Skip to content
saunoka

What does a cold plunge cost to run?

An insulated plunge with a lid and a chiller costs very little to keep cold indoors; an uninsulated stock tank with ice gets expensive fast. Compare both for your tub, your room temperature and your electricity price.

Updated Oct 17, 2026

Typical results (model)

Setup (≈ 380 L / 100 gal, room 24 °C, water 10 °C, 2 plunges a day)Electricity per dayIce instead of a chiller
Insulated tub + insulated lid + chiller (COP 2) + 50 W pump≈ 2.1 kWh≈ 6 kg a day
Inflatable tub + basic lid≈ 3.3 kWh≈ 28 kg a day
Stock tank + basic lid≈ 4.8 kWh≈ 58 kg a day

At $0.18/kWh, 2.1 kWh a day is about $11 a month. Ice at about $0.60/kg (bagged ice) would cost about $115 a month for the insulated tub and around $1,000 a month for a stock tank.

The pump often uses more than the compressor in a well-insulated tub: a 50 W pump running all day is 1.2 kWh. Look for chillers with efficient pumps or timers if the maker allows them.

Questions and answers

How much electricity does a cold plunge chiller use?

In an insulated tub indoors, typically 1.5–3 kWh a day including the pump. Uninsulated tubs, hot garages and outdoor sun can double or triple that.

Is a chiller cheaper than ice?

For daily use, yes, after a few months: a chiller costs around $10–20 a month in electricity, while daily ice for a 100-gallon tub easily costs $100 or more.

Put this calculator on your site

Free for blogs, shops and installers. Copy the code into your page; it adapts to the width and keeps a small credit link.

<iframe src="https://saunoka.com/en/embed/cold-plunge-running-cost?m=US" title="What does a cold plunge cost to run?" width="100%" height="1100" style="border:0;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<p style="font:13px/1.4 sans-serif;margin:6px 0 0"><a href="https://saunoka.com/en/cold-plunge-running-cost">Plunge cost</a> · Saunoka</p>

Related