Frequently Asked Questions

At Glacial Zen, we believe in empowering your wellness journey with knowledge. Below you’ll find detailed answers to common questions about our cold plunge tubs—complete with scientific insights, usage tips, and product information—to help you make the most of your cold therapy experience.

🧊 About Our Cold Plunges

1. What are the benefits of cold plunging?

Cold plunging (cold water immersion) triggers a cascade of positive effects on the body and mind. Research-backed benefits include:

Improved Circulation & Muscle Recovery: The sudden cold causes blood vessels to constrict and then dilate upon rewarming, which pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout your muscles. This process can help flush out inflammation and reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness for faster recovery. Athletes often use ice baths for this reason, as cold immersion has been shown to lessen exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness. Over time, regular cold plunges may even improve overall circulation efficiency, benefiting cardiovascular health and muscle recovery.
Boosted Metabolism & Brown Fat Activation: Repeated cold exposure can activate brown adipose tissue (brown fat), which burns calories to generate heat. Studies indicate that cold-water immersion may increase metabolic rate and improve insulin sensitivity. In other words, cold plunging might support weight management and metabolic health by prompting your body to use energy to stay warm. While it’s not a weight-loss miracle on its own, this metabolic boost—combined with a healthy lifestyle—can be a useful advantage.
Enhanced Immune Function: Taking a cold plunge can stimulate your immune system. The shock of cold water prompts the release of leukocytes (white blood cells that fight infection), potentially bolstering your defenses. In a study from the Netherlands, people who incorporated brief cold showers (30–90 seconds) into their daily routine for 90 days reported 29% fewer sick days than those who didn’t. This suggests that cold exposure may help strengthen your immune response over time. Many users also report feeling an invigorating “wake-up” effect after a cold dip, as the body releases adrenaline and other hormones in response to the chill.
Mental Clarity & Mood Elevation: Beyond the physical perks, cold plunging can have profound mental benefits. The cold triggers a release of endorphins and norepinephrine in the brain—chemicals that naturally elevate mood and sharpen focus. Many enthusiasts describe a cold plunge as an instant mood booster—often citing reduced stress and anxiety levels after a dip. Emerging research even suggests cold water therapy can increase resilience to stress by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) over time. In short, a quick cold immersion can leave you feeling alert, positive, and mentally refreshed, contributing to overall mental well-being.

These benefits are supported by scientific studies and expert observations, but it’s important to listen to your body. Start slowly and consult with a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions. With regular practice, cold plunging can become a powerful tool for improving your health, recovery, and mindset.

2. Do I need ice for my cold plunge?

In most cases, no ice is needed – our cold plunge tubs come equipped with powerful built-in chillers that keep the water at your set temperature. The integrated chiller unit continuously cools and circulates the water, so you can enjoy ice-cold temperatures on demand without the hassle of adding ice. Simply fill the tub with water, set your desired temperature, and the chiller will do the rest. This not only saves you the cost and effort of buying ice bags, but also ensures a consistent temperature throughout your plunge (no warm spots!).

That said, you can still use ice if you want—some users like to add ice for an extra frosty experience or for aesthetic effect. Here’s when adding ice might be useful:

Initial Cool-Down: When you first fill your tub with tap water (usually moderate temperature), tossing in some ice can bring the water temp down faster before the chiller takes over.
Ultra-Low Temps: Our chiller can chill water down to around 37–40°F, which is plenty cold for most users. However, if you’re an extreme cold therapy enthusiast aiming for near-freezing temperatures, a bit of ice can help push the limits lower.
Backup for Non-Powered Use: In the event you don’t have electricity (or if you have a model without a built-in chiller), you can always revert to the old-school method: add ice to cool the water.

For the vast majority of sessions, though, you’ll find the built-in chiller alone is sufficient to maintain icy-cold water. It’s engineered to hold your target temperature reliably, so you can focus on your breath and experience rather than managing ice supplies. Enjoy the convenience of plug-and-plunge—no ice required for your daily cold therapy routine.

