Where to Put Your Fire Cold Plunge
It plugs into a standard outlet, sits on a flat surface, and doesn’t need plumbing. But you’ll still want to think through a few simple things before deciding where it goes.
TL;DR Summary
- Most common spots: backyard, garage, patio, gym, or bathroom
- What you need: standard outlet, hose access for fill and drain, flat surface
- Don’t overthink it: if your floor can get a little wet, it’ll probably work
- Need ideas? Scroll down for real customer examples and a full checklist
Watch: Best Cold Plunge Locations
In this video, we show real setups from customers and explain what makes each one work.
Top 10 Places Our Customers Put Their Cold Plunge
Not sure where to put your plunge? Here are the top 10 most common spots our customers use, from spare rooms to garages. Each one works for different reasons, and this list will help you figure out what fits your space and lifestyle.
10. Spare Room or Flex Space
- Space & Layout: Usually tight but workable. You’ll need enough clearance on all sides for easy access and cleaning. Best suited for minimal or repurposed rooms.
- Foot Traffic & Privacy: Very private. Great for solo use without interruptions, but consider whether others need to access the room for anything else.
- Electrical Access: Standard wall outlets are common in bedrooms and offices. Just check what else is plugged into the same circuit.
- Hose Access (Fill/Drain): Usually not ideal. You’ll need to run a hose from a nearby bathroom or laundry area, and find a way to drain it safely — possibly out a window or into a tub.
- Surface & Flooring: Avoid carpet. If you must use this space, put down a waterproof mat or tray to catch drips.
- Look & Feel: Can feel like a mismatch unless the space is cleared out and dedicated to recovery. Works best when the room is already used for wellness or fitness.
- Real-Life Use Fit: Low-traffic and quiet, but may be out of sight and out of mind. You'll use it more if the room is part of your regular routine.
9. Driveway (Under Carport or Awning)
- Space & Layout: Wide open and flat, assuming you have coverage. Just leave space to walk around and avoid blocking vehicle access.
- Foot Traffic & Privacy: Very exposed unless fenced or walled off. Not ideal for those who want total privacy, but easy to step outside and use.
- Electrical Access: May require an outdoor extension cord. Check if your carport has a weather-safe outlet nearby.
- Hose Access (Fill/Drain): Usually excellent. Most driveways are close to a hose spigot and have natural drainage built in.
- Surface & Flooring: Concrete or pavement works well. Just make sure it’s level and clear of debris or oil spots.
- Look & Feel: Functional and no-frills. Not the most aesthetic option, but very practical if you just want easy access.
- Real-Life Use Fit: Convenient for quick plunges after yard work or workouts. Easy to use daily if weather allows and privacy isn’t a concern.
8. Laundry or Utility Room
- Space & Layout: Often tight, but many utility rooms have just enough room to fit the tub. Clear the area before setup.
- Foot Traffic & Privacy: Low-traffic and private. You won’t be disturbed, and it’s usually separated from main living areas.
- Electrical Access: Wall outlets are almost always present. Just avoid overloading a circuit shared with a washer or dryer.
- Hose Access (Fill/Drain): Excellent. You’re often right next to a utility sink or washer hookup for filling and draining.
- Surface & Flooring: Usually concrete or tile. These surfaces can handle moisture and weight with no issue.
- Look & Feel: Not glamorous, but very functional. It can be a hidden recovery zone with zero fuss once set up.
- Real-Life Use Fit: Close to existing utilities and easy to maintain. Doesn’t interrupt the flow of daily life and may become a consistent habit.
7. Bathroom or Spa Room
- Space & Layout: If you have the square footage, this is one of the smoothest options. Everything is already built to handle water and personal use.
- Foot Traffic & Privacy: Very private and quiet. It’s part of your daily routine space, so you’re already used to being comfortable here.
- Electrical Access: Bathrooms typically have GFCI outlets, which are safer around water. Just make sure one is within reach.
- Hose Access (Fill/Drain): You’re close to a tub or shower. Fill and drain without needing to run hoses through the house.
- Surface & Flooring: Designed for wet conditions. No extra prep needed — the tile or vinyl can handle drips and splashes.
- Look & Feel: This is where it feels like a true spa. If you have the room, it integrates seamlessly and adds to the experience.
- Real-Life Use Fit: Excellent. You’re already in this room morning and night, so using the tub becomes part of your natural rhythm.
6. Sunroom
- Space & Layout: Usually open and airy. Plenty of natural light and space to move around the tub comfortably.
- Foot Traffic & Privacy: Semi-private. If it’s fully enclosed, it offers good privacy. If surrounded by windows, consider using frosted film or blinds.
- Electrical Access: Most sunrooms have a few outlets. You’ll only need one standard 110V plug.
- Hose Access (Fill/Drain): May need to run a hose through a nearby door or window. Works fine if planned out in advance.
- Surface & Flooring: Tile or sealed concrete is ideal. Add a mat if the flooring isn’t water-safe or gets slippery when wet.
