For most of my life, I’ve run along the water. Whether it is the Gulf of Mexico or one of the various rivers I’ve lived along, I can’t resist taking the plunge after a hard workout. But I know not everyone has access to natural bodies of water, and even if you do, they aren’t always cold enough to get the job done.
I’ve also cold-plunged in trashcans, garbage cans, my bathtub, a cold plunge at a wellness center, and a feeding trough. During college cross country, we even filled hotel bathtubs with ice. Yet, even with all those options and experiences, cold plunging isn’t something I’ve done regularly. There has always been an obstacle to the habit, but not anymore!
The Hydragun Supertub is for anyone who wants to take the plunge daily or at least a few times a week. I’ll also admit that I’ve transitioned more to hot water immersion in recent years, and get this—the Supertub can do that, too. Read on to learn more about the Supertub.
Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge Review: Bottom Line
There’s only one obstacle with the Supertub, and it’s an innate part of this type of product, so I can’t knock this tub too much. It’s an inflatable tub, so it could pop or tear. But if you are mindful of that limitation and care for the tub properly, you should be good to go.
I’m really pleased with the Supertub’s performance. The Permafrost chilling system has two options: 0.6 HP and 0.8 HP. We went with the more powerful chiller because we are in a hot desert climate. However, while reviewing the Supertub, it was winter, so while I gritted my teeth to get through the cold portions, I was excited about the heating setting!
Keep reading this review to discover all the details about the Supertub, including its setup, performance, and build quality.
- 37° to 108° temperature range
- 21-lb portable tub
- Spacious size
- 3-step filtration system
- Easy setup
- Sturdy material
- Nice included accessories
- Moisture may accumulate around the tub
- The Permafrost Chiller is difficult to unbox.
Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge Video Review
Now, What’s Cooler Than Being Cool? (Ice Cold!)
Though the TRG team has reviewed multiple cold plunges, the Hydragun Supertub was a first for me. I have a lot of experience with cold water immersion therapy, but this method was new to me. While I could pull from my colleague’s previous experience, I think going into this without any biases from past products helped a lot because this might be your first cold plunge, too.
I approached this review with the same investigative passion I bring to every product review. I also did a deep dive into the merits of cold water immersion to get a better understanding of the appeal and application of this product. I won’t go into the science much since this is a product review, but it definitely influenced my methodology for this review.
Dimensions/Storability
The Supertub and Permafrost Chiller pack up and roll around without too much difficulty.
The Supertub is 52″ x 28″ x 24″ with a 60-gallon capacity (227 liters). At only 21 lbs, the tub itself is easy to move around. The chiller is 17″ x 11″ x 19″ and weighs 82 lbs, so it is the more difficult two move of the two. However, the Permafrost chiller has wheels, so you can easily push it around.
I had to move the Supertub in and out of our studio to test it outdoors (without any water in it), and it was pretty easy to transport. However, I wish the Permafrost chiller had a longer handle, kind of like a suitcase, to make it even easier to transport.
When the Supertub is packed in the backpack that comes with it, it’s super easy to move.
The Supertub and its lid pack into a giant backpack. Despite its large size, I had no trouble wearing it. The most difficult part of storing it is the breakdown. You need to drain the tub, clean it, and thoroughly dry it first. It can take some time to do this whole process, so keep that in mind if you need to deflate and move your tub around.
To store the Permafrost chiller, disconnect the hoses and empty the water out of it. It doesn’t pack into the backpack, or anything like that, but its dimensions aren’t bad.
Hydragun provides a QR code in the user manual for all the instructions on setting up the tub and storing it. Unfortunately, the manual does not provide enough information for you to do so without watching the videos. Personally, I really liked the video format, and it really helped me out with the process. I’ll provide more details on setting up the Supertub below.
The Experience
The water was only 60 degrees or so when we took photos, but it felt quite cold—imagine how much I suffered at 37 degrees!
