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You can kiss buying bags of ice for your cold plunge goodbye. The best cold plunge tubs regulate water temperature and filter water for the optimal cold plunge experience in the comfort of your own home.
If you’re on the hunt for an ice bath to aid workout recovery or practice Wim Hof breathing, Polar Monkeys is a brand that offers a variety of cold therapy plunge products. In this Polar Monkeys Cold Plunge review, I’ll give you insight from our hands-on experience with the most popular cold plunge tubs the brand has to offer.
We’ve Tested a Dozen Cold Plunge Tubs
Garage Gym Reviews is staffed with fitness industry experts who know a thing or two about strength, conditioning, and recovery. Our experts also have certifications to back up our obsession with all things health and wellness.
For this Polar Monkeys Cold Plunge review, Lindsay Scheele CPT, CNC, and GGR Lead Reviewer took the dip in four different Polar Monkeys tubs to assess the water capacity and chiller power. Plus, she was tasked to discern the value of each tub. Lindsay used our GGR in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology to score a variety of categories on a 1-to-5-star scale. Here are some examples of categories she scored:
- Delivery and setup: What is the set-up process like? Does the tub require plumbing and electrical work?
- Conveniences: Does this tub have Bluetooth temperature control (or any temp control)?
- Draining and cleaning: How will folks at home drain and clean this tub?
- Financing, warranty, and returns: What kind of financing or HSA/FSA options do customers have? Is contacting the company on warranty and return issues difficult?
Polar Monkeys Cold Plunge Lineup
- Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0
- Polar Monkeys Star Treatment 2.0
- Polar Monkeys Portal X
- Polar Monkeys Cyber Plunge
Which Polar Monkeys Cold Plunge Should You Buy?
When shopping for a cold plunge with Polar Monkeys, you can expect your purchase to come with the tub, chiller (that can heat and cool), connection hoses, and built-in filtration system. But each tub has a few distinct features that are worth reading about before you buy.
RELATED: How to Cold Plunge
I’ll lay out the main differences in a bit with a side-by-side comparison chart, but for now, I’m going to outline what you can expect from all four cold plunges tubs we tested from Polar Monkeys:
- Cooling and heating range from 37 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit
- Standard 0.6 horsepower chiller (0.8 if you choose the Pro option)
- Smartphone connectivity to set the temperature on the chiller
- Traditional 120-volt electrical requirement
- No plumbing required
- 1-year warranty with option to purchase an extended warranty
- Built-in 20-micron filtration system
- Chlorine-free and ozone sanitation
Polar Monkeys Cold Plunge Comparison Spec Chart
| Portal X | Brainpod 2.0 | Star Treatment 2.0 | Cyber Plunge | |
| Starting price | $4,750 | $5,980 | $5,990 | $7,100 |
| Water capacity | 125 gal | 85 gal | 110 gal | 140 gal |
| Dry weight | 55 lbs | 110 lbs | 132 lbs | 180 lbs |
| Filled weight | 1,000 lbs | 568 lbs | 1,050 lbs | 1,515 lbs |
| Tub material | Galvanized steel | Insulated acrylic | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Insulation | Partially insulated | Insulated | Insulated | Insulated |
| Cover included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intended use | Outdoor only | Indoor/outdoor | Indoor/outdoor | Indoor/outdoor |
Polar Monkeys Portal X
Good for: Folks looking for a durable cold plunge for the outdoors
Portal X
Polar Monkeys Portal X
Product Highlights
- Galvanized steel cold plunge tub
- Cooling and heating capabilities
- Control temperature with an app
- Tub comes in two sizes
- Multi-color underwater light included
Pros & Cons
Pros
- HSA/FSA eligible purchase
- Cooling and heating power
- Free shipping in USA
- Filtration system
Cons
- Tub cover sold separately
- Potential for condensation without insulation
- Short 1-year warranty
- Recommend for outdoor use only
Bottom Line
The Polar Monkeys Portal 2.0 is an uninsulated galvanized steel tub ideal for outdoor use. It can heat or cool and there are two sizes available: Standard and Large. The width and height are the same on both tubs, the difference being the length: 48 or 60 inches. Because this tub is not insulated it can condensate.
