Ice Pod Pro vs Ice Pod Standard: Which Is Better?

Are you stuck choosing between the Ice Pod Pro and Ice Pod Standard? After using both for over a year, I can confidently say the Pro is the better cold plunge.

In this article, I’ll explain why the Pro version is worth the extra $20. Let’s begin.

Prefer to watch instead? Click below to watch my comparison video

They Look Almost Identical

At first glance, the tubs look the same. Both are black, barrel-shaped tubs with an insulated ring.

Look closer, and you’ll notice the Pro has a sleeker appearance. It has black support poles, a smaller insulated lid, and a different logo. Flip them around, and you’ll see the Pro has two valves on the back. The Standard only has one.

This is the big difference.

That Second Valve Changes Everything

It might not seem like a big deal if you’re new to cold plunging. But that extra valve is likely the reason you’ll either cold plunge for a month and quit or keep doing it for years.

Here’s why.

That second connection on the Pro lets you hook up a water chiller easily. And a water chiller is what separates people who cold plunge once a week from people who do it every single day.

The Specs Don’t Tell the Whole Story

The Pro version boasts thicker insulation, UV-resistant material, and slightly more room inside the tub. It also has more padding on the bottom, which adds a little comfort.

Honestly? I can’t tell the difference.

If you blindfolded me and put me in one of the tubs, I wouldn’t be able to guess which one I was in. They feel the same. They pretty much look the same. They perform the same.

The only real difference is those two valves.

Why the Standard Version Even Exists

I think they only offer the Standard version for marketing purposes.

Here’s the truth: they know the $20 price difference isn’t much. They know most people will just spend the extra money on the Pro version. They also know how cold plunging usually goes for people.

You get really excited. You buy a tub. You fill it with ice and use it a few times. Then you give up because you don’t want to buy ice every time.

The ice blocks they sell on their site will work. You’ll just need about 35 pounds worth. And even after you dump all that ice in, the water still isn’t ready. You’ll have to wait another 10 to 30 minutes for the temperature to drop.

When the Standard Version Makes Sense

There’s one setting where I’d recommend the Standard: cold climates.

If you live somewhere cold, all you need is a tub. The ambient temperature will keep your water plenty cold to plunge.

But here’s the problem. Even in a cold climate, you can’t keep the water at a specific set temperature without a chiller. One day it’s 45 degrees. The next day it’s 38 degrees. You don’t have control. And most people lose interest when they can’t maintain consistency.

The reality is, if you want to stay consistent with cold plunging, you’ll need a water chiller. That requires either a DIY setup or a tub with two water chiller connections.

The Pro version has those connections. The Standard doesn’t.

Ice Melts Fast

If the ambient temperature is over 70 degrees, any ice you have in the tub will melt within 24 hours. This goes for both tubs.

But if you buy the Pod Company’s water chiller, you have a much better chance at actually using this cold plunge long-term. Being able to get in your Ice Pod Pro with a water chiller hooked up offers a satisfaction the Standard version never could.

Using a water chiller ensures the water is always clean, clear, and ready to plunge. No buying ice and waiting for it to melt just to repeat that process every day.

Durability

I’ve had no problems with either tub. No leaks. No tears. Nothing.

Both come with a repair kit in case you get a tear. This might happen if a dog scratches it or if something sharp cuts it. But in over a year of regular use, I haven’t needed it.

Comfort and Fit

I’m 5’10”, and I fit comfortably in both tubs. My shoulders are fully submerged when I sit cross-legged or on my butt with my knees pulled toward my chest.

Getting in and out is easy. The bottom isn’t slippery when wet. The tubs won’t tip over, but make sure to have them on flat, level ground.

Setup Is Simple

Setup is the same for both tubs. You slide the support poles into the slits, inflate the ring with the provided hand pump, and then fill with water. That’s it.

It’s honestly my favorite part of these cold plunges. They’re so easy to set up. I’m not able to have a cold plunge in my apartment, so I have to set it up and take it down at a different location each time I use it. It does get annoying because I’ve done it so many times. But it’s so easy, I really can’t complain.

Taking It Down Is Just as Fast

1. Open the drain plug on the bottom of the tub.
2. Attach the provided telescopic hose to divert the water off a deck or balcony, or just open the valves.
3. Dry the inside with a towel after the water drains.
4. Then, deflate the lid and remove the support poles.

The tub with all its accessories can easily fit in a cabinet, drawer, or under a bed.

Conclusion

Both tubs feel and look the same. But the Pro version separates itself with a feature that seems small but isn’t—two valves instead of one.

I can guarantee you’ll lose interest in cold plunging if you have to add ice every day. Unless you have 30+ pounds of ice handy at all times, which I doubt you do.

And the Pod Company’s water chiller connects very easily to the Pro version. It’s as easy to connect the water chiller as it is to set up the tub.

The choice is yours. But if you’re serious about cold plunging long-term, get the Pro.

Interested in more cold plunge comparisons? Let me know which tubs I should compare next!

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