While I’m not going to share what I think of cold water immersion and hot water immersion in this review, I do want to share my experience with using both therapies in the Hydragun Supertub.
First, getting in and out of the Supertub was pretty easy. Depending on the floor you have it set on, you will want to use the anti-slip mat included with the tub. I had no trouble stepping in and out of the tub. The walls are sturdy enough to provide support. The tub shape definitely has the advantage over barrel cold plunges for ease of use.
The tub’s walls are sturdy enough to support yourself when getting in and out of the tub.
I started with the cold water, which was a bit intimidating, considering how cold the ambient temperature was (in the mid to low 50s). I set the water to its lowest setting (37.4°), but when I got in, it was hovering around 39°.
Back in my high school and college days, the recommendation for cold plunging was 8 to 12 minutes. Now, it is (thankfully) only 1 minute. I lasted the full minute, but my husband, who tried it after me, could stomach only 25 seconds.
If you are new to cold plunging, it’s perfectly fine to start at a warmer temperature. Try under 60°. Also, the first 30 seconds were awful, and once I hit 1 minute, I knew I could go longer if it had been necessary.
I will also share a little bit of my personal opinion. I don’t think you have to be stoic about going into an ice bath. Shriek or thrash—as long as you do the ice bath anyway.
Now, onto the more pleasant experience: hot water immersion!
I set the chiller to 108°, which is the hottest setting, but I lowered it to 102°. In hindsight, I should have kept it at 104° or 105°, but I wasn’t sure how well I would handle going from cold to hot to very cold. Such sudden temperature changes have caused me issues in the past, so be careful if you are new to contrast like that.
The hot water immersion was much more enjoyable than the cold water immersion. I sat in the water for 30 minutes, and I definitely would have liked to hang out even longer. I’m addicted to taking hot baths, and the Supertub would definitely help me avoid some of the guilt of wasting so much water all the time.
I did the hot water immersion the day after I cold-plunged. It is possible to do both on the same day with the Hydragun, but you can’t really do contrast therapy. You need several hours between sessions to allow the chiller to bring the water to the other extreme temperature. It would be best to do one in the morning and one in the evening.
Build Quality
I have to start with unboxing the Hydragun Supertub. The presentation was spectacular for the tub and its accessories, and I definitely felt like I was getting a premium product.
As for the Permafrost Chiller, it was a little more challenging to unbox. It came in a wooden crate inside of a cardboard box. We had a hard time getting the chiller out, and we recommend opening up the cardboard box and lifting it out. Alternatively, you can break the crate open, but it is necessary to keep it if you need to make a return.
Despite the initial difficulty, the Supertub and chiller arrived intact. And I have to say, I like their appearance. For an inflatable product and portable chiller, they look pretty sleek.
Because this is my first at-home cold plunge, I could have been easily overwhelmed by the process. Hydragun made sure that didn’t happen. The video instructions walked me through everything I needed to know.
Supertub and Cover
The electric air pump does not come charged, so if you don’t own another pump, you will want to charge it up first thing. I was too eager to get the Supertub inflated, so I used a manual air pump, and it worked just fine.
The tub and its cover both have labels where you connect the air pump for the air pressure (psi) target, so you get them properly inflated.
Even using a hand pump, I had the Supertub inflated in just a couple of minutes.
While your cold plunge will mostly be stationary, the Supertub’s material is also found in inflatable paddleboards, which see a lot more action. The material uses drop stitching, which gives the tub its sturdiness and durability.
Mike Carney, the editor at Inflatable Boarder, contributing writer for SupBoardGuide, and regional representative for USA SUP, had this to say about the material:
“Double-wall drop stitch fabrics are an incredible technology. They’re made of three lightweight materials but combine to create incredibly rigid and durable structures. Inside, there are thousands of yarns connecting two layers of fabric material. The yarns have incredibly high tensile strength and can support well over 20 pounds per square inch of pressure.”
