Redwood Outdoors Cold Plunge Overview: Is This Brand Right For Your Needs?
Redwood Outdoors
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There is hype around the cold plunge lately in today’s media; from celebrities to Instagram influencers to pro athletes, everyone seems to be hopping onto the trend and plunging into cold water to reap the supposed benefits. For those who haven’t yet been indoctrinated into this movement, we’ll explain what cold plunging is: Cold plunging is when a person sits or lays their body into water that is 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, though the amount of time is usually much less when first starting out. This is also known as cold water therapy or Cryotherapy, and there are a host of cold plunge tubs out there designed for quick dips into the frigid waters.
Cryotherapy has been around for centuries, using ice, cold water and cold air to aid in exercise recovery. The first documentation of this type of therapy can be dated back to 3500 BC, with the Edwin Smith Papyrus documenting how cold was used for therapeutic purposes. Also, it was documented in ancient Greece as therapy for relaxation and socialization; Hippocrates documented how he used cold for medical needs and to reduce pain.
This treatment type has been used for centuries and has shown potential benefits for many people, but how do you use this type of therapy routinely at home? In this article we review one of the top cold plunge companies—Redwood Outdoors—examining the various kits and models it creates for at-home use.
What Is Redwood Outdoors?
Founder Killian Lannen started Redwood Outdoors in 2019 after paying to visit a sauna after a frigid winter swim. The combination of cold water and warm steam was such a potent combination that he decided to start a company that created both saunas and cold plunge tubs designed for at-home use, allowing more people to experience the two therapies from their homes.
Redwood Outdoors, based in Tukwila, Washington, specializes in home saunas and cold plunges that the average person can assemble on their property. The barrel saunas, outdoor saunas and cold plunge tubs offered by this company include those for indoor and outdoor use. Redwood Outdoors ships directly to anywhere in the U.S. and is delivered by appointment.
Check out our review of the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Garden Sauna to learn more about this sauna and its benefits.
Redwood Outdoors Cold Plunge Kits
Pacific Cold Plunge Kit
Redwood Outdoors
- Price: $6,499
- Dimensions: 70 inches L x 55.2 inches W x 25.5 inches H
- What’s Included: Pacific Cold Plunge Tub, electric deluxe heater + chiller, two water hoses, stainless steel liner, filter cartridge
The Pacific Cold Plunge Kit is for the person who needs easy assembly. This product comes already pre-assembled; the only step needed is to screw the threaded water lines. The tub has a metal liner fully fitted inside, with Scandinavian Thermowood covering the tub's exterior. The tub also holds up to 200 gallons of water. Not only does this kit have the power to provide you with the desired cold plunge temperatures you are looking for (it can make water as cold as 37 degrees Fahrenheit), but by flipping the switch, the integrated pumps will heat the water to temperatures as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This tube is also a smart device and can be controlled remotely.
Add-Ons:
- Wooden tub cover ($99 USD)
- Floating thermometer ($29 USD)
- Spare filter cartridge ($49 USD)
- Water balancing kit ($99 USD)
- Bromine Kit ($249 USD)
The only downside to this product is it is only made for one person at a time. This product would be perfect for someone looking for an easy assembly kit with a wood design who loves the convenience of turning on the tube from afar and needs the option to adjust the water temperature.
Check out our review of the Pacific Cold Plunge Kit for more in-depth information and details.
Yukon Cold Plunge Kit
Redwood Outdoors
- Cold Plunge Chiller Kit Price: $3,499
- Deluxe Chiller + Heater Kit Price: $4,499
- Dimensions: 59 inches L x 31.5 inches W x 23.75 inches H
- What’s Included: Yukon Cold Plunge Tub, chiller or chiller + heater (depending on the option chosen), inlet/outlet hoses, air pump, tub cover, carrying bag, filter cartridge
The Yukon Cold Plunge Kit offers customers ease of moving as needed. The product can be carried in the carrying bag provided in the kit and only weighs 30 pounds. It is blown up like a bike tire and compatible with US household outlets. The tub can hold up to 120 gallons of water and cools the water down to 37 degrees Fahrenheit. The chiller is user-friendly by providing an easy touch screen and can be controlled remotely via a cellphone.
