Product Review · Saunas & Cold Plunges · #9 Ranked
The Cold Pod 85-Gal Tub
85-gallon soft-sided upright cold plunge tub · Reviewed by Katie · amazon.com live, Sept 24 2026
Why it scored a 75
At $149.99 The Cold Pod 85-Gal Tub is the cheapest way into cold plunging, which is why Value scores 93, the best in the category. Satisfaction is 86 on 4.3 stars across 1,081 ratings, the deepest review base of any plunge here. The trade-offs are build and support. It is a 7-lb PVC and nylon tub held up by legs in sleeves, so Quality lands at 68 and Features at 64. Warranty is the lowest factor at 40 because the listing states no terms. You will be buying ice unless you add a chiller.
What you're getting
- 85-gal round upright tub, 29.5 x 29.5 x 29.5 inches
- PVC and nylon with 5mm pearl foam wall lining
- Full-wrap cover with zip lid, lined with 10mm cotton
- Tool-free setup in about 3 min; fills in about 10 min
- Drain tap with extendable hose plus bottom plug
- Chiller-compatible in and out ports
- Weighs 7 lb empty
- Soft-sided tub; no warranty terms on listing
ViperScore breakdown
At a glance
- 85 gal upright, 29.5-inch round
- Tool-free 3-minute setup
- Chiller-compatible ports
- Price$149.99
- Tier85-gallon soft-sided upright cold plunge tub
- Category rank#9 of 10
Should you buy the The Cold Pod 85-Gal Tub?
The Cold Pod 85-Gal Tub is for someone curious about cold plunging who wants to try it for under $150 and pack it away afterward. At $149.99 it ranks #9 of 10 in our Saunas & Cold Plunges category. Taller users should look at the roomier AudaciaGo XXL Inflatable Plunge at $345.95. If you know you will stick with it, the 1stplunge 148-Gal Tub + Chiller Kit adds a chiller for $449.00.
Where it earns its score
- Lowest price. $149.99, down from a $179.99 list price, is less than half the next-cheapest plunge here.
- Fast setup. Legs slot into pockets with no tools; setup takes about 3 minutes and filling about 10.
- Small footprint. A 29.5-inch circle fits on a balcony or in a corner, and the upright shape lets you sit neck-deep.
- Easy drain. A drain tap with an extendable hose empties it, and a bottom plug gets the last of the water out.
What to know first
- Warranty is the lowest factor at 40. The listing gives no warranty terms, and a 7-lb soft tub is the lightest-built design in this group.
- Check with your doctor first. If you have a heart condition, are pregnant or take medication that affects heat or cold tolerance, talk to your doctor before any cold plunge.
- Tight fit, ongoing ice. Upright seating means knees up for taller users, and without a chiller you buy ice for every session.
Our verdict
The Cold Pod 85-Gal Tub scores 75, a Fair Buy ranked #9, on Value (93), Satisfaction (86) and Reliability (76). Warranty (40) and Features (64) keep it just above our buy line. Buy it to try cold plunging for $149.99. If you already know you want it daily, the 1stplunge 148-Gal Tub + Chiller Kit (77) removes the ice bill.
1stplunge 148-Gal Tub + Chiller Kit
Questions buyers ask
How many gallons does The Cold Pod hold?
85 gallons, in a 29.5-inch round tub that stands 29.5 inches tall.
Can you add a chiller to The Cold Pod?
Yes. It has water in and out ports for connecting a chiller, sold separately.
How do you drain The Cold Pod?
Open the drain tap with its extendable hose, then pull the bottom plug to empty it completely.
Ready to check it out?
The Cold Pod 85-Gal Tub · ViperScore 75 · Fair Buy · $149.99
How the other 9 saunas & cold plunges scored
86Dynamic Saunas Andora 2-Person
84Dynamic Saunas Elite 1-Person
84Dynamic Saunas Heming 2-Person
83Lifepro RejuvaWrap Sauna Blanket
79Rezvani Frozin 400 + Chiller
771stplunge 148-Gal Tub + Chiller Kit
76AudaciaGo XXL Inflatable Plunge
76Rezvani Frozin 400 Tub
70SereneLife SLISAU30BK Sauna Tent
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