Polar Recovery Tub Cold Plunge Review

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Are you considering the Polar Recovery Tub to enhance your recovery routine? In this article, we’ll explore whether this cold water immersion tub truly lives up to its claims.

We’ll take an in-depth look at its features, benefits, and performance in real-life scenarios. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete looking to optimize recovery or simply someone interested in the benefits of cold therapy, this review will provide you with the insights needed to determine if the Polar Recovery Tub is the right fit for you.

Key Takeaways

• The Polar Recovery Tub offers portable cold water immersion for plungers on-the-go or on a budget.
• Setup is quick and it comes with a reusable ice pack but due to lighter materials it’s not the most rugged ice bath.
• It’s big enough to fully submerge and is surprisingly comfortable.

Who is this for?

This cold plunge is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly ice bath that’s easy to set up and take down. It’s particularly suited for outdoor use in cold climates or for anyone looking to enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy without breaking the bank.

In my opinion, this plunge tub would be best for someone living in a colder state or country. You can take advantage of the naturally low temperatures and keep the tub outside. However, depending on how cold it gets, you might run the risk of freezing the water, making your plunge unusable. On the other hand, if it doesn’t get cold enough, you may not reach the desired temperature.

For these reasons, I strongly recommend investing in a water chiller. A chiller allows you to set and maintain a specific temperature year-round, providing greater control over your cold therapy experience, regardless of the weather.

Easy Setup

Step-by-step instructions are provided but the setup process is straight forward and took me less than 5 minutes.

You simply slide the PVC poles into the slits and inflate the lip and cover with the provided hand pump. Then put the o-ring over the drain valve and screw it tightly. Finally, fill with water and ice and you’re ready to plunge!

Design and First Impressions

In my opinion, the tub looks a little cheap and flimsy (without water), and that’s because it is, compared to higher-end cold plunges. However, I personally don’t mind how it looks as long as it gets me cold.

The materials used are actually pretty good. My initial reaction to the unboxing was completely different from my reaction after using it for the first time. Right out of the box, I thought it was going to be a waste of money because of how the parts looked. But once I filled it with water, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a lot stronger when full and feels like a completely different tub than the one straight out of the small box.

Usability and Comfort

You can’t sit on the edge or lean against the sides too much, which forces you to either sit on your knees or your butt, holding your legs together with your arms.

I haven’t experienced any leaks, but some reviews have mentioned drain valve leak issues.

Lid Cover and Insulation

As for the lid cover, it does its job of keeping debris out but doesn’t do much for insulation. The tub doesn’t stay cold for very long without external cooling methods, especially in warmer conditions.

The ‘insulated cover’ is supposed to help keep the water cooler, and while I think it does help a little, it’s not as effective as some higher-end products. I haven’t tested the cover with and without water temperature measurements, but after using the tub in direct sunlight several times, I can tell it helps, just not by a lot.

Draining

Draining the tub is easy. Just turn the valve at the bottom and wait about 15 minutes. Once most of the water is out, you can tip it over to empty the remainder if needed.

Size

It claims to fit people up to 6’7″, so I have no problem fully submerging myself at 5’10”. I sit on my butt with my legs pulled toward my torso, which I find slightly uncomfortable for the 3 minutes I spend in each session.

It’s big enough to sit on your knees, but the bottom layer is thin, so it might hurt depending on what surface is underneath. I keep mine on grass, which doesn’t bother me, but I’ve tested it on concrete, and that wasn’t great.

Storage

I keep my Polar Recovery Tub wrapped up like a towel in my laundry room. I love that I can completely take it down without worrying about wires, tubing, or other components.

Overall Value for Money

Is it worth it? That depends on how often you plan to use it, how you plan to use it (with a water chiller or regular ice), and where you live. For only $89, you get a portable cold plunge that lets you experience all of the benefits of cold water therapy.

That said, it makes the most sense for people who plan to keep it outside in cold climates so they don’t have to worry about cooling the water with ice. Using this tub instead of higher-end tubs will literally save you thousands, but it comes with some uncertainty—like not always having an exact temperature, which can be frustrating.

For beginners wanting to ‘try out’ cold plunging, or for experienced plungers looking to leave this tub outside in a cold climate, I think it’s worth the investment!

Alternatives

Throughout my review of this cold plunge, I noticed many similarities with the Ice Pod Pro from The Pod Company. They are essentially the same tub with different logos.

Exploring alternatives is essential when choosing the right cold plunge tub, as there’s a wide range of prices and features to consider. For budget-conscious buyers, The Cold Pod is an appealing option, priced at $149.

For those who value premium features and durability, The Viking may justify its hefty price tag of around $6,000. Alternatively, the Ice Barrel 500 offers upright seating, which might suit some users better than traditional horizontal cold plunges.

Tech-savvy users may appreciate The Plunge, which allows temperature control through an app—ideal for those seeking both hot and cold therapy without spending a fortune. For a DIY approach, the Tuff Stuff Stock Tank is a great option.

Summary

The Polar Recovery Tub offers an effective and affordable solution for those seeking the benefits of cold water therapy. It’s designed with convenience in mind, providing easy setup and portability.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, portable ice bath option, the Polar Recovery Tub gets the job done!

FAQS

How long does it take to set up?

Less than 5 minutes!

What’s included?

The Polar Recovery Tub includes a drain, inflatable lid, outdoor cover, hand pump, telescopic drain pipe, and a free reusable ice pack.

Are there any quality concerns?

Personally, I haven’t experienced any issues but according to other reviews, some users have reported concerns about the inflation valve not sealing correctly.

What are the benefits of using the Polar Recovery Tub?

Using the Polar Recovery Tub can significantly reduce muscle soreness and improve circulation, while also boosting your immune system and enhancing mental clarity.

How does the Polar Recovery Tub compare to other cold plunge tubs?

The Polar Recovery Tub is almost identical to the Ice Pod Pro from The Pod Company. I think they are the exact same product with different logos.