Avoid This Cheap Cold Plunge at All Costs: Ganen Review

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Are you searching for a cheap cold plunge? It might sound tempting to save a few bucks, but trust me, not all cold plunges are created equal.

I recently tested a $56 inflatable cold plunge from Amazon, and it claimed to do everything the Ice Pod Pro from the Pod Company can do. Sadly, it didn’t live up to the hype.

This post will explore why you should avoid this cheap cold plunge and save yourself the hassle.

What’s in the Box

First, there was the inflatable cold plunge/ice bath tub itself. It looked promising at first. Then, I noticed the cover, which felt thin and flimsy. Next, I found eight support poles, even though only six are needed for setup. These poles felt weak and had Chinese letters stamped on them. There was also a telescopic hose included, which seemed useful but was clearly made of low-quality materials.

I also found a reusable ice pack, which seemed like a nice touch but didn’t make up for the other shortcomings. There was a repair patch too, but it looked so cheap that I doubted it would work if I ever needed it. The foot pump was another item in the box. It felt cheaply made but was faster to use than a hand pump.

Lastly, I noticed a drain valve and a drain plug at the bottom of the tub, which I hoped would make draining easy. Overall, everything seemed okay at first glance, so I still had confidence it would work. After all, the only thing you need for a cold plunge is a vessel to hold cold water and yourself.

Cover and Insulation Issues

The cover for this cheap cold plunge wasn’t insulated, which means it doesn’t keep the cold in very well. Instead of using stretchy fabric that would fit snugly, it has drawstrings to tighten the cover.

This makes it really hard to get a good seal, so stuff like leaves and dirt can easily get into the tub.For better cold retention, using water chillers can be a much more effective solution.

Flimsy Support Poles

The support poles felt incredibly flimsy and weak. The box came with eight poles, but you only need six to set it up. Even so, those six poles couldn’t hold the tub steady when filled with water.

This was because the spaces where you insert the poles into the tub are too long, which makes the poles not extend far enough past the bottom of the tub. So, when you fill it with water, the tub is supporting itself instead of using the poles for support.

When I tried to get in, the whole thing wobbled and actually tipped over! I did have it set up on a slightly uneven ground but I’d previously set up similar plunge tubs in the exact same spot and had no stability issues.

Poor Quality Telescopic Hose and Repair Patch

The telescopic hose is made from really poor-quality materials, so I doubt it will last long. While it technically works, it’s a huge downgrade compared to the Ice Pod Pro.

The repair patch included in the box also looks incredibly cheap. I haven’t had to use it yet, but it doesn’t give me much confidence. Just by touching it, you can tell it’s not going to hold up well.

Foot Pump and Inflation Valve Problems

The foot pump works but is also made from cheap stuff. The only good thing about it is that it’s faster than using a hand pump.

The real struggle came with the inflation valve. It’s a 1-step valve, which slows everything when trying to disassemble it. You have to rush to close the plug as soon as the tub is full of air. If you’re not quick enough, the air just escapes, and you have to start all over again. It’s really frustrating.

A 2-step valve would have made the process much easier because it holds the air in while you close the plug.

Drain Valve and Inner Material

The tub does have a drain valve and a drain plug at the bottom, which makes draining really fast and easy. This is one of the few things that work well in this plunge tub.

But then there’s the inner material. It’s a rubbery mesh that doesn’t feel great. It’s not rough, but it’s not smooth either. It just feels odd and uncomfortable. When you sit in it, you can tell that the materials are super cheap.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

In the end, I really can’t recommend this cheap cold plunge. It might look like a bargain at $56, but the poor quality and unsafe design make it a waste of money. The flimsy support poles, low-quality materials, and poorly designed cover are just some of the many issues.

If you’re serious about cold plunging, it’s better to spend a little more money on something that will last and keep you safe. The Ice Pod Pro from the Pod Company might be slightly more expensive, but it’s worth every penny. It offers better quality, durability, and peace of mind. Don’t make the same mistake I did by going for the cheapest option. Sometimes, you really do get what you pay for. Save yourself the hassle and invest in a product that will truly meet your needs. You’ll be glad you did.