Cold plunges have become a go-to recovery tool for athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to boost their physical and mental well-being. While cryotherapy has been used for health and sports recovery for centuries, there is a growing variety of modern options for achieving these benefits. (1)
The Sun Home Cold Plunge offers a portable, inflatable solution for cold therapy that’s easy to set up and use in your home. But with so many cold plunge tubs on the market, you may wonder how this model stacks up in terms of performance and value.
In this review, we break down the key features of the Sun Home Cold Plunge ice bath, including cost, ease of use, and effectiveness. We’ll also explore special design features, portability, and whether it delivers on the health benefits touted by cold therapy advocates.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Key product features
What you should know
The Sun Home Cold Plunge offers a portable, durable ice bath solution for easy setup and consistent cold therapy. Equipped with a smart chiller, it ensures an efficient and compact experience, complete with ozone sanitation and an insulated cover for enhanced performance.
- We love that the Sun Home Cold Plunge is portable enough (the tub itself is only 15.5 lbs) to function indoors or outdoors without any plumbing requirements.
- At $4,999, the Sun Home Cold Plunge is in the middle-to-low end of the price range for tub-style cold plunges (vs. barrel or vertical models), but it’s several inches longer than similarly priced models.
- Because of its length, narrowness, and maximum cold temperature of 32℉, the Sun Home Cold Plunge is ideal for tall, lean athletes looking to maximize their recovery with an icy post-workout plunge.
Sun Home Cold Plunge overview
The Sun Home Cold Plunge is an inflatable, lightweight solution to an in-home ice bath. It’s convenient and effective without being overly complicated or expensive. Unlike traditional permanent tubs or barrel designs, the Sun Home Cold Plunge provides a portable solution for cryotherapy enthusiasts who don’t want to commit to a location.
But portable doesn’t mean small—this cold plunge is quite longer than many other comparable models. Despite its inflatable tub, weighing only 15.5 lbs, this low-maintenance design still delivers an effective cold plunge experience. We love it for the way it combines convenience with functionality, but wouldn’t mind if it were a little wider to accommodate more body types. While it says it can accommodate two people, you’re much better off chilling out alone.
How does the Sun Home Cold Plunge work?
The Sun Home Cold Plunge delivers a cold water immersion experience with temperatures typically ranging from 32°F to 60°F, as Sun Home recommends, though it can withstand hot water up to 104°F. Plus, setting it up is simple:
- To begin, you’ll need to inflate the tub with air using the included hand pump.
- Next, attach the connections and hoses, and fill the tub with up to 360 liters of water using a garden hose.
- Once filled, connect the chiller to a grounded outlet and set your desired temperature.
Despite the need for initial setup time, the inflatable design allows for quick and easy assembly, a stark contrast to traditional rigid tubs. This model can be inflated and ready to fill in just minutes. Our team product tester noted it can take 1.5-2 hours to fully fill with water. Once assembled, the water doesn’t need refilling for two to three weeks, depending on how frequently it’s used.
After chilling, the plunge is ready for use. Keep the chiller plugged in during use to maintain the temperature. If you need to move or store the tub, simply unplug, drain the water, deflate, and disassemble it. If the tub remains in one place, cover it between uses to keep the water clean and maintain the temperature efficiently.
Sun Home Cold Plunge benefits
The Sun Home Cold Plunge offers numerous potential benefits that cater to a wide range of users. Here are some of the reported benefits:
- Reduces inflammation: It may aid in muscle recovery, reducing inflammation and soreness after intense workouts. (2, 3, 4) The cold exposure helps constrict blood vessels, which can decrease swelling and enhance recovery time. (2)
- Improves mood and reduces pain: Many people report improved mood, reduced pain and reduced stress levels following cold therapy sessions, thanks to the release of endorphins during and after immersion. (5)
- Easy storage and portability: The inflatable design specific to Sun Home also allows for easy transport and storage, making it an excellent option for those with limited space or who want to enjoy cold therapy both indoors and outdoors.
Sun Home Cold Plunge side effects
While cold plunges are known for their health benefits, they may also have unwanted side effects, especially for newcomers unaccustomed to cold exposure. Initially, some users might feel discomfort as the body reacts to the lower temperature. Key responses include vasoconstriction—where blood vessels narrow to conserve heat—and shivering to generate warmth. (1)
Additionally, some people might experience cold shock, characterized by a sudden increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This can lead to hyperventilation or severe muscle stiffness, which can lead to hyperventilation or extreme stiffness. (7)
Another common temporary reaction is numbness or tingling in the extremities caused by the reduced blood flow, but this usually subsides soon after the body warms up.
Although these side effects are generally temporary and reversible, individuals with cardiovascular conditions or a sensitivity to cold should consult a healthcare provider before engaging in cold therapy to avoid any serious complications. (7)
Specs
| Price | $4,999 |
| FSA/HSA eligible | No |
| Temperature range | 32℉ to 104℉ |
| Power requirement | 120 V, 11 A |
| Time to cool | 30-60 minutes |
| Return policy | 30-day |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
We’ve featured Sun Home Cold Plunge in:
Who Sun Home Cold Plunge is recommended for:
- Portability fans: Ideal for those who prioritize portability, easy setup, and affordability.
- Beginners: A great option for beginners looking to easily integrate cold therapy into their routine.
- Taller individuals and athletes: It accommodates people up to 6’8”, making it a rare find in the cold plunge market.
Who Sun Home Cold Plunge is not recommended for:
- Permanent installation seekers: Not suitable for those seeking a fixed, high-end cold plunge with a robust and sturdy design.
- Feature-focused users: May not satisfy those looking for advanced features like built-in cooling systems, lighting, or larger water capacities.
Consistent temperature needs: Not ideal for individuals who require a tub capable of maintaining a consistent temperature for extended periods.
Compare Sun Home Cold Plunge
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sun Home Cold Plunge | The Plunge | Nordic Wave The Viking | Ice Barrel 400 | Inergize Health Cold Plunge Tub | Chilly Goat Alpine Glacier | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Cost | $4,999 | $5,990 | $5,999 | $1,199.99 | $4,290 | $10,619 |
| Size | 76” L x 27” W x 25” H | 67” L x 31.5” W x 24” H | 30″ L x 36″ W x 41″ H | 31” W x 42” H | 51” L x 27.5” W x 30” H | 84″ L x 42″ W x 30″ H |
| Max cooling | 32℉ | 37℉ | 38℉ | N/A | 37℉ | 40℉ |
How we test recovery products
Recovery is essential, not just for athletes but for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether through heat therapy in a sauna or cold therapy in a cold plunge tub, these methods can significantly enhance your recovery process. Choosing the right cold plunge involves considering a range of factors to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Our process is comprehensive, combining physical testing of the Sun Home Cold Plunge with expert input to assess everything from effectiveness and ease of use to durability and safety standards.
Whether you’re seeking the intense heat of a sauna to relax your muscles or the invigorating chill of a cold plunge tub for inflammation reduction, we’re here to guide you. After all, effective recovery tools can make a significant difference in longevity, health, and overall wellness.
You can read our full recovery product testing methodology here.
Performance (recovery effectiveness)—30%
A high-quality recovery product should deliver on its promise of aiding your recovery process. Performance encompasses various critical aspects, including the ability of saunas to reach and maintain desired temperatures for heat therapy and the capacity of cold plunge tubs to regulate water temperature for effective cold therapy accurately. Our testers assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the product as well as the user’s recovery experience.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature range
- Temperature stability
- Ease of use
- Durability and material quality
- Power demand
Design and safety—30%
Alongside effectiveness, design is paramount for a positive recovery experience. It factors in how these therapies support and enhance the user’s overall well-being, whether sitting in a sauna or immersed in a cold plunge tub. The health and safety aspects are also critical, especially for products used in close contact with the body or for therapeutic purposes like saunas and cold plunge tubs. This category scrutinizes the measures and features implemented by manufacturers to protect users from potential hazards while also assessing the health-promoting aspects of the products. We evaluate:
- Size
- Accessibility features
- Material safety
- Certifications
- Safety features
Value—20%
This category delves into the intersection of quality, performance, durability, and the financial investment required to identify products that offer significant health and wellness returns without the financial burden. This offers a holistic view of the product’s worth by balancing the initial investment against the quality, benefits, and ongoing costs associated with its use. This approach helps consumers make informed decisions, identify products that meet their recovery needs, and represent a wise and sustainable financial investment.
