Cold Plunge Pools – Are they worth it? Which are the best cold tubs?
Cold water therapy is trendy. Not quite as trendy as it was during the years of COVID lockdowns, but the steam behind cold plunge pools at home has not yet dissipated. Still, influencers and online medical communicators preach to the choir of benefits for both our bodily and mental well being. We have previously written about ice baths, and cold plunges, but never about the effectiveness of the products that you can buy at home.
Today we will look at some of the options available, that many people across the UK have at home, and see whether they achieve what they are marked to - and if it's all worth the money.
The benefits of Cold Plunge Tubs & Cold Therapy
Cold water therapy, also known as cold immersion or hydrotherapy, involves exposing the body to cold water, typically ranging from 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F). The biological effects of this practice are tied to the body’s stress response.
When exposed to cold water, the body triggers vasoconstriction, where blood vessels constrict to conserve heat and maintain core temperature. This reduces blood flow to the skin and extremities, redirecting it to vital organs. Upon exiting the cold water, vasodilation occurs, enhancing circulation and promoting recovery by flushing out metabolic waste from tissues - although much of this is anecdotal evidence, and more studies are required.
Cold immersion also activates the sympathetic nervous system, releasing norepinephrine, a hormone that boosts alertness, mood, and immune function. This hormone can help reduce inflammation, as it diminishes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Additionally, cold exposure stimulates the production of brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat, potentially aiding in weight management.CCold water therapy has been shown to increase endorphin levels, improve mood, and reduce pain perception. The combination of these physiological responses makes cold water therapy a popular practice for enhancing recovery, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall well-being.
Are home cold plunge tubs (or ice baths) legit?
There is some critique online that the home cold plunge pools are pointless. They are not cold enough and a waste of money. It is right that there are some brands who offer tubs that are extremely poor quality, and therefore, a waste of money, but on the hole the offerings in the UK are generally quite good.
As we live in the UK, the pools do get cold enough to affect our biology. The average temperature of tap water is still below 10°C even on the warmest of summer days. Many brands these days also have lids, and reinforced insulated bodies, which retain the cold inside the tub. The simple addition of ice would bring the temperature right down.
The concern you should have is if the pool gets too cold. Many people leave their tubs outside to become as cold as possible. In the winter, it is not uncommon for a crust of ice to form on the lid. Be aware that this may mean the water is way too cold, and the last thing you want to do is cause yourself any long-lasting damage!
Which are the best Cold Tubs you can find in the UK?
Nurecover - Portable Ice Bath
We highly rate the Nurecover recover pod. It is well-insulated, produced using high quality materials and is followed by thousands of happy customers.
The tubs are endorsed by the likes of Kevin Hart (the tubs are large enough for somebody over 6ft - so don't worry abut Kev) and UFC's Nate Diaz.
Overall, it is a very highly recommended cold plunge bath, and worth the kudos it gets.
If you'd like to read more about the Nurecover recovery pod, then click the link. Use code YOUWELL for 20% off too.
Lumi Ice Pod Max
If you're not a fan of Nurecover, then a similar brand is Lumi. You can find them reccommended across the board, and are a visiably highly-reccommended tub on Amazon in the UK.
Their pod is also insulated, made from high-qualty anti-tear plastics, and has it's own insulation bubble that can be placed at the lid.
There are plenty of brands to choose from, but Lumi offers a combination of value for money and utility (if you take your cold plunge quite seriously).
Iomhar Jones
Iomhar is a journalist and writer from the North of England, but lives north of the boarder. He's been writing about health and travel for more than 12 years. https://www.clippings.me/imoimo