Are you trying to immerse yourself in the world of cold therapy at home, but don’t know where to begin? Say hello to the Cold Pod (paid link), an extra-large portable ice bath that promises to revolutionize your wellness routine. Whether you’re looking to speed up muscle recovery, or just enjoy a chilling dip amidst the summer heat, the Cold Pod might be just what you need!
This post covers my firsthand experience with this portable ice bath, its standout features, and how exactly it compares with its medium counterpart. We’ll also reflect on specific nuances related to its setup, usage, and benefits. But before we dive into details, let’s get to know Cold Pod XL a little better!
*Disclosure – I personally bought the Medium Cold Pod and then Cold Pod sent me the XL to add to my review. My opinions are my own!
Unboxing and Setup
The Cold Pod XL arrives in a neatly packed box with all the essentials you need for an easy home setup: a sturdy, double-layer PVC tub with an insulated outer cover. Along with these, you’ll find two repair patches, a user manual to guide you, a hand-pump, and a large tote bag for easy storage and transport.
Setting up the Cold Pod XL is a seamless process. The first step is to insert the legs into the designated holes. Following this, you’ll need to inflate the top ring. The two-way valve on this component is a standout, preventing your hard work from escaping when you’re out of breath but ensuring a quick, mess-free deflation when required.
Using the included pump, you can inflate the Cold Pod XL until it stands tall and strong. Its robust durability becomes immediately apparent, with thick vinyl material at the bottom guaranteeing its durability and longevity.
Ice Bath Filling and Usage
Once the Cold Pod XL is all set up, the next step is to fill it with water. The process is straightforward – just ensure the external drain is closed to prevent a premature and messy water release.
While filling it isn’t particularly time-consuming (it can be done in under thirty minutes), you should make the most of this time. A quick workout session or yoga routine allows you to jump straight into the chilling comfort of the Cold Pod for immediate muscle cooling when it’s filled and ready.
One helpful feature is the inclusion of two different drains; a full bottom drain and an exterior one. Connecting the provided tube to the existing drainage system ensures you monitor where your water flows, prevent flooding, and encourage efficient draining.
Experience and Benefits
After a long day or intense workout, immersing yourself into the cold pod is an invigorating, revitalizing experience that offers numerous benefits – from mental clarity to rapid recovery and reduced injury.
It’s important to note that the optimal temperature for your ice bath falls between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. I learned that adjusting to the tub at your own pace is crucial for the best and most rewarding experience.
Whether you’re completely immersing yourself, or just dipping your toes, the Cold Pod XL caters to your preferred level of cold therapy. Despite the initial shock, each session leaves me feeling better, refreshed, and ready to tackle my day head-on.
And with plenty of room in the tub, it’s great for everyone, regardless of size or height.
Difference Between The Medium and XL Cold Pods
I previously owned the medium-sized (88 gallon) Cold Pod, and my 6’4″ brother, who’s more into his marathons, ended up running away with it (please excuse the pun). When I switched to the XL (116 gallon) version, it was a game-changer.
While both versions can comfortably cater to people of different heights, the Cold Pod XL offers significantly more room without compromising on portability. Surprisingly, it doesn’t require a lot more water, allowing for a comfortable dunk without you turning into a human icecube.
That being said, the primary deciding factor between the two may well come down to your available space and resources. For those living in a compact space, the medium version may be more practical. For those blessed with more room or looking for group chilling sessions, there’s nothing like the Cold Pod XL.
And if your space is tiny, there is an even smaller Cold Pod too!
Three Size Options For Your Ice Bath
Check out the Amazon prices on the three options you can choose from (paid links):
How to Make Your Cold Pod Last
It doesn’t take much to keep your Cold Pod in tip top shape.
Once you’ve enjoyed an ice bath session, be sure to cover the Cold Pod with the secure cover. This will keep it clear of debris for your next therapeutic session. Furthermore, you can use the same water for about two weeks, reducing resource wastage, and promoting environmental conservancy.
After those two weeks(ish), you will want to empty your cold pod and give it a quick scrub with biodegradable dish soap. Unlike a hot tub, you aren’t putting chemicals in the water, so you shouldn’t let it sit too long without refreshing the water. Also unlike a hot tub, you don’t need fancy PH-balanced cleaning solutions to wipe it down.
This Ice Bath is Truly Portable!
I cannot tell you how thrilled I was when the Cold Pod truly folded back down into it’s travel bag. So often, the bag isn’t big enough once the product has been used. Not the case with this product!
See just how easy it is to pack up and key steps to know in this video:
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a professional athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or just someone looking for a refreshing summer swim, the Cold Pod promises a unique experience that’s worth every penny. And it’s not just a seasonal investment either; with comprehensive health-boosting benefits and its promise of robust durability, the Cold Pod can redefine your wellness routine, no matter the season.
After all, who doesn’t enjoy a nice, cold plunge after a challenging day?
In conclusion, I highly recommend the Cold Pod (paid link). Its perfect blend of efficiency, portability, and size has transformed my wellness routine and it can do the same for you. So why wait? Dive into the thrilling world of cold therapy with the Cold Pod today!
