Thinking of getting a plunge pool? Let’s look at the top benefits of a plunge pool, from health to space saving. These little pools are relaxation, fitness and wellness in a nutshell.
Key Points
Plunge pools are relaxation, space saving and affordable, perfect for urban living and outdoor features.
Cold water immersion in plunge pools boosts immunity, reduces inflammation and improves sleep, a total health and recovery solution.
Cold plunge and sauna together is physical recovery and mental clarity, total wellness.
What are Plunge Pools
Plunge pools are not your average pool. These little pools are designed for relaxation and cooling down. Typically 8-12 feet wide and 12-24 feet long, 4-8 feet deep, they fit into small spaces, perfect for urban living. Unlike big pools, plunge pools are often deeper, a unique form of exercise and relaxation.
One of the best things about plunge pools is they are versatile. They can be combined with other outdoor features like fire pits, to create a wellness area in your backyard. And installing a plunge pool is usually cheaper than a full sized pool, a cost effective way to add to your outdoor space without breaking the bank.
Plunge pools give you the benefits of a plunge without the space or cost. Whether you want to cool down after a long day or do some water aerobics, a plunge pool is part of your wellness routine.
Cold Water Immersion Benefits
Cold water immersion is a powerful tool for your health. When you get in a cold plunge pool your blood vessels constrict, blood flow to vital organs increases. This increased blood flow has many benefits, improved immunity and pain relief.
Regular cold exposure also stimulates your immune system by circulating white blood cells which clear out toxins from your body. So a dip in a cold plunge pool makes you more resilient to illnesses and stress. The benefits don’t stop there, cold plunge therapy reduces inflammation and alleviates symptoms of chronic pain.
And cold water immersion can improve your sleep too. Cold water exposure releases melatonin, helps regulate your sleep cycles and you’ll sleep better. Participants in studies have reported faster sleep onset and feeling more refreshed upon waking, cold plunge therapy is part of your nighttime routine.
Overall cold water immersion has many health benefits, from boosting immunity to sleep, a cold plunge pool is a game changer for your wellness routine.
Mood and Mental Health
The mental benefits of cold water immersion are just as impressive as the physical. The initial cold shock releases endorphins, those feel good hormones that make you feel good. This endorphin boost can lead to a better mood and less negative emotions.
Cold water immersion also increases norepinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that improves mood and reduces stress. Spending time in a cold plunge pool is a relaxing experience that helps you unwind and de-stress. The combination of heat from a sauna and cold from a plunge pool is mental clarity and overall alertness.
Doing cold plunge therapy regularly can balance your nervous system and improve cognitive function. This not only gives you more energy and focus but also builds long term mental resilience and discipline. So if you want to boost your mental health and overall wellness, add cold water immersion to your routine.
Physical Recovery and Inflammation
Cold water immersion is a game changer for those who are physically active. Plunging into cold water after exercise reduces inflammation and muscle soreness, recovery times. Perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want to recover physically fast through ice baths.
The rapid vasoconstriction caused by cold water immersion limits swelling and promotes healing. So cold plunge pools can reduce exercise related muscle damage, inflammation and soreness. But remember daily cold plunges can be beneficial for recovery but overdoing it can compromise long term performance gains.
In short cold plunge pools is a natural and effective way to recover physically. Add cold water immersion to your post exercise routine and reduce muscle soreness, limit inflammation and get back to your fitness goals.
Skin Health
Cold water immersion is good for your skin. Cold temperatures promotes collagen production, maintains skin firmness and reduces wrinkles. Cold water also increases blood circulation, delivers nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
Using cold water can also shrink pores and improve skin texture. It regulates sebum production, reduces acne and gives you a more youthful look. The benefits of cold water immersion goes beyond skin health but the glow and vitality it gives to your skin is undeniable.
Cold Plunge Pools and Detoxification
Detoxification is another benefit of cold plunge pools. Cold plunge immersion activates the lymphatic system which is responsible for flushing out toxins and waste from the body. This activation contracts the lymph vessels and increases the lymphatic system’s ability to expel waste fluids.
During cold water immersion vasoconstriction occurs, the lymph fluids move through the lymph nodes and mimics the effect of applying ice to an injury. This reduces swelling and improves drainage and contributes to a more efficient detoxification.
Energy and Sleep
Cold plunge therapy can be a powerful tool to boost energy and sleep quality. The practice improves circulation and reduces post exercise soreness, recovery time. To get the most out of cold plunges start with 3 times a week and gradually increase duration and frequency as your body adapts.
The ideal duration for a cold plunge is 30 seconds to 6 minutes depending on your tolerance and water temperature. If cold plunging is affecting your energy or mood, reduce how often you do it. Take a break and see how your overall well being improves.
By adding cold plunge therapy to your routine you’ll get a big energy boost and better sleep quality, it’s a great addition to your wellness program.
Practicalities
When considering a plunge pool you need to factor in the cost, installation and maintenance. The installation cost of a plunge pool can range from £10,000 to £50,000 depending on the type and customisation. Fibreglass plunge pools are prefabricated and cost between £10,000 to £25,000, custom concrete can cost over £20,000. Above ground plunge pools are more affordable and cost between £5,000 to £15,000.
Installation time can take from a few weeks to a couple of months depending on design complexity and weather. Regular maintenance tasks are checking chemical levels, cleaning filters and inspecting heating systems.
In addition to being great for small spaces plunge pools can increase property value by up to 15% especially in warmer climates where outdoor amenities are highly sought after.
DIY Cold Plunge Options
Creating a DIY cold plunge at home is more feasible than you think. A chest freezer can be an effective and insulated option for a DIY cold plunge. Other options are using a barrel or an inflatable tub. Adding an insulated lid can help maintain the cold temperature in your DIY ice bath.
Safety first when creating a DIY cold plunge. Make sure the lid can be opened from the inside if using a chest freezer. Installing a drainage system makes it easier to fill and empty the tub and maintain water quality and prevent bacterial growth.
Combining Cold Plunge Pools with Saunas
Combining cold plunge pools with saunas is a powerful form of contrast therapy, alternating between hot and cold to get the most health benefits, including the invigorating effects of a cold bath. This combination will boost your mood, relieve muscle tension and improve recovery.
For best results alternate sauna sessions with cold plunge therapy. This will not only improve physical recovery but also mental benefits, it’s a holistic approach to wellness.
Conclusion
In summary cold plunge pools have many health benefits from improved circulation and immune function to better mood and physical recovery. They are a cost effective and space saving solution for anyone looking to add to their wellness routine.
So why not take the plunge? Add a cold plunge pool to your life and discover the benefits for yourself.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of a cold plunge pool?
Cold plunge pools will boost your health by improving circulation and immune function. Plus reduce inflammation and pain and benefit your skin.
How much does it cost to install a plunge pool?
Installation cost of a plunge pool is between £10,000 to £50,000 depending on the type and customisation. So plan according to your budget and preferences!
How often should I use a cold plunge pool?
You should aim for 3 times a week in a cold plunge pool and gradually increase the time as you get used to it. Just remember 11 minutes total per week is a good target for those sessions.
Can I do a DIY cold plunge at home?
Yes, you can create a DIY cold plunge at home using a chest freezer, barrel or inflatable tub. Just make sure to prioritize safety and keep the water clean.
What are the benefits of cold plunge pools and saunas?
Combining cold plunge pools and saunas is amazing for mood and muscle relief. It’s refreshing and recovery fast.