So, it’s not like an air mattress or beach toy. I was worried about punctures or damage, but my fears were thoroughly assuaged.
Mike also said, “These drop-stitch constructions are also incredibly durable. They are the material of choice for whitewater stand up paddle boarders because they can easily handle the bumps, scrapes, and drops in these rugged environments through years of use.”
If you want to see this material in action, check out Mike’s video here.
There you go. The Supertub is built to last. However, there are weak points in the tub’s construction. Anywhere the material is glued together could weaken with heat exposure. The glue may soften, leading to air or water leaks over time. Fortunately, these can be repaired easily.
If you do get a puncture in the tub, you can also patch it. It’s not the end of the Supertub, and you should get years of use out of it!
It feels heavy-duty and capable of withstanding some wear. However, you should avoid dragging the tub. The material is SGS-tested military-grade marine vinyl, which sounds super fancy, and it is, but it has its limits.
The height of the tub walls feels comfortable, and the tub feels durable, so sit back and try to relax.
You can use the sides of the tub to support yourself into the water or rest your arms. I wouldn’t just jump or flop onto it, but it keeps its shape very well. As long as you aren’t dragging it around on the ground and being super rough with it, it should hold up very well.
The Supertub has a 60-gallon capacity. I am 5’4″, and I can sit upright with my legs fully outstretched in the tub. I had my husband, who is 5’8″, try out the Supertub, and he could not stretch out his legs completely, so most of you will probably have to bend your legs, at least slightly.
There’s plenty of room in the Supertub!
Two people can sit in the tub together, but how cramped you are will depend on both your statures, of course. Two smaller people can fit in the Supertub without feeling awkward, in my opinion.
You should be able to submerge your lower body fully and comfortably, even if you are over 6 feet tall.
Chiller
The Permafrost Chiller comes in two varieties: the 0.6 HP and the 0.8 HP. The 0.6 HP is more affordable, at $1000 less than the 0.8 HP. Unfortunately, if you live in a warmer climate where the ambient temperature is over 77°, you will need the 0.8 HP Chiller. The higher power is necessary to keep the water at a cold temperature.
Again, it was winter when I tested the Supertub (outside). It took about 3 hours to cool the tub to 37° with an ambient temperature of about 59°. I kept it at 37° and noticed that it stayed within about 2° of that temperature.
Slide the temperature to your preferred temperature: from 37 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bringing the water up to the chiller’s maximum temperature in the winter weather was a bit more difficult. It took about five hours to get to 108°.
Keep in mind that the ambient temperature and starting water temperature will impact how quickly the chiller brings the water to your desired temperature. If you use the SuperTub regularly, it’s best to keep the chiller connected and running.
Turning the chiller off and on between uses reduces its efficiency, causing it to work harder.
Because it is winter, I’m not able to test how well the tub keeps the water cold without the chiller running. The water would be cold enough for an effective cold plunge even if I didn’t have the chiller attached. However, I will note that the temperature fell pretty quickly while I was using the Supertub as a hot tub.
The screen on the chiller allows you to make adjustments as needed. You can easily regulate the temperature and access the other settings. If you want to remotely control the chiller while at home, you can download the Tuya app and pair it with the chiller.
Temperature regulation isn’t the only thing the Permafrost chiller does. It also filters the water in a 3-step process. The water runs through an 80-mesh strainer and a 20-micron filter. Then, an ozone generator further cleans the water, helping to remove microorganisms. While this will keep your cold plunge pretty clean, there are additional steps you should take.
The Permafrost Chiller uses a 3-step filtration system.
Water Balancing and Maintenance
Hydragun ensures you have everything you need to set up the Supertub, the chiller, and the water.
Before using your tub for the first time, you should adjust the water with the products included in the water-balancing kit. Hydragun includes spa up and spa down for adjusting the water pH. There are also test strips to help you know which to add to the water and when it has reached the appropriate level.
