Ice Barrel includes everything you need for a life changing experience.
Your Ice Barrel ships through UPS or FedEx via the LTL freight division. Shipments are typically processed and shipped 4-6 weeks from the order date.
When your ICE BARREL is delivered, it has already been tested and inspected according to our quality standards. However, on the off chance that something isn’t quite right when your Ice Barrel arrives like a broken valve or a manufacturing defect, Ice Barrel offers a limited lifetime warranty to cover these kinds of issues.
Ice Barrel guarantees that your Ice Barrel will not crack and will remain free from material defects so long as the barrel is used for its intended purposes and is subject to reasonable maintenance. The warranty does not cover cosmetic issues (i.e. fading, scratches, etc.) resulting from normal wear or dirt, water retention, internal/external surface contamination from exposure to environmental conditions, and inclement weather, including but not limited to storms, tornados, hurricanes, hail, sleet, ice, moisture, rain, flooding, snow, sun, and wind. For detailed information on the Ice Barrel warranty, click here.
Cold therapy provides systemic anti-inflammatory relief, increases positive immune response, and parasympathetic nervous system stimulation. Cold therapy is being applied to provide non-pharmaceutical support for patients with depression and mood disorders, reduction of daily stress, chronic disease support including rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia among others, and disease intervention.
Cold therapy has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress as well as improving mood and general brain function(Galliera et al., 2013; Hayashi et al., 1997; Jungmann et al., 2018; Kinoshita et al., 2006; Lange et al., 2008; Metzger et al., 2000; Misiak & Kiejna, 2012; Polizzi, 2019; Rymaszewska et al., 2020). The brain releases norepinephrine during cold stress, which is shown to reduce depression and anxiety. Heart rate and heart rate variability are linked to reductions in stress as well, both of which occur with cold therapy. Mood and brain function improve through stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Physiological effects are likely mediated by stimulation of the Vagus nerve and modulation of hormones(Jungmann et al., 2018; Lange et al., 2008; Metzger et al., 2000; Polizzi, 2019). This includes weight loss by stimulating growth of brown fat and lowering white fat. Brown fat, often referred to as “good” fat, increases energy burning and is responsible for body thermoregulation. In part through stimulation of the Vagus nerve complex, cold therapy reduces inflammatory responses throughout the body and thus stimulates the body to heal as well as increasing positive immune response for fighting disease and infection. This beneficial response may be what reduces symptoms and inflammatory markers present in blood from autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
We have a lot of pride that we’re made in the USA using a very involved process to get the edges smooth and the barrel extremely durable.
The Ice Barrel took several years of research and development to arrive at the final design you get to experience today. The barrel is made using advanced rotomolding technology. Rotomolding is a production process that allows us to rapidly produce a consistent and high-quality product that our customers love. Through this technology, we are able to produce highly durable, thick-walled barrels. This means that you don’t have to worry about the Ice Barrel failing or breaking down over time.
The Ice Barrel is made from high-quality recycled materials that will last a lifetime. The Ice Barrel is composed primarily of LLDPE (low linear density polyethylene); a lightweight and durable non-toxic plastic. This is the same type of plastic used in food and medical grade applications. We also use a UV resistant formula to help minimize fading.
Our team of industrial designers has spent years identifying and solving many challenges associated with cold therapy.
The Ice Barrel is a cold therapy training tool that offers an easy way to bring ice baths to your wellness routine. With a lightweight design and functional features, the Ice Barrel is portable, durable, compact, and looks great! We’ve designed our product to fit most body types under 6’6″ and 300lbs, while also allowing you to sit in an upright position, which helps the body and mind focus and relax. Our Easy-Flow drainage system is designed to connect to a standard garden hose and allows you to easily drain the water in a preferred location.
After removing the lid, you’ll enter from the top and settle into a comfortable position. Depending on where you have your Ice Barrel, you can use a step stool or ladder, but use it at your own risk. We recommend always having another person present while you are in the Ice Barrel for your safety. You might experience numbness after an ice bath, which can make it hard to get out of the barrel by yourself.
Our current Ice Barrel comfortably fits bodies under 6’2 and 3250lbs. However we are frequently asked if individuals larger than that can fit.
