Question 1

How is the BoxPlunge different from other cold plunges in the market?

Accepted Answer

BoxPlunge utilizes the built-in refrigeration system of a chest freezer to achieve freezing temperatures for cold plunges.

Unlike other cold plunge systems that rely on chillers to extract heat from the water via a heat exchanger and a fan, BoxPlunge passively radiates heat through the outer walls of the freezer, providing a simpler and more energy-efficient solution.

The unique design of BoxPlunge offers several advantages over traditional chiller-based systems:

Quieter operation: BoxPlunge operates without the need for a fan, making its refrigeration system significantly quieter than systems using chillers.
Less maintenance: The simplicity of BoxPlunge's design translates to fewer moving parts and less complexity, resulting in low maintenance requirements compared to external chiller-based cold plunges which do require yearly maintenance and are much more likely to break down (less reliable at freezing temperatures).
Superior insulation: BoxPlunge features exceptional insulation capabilities, thanks to the thick foam layer between the inner and outer walls of the freezer (>3" of insulation). This advanced insulation ensures the water remains cold for extended periods, reducing the need for the compressor to run frequently. Also, the insulation guarantees "drip-free" walls which means there will not be any sort of external moisture due to condensation, in other words, a completely dry floor.  Further, we guarantee water won't freeze even during the coldest of winters.
Uses less energy: The BoxPlunge cooling system is simple ~ works like your home freezer, not like the other cold-plunge chiller systems. You see, when water moves through pipes, it can pick up heat, making the system work harder to cool it down again. But BoxPlunge doesn't have this problem because it doesn't have water pipes at all. So, it uses less energy to keep the water cold. It's like it's saving energy because it doesn't have to do extra work to cool down the water again (like every other cold plunge in the market that has an external chiller system).
Less heat dissipation: The heat radiated from a BoxPlunge will not make the room hot (no exhaust required), any external chiller will make the room hotter, unless you install an exhaust. 
No Plumbing: Not having an external chiller means water does not have to flow out of the unit to get chilled, this avoids any plumbing work which significantly reduces complexity on the system. Further, when there is external plumbing such as an external filter canister there will always be condesantion as a filter canister is less than 1/6" thick; this also means that if you were to turn off the chiller bacteria will grow incredibly fast inside that filter canister (room temp. water in a dirty filter canister is the perfect environment for bacteria or mold to thrive) 
No Condensation: Unlike external chiller systems that need a water tray for managing water condesation (plumbing systems are never insulated enough for there to not be any condesation even the best chillers will need a water tray), BoxPlunge guarantees your floor will stay 100% dry with not tray needed.

Question 2

What safety systems does it have?

Accepted Answer

Our cold plunge freezers are equipped with a safety feature that automatically disconnects all electronics whenever you open the lid. You'll know it's working when you hear a "clicking" sound, which indicates the tub is safe and power-free. You will also be able to see the thermostat display turning OFF.

Additionally, all the electronics are GFCI protected. Which means everything will disconnect in case there is any electrical fault (similar to the breakers of your home).

Question 3

Basics to know

Accepted Answer

- BoxPlunges are made from new chest freezers converted into a fully functional cold plunge. The three main components of the tubs are:

Filtration and sanitation: The  filter keeps impurities and some bacteria away from the water and a powerful ozone generator connected to a timer sanitizes the water and kills 99.9%  of bacteria which keeps your water clear for months. Additionally, we sell H2o2 which is the most enviromentally friendly chemical-based sanitation method for your cold plunge.

Thermostat: An external thermostat will regulate the temperature.

Safety equipment: The plunges are equipped with a water-safe GFCI plug. Additionally, our patent pending magnetically safe system unplugs everything from the freezer upon lid aperture.

Water-proof structure ("Tub"): The interior is made of enameled coated metal which is designed to be skin-safe, water-proof and corrosion-proof.

Question 4

How long does it take to arrive?

Accepted Answer

– Please refer to the upper section of the home page for this information. Just be aware "Lead time" means the time it may take us to get it out of our warehouse, once is out it may take about 5 business days to get delivered. Call us for a more precise answer.

Question 5

How cold does it get?

Accepted Answer

– We are one of the only cold plunges in the market that are capable of producing ice. Simply drop the set temperature below 32F and let the ice form. But please understand that ice-formations may be abrasive.

Question 6

Should I expect the electric bill to go up?

Accepted Answer

– The freezer uses little energy:

A 14.3cu. Ft. uses around 338kwh of energy per year that is around $48 per year (at rates of $0.14 cents per kwh). The filtration system uses around 175kwh/yr which is around $25 per year. Total energy consumption should not exceed $260 per year.

- How does it use so little energy?

The BoxPlunge system works like your home freezer and it doesn't have any water pipes. You see, when water moves through pipes or a filter canister, it can pick up heat, making the system work harder to cool it down again. But BoxPlunge doesn't have this problem because it doesn't have water pipes and the filter sits inside the unit. So, it uses less energy to keep the water cold. It's like it's saving energy because it doesn't have to do extra work to cool down the water again (like every other cold plunge in the market that has an external chiller system).

Question 7

Can this be kept outside?

Accepted Answer

These can be kept outside under shade and ideally protected from the rain. Keep in mind that by leaving it exposed to extremely hot conditions or heavy rain showers you may shorten it's life-span.

If you would like to have one built to handle the elements better please select any "modern-style" skin which protects the outter white paint for 5 to 6 years.

Question 8

How well does it handle cold winters?

Accepted Answer

The water won't freeze. With more than 3" insulation, 1,200gph water pump and with the water always inside the tub (i.e. no plumbing at all), it will not turn into  ice.

Question 9

How long does the water take to cool down?

Accepted Answer

Water may take 48hrs+ to reach low temperatures (WITH THE PUMP UNPLUGGED), that's why it is recommended to use ice the first time you fill it up with water and/or after 3 to 6 months when you have to change the water. For Box 19 it may take 72hrs to reach low temperatures. Once is cold, it will be able to keep water at freezing temps without the use of ice. To accelerate the cooling process you may un-plug the water pump during the initial cool down.

Question 10

What are the electrical requirements?

Accepted Answer

All BoxPlunges use 110V. The boxes draw little current about 1 to 2amps. The reason is because they are very well insulated, so, a small compressor size is capable for lowering and keeping the water at freezing temperatures.

Question 11

Are these easy to set-up?

Accepted Answer

Yes, very easy:

Question 12

How does the lid come? Is it attached? or removable?

Accepted Answer

Box 10 comes with the lid on hinges.
Box 14 customizable, just select the desired format on the drop-down menu
Box 19 comes with a hinged lid and a lid-stay system because it is a heavier lid, if you leave us a note at check out specifying that you would like this lid to be fully removable then we'll honor such note.

Question 13

How do you change the water? Is there a drainage?

Accepted Answer

We seal up the original chest freezer drainage (to avoid any possibilty of water leaking through rubber gasket). Instead all our units do come with a powerful sump-pump and hose for you to empty the unit in less than 10 minutes!

Frequently asked questions