Ice swimming has ceased to be an extreme hobby for a handful of enthusiasts — in 2026, an ice bath in the garden is one of the fastest growing wellness trends in Poland. More and more people are combining it with a sauna, building a complete hot-cold contrast ritual at home. But not all ice baths are created equal — we explain the differences, prices, and how to choose the right solution for your garden.
What is an ice bath (cold plunge)?
An ice bath, also known as a Finnish tub or cold plunge, is a small, deep tank — usually wooden, in the style of a barrel — filled with cold water, in which you can fully immerse yourself. Unlike traditional ice swimming in a lake or sea, an ice bath stands permanently in the garden and is available all year round, without the need to travel to the water.
How much does an ice bath cost? Prices in 2026
Ice baths in our offer start from PLN 13,980 for a well-insulated wooden construction model. At this price, you will find a basic version where water and ice are refilled manually. The higher price range includes variants with a chiller unit — a device that automatically maintains a constant, low water temperature (usually around 3–8°C) without the need for manual ice addition, which is especially convenient in summer when the water in an uncooled tub heats up quickly.
Regular tub vs. tub with a stove — the difference in practice
It is worth distinguishing between two completely different products that are sometimes confused:
- Ice bath (cold plunge) — a tank with cold water, for ice swimming and cooling the body; optionally with a chiller unit.
- Tub with a stove (hot tub) — a large, warm tub with an external or internal stove, where the water is heated, not cooled — it is used for relaxation, not for ice swimming.
Many people ask about a "tub with a stove for ice swimming" — this combination contradicts the definition: ice swimming by definition requires cold water. If you care about temperature contrast, the right combination is an ice bath next to a sauna with hot air, not a tub with a heating stove.
Sauna and ice bath — the effect of hot/cold contrast
Alternating between a hot sauna (80–90°C) and a cold tub (a few degrees Celsius) is a classic Scandinavian ritual, increasingly popular in Polish gardens as well. A session usually looks like this: several minutes in the sauna, a short dip in the ice bath, a moment of rest, and repeating the cycle 2–3 times. This thermal contrast is eagerly practiced by athletes and cold exposure enthusiasts as an element of post-workout recovery and a way to refresh — we treat it as an element of lifestyle and a wellness ritual, not a form of treatment.
Placing a sauna and an ice bath next to each other in the garden — so that the transition between them takes only a few steps — is the most convenient solution for regular use throughout the year.
How to choose an ice bath for your garden
- Size — a single-person tub is sufficient for individual ice swimming; wider models allow for shared sessions.
- Material — spruce or thermowood, resistant to moisture and changing weather conditions all year round.
- Chiller unit — an option worth considering if you plan to use the tub also in summer or several times a week, and not just occasionally in winter.
- Cover — a solid thermal insulation cover reduces evaporation and maintains a lower water temperature between sessions.
Regular water changes and maintaining the cleanliness of the tub are essential for safe and comfortable ice swimming throughout the season, regardless of the chosen variant.
Assembly and delivery
Ice baths, like saunas, are made to order — the lead time is usually 4–6 weeks. Delivery goes directly to the specified address, and setting up the tub in the garden requires only a level, stable surface, without the need for foundation construction. The purchase, as in the case of saunas, can be paid in installments through Przelewy24 or PayPo.
Build your own contrast SPA in your garden
Check out the full offer of ice baths and garden saunas — including combined sets designed for the sauna and cold water ritual.
See the full offer of ice baths and saunas: https://saunado.eu/collections/all
Need advice on choosing? Write to: sales@saunado.eu.