Cart is empty A sauna cold plunge combo takes four things: a sauna, a plunge tub, a way to keep the water cold, and a short path between them. Start with equipment that fits your space, then work out how you’ll get power and water to it and where the water will drain.
Before you pick finishes, sketch the sauna door, tub footprint, hose connection, and path across the yard. Give yourself room to open covers, reach the controls, and service the equipment. You shouldn’t have to move things around every time you need access.
Choosing a tub for your sauna cold plunge combo
How do you want to sit, and how much room do you have? A seated barrel and a reclined tub need different layouts. Compare their outside dimensions, then leave room to reach the equipment. Backyard America’s outdoor cold plunge tubs include tubs you fill with cold water and models with built-in temperature control.
| Model | Interior | Size | Capacity | How it gets cold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glacier Plunge Tub | 304 stainless steel or white HDPE plastic; angled sides | 71 x 33 x 25 inches high | 190 gallons | Cold-water fill; a separate Penguin chiller is an option if compatible |
| Polar Plunge Tub | Aluminum shell; angled sides | 71 x 33 x 25 inches high | 190 gallons | Cold-water fill; a separate Penguin chiller is an option if compatible |
| Baltic Cold Plunge Tub | Fitted plastic liner; arrives fully assembled | See product page for size | See product page for capacity | Designed to be filled with cold water |
| Icetubs IceBarrel | Seated, one-person design; ask about interior material | About 53 x 31 x 47 inches | About 92 gallons | Integrated Icetubs Engine |
| Icetubs IceBarrel XL | Seated design; ask about interior material | About 63 x 41 x 47 inches | About 114 gallons | Integrated Icetubs Engine |
| Icetubs IceBath | Reclined design; ask about interior material | About 89 x 28 x 26 inches | See product page for capacity | Integrated Icetubs Engine |
The Glacier has a clear or knotty red cedar skirt, while the Polar has a white cedar skirt. Both come with a garden-hose drain. Glacier offers an optional roll-up cover; Polar’s 33 x 71 inch roll-up cover is sold separately.
If you’re taller than about 6 feet 2 inches, the IceBarrel XL is a suitable option. Compare the Icetubs cold plunge models by seating position and footprint. Do you want to sit upright or recline? KOHLER also offers a cold plunge alongside its saunas, so you can review that option while choosing your sauna.
Decide how you’ll keep the water cold
Filling the tub with cold water is the simplest starting point. You can also use ice, but you’ll need a source for it and a way to carry it to the tub. For powered cooling, compare a separate chiller with a tub that has its own engine.
The Penguin Cold Therapy Chiller with Filter Kit keeps an ice bath cold without buying ice. It can reach the low 40s °F, and even the high 30s °F in the right conditions. Ambient temperature and sun are the main heat load, so where you put your sauna cold plunge combo matters.
An integrated Icetubs Engine cools and heats water from about 37°F to 100°F without ice. You control it through a Wi-Fi app or LED display. Icetubs models include a lockable insulated cover and are suitable indoors and outdoors.
Look for a shaded spot with the clearance and ventilation the equipment instructions call for. You’ll also need somewhere to put the cover when the tub is open. Read the cover’s care instructions so you know how to handle it through seasonal weather.
Keep the route short and easy to use
There’s no single distance that works for every yard. Give yourself a direct path from the sauna door to the plunge, with room for the door to swing fully. Leave the equipment access each maker requires, too. Mark both footprints before you order.
Put a non-slip landing at the sauna exit and beside the tub. A bench gives you somewhere to set towels or sit, but it needs to stay clear of the path. Keep privacy screening out of the way of covers, controls, and service access. At night, lighting should let you see the walking surface and tub entry.
For Glacier and Polar tubs, map out where the drain hose will run. Your local building department can tell you about acceptable discharge locations, applicable setbacks, and electrical work requirements. Review any HOA restrictions before you lock in the layout. Our guide to outdoor sauna permits and code requirements can help you prepare for those local conversations.
Choose the sauna footprint at the same time as the plunge. Compare outdoor saunas and barrel saunas, then read our guidance on planning a sauna foundation. Have your installer review the support each piece of equipment needs, including the plunge when it’s filled. If you’re still deciding between a sauna and a steam room, compare steam rooms and saunas before finalizing your plan.
Plan power, filling, and water care
Outdoor saunas use electric or wood-burning heat. Most electric models need dedicated 240V service, as specified in the heater manual. Have a licensed electrician review that manual and your selected chiller or engine’s product page before you choose equipment locations.
Ask your electrician about separate circuits for the sauna heater and chiller, the right outlet for the cooling equipment, and applicable outdoor electrical requirements. Add those details to your layout drawing before you commit to a spot.
Your hose needs to reach the tub without crossing areas you need to keep clear. Work out how you’ll fill and drain it, plus where you’ll store the hose afterward. Follow each maker’s water-care instructions. Icetubs says to avoid chlorine and salt, so don’t assume supplies for other equipment belong in your plunge.
Make room for winter and summer conditions
Leave room to clear snow from the entire path and landing in winter. Pick a place for shoveled snow that won’t block equipment access. If you’ll leave the tub unused, follow the maker’s instructions for covers, freezing conditions, and shutdown procedures.
In summer, watch how much direct sun reaches the tub throughout the day. Shade can reduce the sun exposure that adds to the chiller’s heat load. Keep the required ventilation space clear and follow the cover instructions when the tub is closed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a chiller?
No. You can fill a suitable tub with cold water or use ice. A chiller gives you powered cooling without repeated ice purchases. The right choice depends on your water temperature, how much sun the tub gets, and how you want to manage it.
Can the plunge sit next to the sauna?
Yes, if the spot meets both makers’ placement instructions and applicable local requirements. You’ll need room for the sauna door, tub entry, cover handling, and equipment service. Ask the local building department about setbacks and a licensed electrician about electrical placement.
Can one tub be both hot and cold?
Some models can heat and cool the same water. Before you choose one, ask us which models do both and what temperature ranges the makers state for them.
To plan your sauna cold plunge combo, call Backyard America at 888-596-4403 with your available dimensions and the equipment you have in mind. Backyard America doesn’t install saunas, but we can help you find an installer and give you expert support by phone. You can also request a sauna and plunge quote with those dimensions and equipment choices.
