Polar Monkeys Review: My Unfiltered Take On The Brainpod 2.0 After 2 Months

My partner and I never struggle to get in our daily movement. He walks about 20,000 steps per day at his job, while I typically tackle nightly runs, Lagree reformer classes, or strength training sessions after work.

But as much as we love staying active, our bodies feel the price. I spend at least 20 minutes with a heating pad on my knees every night, while he struggles with foot and back pain. So when an opportunity to do a Polar Monkeys cold plunge tub review appeared, we jumped on the chance to be testers.

Cold plunges cause blood vessels to constrict, which can reduce swelling and inflammation in the body. (And that's just the start of cold plunge benefits—research links cold water exposure to a stronger immune system1, improved mood2, better metabolic health3, and more restful sleep.)

A quick search of the best cold plunge tubs unveils a long list of brands, with most of the models appearing within the last year. Polar Monkeys is an exception—we initially included the brand in our original cold plunge tub guide in 2021.

Now the company offers four tub models: the Brainpod 2.0 ($5,980), Portal 2.0 ($4,350), Cyber Plunge ($7,100), and Star Treatment 2.0 ($5,990). At least two designs are available for commercial use (which means a more powerful chiller and a correlating cost increase).

While Polar Monkeys offered a few different models, I would categorized the Brainpod 2.0 as their mid-tier option (i.e. the best bang for your buck). Unlike the Portal 2.0, the acrylic tub is fully insulated. This helps keep your water cool (or warm) to keep your water at the optimal temperature without wasting electricity.

Setting up the Brainpod 2.0 was unbelievably easy; the brand says it will take about 15 minutes but I'd argue it takes even less. When the tub is delivered it's on a palette, though it only weighs 110 pounds when empty.

My partner and I could easily move the tub to our desired location on the side of the yard. From there, we simply had to fill the tub and plug it in. We set up the smart app straightaway, which allows us to control the temperature when we're not at home.

We paid close attention to where we wanted to place the chiller. It's not fully waterproof, so we purchased an air conditioner cover as an extra precaution to help keep it protected against the elements. (However the brand says this is not a necessary step!) We also opted to turn the tub off between uses to conserve energy.

Following the advice of Stacy Sims, PhD, I opted to set the cold plunge tub to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. We started by plunge for just one minute per day until working ourselves up to 3 minutes (me) and 4 minutes (my partner).

At 5'2", I found the tub was the perfect length for me to comfortably lounge during my 3-minute dip. My 6'3" boyfriend struggled slightly to fully submerge; either his knees or shoulder have to be out of the water. [Editor's note: The brand recommends the tub for those up to 6'2"]

We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to stay full underwater when sprawling out. Some cold plunge tubs cause your body to lift or rise out of the water, but it was easy to stay relaxed and reclined.

While it was brutal getting used to the water, I've found it's gotten easier with time—and we're still playing with ways to increase our time spent in the water.

While we mostly use the tub at night to improve recovery, we've also used it a few times after weddings to help with hangovers. Although not it's primary purpose, we've been shocked at how quickly it helps restore your body and kill a hangover headache.

Let's face it: Water maintenance is just a part of having a cold plunge tub. Luckily, Polar Monkeys makes it incredible easy. Not only does the chiller have a built-in water filtration system, but the brand offers a sanitizing kit that makes upkeep so simple.

The 6-month kit costs $169 and includes sanitizer, oxidizer, test strips, and two pH balancing solutions. This allows you to keep up a proper protocol without constantly changing your water.

That being said, we've found that putting our cold plunge tub outdoors means we often drag in dirt and other debris. We've had to drain our tub a few times to get out these unwanted particles.

The tub's drain is right in the middle of the tub, which is great for fast (and complete) drainage. We've also found this causes water to flood the area when we drain it. In hindsight, we wish we would've factored in the location of the tub with the drain in mind. Luckily, you can always use a hose to drain the tub instead to prevent the flooding.

Polar Monkeys tubs start at $4,350 and go up to $7,100 for the brand's luxury stainless steel design. The Brainpod 2.0 is a mid-tier option and the brand's signature offering, with a starting price of $5,580.

All Polar Monkeys ship free within one to two weeks of your ordering. And yes, international shipping is available.

Every model includes a 1-year limited warranty, which covers workmanship and material defects. You can purchase additional coverage directly from the brand with either a 3-year protection plan ($461) or 5-year plan ($767).

It's worth noting Polar Monkeys has a 15% restocking fee for returns. This covers the return shipping, processing, and testing by the brand. Be warned: Your product must be in its original condition and packaging.

Aches and pains were just a part of my daily life before I got my Polar Monkeys Tub. I plunge for 3 minutes daily and experience way less inflammation, including fewer arthritis flare ups. This allows me to push myself harder in workouts (and I do them more frequently).