If you’re searching for the best ice bath metal tub, it’s worth checking the construction details before you buy: none of the four options below has a metal tub shell. They are portable tubs made from PVC or fabric-based materials. Some include a washable metal filter, which is different from a metal bath. These picks may still suit you if you want an insulated cold plunge setup, especially one paired with a water chiller.
Our top choice is a 148-gallon kit with a built-in pump and washable metal filter. The other options include a roomy kit with an external filter system, another built-in-filter chiller kit, and a portable tub designed for ice-and-water use without a chiller. Compare the tub materials, cooling setup, and included accessories to find the right fit.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Tub style | Cooling and filtration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1stplunge 148-Gallon Chiller and Tub Kit | Insulated oval PVC tub | 1/3 HP chiller, built-in pump, metal filter | A complete setup with fewer separate components |
| Brisk Bear XL Oval Ice Bath Tub | Portable oval tub with stability poles | Ice-based cooling; no chiller included | Portable use and a generous accessory bundle |
| AS ColdPlunge Built-In Pump and Filter Kit | 148-gallon insulated oval PVC tub | 1/3 HP chiller, built-in pump, washable metal filter | Chiller-based plunges with a reusable filter |
| AS ColdPlunge External Pump and Filter Kit | 148-gallon insulated oval PVC tub | 1/3 HP chiller, external pump, replaceable filter | People who prefer a separate filter system |
Our Picks: Best Ice Bath Metal Tub reviews
1. 1stplunge 148-Gallon Kit: A Complete Setup with a Built-In Metal Filter
This all-in-one kit pairs a 148-gallon oval tub with a 1/3 HP chiller, built-in pump, and metal filter. The filter is part of the water-care system; the tub itself is an insulated, seven-layer PVC design, not metal. That distinction matters if a metal shell is a must-have for your space or cleaning preferences.
The chiller is designed to cool water to a target as low as 42°F, depending on ambient conditions and setup. A touchscreen lets you set the temperature, and the chiller manages cooling after that. The tub has thick foam insulation and an included cover to help retain cold and keep debris out when it is not in use.
With the pump and filter built into the chiller, this kit avoids the separate external pump-and-filter arrangement used by one of the other options here. That can make the system feel more straightforward to connect, although you still need to allow room for the tub and chiller. The product description says the tub and chiller ship in separate boxes, so they may not arrive together.
This is a practical choice if you want a large home plunge with active cooling and fewer standalone water-care components. It is less suitable if you specifically want a rigid metal tub or need confirmed measurements for a tight installation; check the listing for dimensions and setup requirements before ordering.
Pros:
- 148-gallon tub and chiller are included as a kit.
- Built-in pump and washable metal filter help simplify the plumbing setup.
- Chiller is designed to reach a target as low as 42°F, depending on conditions.
- Insulated tub and cover help limit heat gain and keep out debris.
Cons:
- The tub is PVC, not metal.
- The tub and chiller ship separately and may arrive at different times.
Verdict: Choose this kit if you want a roomy insulated plunge with active cooling and an integrated metal filter, but not if you require a metal tub shell.
2. Brisk Bear XL Oval Tub: A Portable Option with Recovery Accessories
The Brisk Bear is a portable ice bath tub rather than a chiller system. It measures 46 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 22.4 inches high, and its oval shape is designed to give taller users room to stretch out. The tub is supported by stability poles and folds into a carrying case for storage or transport.
This model includes a cover, carry bag, digital timer, floating thermometer, two reusable ice molds, an inflatable neck pillow, and a water-and-ice bag that can also be used as a seat. These accessories make it a more complete option for someone planning to cool the water with ice rather than connect a dedicated chiller. The included ice molds can be frozen for reuse, but they are not a replacement for a powered cooling system if you want automated temperature control.
Its portable design may suit athletes, teams, or people who do not have space for a permanent plunge setup. The trade-off is that you need to manage the water temperature yourself, including adding or preparing ice. The product description does not specify a metal shell or metal filter, so it is not the pick for shoppers who specifically want either of those features.
