Redwood Outdoors Pacific Cold Plunge Kit Review: Is This Icy Experience Worth its Price?
Redwood Outdoors
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Key Features:
- Stainless steel center cold plunge tub covered in spruce Scandinavian Thermowood
- Dual temperature heater and chiller controlled on a touchscreen thermostat display or remotely with your smartphone
- Delivered fully assembled making set-up simple
- The kit includes both the cold plunge tub and an electric deluxe heater/chiller
Water therapy, a practice that has stood the test of time, has made a remarkable comeback over the past several years, thanks to the growing popularity of cold water immersion. These popular icy experiences have become a viral sensation, captivating both athletes and nonathletes alike in search of potential health advantages. While scientific research continues to catch up with this trend, there are existing studies suggesting that cold therapy offers more than just recovery benefits—it may support cognitive function, decrease limb movement during sleep which promotes deeper sleep, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and contribute to an overall uplifted mood.
A quick Google search yields numerous cold plunge products as well as articles on the best cold plunge tubs. You will find that these products vary greatly in size, cost, function and overall design. The Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge distinguishes itself as one of the more premium options offering a cold immersion experience in a modern, spacious and tech-forward tub. With impressive specs like remote temperature control, a two-in-one electric chiller and heater, stainless steel interior and embedded water filter, the Pacific Cold Plunge reflects the company's commitment to both aesthetics and functionality.
Redwood promises that this cold plunge offers its users notable benefits including faster recovery by reducing inflammation, a boosted immune system, improved mental health and decreased stress. But is it worth the steep price? If you are looking to add cold therapy to your health, wellness and fitness routine with the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge you have come to the right place. In this review we will examine its construction, features and performance calling out all of the bad with the good.
So whether you are looking to improve your sleep or achieve one of the many suspected health benefits of cold exposure with the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge, this article will equip you with all the knowledge you need to make that decision.
For more information about Redwood Outdoors cold plunge tubs, check out our Redwood Outdoors Cold Plunge Overview.
Spec Overview
- Exterior dimensions including enclosure box: 70 inches L, 55.25 inches W, 25.5 inches H
- Dry weight: 350 pounds
- Maximum water volume: 200 gallons
- Liner: Stainless steel liner
- Exterior wood: Scandinavian Thermowood
- Cooling capacity: 37 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heating capacity: 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Seating capacity: 1
- Key features: Temperature can be controlled via smart device or on an intuitive touchscreen thermostat, dual temperature capabilities, included electric heater and cooler
Pros of the Pacific Cold Plunge
- Attractive design – this tub boasts a modern design by combining stainless steel and spruce Scandinavian Thermowood to create an aesthetically pleasing tub.
- Dual temperature design essentially makes this product both a hot tub/sauna and cold plunge
- Temperature can be controlled remotely
- Easy set-up and installation as it is delivered fully assembled
- Allows for full body immersion
- Comes with an integrated filter to keep the water clean
Cons of the Pacific Cold Plunge
- Large footprint
- Expensive
- Shipping alone is $599.00
- There is a 10-12 week delay on delivery
Construction and Design
Redwood Outdoors
Technology and stand-out features
If you are looking for a tech-forward cold plunge that goes beyond your old-school ice bath, the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge will not disappoint. With the capability to function as a cold plunge and hot tub (minus the aerated water), this tub is top-notch. You can even control the temperature on its touchscreen thermostat or remotely via your smart device. Want to jump in that cold water the second you get home from your long run? No problem. Simply set the temperature from your phone beforehand and you are ready to go.
Studies have shown that exposure to both heat and cold therapy after exercise helps to reduce muscle breakdown and soreness. With the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge you get the benefits of both in one sleek-looking tub. High-powered heating and cooling is made possible with the included deluxe yet easy-to-use heater and chiller. To use it, simply change the unit to heater mode, set a temperature and the integrated pumps will circulate the water through the heating unit returning it to your tub nice and toasty.
The overall aesthetics and design are the other distinguishing features. The Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge is equipped with a stainless steel internal tub that is quite attractive. Moreover, the addition of Scandinavian Thermowood as a covering enhances its appearance, transforming it into a cold plunge tub that sets it apart from the ordinary cold plunge tub.
Upgrades
There are several upgrades you can add to your cold plunge kit. It is not a package deal so you can add all, some or none into your cart. We will go through each of them here so you can decide if the extra cost is worth it.
