Ice Baths
Ice Bath Products
From portable home pods to commercial-grade plunge systems with precision chillers — Crocpad has an ice bath solution for every athlete, gym, and recovery professional.
Commercial-grade tub designed for serious athletes and professional recovery centres.
- Insulated double-wall construction
- Fits adults up to 200cm tall
- Compatible with Boreon chillers
- Durable UV-resistant exterior
The go-to home recovery solution. Compact, stylish and easy to set up anywhere.
- Quick setup — under 10 minutes
- Reinforced PVC construction
- Thermal cover included
- Ideal for home use
Take your recovery anywhere. Folds flat for travel, camps, and outdoor sessions.
- Folds into carry bag
- Sets up in 5 minutes
- Lightweight — under 3kg
- Outdoor & travel friendly
Maintain precise water temperature automatically. No more buying bags of ice.
- Cools to 5°C precisely
- Built-in filtration system
- Digital temperature display
- Compatible with all Crocpad tubs
Why Ice Baths Actually Work
Cold water immersion has been used by elite athletes for decades. Here's what the research shows about regular ice bath use.
Reduces Muscle Soreness
Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels and reduces metabolic activity, significantly decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Studies show up to 30% reduction in soreness 24 hours post-exercise.
Accelerates Recovery Time
By reducing inflammation and flushing metabolic waste from muscles, athletes can return to training faster. Elite sports teams report 40% faster recovery cycles with regular cold plunge sessions.
Builds Mental Resilience
Voluntary cold exposure trains your nervous system to stay calm under stress. Regular ice bath practitioners report improved stress management, focus, and mental toughness in training and competition.
Boosts Metabolism
Exposure to cold activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), increasing metabolic rate and caloric expenditure. Regular cold immersion has been linked to improvements in insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.
Improves Sleep Quality
Cold exposure in the evening triggers a drop in core body temperature that mimics the body's natural pre-sleep state, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep — critical for athletic performance.
Enhances Cardiovascular Health
The cycle of vasoconstriction and vasodilation during cold immersion provides a powerful cardiovascular workout, improving circulation, heart rate variability, and long-term cardiovascular resilience.
How to Use Your Ice Bath
Fill with Cold Water
Fill your Crocpad tub with cold tap water. For tub-only users, add ice to bring the temperature down to your target range.
Set Your Temperature
Beginners: start at 15°C. As your tolerance builds, gradually lower to 10–12°C. With a Boreon chiller, this is fully automated.
Immerse & Breathe
Enter slowly. Use controlled breathing — inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4. Stay calm. Begin with 2–3 minutes and build to 10–15.
Warm Up Naturally
Exit and warm up naturally with light movement rather than a hot shower immediately. This maximises the recovery and metabolic benefits.
Build Your Protocol
Consistency is key. 3–4 sessions per week delivers optimal results. Track your tolerance and gradually progress temperature and duration.
The Science Behind Cold Immersion
Cold water immersion therapy (CWI) has been validated by extensive clinical research. When you submerge in cold water, your body initiates a cascade of physiological responses that directly benefit athletic recovery and overall health.
The primary mechanism involves vasoconstriction — cold causes blood vessels near the skin to contract, reducing blood flow to muscles and limiting inflammatory responses. When you exit the ice bath, vasodilation occurs, flushing metabolic waste and delivering fresh, oxygenated blood to recovering tissues.
Neurologically, cold exposure triggers a norepinephrine surge of up to 300%, improving mood, focus, and stress resilience — effects that persist for hours after the plunge. This is why many elite athletes and high performers begin their day with cold immersion.
Ice Baths For Every Athlete
Whether you're a professional competitor, gym owner, or weekend warrior — Crocpad has the right cold immersion solution for your lifestyle and goals.
Recover faster between training blocks. Reduce leg soreness and inflammation after long runs, tempo sessions, and race days.
Hit training harder and more frequently. Cold plunge reduces DOMS so you can train again sooner with less fatigue.
Used by AFL, NRL, rugby and soccer clubs across Australia. Post-match ice baths are standard protocol for elite teams.
Experience the mental clarity, mood boost and metabolic benefits of daily cold exposure without a gym membership.
Add a premium recovery offering to your facility. Crocpad's commercial-grade tubs are built for high-frequency professional use.
Clinical-grade cold immersion for rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, and chronic inflammation management.
Which Crocpad Is Right for You?
