Cold water therapy (aka cold immersion therapy) is a popular health and wellness practice that dates back thousands of years. Various countries and cultures around the world including the ancient Greeks and Romans used cold water to treat numerous illnesses and ailments including joint and muscle pain, skin disease, relaxation, and more.

In modern times, cold water therapy has continued to grow in popularity with various spas and social wellness clubs like Remedy Place offering cold water therapy in different forms such as ice baths or cold plunges among their services.

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To maintain their wellness journeys at home, many people are opting to install cold plunge pools in their homes so that they can continue to reap the benefits of cold water therapy. Soake Pools is a leading company in precast, pre-tiled plunge pools in North America that offers homeowners space-saving plunge pools that can be used year-round with electronically controlled temperatures for the perfect polar plunge (day or night). Their revolutionary pools are made in New England with state-of-the-art materials, are customizable, and delivered pre-built and ready to install.

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“We love the focal point that our pools provide,” says Karen Larson, co-founder of Soake Pools. “Just like people are finally embracing the small-house movement, they are also ready to embrace the small pool revolution. Plunge pools become a destination, a gathering place, as well as an oasis for cooling off (or heating up) depending on the season. To top it off, they leave space for other beautiful outdoor features for gardens since they don't take up much space!”

Here, Larson shares the top five health benefits of cold plunges on a regular basis:

1. Reduce Inflammation

Studies have shown that regular cold exposure can help sore muscles and joints, as well one's immune system, recover faster. 

2. Lower Stress Levels

Some sources credit the creation of norepinephrine (from exposure to cold) with reducing stress and anxiety, and producing feelings of happiness and well-being.

3. Decrease Anxiety and Depression

Having the body undergo necessary physiological stressors meant to release helpful hormones and neurotransmitters has shown to improve one’s quality of life. Cold plunging shocks and stimulates the receptors on our skin, exposing the body to a sensation that reduces depressive feelings.

4. Help Immune System and Recovery

Studies show that cold water immersion stimulates white blood cell production, therefore aiding in fighting off illness. 

5. Improve Sleep

Cold plunging can cause your body to produce more melatonin, which in turn aids in getting a good night of sleep.

For more information about Soake Pools, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @soakepools

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk