Choosing Your SetupUpdated 3 hours ago
Choosing a cold plunge comes down to five things: where it will go, who will use it, how cold you want it, whether you also want heat, and what power you have. This guide walks you through each one, then compares the range side by side.
1. Where will it go?
- Small space, or you want to pack it away: an inflatable tub (Ice Bath Pro or Barrel). They set up without tools and fold into a carry bag.
- A permanent spot, indoors or out: the Acrylic Tub or a Cedar Tub. Both are freestanding and shouldn’t be moved once filled.
- Check delivery access. Acrylic and Cedar Tubs arrive by freight in a crate and are delivered kerbside. Make sure a truck can reach your property, and plan how you’ll move the crate into place.
- Allow room for the chiller. Every chiller needs 100 cm of clear space on all sides for airflow, and it sits next to the tub.
2. Who will use it?
- One person: Ice Bath Pro, Barrel, Arctic White, Acrylic Tub or Cedar Solo.
- Taller users, or shoulder-deep immersion: the Barrel.
- Two people, or one person who wants more room: the Cedar Duo.
- Gyms, studios and clinics: pair a permanent tub with the Ultra Ice, our only chiller built for commercial use. See Trade Discounts for Designers, Builders & Businesses.
3. How cold, and how fast?
Most of the benefits of cold water immersion happen at 10–15°C, so you don’t need the coldest chiller to get results. A more powerful chiller mainly cools faster, recovers faster between sessions, and copes better with large volumes, warm climates and frequent use.
4. Do you want heat too?
The Acrylic Chiller, Ultra Max and Ultra Ice can warm the water as well as cool it, which suits contrast therapy and cooler months. The Ultra X2 cools only.
5. What power do you have?
Every chiller needs its own earthed outlet, with no power boards. Chillers are wired for the region they’re sold in, so buy from the Vital+ store for your country. See Power Requirements and Running Costs.
Tubs at a glance
| Tub | Type | Capacity | Best for | Compatible chillers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Bath Pro | Inflatable, rectangular | ~400 L | Regular users, full-body immersion | All Vital+ chillers |
| Ice Bath Barrel | Inflatable, upright | ~400 L | Taller users, deeper immersion | All Vital+ chillers |
| Arctic White | Inflatable, reclined (bundle with Ultra X2) | ~400 L | A design-led portable setup | Ultra X2 (included) |
| Acrylic Tub | Rigid acrylic (bundle with Acrylic Chiller) | ~341–398 L fill | Permanent indoor or outdoor install | Acrylic Chiller (included) |
| Cedar Solo | Cedar with stainless steel liner | ~380 L | A premium permanent plunge for one | Ultra Max or Ultra Ice |
| Cedar Duo | Cedar with stainless steel liner | 416 L recommended fill | Two people, or more space for one | Ultra Max or Ultra Ice |
Chillers at a glance
| Chiller | Power | Coldest | Heats? | Typical cooling time* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra X2 | 0.3 HP | ~3°C | No | 8–12 hours | Everyday home use with inflatable tubs |
| Acrylic Chiller | 0.6 HP | 2°C | Yes, to 42°C | 4–6 hours | Sold with the Acrylic Tub only |
| Ultra Max | 1 HP | 1–2°C | Yes, to 45°C | Under 3 hours | Fast cooling at home, Cedar Tubs |
| Ultra Ice | 2 HP | 0–2°C | Yes, to 45°C | 2–3 hours (300 L) | Commercial and high-frequency use |
*From around 25°C, at the recommended fill. Larger volumes, warm weather and an open lid all add time.
Quick picks
- “I’m new to cold plunging and want to start simply”: Ice Bath Pro or Barrel with an Ultra X2.
- “I want it ready fast and I’ll use it most days”: any tub with an Ultra Max.
- “I want a permanent feature in my home or garden”: Acrylic Tub, or a Cedar Tub with an Ultra Max.
- “I want hot and cold from one tub”: Acrylic Tub, or any tub with an Ultra Max or Ultra Ice.
- “It’s for a gym or studio”: a permanent tub with an Ultra Ice.
Availability varies by region. Each product page shows whether it ships to your country.
Still deciding? Contact us with your space, who’ll use it and how often, and we’ll recommend a setup.