Guide
Where to put a cold plunge or ice bath at home
Patio, decking, garage or indoors: weight, power, shade and winter for a home cold plunge.
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A firm, level surface near an outdoor socket, out of direct sun. Water weighs 1 kg a litre, so check decking can take it before you fill up.
Weight
A 400-litre tub weighs about 400 kg full, plus whoever is in it. A patio or concrete garage floor is fine. For decking or a balcony, check what it is rated to carry.
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Power
A needs a socket. Outdoors, use a weatherproof socket with protection, and keep the plug and lead out of splashes.
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Sun and shade
Shade means the works less hard in summer, which keeps the running cost down. A lid helps too.
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Winter
Check the seller's guidance on frost. Some tubs should be drained or kept running in freezing weather.
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Indoors
A garage or utility room works if the floor can take the weight and get wet. Allow space around the for air.
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Common worries
"Where would I put it?"
On a patio, decking that can take the weight, or a garage floor. Water weighs 1 kg a litre, so a 400-litre tub is about 400 kg. A runs from a normal socket. Outdoors, use one with an safety switch. Where to put it →
"What does it cost to keep cold?"
About £187 a year for a 650 W running 3 hours a day, by our sums. Plunging three times a week with four bags of ice at £2 would cost about £1,250. Compare with your numbers →
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