Optionally, you can add water sanitizer and oxidizer. The sanitizer helps kill bacteria, while the oxidizer helps filter minerals. Using these two products could decrease the time between water filter changes, so just keep that in mind if you decide to add them.
The Hydragun Supertub must be drained and cleaned once per month to clear out any debris not filtered out by the filter. The water filter will need to be replaced, too, but the frequency may vary.
Make sure you have a good plan for how to drain the tub when choosing where to put it.
To keep your water clean and preserve the filter for as long as possible, keep the cover on when the tub is not in use. Shower off before using the tub to remove sweat, oils, and lotion.
If you run out of water filters, you can purchase additional filters from Hydragun. However, I will also mention that you can buy knockoff water filters. We haven’t tried it, so I can’t recommend any specific one, but it could make the Supertub a little more affordable to maintain.
When it is time to change the water, you should also clean the tub with a mild soap and rinse it out. If you are storing it, make sure it is completely dry before doing so.
Accessories
Hydragun wowed me with the thoroughness of the included accessories.
A nice variety of accessories comes with the SuperTub. Most importantly, it has a component/repair kit for assembling and maintaining the tub. There are also several thoughtful inclusions. A skimmer net allows you to scoop out larger debris. An anti-slip mat provides a safe place to stand when getting out of your tub. I also really appreciate that the electric air pump is included.
The most unexpected accessory was the phone mount. It’s super popular for cold plunge devotees to post their sessions, and it is also a great way to share your love for the Hydragun Supertub if you are enjoying it. I like its quality, too.
A water balancing kit is included. It has everything you need to adjust your water. The Permafrost Chiller kit includes both hoses, as well as the rubber washer and plumbing tape you need to connect it to the Supertub.
Hydragun did an amazing job ensuring you have as seamless of an experience as possible when setting up your cold plunge (or hot tub).
Warranty
I’m going to be suffering and relaxing in the Supertub for a long time.
The Supertub comes with a free 2-year warranty—good for residential use. It does not cover commercial use, so it may not be appropriate for use in an athletic center or fitness training studio. You should reach out to Hydragun directly for information on using the tub in a commercial setting.
I couldn’t find specific information on what the warranty covers, but typically, a warranty will cover manufacturing defects. It will not cover damage caused by traditional wear and tear. In other words, if you drag the tub and rip it, you might be out of luck.
Should You Buy the Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge
If you are a hot or cold water immersion fan, the Hydragun Supertub makes a daily habit even easier. Even if you are just soaking in the tub a few times per week, it gets so much easier with all the barriers removed. Had I had this when I was competing in cross country and track, I would have been in it daily after workouts for cold immersion.
Now, I’ve converted to hot water immersion, and I feel horribly guilty about all the hot water I waste soaking in the tub. The Hydragun Supertub takes that guilt away since the water only needs to be changed once per month. It feels like even less of a hassle than taking a traditional bath once the initial setup is complete.
Overall, I think the Hydragun Supertub is worth it for anyone who is dedicated to either type of immersion therapy. If you only dabble in it, this tub might be too expensive and too much of a hassle to justify. However, I think the quality is a great match for anyone who is serious about it.
Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge Q&A / FAQ
What are the benefits of the Hydragun Supertub?
The Hydragun Supertub supports cold and hot water immersion. These therapies may aid in recovery from exercise, improving inflammation and modulating the immune system response. The evidence is currently conflicting, but there is tons of anecdotal evidence to support these claims.
Cold water immersion therapy has also been suggested to improve mood, energy levels, and sleep quality.
Who is the founder of Hydragun?
Aloysius Chay is the founder of Hydragun.
How do you use the Hydragun Supertub?
The Hydragun Supertub is for cold and hot water immersion. Current research suggests that 1 minute of cold water immersion is appropriate, while 30 minutes of hot water immersion is effective.
Hydragun supplies detailed video instructions on setting up, maintaining, and taking down the Hydragun Supertub.
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