Pros:
- Large oval dimensions are designed to accommodate taller users.
- Folds for storage and includes a carrying case.
- Includes a timer, thermometer, cover, pillow, and reusable ice molds.
- Does not require a separate chiller to use with ice.
Cons:
- No chiller or automated temperature control is included.
- It is not described as a metal tub.
Verdict: Pick the Brisk Bear if portability and included accessories matter more than a powered chiller or metal construction.
3. AS ColdPlunge Built-In Pump Kit: Chiller Cooling with a Washable Metal Filter
This AS ColdPlunge bundle combines a 148-gallon oval tub with a 1/3 HP chiller, built-in circulation pump, and washable metal mesh filter. As with the other chiller kits in this guide, the metal component is the filter, not the tub. The tub uses reinforced PVC, Oxford fabric, 10 mm EPE insulation, and a support frame.
The chiller is designed to cool water down to 42°F and maintain a selected temperature with help from its LED touchscreen. The built-in pump circulates the water, while the reusable filter is intended to catch hair and everyday particles. Its filter does not require disposable replacement cartridges, though it does need regular rinsing.
The kit also includes insulated hoses and fittings for connecting the tub, plus a submersible pump for use with a standard bathtub. That gives it more flexibility than a dedicated tub-only package, but it also means there are multiple pieces to set up. The chiller and tub ship in separate packages, which may arrive on different days.
This model is a strong fit if you want automatic cooling and prefer a washable filter integrated with the pump. Compared with the 1stplunge kit, the main listed differences are the specified tub construction and the bathtub-use accessories. Neither option provides a metal bath shell, so check the materials carefully if that is your deciding requirement.
Pros:
- Includes a 148-gallon insulated tub and 1/3 HP chiller.
- Built-in pump and reusable metal mesh filter are part of the system.
- Designed to cool water down to 42°F and maintain a set temperature.
- Includes a submersible pump for standard bathtub use.
Cons:
- The tub is made from fabric and PVC-based materials, not metal.
- The tub and chiller ship separately.
Verdict: This is a good match for a chiller-based home plunge if you want a reusable metal filter and bathtub-use accessories, but it is not a metal tub.
4. AS ColdPlunge External Pump Kit: A Separate Filter System for a 148-Gallon Tub
This kit includes the same general 148-gallon insulated oval tub size and 1/3 HP chiller as the other AS ColdPlunge option, but it uses an external pump and filter system. The tub is made with reinforced PVC, Oxford fabric, and 10 mm EPE insulation, with a support frame for stability. It is not a metal-shell bath.
The external pump circulates water through a 5-inch, 20-micron replaceable filter. Its transparent housing lets you check the filter, while replacement cartridges mean ongoing filter upkeep differs from the washable metal filter in the built-in-pump kit. The product description says the chiller can cool water down to 42°F and uses an LED touchscreen to set and monitor the temperature.
Insulated hoses, shut-off valves, and quick-connect fittings are included to make connecting the chiller and tub more manageable. A submersible pump is also included for standard bathtub use. This setup may appeal to someone who wants a separate filtration assembly, but it involves more external parts than an integrated pump-and-filter design.
Compared with the built-in-pump AS ColdPlunge kit, this version trades a washable metal filter for a replaceable 20-micron filter system. Consider whether you prefer rinsing and reusing a filter or keeping replacement cartridges on hand. Both kits include a one-year warranty according to the supplied product details, and both ship as separate tub and chiller packages.
Pros:
- Pairs a 148-gallon insulated tub with a 1/3 HP chiller.
- External filter housing is transparent for routine checks.
- Includes quick-connect fittings, insulated hoses, and shut-off valves.
- Submersible pump supports use with a standard bathtub.
Cons:
- The replaceable filter requires replacement cartridges.
- The tub is not made from metal, and the separate pump system adds components.
Verdict: Choose this kit if you prefer a separate pump and replaceable filter setup; consider the built-in-filter option if you want a washable metal filter instead.