3. What temperature should I set my cold plunge to?

The ideal temperature for a cold plunge depends on your comfort level, experience, and goals. Experts have established some useful guidelines:

Beginners (50–59 °F / 10–15 °C): If you’re new to cold plunging, start in the cool-but-manageable range of about 50 to 60°F. This is cold enough to stimulate benefits without shocking your system too much on day one.
Intermediate (41–50 °F / 5–10 °C): Once you’ve acclimated to moderate cold, you can challenge yourself with temperatures in the 40s °F. Many practitioners find their “sweet spot” around 45°F—intense but still manageable with some experience.
Advanced (below 40 °F / ~4 °C): Experienced cold plungers sometimes go to the extreme end—high-30s °F or near freezing. This level is very intense and not necessary for most health benefits. Medical guidance generally suggests not going below about 39–40°F for safety.

Pro Tip: There’s no “must-hit” temperature for everyone. A level that makes you take a sharp inhale yet remains tolerable for a minute or two is sufficient for therapeutic benefit. Studies show benefits across a range of cold temperatures. We suggest starting on the warmer end and gradually dialing down as your body adapts.

4. How long should I stay in the cold plunge?

Most people only need a few minutes in the cold plunge to see benefits. Even short bursts of cold can be effective:

Start Short (30–60 seconds): If you’re new, begin with brief dips to build mental tolerance and ensure your body responds well.
Typical Session (2–3 minutes): Around 2–3 minutes is a common sweet spot. By the 2-minute mark, you’ve triggered the cold shock response (norepinephrine release, vasoconstriction, etc.) but likely haven’t hit excessive discomfort.
Maximize Benefits Safely (5 minutes): We generally recommend capping continuous immersion around 5 minutes in very cold water. Beyond that, benefits level off, and risk (numbness, excessive core temperature drop) can rise.

Listen to your body. If you experience intense shivering post-exit, numbness, dizziness, or chest pain, it’s time to get out and warm up. Everyone’s cold tolerance differs—consistency is more impactful than pushing extreme durations. Research suggests short, frequent cold plunges can be highly beneficial, so a gradual, moderate approach is best.

🛠️ Product & Setup

5. Do I need plumbing to set up a cold plunge?

No. Our cold plunge tubs are self-contained with built-in pumping and filtration systems. Simply fill the tub using a standard garden hose, and you’re all set. The tub continuously recirculates water through its filtration/chiller system, requiring no permanent water lines or special drains. This plug-and-play design makes setup easy—place it in your preferred location, fill it, and plug it into a power outlet. There’s no need for a plumber or remodeling; you can set it up on a deck, patio, garage, or gym room without running new pipes.

When it’s time to change the water or move the tub, use the built-in drain valve or pump. Because you’re not tied to fixed infrastructure, you can relocate your cold plunge or even use it outdoors in summer and indoors in winter. All you need is a flat surface that can support the filled weight and a standard electrical outlet for the chiller. We’ve designed our cold plunges to be hassle-free, so you can focus on enjoying cold therapy—not fussing with plumbing.

6. Can I use my cold plunge indoors?

Yes! Many customers place their cold plunge indoors for added convenience. Just keep these considerations in mind:

Choose the Right Spot: A water-resistant floor (tile, concrete, etc.) is ideal. If possible, having a floor drain or waterproof mat/tray is a plus.
Ventilation: Cold water can cause condensation. Open a window or use a dehumidifier or ventilation fan to manage humidity.
Monitor Humidity: A dehumidifier helps if you live in a humid climate or use the plunge in a small room. Keep the tub covered when not in use to minimize evaporation.
Check Floor Support: A filled tub can weigh 700–1000+ lbs, so ensure your floor can handle it—especially if placing it on an upper story.
Convenience Factor: Indoors, you avoid weather issues like freezing temps or wind chill. Just remember you can’t move a filled tub easily, so pick a location you’ll be happy with long-term.

Indoor cold plunging is definitely doable. With basic precautions for ventilation and water handling, you can create a comfortable indoor oasis. If an indoor setup isn’t feasible, our tubs are also outdoor-ready—choose whichever spot suits your lifestyle best.

