Cold plunge at home: 8 things to check before you buy

A cold plunge is something you will use almost every day, so the right choice depends less on the spec sheet and more on how it fits into your space and your routine. These are the eight questions we go through with every customer before they order.

1. Where will it stand?

Decide first whether it goes indoors or outdoors, because that shapes everything else: floor protection, ventilation and water care. You need a flat, level surface large enough for the tub (Ø 90 × H 80 cm) with the chiller next to it. On AirTub the hoses between tub and chiller are 1.20 m long (longer on request), so the chiller can sit beside the tub or slightly out of the way.

Not sure which is better for you? Read Indoor or outdoor cold plunge: where should you put it?

2. How will you power it?

A self-cooling cold plunge runs from a standard 220 V socket. Outdoors, use a weather-protected socket on a circuit with a residual-current device (RCD), and avoid long extension cables. If you are unsure, have an electrician check the socket before installation.

3. How cold do you need it?

The chiller is what makes the difference: it holds the exact temperature you set, day and night, without ice. AirTub cools down to 3°C, but most people who plunge daily stay around 7–10°C. Our How to Plunge guide explains why that range works for a daily routine.

4. How many people will use it?

A cold plunge for one or two people at home is a different job from one used all day in a gym or hotel. More people need a stronger chiller to keep the water just as cold, which is why there is AirTub Pro.

See every difference side by side on the compare page.

5. How will you keep the water clean?

Clean water is what lets you keep the same water for weeks instead of emptying the tub after every session. Look for continuous circulation and a proper filter you can change yourself. AirTub Home comes with 2 filters included and AirTub Pro with 2 + 2 for its two filtration stages.

For even cleaner water you can add UV XL, Ozone or both. We recommend both. If you choose one, UV XL is our first choice: it is Plug & Play and works indoors and outdoors. The UV XL vs Ozone page and our water care guide explain how they work.

6. How much daily effort do you want?

The best cold plunge is the one you actually use. Check that you can set the temperature and a schedule from your phone, so the water is ready when you are, and that there is an insulated lid to keep the cold in and dirt out. AirTub includes both: the Smart App with temperature and calendar control, and an insulated lid.

7. How easy is it to set up or move?

A rigid tub needs a fixed spot and often a team to carry it. AirTub uses premium SUP (stand-up paddle) construction: you inflate it with the included pump, connect the chiller and fill it with a garden hose. Setup takes about 20 minutes, with no plumbing. Empty, the AirTub Home system weighs about 35 kg, and the tub packs into the included transport backpack.

8. Delivery, warranty and support

Check who you will talk to if something goes wrong, and how fast. AirTub ships across Europe with fully tracked UPS delivery in 4–6 business days, comes with a 2-year warranty, and our support team speaks your language. More on the How we ship page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need ice for a cold plunge with a chiller?

No. The chiller cools the water and keeps it at the temperature you set, so you never need to buy or carry ice. See Cold plunge vs ice bath for the full comparison.

Do I need a plumber?

No. You fill the tub with a normal garden hose and empty it through the drain valve.

Which model should I choose for my home?

For a home with up to about 8 people a day, AirTub Home. For a gym, hotel, spa or club with more users, AirTub Pro.