6 Easy Steps to Build a DIY Chest Freezer Cold Plunge

Ever thought about dunking yourself into ice-cold water every morning? No? Well, stick around, because we’re about to make you a believer. Cold plunges aren’t just for elite athletes and crazy biohackers anymore—they’re for warriors like you and I who want to sharpen their minds, boost recovery, and dominate the day.

But let’s be real: dropping a few grand on a commercial cold plunge is ridiculous when you can make your own for a fraction of the price. Enter the chest freezer cold plunge—the ultimate DIY hack for a daily ice bath routine.

Here’s how to build one in 6 simple steps, along with some pro tips to keep your cold plunge clean, functional, and ready to chill you to your core.

Before we jump in (literally), let’s get this out of the way:

• Water + Electricity = A Bad Time. Always unplug your chest freezer before getting in.

• You’re modifying an appliance in a way the manufacturer never intended. If things go south, that’s on you.

• Cold exposure isn’t for everyone. Consult a doctor if you have heart conditions, circulation issues, or other health concerns.

• No warranties, no guarantees, just ice-cold greatness. Proceed at your own risk.

• Warrior Experts is not responsible for anything that happens to you as a result of making a DIY chest freezer cold plunge. Always consult an appliance professional and electrician when making a DIY chest freezer cold plunge. 

If you’re still here, you’re exactly the kind of badass we want on this journey. Let’s get to it.

Pick a chest freezer that actually fits your body. A 7-16 cubic foot freezer is perfect for most people, but if you're tall or like extra legroom, go bigger. The goal is to sit comfortably with your entire body submerged up to your chin. Once you find your size, figure out if you want to go new or used.

Going with a new chest freezer comes with a warranty, peace of mind, and usually a longer lifespan, but is of course more expensive. Plus, the customization may void the warranty.

While going with a used freezer is cheaper, you’re exposing yourself to the risk of buying a dud. Inspect the following factors carefully before you commit to buying a used chest freezer:

• Plug it in and let it run for an hour. Feel the walls to make sure they’re evenly cold, and place a thermometer inside to see if it reaches near 0°. Listen to the compressor to make sure it hums smoothly.

• Close the lid and check for air leaks. A loose or damaged seal will make the freezer work harder and shorten its lifespan.

• Visually inspect for rust, cracks, or water damage.

• Take a big whiff in for the good ol’ sniff test. If it smells sour or moldy, don’t waste another second looking at it.

• Make sure the power cord is secure, intact, and not janky.

• Try to find one that’s no older than five years old from a reputable brand.

• Finally, measure the space you plan on putting it in, and then measure the freezer to confirm that it will fit.

Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local appliance stores for deals.

Water + metal = rust, and rust sucks. Your freezer wasn’t designed to hold water 24/7. Without waterproofing, it’s going to leak, rust, or fail—probably all three. That’s why sealing is non-negotiable. It takes time and is a PITA, but you gotta tough it out. Taking this step seriously ensures your freezer lives longer and stays leak-free.

1. Clean the seams—remove dust and grime.

2. Apply the sealant along all seams and joints.

3. Let it cure for at least 24-48 hours before adding water.

Your goal water temperature should be around 33°-40° F depending on how cold your body and mind can go. Always remember to dance in discomfort without crossing the pain threshold.

This temperature range is cold enough to get the health benefits without turning the damn thing into a giant ice cube. This is where a thermometer and digital outlet timer come into play.

1. Plug the freezer into a digital timer and set it to run 3-6 hours per day (depending on climate and how cold you want the water).

2. Use a thermometer to check and tweak as needed.

We’re nearly there, I promise. Fill your new chest freezer no more than 8 inches from the top—this prevents overflow when you get in. If you’re on the bigger side of life, consider adding less water.

Use filtered or pre-treated water to prevent mold, bacteria, and slime buildup. Trust me, nothing kills the warrior vibe like questionable green water. You can also add hydrogen peroxide (or a small chlorine tablet) to help keep the water clean. Definitely do your own research as to how much to add based on your unique setup. Pool centers can be a good resource here, a lot of them get a kick out of it.

Once your freezer is sealed, filled, and equipped with a timer, it’s go time. Plug it in, let it cool for at least 24 hours, and monitor the temp. BOOM! You now have a fully functional, DIY cold plunge and NO more excuses.

• NEVER make contact with the water or get into the chest freezer while it’s plugged in. Unplug the chest freezer before getting in every single time .

• Keep electrical components far away from water.

• Test the temperature before every plunge.

• It’s ideal to have someone in your home/apartment/living space that can help you should you need it. I’ve never needed help, but never forget that water is a noble and unforgiving force. Even just a few chilled gallons can do some serious damage if you stay in for too long for whatever reason.

Breathing in and out through the mouth releases precious body heat, making ice baths that much more difficult. However, optimal nasal breathing not only retains more body heat, but it also blows off more c02, therefore making the ice bath easier.

I thought you’d never ask. The main reason why ice baths are challenging for most, and excruciating for a select few, is due to the temperature receptors in your skin being linked to pain receptors.

Here’s the catch; the receptors are linked via a c02 bond. Therefore, the less c02 there is in the blood, the weaker the link becomes, which ultimately makes the ice bath less challenging.

So no, it’s not bs; it’s physiology.  Wear Nose Strips to open nasal airways when in the ice bath, only breathe through the nose, and leave it on for the rest of the day. You’ll be amazed at how much of a positive impact these little nose stickers have on your mood through increased oxygenation and metabolic waste removal.

This isn’t optional. Water + electricity = bad. Even though chest freezers have insulated wiring, accidents happen. Don’t be that person.

A small water pump with a filter keeps your water clean longer. This means:

• Less slime forming on the walls.

• Fewer full water changes.

• Less maintenance overall.

Convenience = consistency. If you have to walk across the yard in freezing wind to plunge, you’re going to skip it. Keep it close to your shower for quick, easy warm-ups.

This extra waterproof coating makes your freezer last years longer by preventing corrosion. Spend a little now to save a lot later.

The less sweat, dirt, and body oils you bring into your plunge, the longer your water stays clean. Plus, it’s just good hygiene.