I used a smart cold plunge all summer. Just a wellness trend or a new way of life?

For almost a year, my social media feed was flooded with cold plunges, ice baths, and cold exposure therapy. Ever since I discovered Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete known for resisting cold temperatures, I’ve wanted to try the recovery technique. As a beginner, the closest thing to an ice bath was the freezing water of Lake Tahoe.

This summer I tested the Echelon Smart Cold Plunge Pro (1.0 HP). This is an inflatable bathtub connected to a cooling device that can reach 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 on your smartphone, and is even portable, so you can take it with you (although I wouldn’t recommend it due to its size).

The Echelon Smart Cold Plunge Pro has a simple ThriveX companion app that works well. This is where the “clever” part of the name really shines. The cooler has a touchscreen that’s a little difficult to see in direct sunlight, but the real magic is in the companion app. With the mobile app you can set the temperature, monitor stats and create schedules.

Schedules are my favorite feature. In 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, then it would start working again the next afternoon.

Now it’s time to address some things I didn’t like about the device. The first is that the tub is a bit short, so if you are tall I would consider getting another longer model. Cleaning is also an ordeal. This isn’t really the device’s fault, as it has a built-in ozone sanitizer. However, the nature of water going in and out means it gets dirty. I suggest choosing chemicals that can help extend the life of your water so you don’t have to change it so frequently.

In this episode of How to Do It All, which you can watch above, I share what I learned from the experience, as well as 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 shares cleaning and maintenance tips, so you can get the most out of your cold dive.

The cold plunge has made cold therapy an accessible and consistent part of my life. However, the system represents 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 are seriously considering this type of recovery. So far the experience with the device has been nice and I can’t wait to dive even deeper.

Overall, my experience with cold exposure therapy has been positive. However, this type of recovery is definitely not for everyone, and I recommend consulting with your doctor first to make sure it is right for you. I would also make sure you are aware of the risks, especially if you have a cardiovascular health condition.

Ice baths have made their way into my weekly schedule, but they haven’t disrupted my daily routine yet. The real test will come in winter. Would I want to head out into the cold when there is also snow on the ground? Come back later to find out.

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