The Polar Monkeys Portal X (formally called the Portal 2.0) is a stylish galvanized steel tub designed for both cold and hot tub modalities. It also features the least expensive price tag for the cold plunge tubs on the brand’s website, with prices starting around $4,000.
Prices vary depending on the color option you choose (silver, white, black, or limited edition art) and chiller size (0.6 or 0.8 hp). It’s worth noting that this is the only tub on the Polar Monkeys website that is for outdoor use only. This steel tub is not insulated, which may lead to condensation (and water damage) if set up indoors.
While it is an outdoor-only tub, our tester Lindsay reassures us that this is a heavy-duty and durable product. “The Portal is built to withstand all outdoor conditions,” says Lindsay.
“The exterior paint will damage or peel off before anything happens to the tub itself,” she adds. For this reason, the Portal X earns a 5-star rating for durability.
Lindsay also appreciates the fact this tub required very little assembly and scored the tub a 4-out-of-5-star rating for set-up. “The only thing you have to do is connect the hoses to the tub and chiller. It does not require plumbing or added electrical,” says Lindsay.
However, filling the 100-gallon tub took about 40 minutes. But Lindsay says the gallons per minute flow in the GGR testing facility is a little slow and will differ for folks at home.
Cleaning and draining is another factor we test and score, knowing you’ll have some upkeep with your purchase. Lindsay admits that the Portal X was tested indoors (although not recommended) and she used a water pump to get most of the water out of the tub upon draining.
“Because this is supposed to be outdoors, two people could tip this over and dump out the remaining water,” she says. It’s still not as easy as she’d like it to be, so she gives it a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating.
Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0
Good for: Anyone looking for a spa-like cold plunge experience at home
Brainpod 2.0
Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides filtered water
- Three color options
- Upgrade available to have hot and cold water
Cons
- Heavy
- Small footprint and water capacity
- Expensive
Bottom Line
The Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 is a fairly small cold plunge tub option. While the website doesn’t indicate how many gallons of water it takes to fill the tank, the website does provide the weight with and without water, so we estimate it has a 55-gallon capacity.
The Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 is a cold plunge tub with both cold water and hot water capabilities. What makes this tub different from the other Polar Monkeys tubs is the fact it’s a fully insulated acrylic tub rated for indoor or outdoor use.
The sleek tub comes in black, white, or two limited-edition art options. The tub is well-built and ergonomic with a slight angle on either end, allowing you to recline and take in a luxury experience in the comfort of your own home. And with a luxury experience, you can expect a luxury price point. The pricing on the Brainpod 2.0 starts at $4,590 and varies depending on colorway and chiller size.
RELATED: The Cold Plunge Review
The Brainpod 2.0 earns 5-star ratings for setup and durability. Much like the Portal X, set-up was a breeze and the Brainpod doesn’t require plumbing or special electrical outlets.
GGR tester Lindsay also notes the tub is super stable and durable. “I didn’t experience wobbling or give when it was empty or filled with water,” says Lindsay. Not only is the tub durable, it’s also suited for indoor use because it’s fully insulated and won’t condensate.
Other than the materials the tub is made from, the main difference Lindsay notes about the Brainpod is the draining system. “There is a drain at the bottom of the cold plunge, just like a traditional bathtub,” says Lindsay. This feature means you won’t have to mop, pump, or tip the tub to get the last bits of water out. There is also a way to attach a garden hose to the built-in drain for easy indoor draining.
Star Treatment 2.0
Good for: Anyone who prefers a vertical-style cold plunge tub
Star Treatment
Polar Monkeys Star Treatment 2.0
Product Highlights
- Insulated acrylic cold plunge tub
- Heating and cooling capabilities
- Remote temp control with app
- Chiller features filtration and sanitation
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No plumbing required
- Fully insulated
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Artistic designs and two colorways
Cons
- Cover sold separately
- Short warranty
- Outdoor temperature may affect ability to heat and cool
Bottom Line
The Polar Monkeys Star Treatment 2.0 is a fully insulated acrylic cold plunge tub with both heating and cooling options. No plumbing installation is required to set up the tub and the 0.6 horsepower motor features built-in filtration and sanitation systems for easy maintenance.
