Regardless of chilly plunging and at-home distinction remedy having a second, I am not a cold-plunge individual. I attempted two years in the past to essentially get into it once I examined the Ice Barrel, which, I admit, did assist soothe my achy joints within the few weeks I examined it. But when I am being trustworthy, I by no means actually favored doing the act of chilly plunging itself. Did I really feel nice after? Yeah. However did I really feel like a depressing popsicle on the verge of hypothermia throughout my dip? Yep, certain did. Sorry, Wim Hof.
So once I was supplied the chance to check Hydragun’s fancy-schmancy new Superplunge Plunge Tub ($2,999), I did not precisely bounce on the probability. After a season of snowboarding, my knees have been hurting me once more and I knew the reported advantages—improved immunity, lowered cortisol ranges2, much less irritation3—have been in all probability well worth the ache. However the considered climbing into icy chilly water to shiver for the sake of a narrative was lower than interesting. Nonetheless, I accepted the problem and am proud to report that I, a self-proclaimed non-cold-plunge individual am now a cold-plunge evangelist. For that, I’ve Hydragyun to thank.
In regards to the Hydragun Superplunge
The Supertub provides an expensive and rejuvenating expertise proper within the consolation of your private home. The bathtub itself makes use of a sturdy but light-weight inflatable design that makes meeting and plunging straightforward. Its chilliness is powered by a sophisticated Permafrost™ chiller that maintains the right temperature (between 37°F and 108°F, relying in your desire) and circulates the water, so that you’re all the time able to plunge right into a revitalizing oasis everytime you want it.
Hydragun Supertub 0.6 — $2,999.00
Consists of: Supertub tub, cowl, and storage bag, part equipment, equipment equipment (electrical pump, mat, telephone mount, skimmer web), Permafrost chiller equipment, and water balancing equipment.
Weight: 21lbs
Materials: Navy-grade marine vinyl
Quantity: 61 gallons
Dimensions: 52″x28″x24″
- Pretty straightforward to assemble and transfer round due to the inflatable design
- Comfy and spacious
- Doubles as a chilly plunge and scorching tub
- Chiller is simple to customise
- App-connectivity for distant management
- No lead time and free 30-day returns
- Two-year guarantee
- Costly
- Could be a little complicated to arrange alone
- Requires a shady outside space should you’re utilizing outside
Whereas the bathtub itself is spectacular, the Permafrost™ chiller is the actual star of the present. It at present is available in two horsepowers—0.6 HP ($2,999), which is healthier for temperate climates, and 0.8 HP ($4,999), which is healthier for warmer climates—each of that are energy-efficient sufficient to go away it working 24/7. Every chiller additionally comes with a self-cleaning system to maintain your water recent and gunk-free. On prime of two bodily mesh filters for issues like hair and filth, there’s additionally a commercial-grade ozone generator that disinfects water, conserving it freed from the gross issues you’ll be able to’t see, like micro organism, algae, and mould. All of this is available in a conveyable design that is small-space pleasant, proving that mighty issues are available in small packages.
Hydragun Superplunge evaluation: My trustworthy ideas
Arrange
My Superplunge setup arrived shortly after confirming my order in a number of packages, together with a big, wood crate. Per the directions, I started meeting with the bathtub first, which took a while to get totally pumped up. Professional tip: totally cost your cordless electrical air pump earlier than you need to set it up. Mine did not come utterly charged, which prolonged the conventional 20-minute meeting time.
As soon as I had sufficient juice to get my tub and removable lid totally inflated, it was time to fill it with water and join the chiller. This half is a bit more technical and the included written directions are a tad bit complicated, so I adopted together with the model’s step-by-step video directions, that are a godsend. The toughest half is connecting the 2 hoses from the chiller to the bathtub—one to suck water into the chiller, and one to flow into it again out—which might get difficult when tightening the valves. However as soon as they’re correctly related and the filter is popped, you are good to go.
Hydragun touts that each one of this may be arrange in quarter-hour however it took me, from begin to end, about an hour. Between having to cost my digital air pump, checking the video directions, and ensuring every thing was assembled appropriately, it took me about 60 minutes begin to end. This might be longer or shorter, relying on how tech-savvy and useful you might be.
My expertise
As soon as every thing was able to go, I plugged my chiller into my outside electrical outlet and booted it up. The touchscreen is pretty straightforward to make use of—there is a sliding thermometer that permits you to set your required temperature—the compressor will routinely warmth or cool your water relying on what temperature you select and what the temperature of the water already is. As soon as it reaches your required temp, it’s going to routinely maintain it there, too.
I opted to begin with Hydragun’s really useful beginner-friendly temp of fifty°F. Since my water temperature got here out of the hose at 56°F, I did not have to attend very lengthy earlier than my tub was prepared for plunging. How shortly it cooled down water shocked me—I waited possibly quarter-hour earlier than my plunge was flowing constantly at 50°F, received in my bathing swimsuit, and begrudgingly crawled inside.
What I really like: With the ability to lie down
My quick thought was, “Why am I doing this once more?” till I used to be totally submerged and mendacity within the tub as I might my common bathtub. After a couple of minute or so of acclimating to the frigid water, I noticed I used to be far more relaxed in comparison with all of the instances I plunged into the Ice Barrel. Whereas the Ice Barrel (which is formed like a 55-gallon drum) permits you to dip your self into it, you’ll be able to’t actually lean again or sprawl out. When you’re tall like me, probably the most you are able to do is crouch there throughout your plunge.