We recommend staying fully-submerged in the ice bath for 2-10 minutes, depending on how your body responds to the cold. For those just starting out, try shorter dips and build up to longer ones as you get more comfortable. As always, listen to your body and don’t push past what you’re comfortable with. It’s better to build resistance slowly over time. Staying in for too long at low temperatures can put your body at risk for hypothermia, which is a medical emergency that occurs when your body temperature drops below a safe level (95°F/37°C). Dangerously low body temperature can cause heart failure and even death.
Cold therapy is short-term cold stress that activates the body’s healing mechanisms. There are several different cold therapy methods, and Ice Barrel uses cold water immersion. This involves immersing the body at least to the abdomen (but preferably up to the neck) in 40-60°F water (4-15°C), for around 2-10 minutes. This can be done daily as part of the lifestyle for well-being, for reducing muscle soreness and fatigue, inflammation, and many other benefits. The other primary method of cold therapy requires a clinical setting and a cold air chamber typically set at -166°F (-110°C).
Learn more on our blog: Cryotherapy and Ice Baths: What’s the Difference?
With ice baths, you feel the effect immediately around your entire body, and you are sure that every part of your body is submerged in water. Activation of the body’s natural healing mechanism for general wellbeing works best with consistent cold temperature applied to the neck and abdominal region. Consistent application of the cold, as well as the natural compression provided by water, is only provided by submersion.
With an ice bath, you’ll be able to enjoy a deep, penetrating cold through your entire body and muscles. You won’t get this level of penetration from taking a cold shower.
Learn more on our blog: How is an ice bath better than a cold shower?
Yes, ice baths are healthy if you follow the correct procedures. Cold therapy has proven to be a safe, non-pharmaceutical way to relieve pain, reset the body for overall health, and allow athletes to return to their workouts faster. With our guidelines, you stand to benefit greatly from cold water immersion therapy with the Ice Barrel.
Maintaining the water temperature greatly depends on your regional climate. For example, customers in Texas, Arizona, and Florida typically need more ice in the summer, spring, and fall months. However, customers in Canada and northern states will likely require less ice in the summer months due to colder temperatures and groundwater.
During the colder months, many customers don’t need to add ice.
Your ice bath temperature should be below 60°F (15.5°C). We recommend easing into your practice, allowing your body to get used to lower temperatures and building up a tolerance slowly over time. If you’re just starting out, start closer to 60°F and lower the temperature over a few sessions. More experienced ice bathers tend to use temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C) as their body becomes more cold adapted.
For decades, cold therapy has been used to treat acute injuries and post-exercise recovery. Interestingly, new research has confirmed that cold therapy is a safe and effective remedy for chronic diseases and can promote overall well-being.
According to studies, stress in the form of physical exertion (exercise), as well as life stress, triggers similar hormonal responses that affect heart rate and heart rate variability. Cold water therapy stimulates the Vagus nerve, which can reduce heart rate while improving variability. The Vagus nerve is about 75% of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating abdominal organs and mood. The Vagus nerve runs from the brain, through the neck, to the abdominal organs. Vagus nerve activation reduces stress and induces relaxation.
If you’re focused on recovering and minimizing the fatigue you feel after a training session, an ice bath is a great addition to your post-workout routine. In addition to reducing fatigue and exercise injury, an ice bath has also been shown to prepare your body and mind for the next workout.
Learn more on our blog: Optimizing Athlete’s Post-Workout Recovery
Ice Barrel requires very little maintenance. We recommend changing the water every four (4) weeks or as preferred. Water cleanliness can be extended by using water stabilizers or treatments such as hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, or UV purifier. You can clean your Ice Barrel using your preferred soap or detergent.
Ice Barrel has gone through extensive testing in extremely cold temperatures where the water freezes. Water freezing in the barrel will not harm the product. In order to keep water at the optimal temperature for cold water immersion therapy (40-60°F), we recommend using the Ice Barrel lid and cover during extended cold periods.
Cold water therapy is one of the fastest, easiest, and most natural ways to reset your body and mind.
Cold therapy reduces inflammation and pain by constricting blood flow to muscles. By temporarily reducing nerve activity, cold therapy reduces swelling and muscle spasms.
The Ice Barrel 300 has easy connects for chillers, but it can just as easily be used with ice. Simply plug the inlet port at the top of the barrel (the plug is included with your purchase) then fill with water and ice to reach your desired temperature.
Cold therapy triggers a nervous system response that activates the immune, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. This response can help improve hormone production, sleep, metabolism, circulation, and lower stress.