Polar Recovery Tub Cold Plunge Review

Are you considering the Polar Recovery Tub for your cold plunge routine? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at its features, benefits, and performance in real-life scenarios.

Whether you’re an athlete looking to optimize your recovery or simply someone interested in cold therapy, this review will provide you with the insights needed to see if the polar recovery tub is right for you.

First Impressions & Build Quality

The materials and design of the Polar Recovery Tub are better than expected. My initial reaction to unboxing was completely different from my experience after first use.

Right out of the box, I thought it might be a waste of money based on how the parts looked. However, once filled with water, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s significantly stronger when full and feels like a completely different tub than it looks.

There are some limitations to the design – you can’t sit on the edge or lean against the sides too much, which forces you to sit on your knees or butt. I haven’t experienced any leaks personally, though some reviews have mentioned drain valve leak issues.

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!

Size & Comfort

The tub claims to fit people up to 6’7″, so I have no problem fully submerging myself at 5’10”. I typically 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 spacious enough to sit on your knees, but the bottom layer is thin, which might cause discomfort depending on the surface underneath. I keep mine on grass, which doesn’t bother me, but I’ve tested it on concrete, and that wasn’t ideal.

Insulation & Temperature Control

The insulation is one area where this budget option shows its limitations. The cover keeps debris out but doesn’t add much insulation. The tub itself isn’t as well-insulated as similar alternatives like the Ice Pod Pro. It doesn’t stay cold for very long without external cooling methods, especially in warmer conditions.

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

Usability & Maintenance

Draining

The drain valve is located on the back side of the tub. Draining is straightforward – 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 rest.

Storage

One of the biggest advantages of this tub is its portability. 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.

Value Proposition

At only $89, you get a portable cold plunge that lets you experience all the benefits of cold water therapy. Whether it’s worth it depends on several factors:

• How often you plan to use it
• How you plan to use it (with a water chiller or regular ice)
• Where you live

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 options will literally save you thousands, but it comes with some trade-offs—like not always having an exact temperature.

Best For

This cold plunge is ideal for:

• Those new to cold plunging
• People on a tight budget
• Users looking for a portable solution
• Those living in colder climates who can take advantage of naturally low temperatures

It’s particularly well-suited for outdoor use in cold climates or for anyone looking to enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy without breaking the bank.

Recommendations

For those living in colder climates, this tub can be kept outside to take advantage of naturally low temperatures. However, depending on the conditions, you risk either freezing the water or not reaching desired temperatures.

For this reason, I strongly recommend investing in a water chiller if you’re serious about cold plunging. A chiller allows you to set and maintain a specific temperature year-round, regardless of weather. Note that this tub does not come with a water chiller or hookups to add one later, so adding a chiller would require a DIY approach.

Alternative Options

Throughout this review, I noticed many similarities with the Ice Pod Pro from The Pod Company. Both focus on the budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, portable angle of cold plunging, but the Ice Pod Pro does it better.

Other alternatives to consider:

• The Viking – For those who value premium features and durability (around $6,000)
• Ice Barrel 500 – Offers upright seating, which might suit some users better than traditional horizontal plunges
• The Plunge – Offers temperature control through an app for tech-savvy users
• Tuff Stuff Stock Tank – A great DIY approach

Conclusion

The Polar Recovery Tub is an affordable, decently-insulated cold plunge option that’s perfect for those new to cold plunging or those on a tight budget.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, portable ice bath option that’s easy to set up and take down, the Polar Recovery Tub gets the job done!

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