Home Wellness: Saunas, Hot Tubs & Recovery

An inflatable hot tub, from brands like Intex, Bestway, Coleman and MSpa, sets up without tools or an electrician, can be drained and stored, and costs roughly $450 to $1,100 here. A plug-and-play hot tub, such as LifeSmart, has a rigid shell and jets and runs on a standard 110V outlet. It is a more permanent spa and costs roughly $3,400 to $4,400.

Many inflatable hot tubs can be used in cool weather, but each has a minimum operating temperature, so check the product page before using it in freezing conditions. An insulated or EnergySense cover holds in heat and lowers running costs, and placing the tub out of the wind helps it heat faster.

One-person compact infrared saunas need the least floor space, while 2 and 3 person models need more room, so check the dimensions on each product page. Many 1 to 2 person Dynamic Saunas models plug into a standard 120V household outlet, ideally on a dedicated circuit. Larger 3-person models may need a higher-amp circuit.

A cold plunge tub, also called an ice bath tub, holds cold water for short immersions, usually after exercise. The portable tubs here include 100 to 129 gallon models and come with lids. Many people use water around 50 to 59°F (10 to 15°C) for a few minutes. If you have a heart condition or other health concerns, talk to your doctor before cold-water immersion.

A far infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to warm your body directly, at lower air temperatures than a traditional sauna. A full-spectrum sauna combines near, mid and far infrared wavelengths. Dynamic Saunas offers both types, many with low or ultra-low EMF heaters.