The product offers the option to choose the Deluxe Chiller + Heater for those who want to heat their tubes after a cold plunge. This option is a slightly higher price point than the standard cold plunge chiller option.
Check out our Yukon Cold Plunge Kit review for more information on this Redwood Outdoors tub.
Add-Ons:
- Waterproof chiller cover ($149)
- Floating thermometer ($29)
- Spare filter cartridge ($49)
- Water balancing kit ($99)
- Bromine Kit ($249)
The only downside of this product is that it does not provide the “wooden” outer look like some of the other cold plunge lines that are available. However, the product would be perfect for someone who is always on the go and wants to be able to take their cold plunge tub with them.
Alaskan Cold Plunge Kit
Redwood Outdoors
- Cold Plunge Chiller Kit Price: $4,699
- Deluxe Chiller + Heater Kit Price: $5,699
- Dimensions: External diameter 37 inches, side wall height 40.5 inches
- What’s Included: Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub, stairs, chiller or chiller + heater (depending on the option chosen), hard plastic liner, two water hoses, filter cartridge
The Alaska Cold Plunge Kit has everything you need to meet your cold plunge needs. This product comes in a Scandinavian Thermowood finish—a perfect addition to any backyard. The product is compatible with US household outlets and does not require installing a new outlet to use. The chiller reaches temperatures of 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and if you choose, the Deluxe Chiller + Heater kit allows the tub to warm up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The tub has a 130-gallon capacity, suitable for a single user.
Add-Ons:
- Wooden tub cover ($99)
- Waterproof chiller cover ($149)
- Floating thermometer ($29)
- Spare filter cartridge ($49)
- Water balancing kit ($99)
- Bromine Kit ($249)
The one downside to this product is that the tub's depth does not allow one to lie down like some of the other cold plunge product lines, instead featuring a bench for sitting. Like the other tubs, the chillers are user-friendly with a touch screen and can be controlled remotely via a cellphone. The tub comes fully assembled before delivery. The Alaskan Cold Plunge Kit would be ideal for someone who needs a cold plunge that can fit in a smaller backyard and does not want to lie down to cold plunge.
Redwood Outdoor Cold Plunge Tubs
Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub
Redwood Outdoors
- Price: $1,999
- Dimensions: external diameter 37 inches, side wall height 40.5 inches
- Materials: Scandinavian Thermowood, hard plastic liner, wooden steps
The Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub is the perfect addition to any backyard, big or small, and isn’t an eyesore thanks to the sleek appearance of the Scandinavian Thermowood. This tub is chilled just by adding ice to the water, unlike the kits where the chillers are included. The upright, cylindrical design (similar to the Ice Barrel cold plunge tub) is more space-saving than lie-down cold plunge tubs, and the lack of chiller or other mechanics keeps this tub in a more budget-friendly price range.
Add-Ons:
- Wooden tub cover ($99)
- Waterproof chiller cover ($149)
- Floating thermometer ($29)
- Cold Plunge Chiller System ($2,599)
- Deluxe Chiller + Heater ($3,599)
Yukon Cold Plunge Tub
Redwood Outdoor
- Price: $899
- Dimensions: 59 inches L x 31.5 inches W x 23.75 inches H
- What’s Included: Yukon Cold Plunge Tub, carrying bag, air pump, tub cover
Inflatable, lightweight and portable, the Yukon Cold Plunge Tub is ideal for anyone who regularly finds themselves on the move or isn’t quite ready to commit to a more expensive cold plunge tub. Inflation is done with a pump similar to what you’d use to pump up a bike tire, and should take around 10 minutes or less from start to finish. The Yukon is compatible with Redwood Outdoor chiller systems and hoses if you want to add on a chilling or filling system that eliminates the need for self-filling. Once deflated, the tub fits into the included carrying backpack, which is ideal if you’re traveling for a competition, spend your days on the road or just want a cold plunge tub that can go with you. It can hold up to 120 gallons, and its dry weight is 30 pounds.
