
The inflatable option: Tru Grit Fitness Inflatable Ice Bath
The Tru Grit Fitness Inflatable Ice Bath is listed at $999 and measures 60 x 30 x 37 inches. According to the product page it uses an industrial-grade drop-stitched chassis with a PVC shell, inflates in 2 to 5 minutes with the included double action pump, and deflates in about 2 minutes. The complete kit weighs 38 lb and includes the tub, pump, mat, backpack and a repair kit. It has dedicated fill and drain ports that work with most garden hoses.
What it does well
- Low entry cost. It is a fraction of the price of a tub and chiller combination.
- Stores away. Deflate it, roll it up and put it in a closet, car trunk or RV when you are not using it.
- Complete kit. Pump, mat, carry backpack and repair kit are included, so there is nothing else to buy to get started.
The trade-offs
- Ice every time. Without a chiller, water warms toward the air temperature, so you will add ice before each session. How much you need depends on your climate, tap water temperature and how cold you want it.
- Temperature is less consistent. You control it by adding ice and checking with a thermometer, not by setting a number.
- Water changes. With no filtration, plan to drain and refill regularly.
The product page also mentions compatibility with a Tru Grit ice and heat pump upgrade, listed as coming soon. If adding cooling later matters to you, call us before ordering and we will confirm what is currently available.
The chiller option: a dedicated cold plunge
A chiller is a small refrigeration unit that circulates water through a cooling loop and holds it at a set temperature. You pair it with a tub, or buy an all-in-one unit with the chiller built in.
Tubs
- Dundalk Polar Plunge Tub ($3,444): Eastern White Cedar with a 304 stainless steel or white HDPE interior, 71 x 33 x 25 inches outside, holds 190 gallons. It can be used with Penguin or Coldture chillers, or with ice.
- Dundalk Baltic Cold Plunge Tub ($2,554.50): Eastern White Cedar barrel-style tub, shipped assembled, usable with an electric chiller or ice.
Chillers
- Penguin Cold Therapy Chiller with Filter Kit ($2,641): the manufacturer states it maintains water in the low 40s °F and can reach the high 30s under optimal conditions. It measures 17 x 15 x 13 inches, weighs 49 lb and is rated at 56 dBA. The manufacturer estimates running costs of $18 to $28 per month at $0.12 per kWh. It must be disconnected and drained in freezing weather.
- KPlunge 3/4 HP Chiller and Heater ($2,999): cools to 38 °F and heats to 104 °F, with app and WiFi control, a built-in ozone generator and a replaceable filter. The manufacturer says it works with any cold plunge or hot tub that has a standard inlet and outlet.
All-in-one
The Borealis 69-inch cold plunge and hot tub ($7,999) has a built-in chiller and heater with a listed range of 37 °F to 104 °F, plus two jets, ozone and filtration. It is the most convenient option and the most expensive.
How to decide
- Count your sessions. If you will plunge most days, the time and cost of buying ice adds up quickly and a chiller starts to make sense. A few times a week, ice is manageable.
- Check your space. A chiller setup needs a permanent level spot, a suitable outlet and a way to drain water. An inflatable just needs floor space and a hose.
- Think about climate. In hot weather, ice melts faster, which favors a chiller. Chillers such as the Penguin need to be winterized if temperatures drop below freezing.
- Set a budget. The inflatable is about $999 all in. A cedar tub plus chiller starts around $5,000 before any electrical work.
A note on safety
Manufacturers describe cold plunging as a way to support recovery and reduce muscle soreness, and many athletes use it, but research on its benefits is still developing and results vary from person to person. Start with short sessions at a moderate temperature, never plunge alone or under the influence, and talk to your doctor first if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or any other medical concern.
Shipping and support
Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight, so the Tru Grit inflatable ice bath qualifies; below that, shipping is a flat $200. Returns follow our return and refund policy. See more recovery and training gear on our Tru Grit Fitness brand page, or call 866-777-2590 (Mon to Fri, 9AM to 6PM PST) to talk through a setup.
Frequently asked questions
Is an inflatable ice bath as cold as a cold plunge?
It can be, as long as you add enough ice. The difference is consistency: a chiller holds a set temperature, while an ice bath starts warming as soon as the ice melts.
Can I add a chiller to an inflatable ice bath?
It depends on the tub’s ports and the chiller’s connections. The Tru Grit page lists compatibility with a Tru Grit pump upgrade that was marked as coming soon. Call us before pairing any third-party chiller so we can confirm it will work.
How much does it cost to run a cold plunge chiller?
It varies with climate, insulation and electricity prices. As one example, the manufacturer of the Penguin chiller estimates $18 to $28 per month at $0.12 per kWh.
Can I use a cold plunge indoors?
Many can. The KPlunge chiller and the Borealis all-in-one are listed for indoor and outdoor use. Indoors, plan for water on the floor, a nearby drain and adequate ventilation.
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