plunge build
Converting a Horse Trough Into a Cold Plunge in a Weekend
$310.00
Total cost
2
Days to build
The Build
Bought a plain galvanized stock trough meant for livestock water and used it as-is — no cutting required, unlike an IBC tote. Added a hinged plywood lid so debris and heat don't get in between sessions, and wrapped foam insulation around the metal rim so it's not painfully cold to grip when getting in and out.
No chiller, refills with hose water and ice as needed. Simple and it's held up two winters so far.
Materials List
- Galvanized steel stock trough, 100 gallon
- Plywood lid with hinges
- Foam pipe insulation for the rim
- Pool test strips