Not sure which ice bath to choose? Use this comparison to find the perfect match for your space, budget, and recovery goals.
| Feature | Large Pro | Ice Pod | Portable Pod | Boreon Chiller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Commercial / Gym | Home Use | Travel / Outdoor | Add-on to any tub |
| Setup Time | 3min | 3min | 5min | 10min |
| Insulated Walls | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N/A |
| Chiller Compatible | ✓ | ✓ | – | N/A |
| Portable / Foldable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – |
| Precise Temp Control | Ice needed or chiller only | Ice needed or chiller only | Ice needed | ✓ Automatic |
| Built-in Filtration | – | – | – | ✓ |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years | 1 Years | 1 Years |
| In Clark Rubber Stores | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
What Australian Athletes Are Saying
"I've tried three different ice bath brands and Crocpad is in a different league. The insulation keeps the water cold for hours and the build quality is exceptional. Worth every cent."
"As a physio, I recommend Crocpad to all my athletic patients. The Boreon chiller means the water is always at the right temperature. It's now a cornerstone of our clinic's recovery suite."
"Got the portable pod for travel competitions. Folds into my gear bag, sets up in minutes at any venue. My recovery has never been better mid-tournament. Game changer for touring athletes."
Find Crocpad at
Clark Rubber Near You
Crocpad ice baths are stocked in 65+ Clark Rubber stores across Australia. See and touch before you buy.
Find My Nearest Store →Ice Bath FAQ
Ice Baths in Australia: Everything You Need to Know
Ice baths — also known as cold water immersion (CWI) or cold plunge therapy — have surged in popularity across Australia over the past five years. What was once the exclusive domain of elite AFL, NRL, and Olympic athletes has become a mainstream recovery and wellness tool used by gym-goers, triathletes, yoga practitioners, and biohackers alike.
At Crocpad, we've built Australia's leading range of purpose-built ice bath systems — from entry-level portable pods to commercial-grade plunge tubs with precision chillers. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about ice baths: the science, the benefits, how to get started, and how to choose the right setup for your goals.
What Is Cold Water Immersion?
Cold water immersion (CWI) is the practice of submerging the body — typically from the waist down or the neck down — in water at temperatures between 8°C and 15°C for a defined period, usually 5 to 20 minutes. The practice has roots in ancient Roman bathing traditions, Scandinavian cold-water swimming, and Japanese Misogi rituals, and has since been validated by modern sports science research.
Why Ice Baths Are So Popular in Australian Sport
Australia's elite sporting culture has been a major driver of ice bath adoption. The AFL, NRL, Swimming Australia, Athletics Australia, and Rugby Australia have long incorporated cold water immersion into official recovery protocols. With Australia's warm climate creating higher baseline body temperatures, cold plunge therapy offers an effective way to manage heat-induced fatigue and accelerate recovery between training sessions and games.
The visibility of professional athletes — from Olympians to AFL stars — using ice baths on social media has also accelerated mainstream adoption. As Crocpad's products became available in Clark Rubber stores nationally, ice baths transitioned from a niche performance tool to an accessible wellness product for all Australians.
Ice Baths vs Cold Showers: What's the Difference?
While cold showers offer some benefits — particularly for mood and alertness — they don't provide the sustained full-body cold exposure required for meaningful physiological recovery. Key differences include:
- Ice baths achieve consistent temperature throughout the session; shower temperature varies
- Cold immersion creates hydrostatic pressure that aids lymphatic circulation and reduces swelling
- Full body submersion activates a more pronounced norepinephrine and dopamine response
- The duration of cold exposure is easier to control and quantify in an ice bath
- Research supporting recovery benefits is specific to cold water immersion, not cold showers
How to Choose the Right Ice Bath for You
The right ice bath depends on four key factors: frequency of use, available space, budget, and whether you prefer convenience over cost. For casual home users who plunge two or three times per week, the Crocpad Ice Pod paired with purchased ice is a cost-effective and practical starting point. For daily users or commercial facilities, investing in a Large Pro tub with a Boreon chiller eliminates the ongoing cost and effort of buying ice while delivering consistent, precise temperatures every session.
Ice Bath Safety: What You Need to Know
Ice baths are safe for the vast majority of healthy adults when used responsibly. Key safety guidelines include: never using an ice bath alone for your first sessions, not submerging if you have cardiovascular conditions without medical clearance, avoiding alcohol before a plunge, and always exiting if you feel excessive shivering, numbness, or confusion. Children and pregnant women should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Where to Buy Ice Baths in Australia
Crocpad ice baths are available Australia-wide through two channels. You can purchase online at crocpad.com.au with free shipping to most Australian addresses and a 30-day returns policy. Alternatively, the full Crocpad range is stocked in 65+ Clark Rubber stores — use the store locator to find your nearest location and see the products in person before you buy. Crocpad is the only major ice bath brand available in a national retail chain in Australia, making it the most accessible commercial-grade option on the market.
