The Modtub 2.0 is currently featured as our best value pick on our Best Cold Plunges Buyers Guide.
We believe the Modtub 2.0 offers the best value in cold plunges on the market. The tub features some of the best insulation we've seen, enabling exceptional efficiency in cold water technology!
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- World Class Insulation.
- Swivel open lid, with the option to be detached.
- 2 Drain Holes.
- Durable 1/4 HP Chiller.
- 50 Micron Filter.
- Cools to 39°F
- Limited Color Options.
- No Ozone (Comes as additional add-on).
- Approximately 75 gallons of water.
The Modtub 2.0 Tub
The biggest upgrade—and the reason it’s called the Modtub 2.0—is the tub itself. The team behind Modtub redesigned it to be longer, deeper, and more ergonomically suited for cold plunging. With the original Modtub 1.0, I had to scrunch up to fully submerge, but the new layout is spot-on. I can now comfortably immerse my entire body without any awkward positioning. And despite the increased size, it doesn’t feel bulky or take up unnecessary space in my small yard. It really hits the sweet spot in terms of dimensions.
And of course, there’s the world-class insulation. The original Modtub 1.0 was essentially a repurposed meat cooler—which worked, but had its limitations. The Modtub 2.0 takes it to the next level. Built from heavy-duty rotomolded plastic, it’s purpose-designed for cold plunging and packed with 2 inches of thick insulation. This means the water stays cold longer and the system runs more efficiently overall.
Draining the Modtub 2.0
One of the most underrated features of the Modtub 2.0 is how easy it is to drain. It comes with not just one, but two drain ports—one on each side—so you can choose the most convenient direction to empty the tub. Depending on your maintenance routine, you might need to drain the tub every 1–2 weeks. However, with proper care using ozone and Sirona Spa Care, we’ve been able to keep the same water clean and fresh for up to six months.
Detachable Lid
We absolutely love the lid on the Modtub 2.0. By default, it stays attached, which is a huge win for convenience and efficiency. It’s great being able to simply swing it open and hop in—no need to find a place to set it down. The attached lid even doubles as a mount for your phone, which is a clever bonus. That said, if you ever want to fully remove it, you can. It’s just one more thoughtful detail that shows how the creators of the Modtub 2.0 went above and beyond in their design.
Fully Modular Setup and Design
One of our favorite features of the Modtub 2.0 is its fully modular design. Every component is easily accessible, making maintenance a breeze—if something breaks or needs attention, it’s simple to reach and replace. While many assume an ice bath is “set it and forget it,” the reality is that some upkeep is always required, like changing filters or checking the flow rate. The Modtub’s open and intuitive layout makes these tasks straightforward. Assembly took us just 25–30 minutes, and we were plunging in no time.
No need to worry—the back of the tub won’t be left exposed. Once everything is set up, you’ll cover it with the included vanity cover, made from thick, durable plastic. It not only gives the tub a clean, finished look but also protects the internal components from rain, dust, and other elements.
Modtub 2.0 1/4 HP Chiller
Is 1/4 HP enough?
You might be wondering: is a 1/4 HP chiller powerful enough? In our experience—absolutely. The Modtub 2.0 is likely the most well-insulated tub on the market, with a full 2 inches of insulation. That thermal efficiency makes a big difference. In our tests, it took about 9 hours to cool the water from 75°F down to 43°F. While that may sound like a long time, once the water reaches your target temperature, the Modtub holds it extremely well.
It’s worth noting that this system is designed to run continuously—both the pump and chiller stay on 24/7. That means once the water is chilled, it stays cold and ready for plunging at any time.
How Much does it Cost to Run the Modtub 2.0?
The Modtub 2.0 uses an Active Aqua 1/4 HP chiller, one of our favorite units on the market. Based on our usage, it adds about $20/month to your electricity bill—less than $1 a day for consistently cold water on demand. That’s a solid value for a year-round cold plunge experience.
Can the Modtub 2.0 Chiller be left outside?
Technically, the manufacturer recommends keeping the chiller covered. That said, we know plenty of people who leave their Active Aqua chiller fully exposed to the elements with no issues. In our experience, it’s proven to be incredibly robust and weather-resistant.
How low does the tempurature go?
The Modtub 2.0 chiller can cool the water down to 39°F. While we do wish it could dip a few degrees lower, for 95% of users, 39°F is more than cold enough. Given its reliability, durability, and insulation efficiency, we confidently recommend it.
Modtub 2.0 Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Modtub 2.0 for?
We recommend the Modtub 2.0 for beginner to intermediate cold plungers. It’s an excellent fit for home use and ideal for individuals or couples looking to make cold plunging part of their regular wellness routine. With its compact footprint, efficient cooling, and thoughtful design, it’s perfect for solo or 1–2 person sessions.
However, for commercial settings or environments with frequent, back-to-back use—like gyms, spas, or wellness studios—we’d suggest looking at larger, more powerful units. Something like the Regen cold plunge, which offers higher horsepower and is built to handle continuous, high-volume use, would be a better fit in those scenarios.
ReGen is taking the cold plunge industry by storm. Offering overbuilt, handcrafted units with a fantastic warranty.
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- Large acrylic tub.
- Extremely high flow rate.
- Can be used indoors & outdoors.
- Chills down to 36°F
- Ozone.
- Expensive
- Heavy (452 lbs without water)
Conclusion
The Modtub 2.0 is a phenomenal ice bath solution—especially for new plungers looking to upgrade from traditional ice baths to a chiller-based system. It makes daily cold plunging truly accessible and sustainable. While the upfront investment may seem significant, the savings on ice alone quickly make it worthwhile.
What really sets the Modtub 2.0 apart is its modular design. This isn’t a system you’ll outgrow—it’s built to evolve with you. Components are easy to replace or upgrade, giving the unit long-term flexibility and value. For instance, we plan to add an ozone system down the line (so stay tuned!).
In summary, the Modtub 2.0 strikes the perfect balance of functionality, convenience, and durability. It’s an ideal choice for anyone ready to dive into the world of chiller-based cold plunging and enjoy a reliable, long-term solution.
I am dedicated to sharing all of my cold plunge-related adventures and research to give you the best knowledge base. As a videographer and biohacker, I blend visual storytelling with health optimization to share insights and guide others in their cold plunge journey.
