For most of the year, my social media feed has been flooded with cold plunges, ice baths, and cold exposure therapy. Ever since I met Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete known for enduring cold temperatures, I’ve wanted to try the recovery technique. As a newbie, the closest I came to an ice bath was in the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe.
This summer I tested the Echelon Smart Cold Plunge Pro (1.0 HP). It is an inflatable bathtub connected to a cooling device that can cool up to 36 degrees Fahrenheit or heat up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This all-in-one system can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi so you can control it from your smartphone, and it’s even portable, so you can take it anywhere (even though I don’t recommend it due to the size).
The Echelon Smart Cold Plunge Pro has a simple ThriveX companion app that works well. This is where the “smart” part of the name really shines. The cooling unit has a touchscreen that’s a little hard to see in direct sunlight, but the real magic is in the companion app. With the mobile app, you can adjust the temperature, monitor statistics and create schedules.
The schedules are my favorite feature. During my testing, I programmed the device to start cooling the water in the afternoon so I could use it after tennis sessions. To save energy, I programmed the device to turn off at night and come back on the following afternoon.
Now it’s time to address some things I didn’t like about the device. The first is that the bathtub is a little short, so if you are tall, I would consider buying another longer model. Cleaning is also an ordeal. This is actually not the fault of the device as it has a built-in ozone disinfectant. However, the nature of getting in and out of water means it will get dirty. I suggest choosing some chemicals that can help extend the life of your water so you don’t have to change it as often.
In this episode of How to Do It All, which you can watch above, I tell you what I learned from the experience, along with my first impressions using the Echelon Smart Cold Plunge Pro. I also walk you through the setup process so you can prepare for your first dive. The video provides cleaning and maintenance tips, so you can make the most of your cold dive.
Cold Plunge has made cold therapy an accessible and consistent part of my life. However, the system is a significant investment, as the Echelon Smart Cold Plunge Pro costs $4,999. The convenience and smart features it offers are worth it if you’re serious about this type of recovery. It’s been a cool experience so far with the device and I’m looking forward to diving even deeper.
Overall, my experience with cold exposure therapy was positive. However, this type of recovery is definitely not for everyone, and I recommend checking with your doctor first to ensure it is right for you. I also ensure you are aware of the risks, especially if you have a cardiovascular health condition.
Ice baths have entered my weekly schedule, but they haven’t broken my daily routine yet. The real test will be in winter. Will I feel like diving into the cold when there is also snow on the ground? Come back later to find out.
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