FLOATING WATER MATS
- Determine the size and location of the damage.
- If the damage is at the edge of the mat, we recommend cutting out the damaged section to prevent it from being a weak point.
- For small tears, use spray foam glue.
- For larger tears, we suggest using a leather PVC patch and following the video instructions.
Please follow the instructions in page 3 of the water mat manual.
INFLATABLE PRODUCTS
Inflatable slides, Dog ramps, etc.- To easily deflate the slide, use the 500W E-pump in deflate mode.
- Before deflating the stepping pad, ensure there is no water remaining in it.
- After deflating the pad, roll the slide tightly until it fits into the storage bag.
- Use the straps to secure the rolled-up slide.
All Crocpad inflatable products come with a repair kit that includes PVC patches and glue. Follow these steps to repair a leak or hole:
- Locate the leak or hole.
- Cut a patch that is at least ½ inch larger than the tear.
- Apply a small amount of glue to the patch.
- Place the patch over the tear, ensuring it is well-covered.
- Place a heavy and flat object over the patch.
- Allow the glue to dry for at least 12 hours.
All Crocpad inflatable products come with a repair kit that includes glue. Follow these steps to repair a seam:
- Locate the leak
- Clean the area
- Apply a small amount of glue
- Place a heavy and flat object over the patch.
- Allow the glue to dry for at least 6-12 hours.
More details in this link.
All Crocpad inflatable products come with a repair kit that includes PVC patches and glue. To repair or add a D ring patch, follow these steps:
- Prepare the D ring patch, which can be purchased from Crocpad.
- Locate the new patch position near the existing D ring, ensuring it is close enough to anchor effectively.
- Apply a small amount of glue to the patch.
- Place the patch near the defective one.
- Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours.
To protect your Crocpad slide from rough surfaces like tiles or pavers, follow these tips:
1. Use a Protective Mat:
- Place a durable, non-slip mat or tarp under the slide to create a buffer between the surface and the slide.
2. Inflate Properly:
- Ensure the slide is fully inflated to reduce friction and prevent sagging that can cause unnecessary contact with rough surfaces.
3. Avoid Dragging:
- When moving the slide, lift it completely instead of dragging it across the ground.
4. Inspect the Surface:
- Clear the area of sharp objects, debris, or anything that could puncture or scratch the material.
5. Store Safely:
- When not in use, deflate and store the slide in a clean, dry area away from sharp or abrasive surfaces.
These steps will keep your slide in top condition and extend its lifespan!
We suggest starting with a vinegar and water solution, or simply soap and water. If that doesn’t remove the mould, you can try a small amount of diluted methylated spirits on a soft cloth.
Test it on a small area first, then rinse thoroughly with water afterwards.
Please note
- Methylated spirits can weaken PVC, so use the least amount possible and always follow up with a water clean.
- Always rinse and air-dry fully in the sun before packing away
How to Set Up an Ice Bath at Home
Everything You Need for a Safe and Effective Recovery PlungePick a container that fits your body comfortably:
- Bathtub, stock tank, portable ice bath, or a professional plunge like Crocpad.
- Ensure it’s deep enough to submerge your shoulders.
Indoors: bathroom, laundry, or garage (with drainage).
Outdoors: backyard, patio, or balcony (on a flat, shaded surface).
Start with cold tap water.
Target 10–15°C (50–59°F) for recovery. Beginners can start slightly warmer.
Add 20–40kg of ice or reusable frozen bottles.
For hassle-free daily plunges, use a chiller system like Crocpad that maintains water temperature.
- Rinse off before plunging.
- Drain and refill small tubs every 2–3 uses.
- For bigger tubs, use a filter or sanitizing agent.
- Cover when not in use to keep debris out.
- Start with 2–3 minutes and progress to 5–10 minutes.
- Breathe calmly, never force it.
- Keep your head above water at all times.
- Always have a towel and warm clothes ready for after.
- Dry off and warm up slowly.
- Plunge 3–4 times per week for best results.
WATERPROOF STORAGE BAGS
Dry bag or water mat storage bag- Place the water mat or your staff into the bag, align the top edges of the bag, and squeeze them together.
- Tightly roll down the top of the bag at least three times. For a better seal, roll it down all the way until you reach the water mat or staff, increasing the tension on the closure.
- Clip the two middle buckles together.
- Bend the ends in the opposite direction towards the back, away from the side where you rolled the top down. This puts more tension on the fold and enhances the seal.
- Buckle the ends together, and you're done.
