Is Plunge’s Air Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub Worth Buying? Here’s Our Honest Review
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The Plunge Air is a high-quality inflatable tub that delivers on quality but provides the option to put it away when not in use
Cold plunging is more popular than ever due to its well-known benefits: it can help athletes recover faster after exercise, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. For beauty enthusiasts, it can also enhance skin by constricting pores and increasing blood flow. However, standard tubs take up a significant amount of space in one’s home, backyard, or apartment, and until recently, there wasn’t a more space-conscious solution. Enter the Plunge Air ($1,190 without a chiller, $2,990+ with a chiller).
At a Glance: Plunge Air Tub Pros & Cons
What We Like:
- Fast setup
- UV resistant
- Includes insulated lid, ground cover & repair kit
- Easy maintenance
- 30-day guarantee
What Else to Consider:
- 1-year warranty
- Chiller is not as portable as the tub
This inflatable cold plunge tub can be easily moved, stored and set up in less than 15 minutes. But how does the Plunge Air compare to other tubs on the market? Athletech News tested the Plunge Air to find out. Keep reading for our honest review.
Plunge Air Cold Plunge Tub Review: Pros
The Plunge Air offers consumers the flexibility to use the tub as-is or connect it to the Plunge Pure Pro Chiller, an all-in-one filtration and chilling device. To get started, simply fill the tub with a hose, connect the chiller, and plug it into a standard outlet. With the chiller, the tub cools down to 37 degrees, which, while not the coldest on the market, will still get you shivering. On particularly hot days, you can also add extra ice to lower the temperature further. The Plunge app is also available for Apple and Android devices.
Although I was initially concerned about the time required to inflate the tub, it was surprisingly quick, taking just minutes with the included manual pump. The tub also comes with an all-weather insulated lid to keep debris out and maintain the cold, as well as a ground cover for extra protection. For worst-case scenarios, the Plunge Air includes a repair kit. However, the Plunge Air is durable and made from UV-resistant and drop-stitch material. Changing the filter was also quick, giving me confidence that the water remained clean.
For an inflatable tub, it felt remarkably sturdy. If I hadn’t set it up myself, I might not have guessed it was inflatable. The tub comfortably fits two people, making it ideal for social plunging. It might be a bit tight for two people over six feet tall, but still manageable. The Plunge Air is also designed with comfort in mind, unlike others on the market. It features a slanted wall angled for reclining, making longer plunges more enjoyable.
The Plunge Air chiller is also quiet, allowing for a distraction-free plunging experience. The tub comes with a 30-day guarantee, perfect for those wanting to try it out before committing to a purchase.
Plunge Air Cold Tub Review: Cons
Additionally, the tub only comes with a 1-year warranty. Priced at $1,190 without the chiller (you supply the ice), $2,990 and up with the chiller, or $4,490 with heating capabilities, the short warranty is surprising for such an expensive product and brand. Moreover, many other inflatable tubs on the market could serve a similar purpose, especially if you’re not investing in the accompanying chiller.
When I first heard “portable” tub, I imagined taking it to friends’ homes, perhaps even on the subway. While that’s possible, the tub is quite heavy even when not inflated. It comes with an included backpack, but as someone on the smaller side, I won’t be bringing it anywhere outside my home. The portability is most useful within your home, where the tub can be moved from the backyard to the basement in just ten minutes. Additionally, the chiller is certainly not portable, so if you plan to use the two together, expect to keep them at home.
Plunge Air Cold Tub Review: Final Verdict
Overall, the Plunge Air is a great choice for those who want an inflatable tub with a reliable accompanying chiller. If you don’t have space for a permanent plunge tub or want the option to put it away occasionally, consider the Plunge Air.