For $99.00, Redwood sells a wooden plunge tub cover that complements the external design of the cold plunge tub. Featuring two handles for easy use, this cover is placed over the top when not in use to keep debris out of the tub. Since this is an outdoor only cold plunge, this one is definitely worth considering.
A floating thermometer is also sold for an additional $29.00. According to Redwood, this thermometer makes it easy to dial-in the right temperature and ensure it is at the right temperature before you get in. Since it does float, it will be easy to access and check while you are in the midst of your plunge. Redwood doesn’t disclose whether or not the temperature control has any indicator for once the water has reached the desired temperature so the floating thermometer may be worth the extra cash. In this way, you can be sure the water temperature is where you want it before hopping in.
To ensure the longevity of your investment in this deluxe cold plunge tub (because let’s be honest, it is an investment), proper maintenance is critical. Redwood highly recommends purchasing their SpaGuard Water Balancing Kit which bundles three essential water balancers. The use of water balancers helps prevent corrosion and damage that may arise from improper water levels. This kit is priced at $99.00.
In addition to maintaining proper water levels, it is important to ensure the tub remains clean. ,To help with this, Redwood offers a SpaGuard Bromine Spa Cleaning Kit for $249.00. Bromine serves as a safer and milder alternative to chlorine and intends to keep the water fresh and safe without the strong smell of chlorine. Redwood suggests choosing bromine over chlorine particularly if children will be using your cold plunge tub.
We are not here to tell you what to do but, investing a substantial amount of money in a cold plunge tub without spending an extra few bucks on the necessary accessories for its protection and maintenance may not be the smartest decision. Are all of the upgrades necessary? Probably not, but we do recommend securing everything you really need to safeguard and preserve your investment in the Pacific Cold Plunge.
Check out our Redwood Outdoors Yukon Cold Plunge review if you're interested in other Redwood Outdoors tubs.
Using the Pacific Cold Plunge
Setup and assembly
Redwood put a premium on making setup and assembly super simple. In fact, Redwood touts that in just minutes you can have your tub setup and ready to use. This product is delivered fully assembled so there is little to no hassle involved in putting it together. Their website neglects to inform you that while the tub comes fully assembled, the whole product comes in two parts: the tub and the housing for the heater/chiller.
Since the tub essentially functions off an electric heater and chiller that is housed in the wooden enclosure, you will need access to a standard electrical outlet. This electric chiller comes with inlet and outlet hoses specifically designed to seamlessly connect to the plunge tub, simplifying the setup process. By screwing the threaded water lines onto the side of the plunge tub, you can quickly prepare it for use.
From there, all you need to do is fill the tub with water, set the temperature and you are ready to go! According to customer service representatives, if your water is treated with the appropriate chemicals, it can remain in your cold plunge tub for a month or more. If untreated, the water can still last for one to two weeks. This eliminates the need to continually drain an ice bath after use, further simplifying the process of taking your next plunge.
Ordering and delivery
Ordering your Redwood Cold Plunge Tub is straightforward. You simply go to the website and add the kit and any upgrades you want to purchase to your cart. Redwood ships everywhere in the United States and delivers the tub fully assembled in a wooden crate measuring 70.75 inches long, 33 inches wide and 32.75 inches high.
Currently, delivery is stated to take 10-12 weeks so if you are in a hurry to get your tub, this may be an issue. Additionally, there is a standard shipping charge of $599.00, not a number to sneeze at. But here is the thing you really need to be aware of – the large crate containing your brand new Pacific Cold Plunge kit will be dropped off at the edge of your driveway. It will not be taken to the spot you have dedicated as its new home.
Let’s not forget that this tank weighs a whopping 350 pounds. In chatting with Redwood customer support we learned that the tub itself weighs approximately 250 pounds and the electric heater/chiller with wooden housing weighs around 150 pounds. So before you order, make sure you have access to a dolly and can elicit an extra set of hands to help move your tub to its final location.
Pacific Cold Plunge vs. Ice Barrel Bucket
Redwood Outdoors
Comparing the Pacific Cold Plunge to the Ice Barrel is akin to comparing a Ferrari to a ten-speed bike: they both get you to your final destination (in our case, cold immersion) but the experience is very different. You essentially get the same benefits of a cold plunge whether or not you are laying back luxuriously in the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge or sitting upright in the very easy-to-use Ice Barrel. But the similarities really end there. With that, let’s plunge into the differences (pun intended).
