Ice Pod Pro Review: A Reliable Cold Plunge Solution

Finding a cold plunge that’s cheap, portable, and actually works can be tough. Luckily, I found the Ice Pod Pro. It’s well-insulated, easy to set up, and built to last.

Whether you’re new to cold plunging or need a travel-friendly option, this one’s a solid choice. In this review, I’ll go over what I liked, what I didn’t, and everything in between to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Setup Process

The Ice Pod Pro is by far the easiest cold plunge I’ve ever set up. From unboxing to filling it with water, the whole process takes less than five minutes.

All you have to do is slide the PVC poles into place, inflate the top ring with the included hand pump, and add water and ice. No tools, no hassle.

Design and Usability

One of the best features is the water chiller connection. If you start with ice but want to upgrade later, adding a water chiller is simple. The Pod Company sells one made for the Pro model for $799. The standard model doesn’t have these connections, so go with the Pro if that’s important to you.

Inflating the tub is also easy. The two-way valve keeps air in while you remove the pump. That means you can get it fully inflated without a struggle.

The inside is smooth and comfortable. It also comes with an insulated cover that helps keep the water cold and keeps out dirt and leaves.

Performance

The Ice Pod Pro does a decent job holding its temperature in the summer, but it’s much better in colder weather.

On one of the hottest days of the year—around 100°F—I left it out in direct sunlight and added 30 pounds of ice. It held the ice for about 24 hours, which was frustrating because I had to buy more the next day just to do another session.

If you keep it in the shade, it stays colder much longer. Still, it’s worth noting that these were extreme conditions, and you’ll get better results in cooler climates and out of direct sunlight.

I used the insulated cover between sessions, but it didn’t make a big difference on its own. If you pair it with the insulated lid (sold separately), you’ll have a much better chance of keeping the water cold longer.

Winter is when it’s best. When temperatures dropped below 50°F, the same 30 pounds of ice lasted about three days. By the fourth or fifth day, the water was still in the low 60s.

If you live in a cold area and keep it out of the sun, you might be able to keep the water icy for weeks—or even months. In extremely cold climates, the water might even start to freeze.

Overall, it’s much more cost-effective in winter. For just $119, you get a freezing cold plunge without having to constantly buy ice.

Maintenance

There’s a drain valve and plug at the bottom to quickly empty the tub. It also comes with a telescopic hose, which lets you direct the water where you want it to go.

I usually don’t use the hose since I don’t mind water around the tub. But if it’s on a deck or balcony, it’s super helpful.

A nano repair patch is also included in case you ever get a small tear.

How it compares to similar tubs

After testing a handful of similar cold plunge’s, the Ice Pod Pro clearly is the best. While many look similar, most are made with cheap materials, flimsy designs, and bold claims they can’t deliver on.

The Ice Pod Pro feels different right out of the box. It’s built with care, using quality materials that hold up over time. It’s not just hype, this tub has earned its spot in the routines of professional athletes, and after using it for the past six months, I totally get why.

Plunge has recently released a competing model, and I’ll be testing that soon, but for now, the Ice Pod Pro is hands down my top choice.

Future Improvements I’d Like to see

I think the Ice Pod Pro is a great, beginner-friendly cold plunge, but there a some features I’d like to see in the future.

1. Foot pump – While the setup is already fast with the hand pump, a foot pump is even faster and more comfortable to use.
2. Included lid – The standard and pro ice pods don’t include lids. I think all of The Pod Company’s tubs should come with a lid because they’re vital for keeping your water cold and clean. Not including a lid with a cold plunge is like not including a charger with a new phone.
3. More colors – The only color they offer is black. I’d love to see tan and white options in the future. They’d help keep the water colder.

I hope The Pod Company makes these improvements as cold plunging continues to grow in popularity. For now, the Ice Pod Pro gets the job done.

Conclusion

The Ice Pod Pro is one of the best cold plunges in its price range. It’s affordable, easy to set up, and actually performs, especially in cooler climates. Whether you’re just getting into cold plunging, need something portable, or have limited space, this tub checks a lot of boxes.

It’s not perfect. You’ll need to buy a lid separately and sit either on your knees or butt, but the overall value is hard to beat. For $119, you get a portable, well-built cold plunge that’s ready to go in minutes.

What are your thoughts? Let me know below!

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