7. How often should I change the water?

Routine water maintenance keeps your cold plunge clean and inviting. We suggest changing the water every 2–4 weeks for typical home use, though the exact frequency can vary based on your sanitation methods:

With Proper Sanitation & Filtration: Using a filtration system plus optional ozone, UV, or spa chemicals can extend water life to 2–3 months (or more). Regularly rinsing off before plunging also helps maintain water quality.
Without Sanitizers (Pure Water): If you prefer no additives, expect to change the water more often—around every 2 weeks to a month. Keep the tub covered to block sunlight and debris.
Signs It’s Time to Change: Cloudy water, odor, or a rapidly clogging filter. Heavy use (e.g., a weekend event) might also warrant an earlier refresh.

Changing the water is straightforward—drain, refill, and let the chiller bring it to your set temperature. A consistent schedule ensures a crisp, hygienic plunge every time.

8. Do your cold plunges come with a chiller?

Yes—all of our premium cold plunge models include a built-in chiller unit. This powerful cooling system continuously chills the water and lets you precisely control temperature (often down to 39°F). That means year-round cold plunging without the hassle or expense of buying ice.

For those who already have a tub or choose a model without a chiller, we offer standalone chiller units. But if you purchase a complete Glacial Zen cold plunge system, it arrives ready to chill. We believe an integrated chiller is the best user experience—just set the temp and enjoy a consistent, reliable cold plunge anytime.

Chiller vs. Ice: Traditional ice baths work for occasional use but can be inconsistent and pricey in the long run. Ice melts quickly and causes fluctuating water temps. An electric chiller provides steady, precise control—no extra ice purchases and no waiting for fresh ice. This convenience is why our customers love the integrated chiller system.

🚚 Shipping & Delivery

9. How long does shipping take?

Most orders arrive within 7–14 business days (1–2 weeks) from the time of order, depending on your location. Here’s what to expect:

Order Processing (1–2 business days): After placing your order, our system confirms stock and begins packing/shipment scheduling.
Dispatch & Transit (3–5 business days to ship, ~1 week in transit): Once your cold plunge leaves our warehouse, you’ll get a tracking number via email. Large items ship via truck freight, and the carrier may call you to schedule curbside delivery.
Total Delivery Time (7–14 days): West Coast deliveries often arrive sooner (around 1 week), while East Coast can take closer to 2 weeks. If you have a specific timeline, contact us to discuss rush options.

Inspect the packaging and product upon arrival. If there’s any damage, refer to our Returns & Warranty section. In nearly all cases, delivery is smooth, and you’ll be plunging in no time!

10. Do you offer free shipping?

Yes, we provide free shipping on all orders within the contiguous United States. That means no surprise freight charges at checkout—what you see is what you pay. We partner with carriers experienced in handling large deliveries, ensuring your cold plunge arrives safely. Curbside delivery is standard, so plan to have someone assist you in moving the tub to its final location.

If you’re in Alaska or Hawaii, reach out to us. We can often arrange shipping, but additional fees may apply. Overall, fast, free shipping is part of our commitment to making cold therapy accessible.

11. Do you ship internationally?

Currently, we only ship within the U.S. Our tubs are designed for U.S. electrical standards (240V), and we haven’t launched international versions yet. We do hope to expand to Canada, Europe, and beyond in the future. If you’re outside the U.S. and very interested in Glacial Zen products, please contact us to discuss potential solutions or sign up for updates on future availability.

💳 Orders & Payment

12. What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club), plus popular digital wallets:

PayPal for quick, secure transactions.
Apple Pay & Google Pay for one-tap checkout on compatible devices.
Venmo (on supported browsers/devices).
Shop Pay for faster checkout and installment options.

Our checkout process is secure and encrypted. If you have any questions about payment or run into issues, our support team is here to help.