The Polar Monkeys Star Treatment 2.0 is a rustic-style barrel-shaped cold plunge with a stainless steel interior and a wood exterior made from Canadian Red Cedar. It earns a 5-star rating for construction and durability and our tester Lindsay reports this tub should hold up well over time.
The biggest difference between the Star Treatment and the other cold plunge tubs manufactured by Polar Monkeys is the vertical orientation. Our tester Lindsay admits vertical cold tubs are her preferred way to take the plunge saying, “I love being able to sit upright in a cold tub.”
While the tub appears smaller than the other Polar Monkeys tubs, it has a 110-gallon water capacity and a roomy 33-inch diameter. “I didn’t feel cramped at all. I had space to move around my legs and my arms,” says Lindsay. She also mentions there is a stainless steel seat built into the tub for additional comfort. “The added seat for comfort is ideal because in other barrel-shaped tubs you are sort of standing or holding a mini squat position.”
RELATED: Ice Barrel Review
Speaking of comfort, Lindsay’s main callout for this vertical tub is the stainless steel interior. “It’s hard when you lean back and the edges around the seat are hard,” she says. For this reason, she docks a point and rates Star Treatment 4 out of 5 stars for ergonomics.
Lastly, Lindsay thinks it’s worth mentioning that the tub sits on 2-by-4-inch wood planks that raise the bottom of the tub off the floor. Before it was filled with water, Lindsay noticed the tub wasn’t level and there was a little wobbling. However, Lindsay was relieved to find that, “When the Star Treatment was filled with water it felt very stable,” she says.
Polar Monkeys Cyber Plunge
Good for: Folks who want to cold plunge in top-of-the-line fully insulated tub
Cyber Plunge
Polar Monkeys Cyber Plunge
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Insulated stainless steel tub
- Heats and cools
- Built-in sanitation system
- Spacious
Cons
- Heavy dry weight
- Expensive price point
Bottom Line
The Polar Monkeys Cyber Plunge is a heavy-duty stainless steel cold plunge tub designed for indoor or outdoor use. It can heat and cool and has built-in ozone sanitation and micron filters.
The Cyber Plunge from Polar Monkeys is the brand’s most high-end offering. This fully insulated and stainless steel tub is both durable and sleek. It’s also suitable for indoor or outdoor use, making it more versatile than the Portal X.
It’s also the biggest of the Polar Monkeys cold tubs with a 140-gallon capacity and a dry weight of 180 pounds. You may also like knowing the side walls of the Cyber Plunge pretty much drop straight down allowing you to sit upright and submerge more of your torso underwater, which is why it earns a 5-star rating for ergonomics.
Lindsay Scheele, GGR expert tester, nutrition coach, and personal trainer says the Cyber Plunge was one of her favorite cold plunges she’s tested (and she’s tested quite a few). While she enjoyed the aesthetics, durability, and generous size, she notes the price point isn’t feasible for most home gym owners.
“If you’re looking for something super sleek and you’re not worried about price, this is a luxe option,” says Lindsay.
On the Polar Monkeys website, you’ll be able to choose from a residential or commercial chiller or opt to purchase the Cyber Plunge without a chiller. The combination of the residential 1-horsepower chiller and Cyber tub is priced around $7,000 making this the most expensive ice tub offering from Polar Monkeys.
The one callout Lindsay has with the Cyber Plunge is the chiller. In theory, a 1-horsepower chiller should be powerful enough to change the water temperature at a rate of 10 degrees per hour. But our testing process with the Cyber Plunge actually took about 2 hours to drop 10 degrees. For this reason, she scored the performance of the Cyer Plunge at 4 out of 5 stars.
“Eventually it got there and held the temperature, it just took a lot longer than we expected,” says Lindsay. It’s worth noting the Cyber Plunge can range from 37 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you’re looking to switch from cold plunge to hot tub, you’ll need to be patient.
