Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Plunges

A cold plunge tub is specifically designed to hold cold water around 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Some are basic buckets filled with ice, while others, like the Vigor cold plunge made by HotSpring Spas carried at Mainely Tubs, are more modern in style and have self-cooling systems that filter, chill, and maintain the water.

Typically, cold plunging requires you to submerge your body into cold water for a short period of about 1−3 minutes.

Cold plunging offers a variety of health benefits including helping to reduce muscle soreness, allowing fast recovery from workouts, boosting your mood and mental clarity, building stress resilience, and so much more.

Cold plunges are beneficial for many people, but ideally cold plunges are best for healthy adults with no major health issues. If you have any health conditions you should always consult with your doctor about whether cold plunging is safe for you.

If you are just starting to incorporate cold plunging into your wellness routine, you should start with 2-4 sessions per week aiming for a total of 11 minutes per week. You should always pay attention to how your body reacts and not push yourself.

There are some key differences between a cold plunge and an ice bath.

• The Perfect Temperature: With a cold plunge you are allowed more temperature control. With an ice bath, the temperature depends entirely on how much ice you add—and it might not stay cold for as long.
• Ready When You Are: An ice bath requires you to take time for setup and to get ice into the tub every time you want to use it, while cold plunges stay ready to enjoy.

Cold plunging consists of sitting in very cold water to help relieve sore muscles, boost your mood and speed up recovery. Contrast therapy uses the contrast of hot and cold temperatures to improve circulation and promote deeper relaxation.

While the ideal temperature varies based on your comfort level and experience, for therapeutic benefits, cold plunge temperatures typically range from 45-60°F.

If you are a beginner to cold plunging, here’s a good starting point for your routine:

• Aim for 1-2 minutes with temperatures between 45 – 60°F to start.
• As your tolerance increases, gradually add to the time you are in the tub and lower the temperature.
• Once you are using it regularly, work towards 2-4 sessions a week (11 minutes total) to receive optimal benefits.

If you have any underlying health conditions you should always consult with your doctor before starting any cold plunge routines.

The amount you cold plunge is based on a variety of factors including health, tolerance, and goals. You should always consult with your doctor prior to starting any cold plunging routine.

Cold plunging is a great way to help relieve sore muscles. The cold temperatures help muscles recover faster and work to reduce soreness, which is why a lot of athletes like taking a plunge after their workouts. Additionally, cold shock can help enhance your mood and help support improved mental focus.

For even more benefits, pair your cold plunge with a sauna for contrast therapy.

You should always consult with your doctor before starting any cold plunge routines, especially if you have an underlying health condition.

Yes, Mainely Tubs sells the Vigor cold plunge made by HotSpring Spas.

Mainely Tubs carries the Vigor cold plunge made by HotSpring Spas.

There are some notable differences to keep in mind between these types of cold plunges.

Passive (ice-based) cold plunge:

• Requires Ice: You have to manually fill the tub with ice.
• Inconsistent Temperature: The water temperature depends on how much ice you use and how quickly it melts, which leads to less consistent temperatures.

Active (Chiller-Powered) Plunge:

• Built-in System: This type is powered by a chiller and uses a built-in cooling system to keep the water cold and circulating.
• Consistent Control: You can set the temperature, and the system will ensure it remains consistent throughout your session.
• Zero Ice Required: You don’t have to constantly run ice over to the unit to keep it cool.

While Morozko Forge can push water near freezing with built-in ice generation, and Renu focuses on design and sanitation, Mainely Tubs’ Vigor plunge delivers steady, reliable cold performance with quiet operation, thoughtful filtration, and local support. Combine it with our hot tubs and saunas for your ultimate contrast therapy setup from a trusted local dealer.

The Vigor cold plunge features Topside LCD delivering precise lighting and temperature control.

Cold plunge tubs are designed for cold therapy with insulation, filtration, and circulation systems. They also maintain a consistent temperature to allow for optimal recovery. Even better, the Vigor cold plunge has ergonomic seating and quiet energy efficient operation.

Yes, a cold plunge can be used either indoors or outdoors as long as you have the appropriate space and electrical outlet for it.

The Vigor Cold Plunge by HotSpring Spas sold by Mainely tubs is 7’4” x 3’6” x 29”.

Cold plunge tubs are designed for cold therapy with insulation, filtration and circulation systems. A spa chiller unit is an accessory that connects to an existing hot tub or spa to lower the water temperature.

Yes, there are combination units that offer both hot and cold-water options.