Within the Superplunge, you’ll be able to truly lie again and loosen up, which is a way more pleasurable expertise. Whereas it is not sufficiently big for me to stretch my legs out utterly straight, I am completely snug with them barely bent. It is far more snug than crouching down and holding your self underwater, and I’ve discovered that by not worrying about having to prop myself up, I am totally ready loosen up within the second and give attention to my respiratory—which is the purpose of moving into it within the first place.
The chilly *and* scorching settings
One of many standout options of the Supertub Chilly Plunge is its unbelievable versatility in temperature management, providing each heating and cooling capabilities. Sure, it is marketed as a chilly plunge and I exploit it as a chilly plunge BUT—should you actually need to—it doubles as a scorching tub. The heating function warms the water as much as a comfy 108°F, supreme for enjoyable sore muscle mass and enhancing circulation.
Grant it, it takes some time for the water to warmth up or calm down from one excessive temperature to the opposite. (It took my tub a couple of full day to go from 50°F to 105°F once I examined it, so maintain that in thoughts when planning your plunge schedule.) Nonetheless, this twin performance makes the Supertub a year-round important, catering to my physique’s wants irrespective of the season.
Its comfort
What has turned me into a chilly plunger, although, is how handy it’s to make use of. That is really a set-it-and-forget-it product—when you set it up and select your temperature, it is good to go. There is no every day draining, no including ice, no lugging a bath out and in. So long as it is in a sheltered space (or indoors), you’ll be able to let it run till you are able to plunge. Talking of…
One of many options I really like most is its vitality effectivity, which permits it to run 24/7 with out driving up my utility payments. This round the clock availability means I can seamlessly combine hydrotherapy into my schedule, having fun with the advantages every time I would like them most. The bathtub’s energy-efficient design saves me cash *and* aligns with my eco-conscious way of life, making it a win-win.
It is also extremely user-friendly. I can simply modify the settings with just some faucets, and the bathtub maintains the specified temperature constantly. Plus, its compact design matches completely in my residence with out taking over an excessive amount of area—there is no sophisticated set up or particular plumbing, and is able to use proper out of the field. I’ve mine arrange on my again patio and it is able to go, every time I’m.
Upkeep
If anything, this gadget is so straightforward to handle. One of many issues I recognize most is the included water balancing equipment, which takes the guesswork out of conserving the water clear and protected. The equipment comes with every thing I would like to make sure the water’s pH ranges are completely balanced, stopping any pores and skin irritation and conserving the bathtub in prime situation. With clear directions and easy-to-use instruments, I can shortly check and modify the water, giving me peace of thoughts that my Supertub is all the time prepared to be used.
One other facet that makes upkeep a cinch is the simple filter substitute course of. The Supertub is supplied with high-quality filters (bought individually in packs of 4) that ought to be modified each 2-4 weeks, relying on utilization. The method is straightforward and would not require any particular instruments, which I really like as a result of it means I can deal with it myself with no need skilled help. Simple peasy.
Probably the most you may need to do is totally change your water, which is really useful as soon as a month to each six weeks. Doing that is straightforward; disconnect the chiller hoses from the bathtub, open the valves, and let it drain. I like to offer mine a fast rinse with cleaning soap and water once I change the water, too, simply to get it additional squeaky clear, however it’s not required.
FAQs
Is it costly to ship?
Hydragun’s clear pricing mannequin consists of flat-rate transport proper to your door inside per week. No taxes, no hidden charges—only one easy value. Plus, your buy comes with a free 2-year guarantee, the longest in the marketplace, and free 30-day returns with no return transport or restocking charges.
Are there any ideas for individuals who are new to chilly plunging?
Begin with a better temperature, like 50°F, and steadily decrease it over a number of classes. Start with much less frequent classes, about 2-4 instances per week, and maintain them brief, round 1-2 minutes. As you get used to it, you’ll be able to slowly improve each the frequency and period of your plunges. Take it at your personal tempo and benefit from the journey!
Do I would like to show off the Permafrost chiller once I’m not utilizing it?
Nope. It is designed to remain on 24/7 and stays vitality environment friendly. The chiller will routinely swap to power-saving mode when wanted, so your Supertub is all the time prepared for motion every time you might be.
Remaining ideas
I by no means thought I might say it however I’m now a cold-plunge individual. After two constant months of standard testing Hydragun’s fancy tub, I plunge almost each different day for so long as 10 minutes in 40°F. Why? As a result of I… genuinely adore it. Sure, the preliminary shock of near-freezing water isn’t nice however, as soon as I will loosen up and give attention to my respiratory, it turns into virtually meditative. (And my joints really feel superb afterward, too.) Between its plush, cozy design, versatility, and comfort, plunging has change into a brand new common ritual in my every day wellness routine. Who woulda thunk?!
Nicely+Good articles reference scientific, dependable, current, sturdy research to again up the knowledge we share. You may belief us alongside your wellness journey.
- Janský, L et al. “Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted people.” European journal of utilized physiology and occupational physiology vol. 72,5-6 (1996): 445-50. doi:10.1007/BF00242274
- Podstawski, Robert et al. “Endocrine Results of Repeated Scorching Thermal Stress and Chilly Water Immersion in Younger Grownup Males.” American journal of males’s well being vol. 15,2 (2021): 15579883211008339. doi:10.1177/15579883211008339
- Peake, Jonathan M et al. “The consequences of chilly water immersion and lively restoration on irritation and cell stress responses in human skeletal muscle after resistance train.” The Journal of physiology vol. 595,3 (2017): 695-711. doi:10.1113/JP272881