13. Do you offer financing?

Yes—we partner with Shop Pay Installments to let you spread out the cost over time. During checkout, choose Shop Pay if your cart qualifies, and you’ll see available installment plans. Some plans may be interest-free if paid within a certain timeframe. Approval is fast and typically won’t affect your credit score just to check eligibility.

By offering financing, we aim to make cold therapy more accessible. If you have questions about Shop Pay Installments, reach out and we’ll gladly assist.

14. Can I cancel or modify my order?

If your order hasn’t shipped yet, we can often modify or cancel it for a full refund. Contact us as soon as possible—email or call with your order number and requested changes. Once an order ships, it’s more complex to alter addresses or cancel; you may need to accept delivery and initiate a return, which can involve return freight costs.

Key point: The sooner you let us know, the better. We typically process orders within 1–3 days, so timing is everything. We’ll confirm any successful modifications or cancellations and process refunds promptly.

🔄 Returns & Warranty

15. What is your return policy?

We offer a 30-day return window from the delivery date for unused items in their original packaging. If you have any arrival issues (damage or missing parts), please contact us immediately. For standard returns (non-defective), the customer typically covers return shipping costs. We can arrange freight on your behalf and deduct the fee from your refund, or you can handle your own shipping.

Once we receive and inspect the returned item, we’ll issue a refund to your original payment method. This usually appears within a few business days. We aim to make returns hassle-free—if you have any concerns or need troubleshooting help, reach out. We’re often able to resolve issues without a return. See our Refund Policy (linked in the site footer) for complete details.

16. Is there a warranty on your cold plunges?

Yes—each cold plunge tub comes with a manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The standard warranty is typically 1 year, though certain models or components may have extended coverage (e.g., 2–3 years). If a part fails under normal use, we’ll repair or replace it per the warranty terms.

What’s Covered: Functional defects (e.g., chiller failure, leaking shell, dead LED control panel).
What’s Not Covered: Misuse, abuse, normal wear-and-tear, cosmetic scratches, or modifications outside approved use.

If you encounter an issue, contact us with your order info. We stand by our products and will make it right if it’s a valid warranty case. For details, check the product page or your user manual.

📞 Support & Contact

17. How can I contact customer support?

We’re here to help with anything from pre-purchase questions to setup guidance and troubleshooting. Here’s how to reach us:

Email: peter@glacialzen.com. We monitor emails constantly and strive to reply within a few hours during business hours.
Phone: (888) 916-6667. If we miss you, please leave a voicemail; we’ll call back promptly.
Contact Form: On our website’s Contact page, you can submit an inquiry directly.
FAQ & Help Center: We have extensive resources available 24/7, but if you prefer speaking with someone, just call or email.

18. Do you offer live chat or phone support?

We do not currently offer live web chat. Our primary channels are email and phone. We often find email is ideal for detailed or technical inquiries—allowing us to provide reference links and step-by-step instructions. However, if you need immediate assistance or prefer a direct conversation, we encourage you to call us. Our phone line serves as a form of “live support,” just not in the form of an on-site chat widget.

We aim to respond to all inquiries within one business day, often much sooner. Our team is small but dedicated, so you’ll receive personalized help rather than generic scripts. We appreciate your understanding and promise attentive service whether by email or phone.

Still have questions?

If you have any other questions or need further information, we’re here for you! Don’t hesitate to reach out via any of the methods above. We understand investing in a cold plunge is a significant decision, and you might have unique questions not covered in this FAQ. Whether you’re curious about the product, the science behind it, or you need help after purchase—just ask. We pride ourselves on customer support and are more than happy to provide additional details, guidance, or reassurance.

Your journey to better health and recovery is important to us. If something isn’t clear or you’re on the fence about anything, a quick conversation or email exchange can make all the difference. We can share tips from other customers, setup ideas, and our own experiences to help you get the most out of your Glacial Zen cold plunge. No question is too small—we want you to feel confident and excited about joining the cold therapy community.

Thank you for considering Glacial Zen. We hope this FAQ has been informative and encouraging. Remember, we’re just an email or phone call away, so feel free to reach out and let us support you on your wellness journey!