DIY is not for everyone. Many options and companies are on the market today for anyone interested in a ready-made, professionally built cold plunge with a warranty. How do you separate those that will give you a great experience from those that will disappoint?

I’m here to help. Since 2017, I’ve learned a lot about how to build cold plunges. Besides helping tens of thousands of people with DIY builds, I’ve consulted with manufacturers, builders of commercial spas, and pool companies working in the high-end luxury market. When I consider becoming an affiliate for any company or product, I need to know three things:

  1. I can trust the owners
  2. They must have a great product
  3. The company must be run well and take care of its customers.

Here are three companies that solidly meet or exceed my expectations in all three categories. If you have any questions, drop me a message. I’m happy to chat.

If you decide to buy one of these cold plunges, please use the affiliate link. It helps me support our community and my family. Also, please note that promotions can change, and the discount code below may not be combined with other promotions.

Desert Plunge

Matt and Brie, the owners of Desert Plunge, have a life-changing story about cold plunging.

While traveling through Ecuador in 2019, Matt experienced a sudden onset of debilitating insomnia, anxiety, and depression. For seven months, he explored every option—antidepressants, therapy, and natural remedies—but nothing provided lasting relief. Then, his brother introduced him to cold therapy. I have a similar story with insomnia.

Matt started cold plunging daily at a local gym in Phoenix, Arizona, along with breathwork, prayer, and mindfulness. The results were life-changing, helping him reclaim his mental health and turn his life around. When COVID shut down the gym, Matt searched for an at-home solution. What he found on the market was mostly disappointing—expensive models that didn’t perform well in hot climates or provide the deep immersion he preferred.

Determined to create something better, Matt discovered my writings about using chest freezers as cold plunges. He bought my book, converted a chest freezer in his garage, and used it for over a year. With a full DIY spirit, Matt started refining and improving the design.

His next iteration was a custom-insulated stock tank coated in Line-X, framed in wood, and designed for full immersion up to the chin. While effective, it was heavy, complicated to build, and needed better insulation. As interest in cold plunging grew among his friends and family, Matt’s experiments took an unexpected turn when a friend handed him a large camping cooler and asked if it could be modified for cold water immersion.

The cooler’s excellent insulation was a game-changer, keeping cold temperatures with minimal energy, even in the Arizona heat. This breakthrough created the current Desert Plunge tubs, offering a perfect blend of performance, efficiency, and affordability. What started as a personal quest to heal has grown into a mission to make cold plunging accessible to everyone.

I’ve been an affiliate for Desert Plunge since 2023.

Here is my video of a conversation with Matt & Brie:
https://youtu.be/pdObEBO70q0?si=IceR-LuQTqgrJMS9

Website: DesertPlunge.com
Discount Code: JohnRichter

Fire Cold Plunge

I met Nick, the owner of Fire Cold Plunge, in 2023 and was impressed with his attention to detail and ongoing commitment to improvement.

Consider the Fire Cold Plunge if you want a chest freezer-based cold plunge that can get your water close to freezing or the most efficient (lowest monthly energy cost) to run.

Nick’s personal story, passion for cold plunging, and philanthropy resonate with me, and I’ve been excited to see his company continue to grow and evolve.

You can find my video review here:
https://youtu.be/7xukgcJCpI8?si=X7OlxU2wtXEB_Toj

Website:

https://firecoldplunge.com/johnrichter

Discount Code: JOHNRICHTER

Plunge

Plunge started in 2020 when Michael Garrett built a cold plunge in his garage.  They were a significant disruptor in the market and, since then, have continued to innovate their products and business.

In early 2021, someone in my Facebook group asked if I knew anything about the Plunge system. I had not seen it before, but had already seen several badly put-together and misrepresented cold plunge systems. I contacted Michael and was immediately impressed with his passion and attention to detail.  I became an affiliate.  I have been hosting free community cold plunges with various Plunge systems since May of 2021.

I have tested and reviewed several of their systems, and they continue to uphold high standards with their products and how they run their company.

Website: https://plunge.pxf.io/MXjMRJ
Discount Code: Richter

Related Videos
Note: check the Plunge website for updated product offerings

Conversation with Michael Garrett
https://youtu.be/LHXxVX-HRT0?si=l2h5W30xwhdW4Se2

Plunge Standard Review – 2021 (Acrylic tub with original 1 HP chiller)
https://youtu.be/AodoTIfvrew?si=cLQkYgnzPUAEvG4a

Plunge XL – 2022(Extra large acrylic tub with original 1 HP chiller)
https://youtu.be/0WVx7NNjrcg?si=tU1oyxCkaHYxIJF2

Plunge Tubs – 2024 (Pop-Up, Air, Pod) 2024
https://youtu.be/NjdMB_Fueo4?si=fhJUnIFttK5j8Krh