Add-Ons:
- Waterproof chiller cover ($149)
- Floating thermometer ($29)
- Cold Plunge Chiller System ($2,599)
- Deluxe Chiller + Heater ($3,599)
Redwood Outdoor Cold Plunge Chillers
Cold Plunge Chiller
Redwood Outdoor
- Price: $2,799
- Temperature Range: 37 degrees to 115 degrees Fahrenheit
- Dimensions/Size: 17.75 inches L x 11.75 inches W x 16.5 inches H
- What’s Included: Cold Plunge Chiller, two water hoses (DN15 threaded connection)
The Cold Plunge Chiller takes the guesswork out of cooling your cold plunge water to the perfect temperature. This portable chiller can chill up to 150 gallons to a crisp 37 degrees Fahrenheit, though the cooling time is variable and dependent upon the water volume in the tub. The WiFI-controlled chiller is remotely controlled via the app on your phone, so you don't have to wait for your tub to chill once you get home from the gym; just press the button and it’ll automatically start cooling the water. One downside is this product does not have the ability to heat water; if this is a need for your cold plunge experience, this is not the product for you.
Deluxe Cold Plunge Dual Chiller + Heater
Redwood Outdoor
- Price: $3,799
- Temperature Range: 15 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit
- Dimensions/Size: 19.25 inches L x 12.25 inches W x 18 inches H
- What’s Included: Deluxe cold plunge dual chiller + heater, two water hoses (DN15 threaded connection)
The Deluxe Cold Plunge Dual Chiller + Heater is an excellent option for those who not only want a way to regulate how cold the water gets but also have the ability to re-warm the water to help relax their muscles. This device can cool down the water to 37 degrees Fahrenheit and heat the water back up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The dual chiller + heater is WiFi-controlled and the heating or cooling process can be initiated via an app on your phone. Not only does this product come pre-built and operate off of household 110V electricity, it can be plugged into any standard U.S. outlet.
What Is a Cold Plunge Tub?
The term cold plunge tub is fairly straightforward: A tub designed for submersion, usually large enough for a single user, filled with cold water (typically 40–60 degrees Fahrenheit). These tubs are not designed like the bathtub at your home. Each tub is designed to withstand these temperatures, hold a specific amount of water for one to submerge their body, and have advanced systems like chillers that maintain the water at the exact temperature desired for the plunge.
How to Use a Cold Plunge Tub
Cold plunging is a simple process, and using a tub is fairly intuitive: Simply fill the tub with cold water and climb into it, staying for a few minutes before getting out. Depending on the type of cold plunge tub you have, you may need first to sanitize the tub and fill the tub with fresh water before turning on the chiller based on the instructions for the tub.
Once your water is at temperature, the next step is to get in. The following steps are to sit or lay down to fully submerge your body, depending on the tub type, to achieve the full effect of the cold plunge. Breathing is vital during your plunge due to the shock to your nervous system from the extreme cold and your brain wanting to switch into protection mode (fight or flight). Experts suggest taking your time to build up to longer cold plunge sessions, starting at sessions that are just a few minutes, but warn against going over 10–15 minutes.
Benefits of Cold Plunging
With the growing popularity of Cold Plunging among elite athletes and actors (Wim Woh and Chris Hemsworth), who all have talked about why they utilize this modality in their lifestyle. Limited studies are reporting the health benefit claims; further studies are needed to study the benefits of this particular therapy and determine if there is conclusive evidence of benefits. We will dive deeper into how cold plunging may be beneficial.