The Ice Barrel is exactly as it sounds– a traditional looking large barrel that you fill with ice and water. Unlike the Pacific Cold Plunge, it lacks advanced features such as temperature control or an embedded filtration system for water cleaning, heating or cooling. Utilizing the Ice Barrel is straightforward: you simply add water and ice then wait for it to get to the temperature you want. However, since the Ice Barrel does not come equipped with a thermometer, the only way to know that the water has reached the desired temperature is to purchase one separately. In contrast, the Pacific Cold Plunge boasts dual temperature control and the capability to produce both hot and cold water immersion, granting it a technological advantage.
Your positioning in each cold plunge option varies significantly. In the Ice Barrel, users are seated upright, a configuration that Ice Barrel claims promotes relaxation and concentration of both the body and mind. On the other hand, the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge is specifically designed to allow users to recline comfortably, mirroring the experience of a traditional tub.
To use the Ice Barrel you simply fill it with water and bags of ice then step in. It is akin to a DIY ice bath tub with your regular tub – fill it with water and ice and you are good to go. But, according to Ice Barrel, the water inside the Ice Barrel can retain its cold temperature for a few days contingent on the climate. After such time, users need to drain the tub using the easy flow drain system. Conversely, chemically treated water can remain fresh in the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge for over a month (thanks to its filtration system).
The Ice Barrel is attractive to those with less real estate at home because it is compact, lightweight and can be placed indoors or outdoors. Weighing just 55 pounds, the Ice Barrel can easily be moved from place to place. The Pacific Cold Plunge stomps out a hefty footprint and weighs 350 pounds and is only suitable for outdoor use. So really these two tubs fall on the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to specs.
Lastly, let's consider the cost factor. The Ice Barrel is currently priced at $1,199.29, which, although not cheap, is significantly lower compared to the price of the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge. You do need to factor in the cost of bags of ice which you will continually need to purchase before us. But that cost likely does not equate to the difference in price. If you opt for the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge, you can anticipate spending a minimum of $7,098.00 including shipping costs.
Which one is right for you to take your cold plunge in? Both claim to reduce inflammation and recovery time, improve cognitive function and reduce both stress and anxiety so it comes down to preference, budget and your space at home.
Final Thoughts
Ice baths have gained significant popularity for their potential benefits including improved recovery, cognitive function, sleep quality and mental health. With this rise in popularity has come an increased demand for at-home cold plunge products. While there are many options to choose from, the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge distinguishes itself as a premium, albeit expensive, option offering a convenient and easy-to-use cold immersion experience. It provides ample space for a full immersion experience and incorporates some tech-forward features to enhance both its convenience factor and overall performance. While it comes at a higher price point, the Redwood Pacific Cold Plunge may appeal to those who value the combination of health benefits, stylish products and technological advancements in their cold immersion therapy.
FAQs
Should I add any of the upgrades to the Pacific Cold Plunge tub kit?
While this is really an individual choice, it is probably a good idea to add at least some of the upgrades. If you are making the sizable investment into the Pacific Cold Plunge tub kit, it is worth considering tossing in at least the SpaGuard Water Balancing Kit and SpaGuard Bromine Cleaning Kit to increase the durability and lifespan of your new tub. You also should have a cover over your cold plunge. In purchasing the cover through Redwood, you can be assured it will appropriately fit.
How many gallons of water does the Pacific Cold Plunge tub need?
The Pacific Cold Plunge can hold up to 200 gallons of water. There is no specified minimum amount needed for its use but to really get the full experience of a cold plunge pool or tub, we would encourage you to fill it closer to its capacity.
Does the Pacific Cold Plunge kit have a warranty?
Yes, the Pacific Cold Plunge kit comes with a one-year limited warranty. Redwood also offers a 30-day money back guarantee. However, the cost of shipping will be deducted from your purchase price and it must be returned in its original crate.
Do I need to treat the wood?
The Pacific Cold Plunge’s thermowood exterior offers great durability even without additional treatment. However, according to Redwood customer support, applying a stain to the wood will help to preserve its color over time. If left untreated, thermowood tends to turn gray when exposed to weather elements.
Do I need both the bromine kit and water balancing kit?
To ensure clean water and prevent equipment damage, both the bromine kit and water balancing kit are important to have on-hand. The bromine kit maintains water sanitation, preventing bacterial issues, while the water balancing kit keeps pH, alkaline and hardness levels in check.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
