$30K Cold Plunge Pools Are the Trendiest New Home Amenities — Can They Help Sell Your Home?
Households are spending tens of thousands of dollars on ice baths as experts say they have become the trendiest residential amenity among the super-rich.
So-called “cold plunge pools” are filled with water below 59 degrees Fahrenheit and have been clogged by everyone from Lizzo to Gwyneth Paltrow for their obvious health benefits.
Swimming pool manufacturer Diamond Spas and Pools from Colorado said so Wall Street Journal that orders for its ice baths have increased tenfold since 2019.
Costs hover around $20-$30,000 depending on the model – though some custom designs can cost as much as $65,000.
Cold water exposure has become extremely popular in recent years as an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory remedy.
Cold water exposure has become extremely popular in recent years as an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory remedy. A large number of celebrities and TikTok stars have claimed the value of ice baths
It’s part of a “bio-hacking” movement where people try to achieve perfect health through lifestyle fads like fasting, plant-based diets, and red light therapy.
Those who take it claim it has reduced their anxiety, eased muscle soreness, and increased energy and focus.
The shock of the cold water is said to trigger the release of stress hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol. It is also believed to activate the parasympathetic branch of your nervous system, which helps the body relax after a stressful event.
However, the science is under-researched and has also been linked to adverse effects such as hypothermia and cardiac stress.
The trend has become so popular that developers are adding cold plunge pools to luxury complexes.
In New York, the luxurious One Manhattan Square condominium features an ice bath.
Rent for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment on the block costs $6,918 per month or -$1.2 million to buy.
And realtors say investing in a pool for your home can make your home stand out in a competitive landscape – though it’s unlikely to make all of your money back.
It was reported last week that the US real estate market was in the midst of an unprecedented cooling, with some homes in some areas selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars less than last year.
Licensed broker Adie Kriegstein, who founded Compass in New Yorktold Dailymail.com, “We are currently in a pendulum market that is shifting in favor of buyers.
“Having something like a cold plunge pool will definitely help your home stand out — people are going crazy for this stuff right now.”
Manufacturer Odin sells a cold plunge pool, pictured, for up to $13,500
Realtors say adding one to your home can help it stand out in a competitive market
The BlueCube Malibu 56 Cold Plunge costs a whopping $28,999.99
“It’s hard to say how much money it will actually add to your property — you’re unlikely to add the full cost of the pool to your home, but it will certainly get attention.”
Homeowner Stephen Garten of Austin, Texas, said he spent $19,000 on a swimming pool from manufacturer Blue Cube. The company offers units up to $29,000.
The 37-year-old told the WSJ: ‘It’s cruel. It’s a real challenge every day.
“Cold diving has made a big difference in my life.”
Meanwhile, Mitch Martinek, design manager at Diamond Spas and Pools, said demand for ice baths had surged following the pandemic, leading households to become more concerned about their health and well-being.
“Our cold plunge projects have grown tenfold since then,” he told the WSJ.
The pools cool water to between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. They are made of stainless steel or copper and can be used indoors or outdoors.
On average, the company charges $45,000 to install a cold plunge pool, which costs $45,000 but can go up to $65,000.
The units are often more expensive depending on the size, material and extras offered with them, including extra lighting, built-in infiltration and UV sanitation systems.
Prices will also vary depending on whether a homeowner wants to install one or simply purchase a freestanding tub.
Gwyneth Paltrow previously revealed that she has a cold plunger in her home spa, pictured
According to the manufacturer, they cost between $300 and $400 on average to maintain each year, which covers the cost of chlorine and balancing agents Renu therapy.
Other manufacturers include Odin, which charges up to $13,000 for its cedar bath.
The online description reads: ‘A true ice bath capable of reaching 32ºF (0ºC), the Odin is capable of producing ice if left on in low temperatures.
“Equipped with a filtration system that uses an ozone generator to sanitize and a pleated sediment filter to clean the water and keep it crystal clear.”
Households can also purchase portable, collapsible tubs that they fill themselves for as little as $50 on Amazon.
In September, Lizzo filmed herself stepping into an ice bath in a cream two-piece suit.
She wrote: ‘It’s so cold I’m numb, but it helps my inflammation. My body feels better.’
And Gwyneth Paltrow also revealed last year that she has a cold plunge pool at her home spa, which she shares with husband Brad Falchuk.
She said at the time, “Brad is an obsessive cold sucker.”