How to Choose an Ice Bath Tub
Confirm the tub material
If you specifically want a metal tub, read the product specifications closely. A listing that mentions a “metal filter” does not mean the bath itself is metal. The options in this guide have PVC or fabric-based tubs, so shoppers who require a metal shell should look for a product that clearly identifies its tub material as metal.
Decide whether you want a chiller
A chiller can cool water and help maintain a selected temperature, reducing the need to add ice for every session. The chiller kits here use 1/3 HP units and are designed to reach a target as low as 42°F, though performance can depend on the surrounding conditions and setup. A tub without a chiller may cost less to set up, but you will need to cool the water with ice and monitor the temperature yourself.
Compare the pump and filter design
Integrated systems keep the pump and filter together as part of the chiller setup. Some include a washable metal mesh filter that you rinse and reuse; another uses an external pump and replaceable filter cartridge. Think about whether you would rather clean a reusable filter or keep replacement cartridges available, and check what the kit includes before purchasing.
Check capacity, shape, and fit
A 148-gallon rating describes water capacity, but it does not tell you whether the tub will fit your room or suit your body. Check the listing for dimensions, then measure your intended space, including room for the chiller, hoses, and access around the tub. An oval shape can provide useful room for seated immersion, while a portable model’s listed dimensions can help you judge its fit.
Look at insulation, cover, and support
Insulation and a fitted cover can help limit heat gain and keep debris out between sessions. Tub construction also affects how the bath is supported when full. Check for details such as insulation thickness, support frames, stability poles, and included covers rather than assuming that every portable tub has the same structure.
Plan for installation and upkeep
Consider where the tub will sit, how you will fill and drain it, and whether the location can accommodate the chiller and its connections. Chiller kits may arrive in separate boxes, and connecting hoses and fittings still takes setup. Regular cleaning is also part of ownership: filters need rinsing or replacement, and the tub and cover need appropriate care.
Review the warranty and included parts
Compare the warranty information and confirm which accessories are actually included. The listed chiller kits include setup fittings and hoses, but their filter systems differ, and the portable Brisk Bear uses ice rather than a chiller. Check the current product listing for complete specifications and any setup or operating instructions before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any of these tubs made of metal?
No. The tubs described here are made from PVC or fabric-based materials. Some chiller kits include a metal filter, but that is a water-filtration component rather than the tub shell.
What is the difference between a metal tub and a metal filter?
A metal tub has a metal bath shell that holds the water. A metal filter is a smaller component in a circulation system that helps catch particles. The products in this guide have insulated portable tubs and, in some cases, metal filters.
Which options include a water chiller?
The 1stplunge kit and both AS ColdPlunge kits include a 1/3 HP chiller. The Brisk Bear is a portable tub that relies on ice; its listed accessories include reusable ice molds, but no powered chiller.
Do the chillers maintain a set water temperature?
The chiller kits are described as having controls for setting and monitoring a target temperature, with automatic cooling to help maintain it. Actual cooling performance can depend on ambient conditions and the way the system is set up.
Which kit has a washable metal filter?
The 1stplunge kit and the AS ColdPlunge built-in pump kit list washable or reusable metal filters. The AS ColdPlunge external pump kit instead uses a replaceable 20-micron filter cartridge.
Can I use one of the chillers with a standard bathtub?
Both AS ColdPlunge kits list a submersible pump for standard bathtub use. Check the product instructions and connection requirements before using a chiller with a tub that is not included in the kit.
Will the chiller and tub arrive together?
Not necessarily. The 1stplunge and AS ColdPlunge kit descriptions say the tub and chiller ship separately, so they may arrive at different times.
Final Recommendation
For a complete home setup with active cooling and a washable metal filter, the AS ColdPlunge built-in pump and filter kit is the closest match among these picks. If portability and an accessory bundle matter more than a chiller, consider the Brisk Bear XL tub. However, none of these products is a metal bath. If a metal shell is essential, keep shopping and verify that the product listing identifies the tub itself—not just its filter—as metal.
