What Should Athletes Keep In Mind When Choosing An Ice Bath Tub?

Ice bath tubs have garnered tremendous attention in the global wellness community, as more people acknowledge the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy. The trend is further driven by a growing number of influencers who’ve publicly endorsed cold water treatment. 

From charismatic motivational speaker Tony Robbins to accomplished musician Lady Gaga, basketball sensation LeBron James…there’s a long list of celebrities who swear by the benefits of cold plunging. 

But like most therapeutic treatments, the efficacy of ice baths depends on the quality of equipment used. Here’s a definitive guide to the top considerations while shopping for an ice bath tub.

Acknowledging the Benefits

To select the best ice tubs, it’s best to start by acknowledging the advantages of cold water immersion. 

Improved blood circulation is one of the wellness benefits of taking an ice bath treatment. 

When you first immerse in an ice bath tub, the cold shock triggers a sudden constriction of the arteries and veins. However, this is immediately followed by vasodilation, which causes your blood vessels to expand beyond their normal levels. The dilated arteries supply more oxygenated blood and nutrients to various body parts, while accelerating the excretion of metabolic waste products. 

Increased blood circulation can set up a chain of other positive biological reactions, including alleviating muscle soreness, revving up your metabolism, improving cognitive performance, and soothing nervousness. These processes are all essential for post-workout recovery.

Indoor versus Outdoor Treatments

Investing in an ice bath tub enables you to enjoy cold water therapy indoors or outdoors. 

Setting up an ice bath tub indoors provides better temperature control. Besides, it extends the tub’s longevity due to minimal exposure to the elements. 

Meanwhile, outdoor ice bath tubs provide a more holistic experience due to their natural setting. Remember that nature is a healer in itself. 

An outdoor ice bath tub can also augment your property’s curb appeal. And while the setting may require more hands-on temperature monitoring, it provides extra flexibility in terms of tub size and placement spots. 

Size and Capacity

Are you looking to cold-plunge alone or alongside your significant other? The answer will determine the right ice bath tub size to choose. 

Select a smaller tub if you prefer solo ice baths. Such tubs are also suitable if you’re contemplating indoor installation, where space can be a huge limitation. 

But despite how compact an ice bath tub is, ensure it can comfortably accommodate you. Consider your height and weight, bearing in mind that ice baths are most effective with your body submerged up to the jawline. 

While there’s no standard size requirements, aim for a tub that’s at least 65” long X 33” wide X 25” high. These dimensions provide sufficient wiggle room, in case you need to move around during the treatment. 

Lightweight and Portability

We cannot discuss the ideal ice bath tub size without referring to the ease of carrying. And no, portable tubs aren’t only resourceful when you’re planning to cold plunge at work or in a camping site. 

Even if you intend to administer all your ice baths at home, a compact and lightweight tub would serve you best. 

Portable ice bath tubs ensure hassle-free cleaning and maintenance. 

Besides, they’re easier to relocate when moving homes. You can safely transport the tub in your truck’s bed or trunk without consuming much space for your other household essentials.

Construction Material

Ice baths can be made from different materials, including metal, plastics, and fiberglass-reinforced acrylic. 

Fiberglass-reinforced acrylic provides excellent insulation. Ice bath tubs constructed from this material can maintain consistent water temperature for longer, making them particularly suitable for outdoor cold plunges. 

Fiberglass-reinforced acrylic is also low-maintenance, thanks to its ease of cleaning. Its ability to balance between durability and aesthetics explains why it outshines other common ice bath tub materials. 

If you opt for metallic bath tubs, insist on those constructed from anti-rust and anti-corrosion materials. Excellent options include stainless steel and aluminum. 

Finally, plastic ice bath tubs primarily stand out for their affordability and ease of maintenance. For a truly durable option, consider tubs made from thermoplastic polymers like high-density polyethylene (HDPE). 

Temperature Regulation Mechanisms

The duration of ice bath tubs depends on your individual tolerance and the desired therapeutic effects. 

As a beginner, it’s safer to start with as low as 1 – 2 minutes. You can then build momentum gradually until you hit the maximum allowable range of 10 – 15 minutes. 

But despite how long you intend to immerse in an ice bath, you deserve a tub that can maintain your ideal water temperature. 

Look out for double-walled, fully insulated tubs. Besides keeping the water within your desired temperature, insulated tubs minimize condensation. That makes them excellent if you’re planning to cold plunge indoors or in areas where relative humidity fluctuates dramatically. 

Insulated ice bath tubs also provide a buffer against ambient temperature. Therefore, they can minimize the chances of your cold plunge hardening into ice during winter. 

Remember, your ice bath tub’s construction material and setting also impact its temperature regulating properties.

Accessories

Chiller 

A chiller does exactly what the name implies – preserving your ice bath tub’s water temperature. It’s a critical cold plunge accessory, especially if you prefer to take your ice bath treatments outdoors. 

When shopping for a chiller, prioritize those with variable temperature settings. This enables you to adjust the water temperature as desired. 

Besides, choose a chiller with a built-in air filtration system to filter out sediments and pathogens.  

Floating Thermometer

A floating thermometer lets you track your ice bath’s temperature throughout the treatment. 

Some essential features to look for in a premium floating thermometer include legible scales, water-resistant construction, and excellent buoyancy.   

Post-treatment Essentials

Serenading massage therapy is necessary to fully unlock the benefits of ice baths. Studies have shown that massage may soothe muscle soreness, stimulate blood circulation, and trigger mental relaxation. 

Therefore, spare a thought for massage rollers even as you shop for an ice bath tub. 

Another essential post-ice bath treatment are recovery wraps. 

Also known as compression boots, recovery wraps utilize dynamic compression to generate peristaltic pressure, which pushes blood out of the muscles. They’re most effective at treating post-workout muscle inflammation around the legs and hands.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Summary

Choosing an ice bath tub is a high-involving decision that requires as much information in your back pocket as possible. 

Size and construction materials are some of the key determinants of a suitable ice bath tub. The right tub size maximizes your comfort while enjoying the cold plunge, whereas robust construction materials extend the tub’s durability. 

After hunkering down on a proper ice bath tub, remember to accessorize it accordingly. 

Photo Credit: IceBoundEssentials.com