What to Look for in Polar Monkeys Cold Plunges Products
Based on our experience, customer reviews, and a deep dive into the FAQ webpage, here are some things we think you should keep in mind when shopping Polar Monkeys for a cold plunge tub:
Insulated tub covers are not included with all cold plunges. However, the brand recommends buying an insulated cover separately (about $350) if you plan to use your cold plunge outside to better regulate the temperature (and to protect against outdoor elements).
Remember that your electricity usage will go up with a cold plunge tub. The 0.6 HP chillers (Standard option) draw about 8 amps, while the 0.8 HP chillers (Pro option) use 9.5 amps. In comparison, the average refrigerator uses about 10-20 amps.
It’s also worth noting that water can be cooled about 2-6 degrees per hour, but this also depends on the ambient temperature and the chiller use power you choose to buy.
Lastly, the six-month sanitation kit is $169 from the Polar Monkeys website, which is both chlorine and bromine free. It’s recommended to keep up with cleaning protocols outlined in the user’s manual to extend the life of your plunge tub.
Brand Policies
You can contact Polar Monkeys via email, phone, or general inquiry form, all of which are located on the brand’s “contact us” page. There is also a live chat feature on the bottom right-hand corner of the website for questions or starting your inquiry.
Here is what to expect with warranties, returns, and financing options with Polar Monkeys:
Warranty
Polar Monkeys cold tubs are all covered by a limited one-year warranty. Essentially this means the brand covers defects in workmanship and materials. A limited warranty usually does not cover normal wear and tear.
It’s also explicitly stated in the warranty that Polar Monkeys will not cover damage as a result of poor water chemistry, neglected filter care and replacement, freezing conditions, power outages, lack of attention to low water flow, or any other form of neglect, misuse, or abuse. Additionally, the warranty also does not cover commercial use of the product and is intended for at-home use.
Returns
It’s worth noting that Polar Monkeys has a very short return policy lasting only 14 days. If you’re not happy with your purchase, you’d better make up your mind quickly.
To be eligible for a return the cold plunge has to be new, unused, packed in the original box, and you’ll need proof of purchase. If you decide you need to make a return, initiate the process with an email to info@polarmonkeys.com because items without prior authorization will not be accepted.
Lastly, expect to pay for shipping fees to return the cold tub which will be deducted from the refund.
Financing
At checkout you can use your credit card to make a one-time payment or use one of two express checkout methods: Shop Pay or Google Pay.
Shop Pay allows you to finance your purchase with a 0% APR 3-month plan or a 36-month plan with 15% interest. Unfortunately, there is no middle ground between 3 and 36 months.
Final Thoughts of Our Polar Monkeys Cold Plunge Review
Polar Monkeys is highly rated among customers with hundreds of 5-star reviews on the website for each of the tubs we tested. Portal, Brainpod, and Star Treatment all have heating and cooling capabilities to ensure your recovery ritual is customized to your wants and needs.
After testing four cold plunge tubs from the same brand, our tester Lindsay reports the brand offers highly durable cold plunge tubs that are on par for price compared to most other cold plunge tubs on the market with chillers and temperature regulation.
Polar Monkeys Cold Plunge: FAQs
Are cold plunges actually good for you?
There are several reasons to cold plunge, which we outline in our ice bath benefits guide. Top benefits include mental health support, aid in muscle recovery, and reduced pain and inflammation.
What are the risks of cold plunging?
Folks with cardiovascular disease should consult a doctor before trying a cold plunge. The rapid temperature change may put unnecessary strain on the cardiovascular system for folks who have heart disease.
There is also a risk of cold shock or hypothermia when exposed to temperatures too cold for what you’re accustomed to or staying in cold water for too long.
How long should you stay in a cold plunge?
If you’re a beginner, a cold plunge can last anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds to get started. With more experience you’ll be able to stay in for longer periods, running from five to 10 minutes.
What not to do after a cold plunge?
After a cold plunge, it’s ideal to warm up naturally without jumping into a hot shower.
After a cold plunge, it’s ideal to warm up naturally without jumping into a hot shower.
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