Households are spending tens of thousands of dollars on ice baths as experts say they have become the hottest household amenity among the super rich.
So-called “cold pools” are filled with water below 59 degrees Fahrenheit and have been clogged by everyone from Lizzo to Gwyneth Paltrow for their apparent health benefits.
Colorado-based pool maker Diamond Spas and Pools told the the wall street journal that orders for its ice baths have increased tenfold since 2019.
Costs range between $20 and $30,000 depending on the model, although some custom designs can cost up to $65,000.
Cold water exposure has exploded in popularity in recent years as an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory remedy.
Cold water exposure has exploded in popularity in recent years as an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory remedy. A host of celebrities and TikTok stars have claimed the value of ice baths
It is part of a “bio-hacking” movement where people try to achieve perfect health through lifestyles such as fasting, plant-based diets and red light therapy.
Those who take it claim that it has reduced their anxiety, eased muscle pain, and boosted energy and concentration.
The shock of cold water is said to trigger the release of stress hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol. It is also believed to activate the parasympathetic branch of your nervous system which helps the body relax after a stressful event.
However, the science remains under-researched and it has also been linked to adverse effects such as hypothermia and cardiac stress.
The trend has become so popular that developers are adding plunge pools to luxury resorts.
In New York, the luxurious One Manhattan Square condominium boasts an ice bath in its amenities.
Rent for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in the block costs $6,918 per month or -$1.2 million to purchase.
And estate agents say investing in a swimming pool for your property can help it stand out in a competitive landscape – although you’re unlikely to get all your money back.
Last week, it was reported that the US housing market was in the midst of an unprecedented cooling, with some homes in some areas selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars less than last year.
Licensed real estate agent Adie Kriegstein, who founded Compass in New Yorktold Dailymail.com: “We are currently in a pendulum market which is moving in favor of the buyers”.
“Having something like a cold pool will definitely help your home stand out – people are going crazy for stuff like that now.
Manufacturer Odin sells cold pool, pictured, for up to $13,500
Realtors say adding one to your home can help it stand out in a competitive market
The BlueCube Malibu 56 Cold Plunge costs up to $28,999.99
“It’s hard to say how much money this will actually add to your property – you’re unlikely to get the full cost of the pool added to your home, but it will certainly be eye-catching.”
Owner Stephen Garten, of Austin, Texas, said he spent $19,000 on a pool from manufacturer Blue Cube. The company offers units up to $29,000.
The 37-year-old said WSJ: ‘It’s brutal. It is a real daily challenge.
“The cold plunge has made a profound difference in my life.”
Meanwhile, Mitch Martinek, design manager at Diamond Spas and Pools, said demand for ice pools has increased as a result of the pandemic, which has made households more concerned about their health and well-being. be.
“Our cold dive plans have increased 10 times since then,” he told the WSJ.
The pools cool the water between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. They are made of stainless steel or copper and can be installed indoors or outdoors.
On average, the company charges $45,000 to install a cold pool costs $45,000 – but can go as high as $65,000.
Units are often more expensive depending on the size, material, and add-ons offered with them, including supplemental lighting, built-in UV infiltration and sanitation systems.
Prices will also vary depending on whether the homeowner wants to install one or just buy a freestanding tub.
Gwyneth Paltrow previously revealed she had a cold plunger in her home spa, pictured
On average, they cost between $300 and $400 to maintain each year, which covers the cost of chlorine and balancing agents, depending on the manufacturer. Renu therapy.
Other manufacturers include Odin which charges up to $13,000 for its cedar ice bath.
Its online description reads: “A true ice bath capable of reaching 0°C (32°F), the Odin is capable of producing ice when left on at low temperatures.
“Equipped with a filtration system that uses an ozone generator to sanitize and a pleated sediment filter to clean and keep the water crystal clear.”
Households can also purchase portable, collapsible bins that they fill themselves for as low as $50 on Amazon.
In September, Lizzo filmed herself stepping into an ice bath in a cream two-piece.
She wrote: ‘It’s so cold I’m numb but it helps my inflammation. My body is better.
And Gwyneth Paltrow also revealed last year that she has a cold plunge pool in her home spa which she shares with husband Brad Falchuk.
She said at the time, “Brad is an obsessive cold diver.”