Mainely Tubs carries the Vigor cold plunge made by HotSpring Spas. It’s built for energy efficiency, featuring fully insulated, multi-density closed-cell foam and a custom-fitted cover with a 1 lb. core. Together, these features help maintain steady temperatures and reduce energy costs.

The amount of time it takes to cool down a chiller-based unit is dependent on the size and horsepower of the chiller, the water volume, the starting temperature, and the insulation.

Definitely, there is a built-in digital control panel on the Vigor cold plunge.

Yes, the Vigor cold plunge made by HotSpring Spas sold by Mainely Tubs comes with cooling and filtration systems.

The Vigor cold plunge made by HotSpring Spas sold by Mainely Tubs can be moved if need be.

Yes, you can use a cold plunge year-round.  You’ll just want to turn the temperature up if there’s any concern the water may freeze when not being used.

Of course, the Vigor cold plunge made by HotSpring Spas sold by Mainely Tubs can be used outside.

If comfort, temperature control, energy efficiency, ergonomics and design are important to you, the Vigor cold plunge sold by Mainely Tubs is the perfect option.

We’d be happy to work with you to see how we can integrate a cold plunge into your existing home wellness area.

The Vigor requires a 115 volt, 15-amp outlet and comes with a 17ft GFCI cord. It’s important to always use a dedicated circuit, the proper breaker type, correct wire gauge, and GFCI where required, and always with a local disconnect.

Mainely Tubs does not offer site preparation services, but we’re always happy to connect you with contractors in your area.

When you purchase a cold plunge from Mainely Tubs the retail package includes: the cold plunge, destination fee, delivery charge, white glove orientation, water care kit, and an insulated cover.

Yes, Mainely Tubs offers financing for all products, including cold plunges.

Yes, we offer many sales during the year at Mainely Tubs and at times also have manufacturer sponsored rebates and promotions.

You have 72 hours to cancel your order after your initial deposit. We do not accept returns.

We sell both saunas and hot tubs with cold plunges so you can experience the power of alternating between hot and cold therapy—also known as contrast therapy.

Yes, we have one cold plunge filled in each of our 7 New England Showrooms so you can come in and take a test plunge!

Cold plunge delivery lead time is dependent on a few things including whether your product is in-stock or needs to be ordered from our manufacturer. You can always confirm delivery time frames at time of sale with your Wellness Consultant.

Yes! Delivery and setup are included in the price of a cold plunge.

Mainely Tubs customers enjoy using their cold plunges—it’s the perfect fit for their post workout recovery routine!

The Vigor Cold Plunge sold by Mainely Tubs has a 24-hour filtration system that helps keep water clean, as well as a UV-C lamp for water sanitation.

• Test and balance it regularly using a 5-way test strip.
• Sanitize weekly (or after heavy use) with 2 tsp of granular chlorine or bromine, keeping levels at 3–5 ppm—never use compressed sanitizer or floaters.
• Clean the filter monthly to remove debris and maintain optimal performance.
• Every 1–2 weeks, use a soft cloth to wipe down the shell to prevent the buildup of oils or dirt.
• Always keep the cover on when the cold plunge is not in use.

The Vigor comes with a built-in UV-C lamp for easy water sanitation. To keep water clean, test and balance it regularly using a 5-way strip. Sanitize weekly (or after heavy use) with 2 tsp of granular chlorine or bromine, keeping levels at 3–5 ppm—never use compressed sanitizer or floaters. Clean the filter monthly to remove debris and maintain optimal performance.

You should change the water in your cold plunge every 3-6 months to keep it clean and fresh. Do not do this when temperatures are freezing.

The Vigor Cold Plunge sold by Mainely Tubs has a 24-hour filtration system that helps keep water clean, as well as a UV-C lamp for water sanitation.

The Vigor Cold Plunge was built for quiet operation with a SilentFlo 5000 24-hr circulation pump.

For detailed instructions, please refer to your owner’s Manual. For peace of mind, we recommend having Mainely Tubs perform your winterization, as improper winterization may void your warranty.

The different components of a cold plunge have different warranties, but the Vigor Cold Plunge has warranties from 2 to 5 years depending on the part.

To schedule service, our Service Coordinators are happy to help. They are available six days a week: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Please call us at (207) 883-6357 and press Extension 2 or email servicerequest@mainelytubs.com. We will respond as soon as possible during our next business hours.

When you purchase your cold plunge from Mainely Tubs a cover and initial water kit is included in the price. We also have steps for sale.