Health Claims:
- Reduce Inflammation: There is evidence that cold plunging (cold water immersion) has been shown to help individuals who struggle with inflammation by increasing the flow of anti-inflammatories (helps reduce inflammation) throughout the body, according to research published by Texas A&M Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory.
- Improves Muscle Recovery: Cold water immersion therapy has been used widely among different athletes for muscle recovery and could potentially be a useful tool for muscle soreness and muscular power, according to research published in Sports Medicine.
- Mental Health: Though many like to claim cold water immersion improves their mood, limited studies have proven that this is beneficial for helping to lesson symptoms of depression. However, UCLA Health mentions some studies show positive findings regarding cold water and mood.
Precautions When Cold Plunging
Knowing the risks of a new lifestyle change is crucial when starting anything new, especially in health and wellness—precautions to take when cold plunge is to be aware of any health conditions you may have. Cold plunging is cautioned for anyone with a cardiac history, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and Raynaud’s. People who take medications for heart conditions, such as beta-blockers, that lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate could have a harder time adapting to the shock of a sudden temperature drop, Jorge Plutzky, MD, director of preventive cardiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston told American Heart Association News.
However, there are other serious risks associated with cold plunging that you should consider before trying.
- Hypothermia: Due to how cold the water is, you are at higher risk for hypothermia because your body temperature can drop minutes after being submerged in water than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. When the body is submerged or exposed to extremely low temperatures, the body loses heat rapidly, which can affect the brain. Hypothermia can lead to frostbite if not caught soon enough, resulting in injury to the tissues caused by freezing. The areas most affected are your extremities: arms, legs, fingers, toes, nose, and ears. This can cause lasting damage, and need surgeries to fix this condition.
- Drowning: this is caused by the shock of cold water that results in loss of cognitive function, muscle control, and how you respond, which leads to you being unable to get out of the tub or keep your head above water. It is always recommended not to cold plunge alone.
These are some risks related to cold plunging; please consult your doctor before trying this.
How to Choose the Best Cold Plunge Tub for You
Considering a cold plunge tub can be daunting, especially for a first-time buyer. A list of items one should consider before making the purchase is researching the tub size, other functions the tub/kit may offer (such as heating features), whether it can be placed inside or has to be outside, and price points. Once you know what you are looking for, compare different models and consider the product's customer reviews. This will make your buying decision less stressful. If you are still having trouble, call the company, and they can assist you by further educating you on the available products.
Redwood Outdoors Cold Plunge FAQs
What’s the difference between a Redwood Outdoors cold plunge tub and a cold plunge kit?
The Redwood Outdoors cold plunge tub is sold as just the tub, whereas the cold plunge kit comes with the tub and everything you need to use the chiller instead of just ice cubes.
Can I use a cold plunge tub inside my house?
Redwood Outdoors recommends placing the tub on a concrete pad or wooden deck engineered to support the weight of the filled tub (which can weigh up to 1,000 pounds). Placing the tub directly on dirt is not recommended as it can sink into the ground due to the weight.
The chillers need room to vent because if the system does not have proper ventilation, it will overheat and automatically shut off. It is recommended to have three feet of space behind the chiller to allow enough room for air to circulate and hot air to escape from the machine.
These products can be used in the house if all requirements are met. Remember that water can spill over the tub and onto the ground when submerging yourself.
How often should I cold plunge?
Speaking with your doctor before trying a cold plunge is recommended, just like trying anything new. Frequency depends on each individual's needs.
Takeaway: Is a Redwood Outdoors Cold Plunge Tub Worth It?
If you have tried cold plunging in the past and are ready to get one for your own space, Redwood Outdoors is one of the best brands on the market for cold plunge tubs, chillers, kits and more. The brand is committed to customer satisfaction and offers both premium and baseline models, depending on customers’ budgets, space requirements, preferences and more. As always, it is recommended to speak with your doctor about your health conditions before starting a cold plunge regimen.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