Customer experience—20%
The overall purchasing and ownership experience can significantly impact satisfaction with a recovery product. This category focuses on consumers’ journeys, from initial interest to post-purchase support. The assessment goes beyond the physical attributes and considers the entirety of the process, including shipping, customer support, assembly, and more.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Shipping
- Assembly
- Warranty
- Customer support
FAQs
How much does the Sun Home Cold Plunge cost?
The Sun Home Cold Plunge is available for $4,999. This price includes an XL military-grade plunge tub, insulated cover, 1HP chiller and heater, ozone sanitation, smart hand pump, simple repair kit, spare filter, and a durable carrying case for convenient transport. Shipping is complimentary within the continental U.S.
Is the Sun Home Cold Plunge worth the money?
The Sun Home Cold Plunge represents excellent value for those searching for a comprehensive, portable cold therapy solution. It features durable construction and includes a smart chiller, ozone sanitation, and an insulated cover among other benefits. While it comes with a higher price tag than some basic models, its enhanced convenience and versatility justify the investment, making it a worthwhile choice for enthusiasts.
How do you clean the Sun Home Cold Plunge?
Cleaning the Sun Home Cold Plunge is straightforward: simply drain the water, rinse with mild soap, and allow it to air dry. For a more thorough clean, apply a gentle disinfectant. Thanks to its built-in ozone sanitation and micron filtration system, the plunge maintains cleanliness between uses, promoting both hygiene and durability.
Our experts
Katrina Carter, PT, DPT, FNS
Dr. Katrina Carter, DPT, is a dedicated physical therapist with over ten years of experience. Dr. Carter enjoys working in outpatient orthopedics where she can share her passion for wellness and nutrition. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of Connecticut and her doctorate in physical therapy at Seton Hall.
After earning her DPT, Dr. Carter acted as an open lab instructor in Seton Hall’s musculoskeletal lab for five years alongside her physical therapy work. She’s also received an ACE certification in functional nutrition in 2019 and is an Expert Reviewer for Health.com and Verywellhealth.com. In her free time, she enjoys dance, fitness, baking, and traveling the world.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Jessica Coulon
Jessica is a contributing editor and writer who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
Rachel Tavel is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association), Forbes Health Advisory Board Member and writer. She earned her BA from Bowdoin College and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from New York University.
Her writing has appeared in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Forbes, SELF, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Prevention, Huffington Post and more. In addition, she’s co-authored several travel guidebooks and written a book about stretching. Rachel is a regularly featured fitness expert in the top health and fitness magazines in the country and has appeared as a recurring guest on Sirius XM’s “Doctor Radio.” Rachel is passionate about all things health and wellness. She loves sharing her expertise in ways that help people improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Sources
- 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 122, 1153-1162 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-022-04915-5
- Esperland D, de Weerd L, Mercer JB. Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water – a continuing subject of debate. Int J Circumpolar Health. 2022 Dec;81(1):2111789. doi: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2111789
- Xiao F, Kabachkova AV, Jiao L, Zhao H, Kapilevich LV. Effects of cold water immersion after exercise on fatigue recovery and exercise performance–meta analysis. Front Physiol. 2023 Jan 20;14:1006512. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1006512
- Alec Piñero , Ryan Burke , Francesca Augustin , et al. Throwing cold water on muscle growth: A systematic review with meta-analysis of the effects of postexercise cold water immersion on resistance training-induced hypertrophy 05 February 2024 https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.12074
- Kelly JS, Bird E. Improved mood following a single immersion in cold water. Lifestyle Med. 2021; 3:e53. https://doi.org/10.1002/lim2.53
- Yankouskaya A, Williamson R, Stacey C, Totman JJ, Massey H. Short-Term Head-Out Whole-Body Cold-Water Immersion Facilitates Positive Affect and Increases Interaction between Large-Scale Brain Networks. Biology (Basel). 2023 Jan 29;12(2):211. doi: 10.3390/biology12020211
- Knechtle B, Waśkiewicz Z, Sousa CV, Hill L, Nikolaidis PT. Cold Water Swimming-Benefits and Risks: A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 2;17(23):8984. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17238984