How To Install a Beautiful DIY Cold Plunge
Installing Our DIY Cold Plunge
When we first looked at this 15×30-foot corner of our backyard, it was nothing more than wasted space.
It wasn’t a place we gathered. It wasn’t beautiful. And it definitely wasn’t adding anything to our daily lives.
But we could see the potential.
Our vision was to create a backyard wellness center—a place where we could slow down, reconnect, and make our health a priority without ever leaving home. This included a sauna, outdoor shower, hot tub, cold plunge and cedar walkway.
You can also watch the entire series at the end of the post!
Today, we’re sharing the final step in that transformation: installing our DIY cold plunge from Plunge Crafters.
Why We Wanted a Cold Plunge
From the beginning, we knew this project was about more than creating a beautiful backyard.
We wanted to build a space that encouraged healthy habits and gave us a reason to step outside every day.
Mike has wanted a sauna for years, so that became the centerpiece of the project. As we researched the benefits of heat and cold therapy, we realized a cold plunge would be the perfect complement.
Alternating between a sauna and a cold plunge has become increasingly popular for people looking to support recovery, reduce muscle soreness after exercise, improve circulation, and create intentional moments to slow down and reset. While everyone’s experience is different, we loved the idea of bringing that spa-inspired routine into our own backyard.
When we started looking at cold plunge options, we quickly realized there were a lot of choices—but many came with a significant price tag.
That’s when we discovered the DIY Cold Plunge Kit from Plunge Crafters.
Why We Chose the DIY Kit
One of the biggest reasons we chose the Plunge Crafters DIY system was the flexibility. You can purchase the same kit we used HERE and use the code CITYGIRL10 for a discount.
Instead of purchasing a pre-built cold plunge, we could choose a tub that fit our style and space, then pair it with a complete system that transformed it into a high-performance cold plunge.
That meant we could create something that looked custom-built instead of trying to design our backyard around a large manufactured unit.
Since we had already customized every other part of our wellness center, this option fit our vision perfectly.
What’s Included in the DIY Kit?
One thing we appreciated right away was how complete the kit is.
Instead of trying to source parts from several different places, Plunge Crafters includes nearly everything you need to build a professional-quality cold plunge system. We purchased the 150 gallon stock tank as well as the insulation cover sold by Plunge Crafters.
Our kit included:
- A high-performance water chiller
- A filtration system
- Water circulation components
- Temperature controls
- Plumbing hoses and connection fittings
- The major mechanical components needed to operate the system
The only additional items we needed were our tub, a nearby electrical outlet, and a few basic plumbing supplies depending on our installation.
Having everything arrive together made the project much less intimidating.
Putting the Cold Plunge Together
One of the questions we’ve received the most is:
“Was it difficult to build?”
Honestly, we were pleasantly surprised.
We started by placing the tub exactly where we wanted it within our wellness center, making sure it lined up well with the sauna and outdoor shower.
Next, we unpacked the Plunge Crafters components and organized everything before beginning the installation. The instructions were easy to follow, and because all of the parts are designed to work together, we didn’t spend time trying to figure out what was compatible.
After positioning the chiller, we connected the plumbing lines between the tub and the system. The supplied hoses and fittings made the process straightforward, and once everything was tightened and secured, we filled the tub with water.
Then came the exciting part.
We plugged in the system, selected our desired temperature, and watched it begin circulating, filtering, and cooling the water automatically.
Seeing it all come together was incredibly satisfying.
Within a short time, our custom-built cold plunge was fully operational and ready to use.
What We Love Most
One of our favorite features is that the water isn’t meant to be drained and replaced after every use.
The continuous filtration and circulation system helps keep the water clean while the chiller maintains your selected temperature, so it’s always ready when you are.
That convenience was important to us because we wanted something we’d actually use consistently—not another project that required constant maintenance.
The entire system feels incredibly well thought out, and it fits seamlessly into the design of our backyard.
Looking Back at the Entire Wellness Center
It’s amazing to think this all started with a forgotten 15×30-foot section of our yard.
Here’s how the project came together:
Part 1: Building the Foundation
We leveled the space, installed a low-maintenance rock base, and built our modern aluminum pergola with adjustable louvers and an integrated drainage system.
Part 2: Installing the Sauna
The sauna was something Mike had dreamed about for years, and watching it become the centerpiece of the space made everything start to feel real.
Part 3: Adding the Outdoor Shower
The outdoor shower completed the spa-like experience while also making it practical to move between the sauna and cold plunge.
Part 4: Installing the DIY Cold Plunge
The cold plunge was the final piece that tied everything together.
It transformed our project from a beautiful backyard sitting area into a true wellness retreat that we’re excited to use year-round.
Would We Do It Again?
Without hesitation—yes.
This project has completely changed how we use our backyard.
Instead of walking past an empty corner every day, we now have a space that encourages us to spend time together, prioritize our health, and enjoy our home in a completely different way.
It’s become one of our favorite places to start the morning, unwind after a busy day, and simply be present.
If you’ve been dreaming about creating your own backyard wellness space, don’t let the DIY aspect scare you. The Plunge Crafters kit made the process approachable, gave us the freedom to customize the design, and resulted in a cold plunge that looks like it was professionally built specifically for our backyard.
Sometimes the best projects are the ones that improve not just your home—but the way you live in it. Check out these posts for more inspiration!
