Touted for their ability to ease sore muscles, decrease inflammation, and bring your mind into laser-like focus, cold plunge pools are one of the latest wellness trends making the rounds—and homeowners are taking note by installing them in their bathrooms, basem*nts, and backyards.
In fact, the ice-bathing movement has become so popular that research firm Future Market Insights predicts the plunge pool market will grow by more than $200 million over the next 10 years.
But is this hot—er, cold—new add-on the right thing for you and your home? Before you commit, there are a few things you should know about the pros and cons of these chilling dunk tanks:
Pro: Wellness amenities, including cold plunge pools, are top of mind for buyers.
Wellness is a home trend that isn’t going away. “I’ve had several clients point out during home tours where they would put their cold plunge,” says Massachusetts-based Realtor® Dana Bull.
Con: Cold plunge pools aren’t cheap to install or maintain.
On the other hand, cold plunge pools are likely to be a significant investment. While it’s possible to find a freestanding tub where the upfront cost is relatively negligible, the price goes up (and up) from there. This one from Plunge starts at just under $5,000 for a standard-size, cold-only basin for indoor or outdoor use. If you want a custom in-ground plunge pool, you can expect to pay somewhere between $10,000 and $50,000. That’s less than the cost of adding an actual pool—but not by much. Maintenance, meanwhile, could set you back several hundred dollars per month.
Pro: You’ll have access to a fully custom pool whenever you’d like.
Whether you’re hoping to treat post-workout muscles or simply get some mental clarity on a brain-foggy day, owning a cold plunge pool means you’ll be able to do that anytime you like, in the comfort of your own home. And when it comes to design, the sky’s the limit. Tubs can come in a variety of materials, from concrete to metal, and can be installed both indoors and out—including in tiny backyards in the city.
“We can fabricate any size and shape to meet the clients needs and space,” explains Mitchell Martinek, design manager at Diamond Spas. “Even for small yards, our 7×7 foot inground spas can be accommodated,” adds Dave Battersby, director of business development at Immerspa.
Con: You may not see a return on your investment.
While you may love the benefits of your own private cold plunge pool, it may not be as valuable to the next owners of your home. “It’s similar to saunas,” explains Bull. “Having a high-quality sauna installed in a home can be a selling point if it’s located in a spa-like bathroom or high-end basem*nt gym. If it looks creepy, it’s a turn off to future buyers.”
The bottom line
If you want to dip your proverbial toe into the icy waters with something cheap and portable, there’s very little risk. But when it comes to a more significant investment, you should really only take the plunge if you know you’ll use it continuously. The main return on investment, according to the pros, is likely your own enjoyment.
Ready to cool down before summer starts? Start your search with these plunge pools:
If price is more important than design: BINYUAN XL Ice Bath with Cover
This inflatable pool looks like a koozie—but who cares when it costs $115 and takes just 10 minutes to set up?
Buy it: BINYUAN XL Ice Bath with Cover, $115 at Amazon
If you want something slightly sturdier: Ejia Ice Bath Therapy Portable Cold Plunge Recovery Bathtub
Made from fiberglass, with a more tub-like shape, this portable pool still won’t break the bank.
Buy it: Ejia Ice Bath Therapy Portable Cold Plunge Recovery Bathtub, $470 at Walmart
If you want an ice tub to match your sauna: Red Cedar Round Plug and Play Ice Tub
If you’re thinking about expanding your spa-like amenities to include a plunge pool and a sauna, this red cedar tub will fit right in.
Buy it: Red Cedar Round Plug and Play Ice Tub, $3,800 at Wayfair
If you want a cold plunge pool that can also be a hot tub: The Plunge
This gorgeous tub would look equally at home in your bathroom or back patio. And, for an extra $600, you can add a heater and it will double as a hot tub.
Buy it: The Plunge, $4,990 at Plunge