- Look & Feel: Bright, peaceful, and calming. You get the benefits of natural light without being fully outdoors.
- Real-Life Use Fit: Great option for those who want a dedicated recovery space that still feels connected to the home.
5. Basement
- Space & Layout: Lots of room, especially in unfinished or partially finished basements. Easy to carve out a corner just for recovery.
- Foot Traffic & Privacy: Extremely private and quiet. Most basements stay cool and undisturbed — ideal for focused routines.
- Electrical Access: Usually not a problem. Just confirm the outlet isn’t shared with high-draw appliances or tools.
- Hose Access (Fill/Drain): Can be a bit of a hassle. May require a long hose from an upstairs spigot or utility sink. Some basements have floor drains — if so, that’s a win. Drain with bilge pump and hose.
- Surface & Flooring: Concrete floors are perfect. If finished, check that the flooring is water-safe or add protection underneath the tub.
- Look & Feel: More functional than aesthetic unless styled intentionally. But it’s easy to make this feel like your own private retreat.
- Real-Life Use Fit: Works well if you already use your basement for workouts, recovery, or quiet time. Out of sight, but can still become part of a strong daily habit.
4. Home Gym
- Space & Layout: Often has more than enough room if the gym isn’t crowded with equipment. You’ll want a few feet of clearance on each side.
- Foot Traffic & Privacy: Usually private, especially if the gym is in a garage or separate room. You can plunge immediately after workouts with no interruptions.
- Electrical Access: Most home gyms have wall outlets. Just make sure nothing else high-draw is competing on the same circuit.
- Hose Access (Fill/Drain): May require a long hose from a nearby bathroom, utility sink, or outdoor spigot. Drain out a door or window as needed.
- Surface & Flooring: Rubber mats or concrete floors work well. Just towel off after use to prevent moisture from lingering.
- Look & Feel: Feels right at home in a fitness space. The tub blends in as part of a complete recovery routine.
- Real-Life Use Fit: One of the most habit-friendly placements. You’re already in the space for training — adding recovery is seamless.
3. Covered Patio or Porch
- Space & Layout: Typically open and airy, with plenty of room to move around the tub. Just make sure the surface is flat and stable.
- Foot Traffic & Privacy: Semi-private. You’re outside but still shielded by a roof or walls. Add screens or planters if you want more coverage.
- Electrical Access: Most patios have a nearby outlet. Use a weather-rated extension cord if needed.
- Hose Access (Fill/Drain): Easy. Most patios are close to outdoor hose bibs, and drainage can run directly into the yard or gravel.
- Surface & Flooring: Concrete, pavers, or composite decking all work. Just double-check that the area is level and water-friendly.
- Look & Feel: Balanced blend of comfort and nature. It feels like a premium outdoor recovery space without being fully exposed.
- Real-Life Use Fit: Very usable year-round, especially in mild climates. You’re more likely to use it regularly when it’s right outside your door.
2. Backyard (Includes Deck or Side Area)
- Space & Layout: Open and flexible. Place it on a level pad, pavers, deck, or gravel bed. Gives you freedom to set up a full outdoor routine.
- Foot Traffic & Privacy: Depends on your setup. Add fences, screens, or hedges for more privacy. Placement away from windows and main walkways helps.
- Electrical Access: Many homes have an exterior outlet nearby. If not, a grounded outdoor extension cord can do the trick.
- Hose Access (Fill/Drain): Very easy. Backyard spigots are common, and water can drain directly into grass or gravel areas.
- Surface & Flooring: Just make sure it’s level and supportive. Avoid soft or muddy ground that could shift under weight.
- Look & Feel: Natural and grounding. Being outside adds a calming element and makes cold plunging feel more connected to nature.
- Real-Life Use Fit: Highly accessible and refreshing. Works well in most climates if you have a cover for protection from leaves and weather.
1. Garage
- Space & Layout: Spacious and easy to configure. Most garages have more than enough room along a wall or in an open corner.
- Foot Traffic & Privacy: Very private. You won’t be interrupted, and it’s removed from the main areas of the house.
- Electrical Access: Nearly all garages have wall outlets. Just plug it in and you’re ready to go.
- Hose Access (Fill/Drain): Easy to run a hose in from the outside or from a nearby utility sink. Drain out the door or into the driveway.
- Surface & Flooring: Concrete is ideal. It’s strong, level, and not affected by water drips or splashes.
- Look & Feel: This is the most common setup for a reason. It feels organized, low-maintenance, and can double as part of a home gym or recovery space.
- Real-Life Use Fit: Fits right into most people’s routines. Close enough to use every day, rain or shine, without overthinking it.
Commercial Setups
Fire Cold Plunge tubs aren’t just for homes — they’re showing up in all kinds of commercial spaces where recovery, wellness, or guest experience matters. Here are some of the most common places businesses use them:
- Gyms & Fitness Studios: Add a recovery element for members alongside sauna or mobility areas.
- Yoga Studios: Offer a cold plunge session before or after class to deepen breathwork and recovery.
- Chiropractic Clinics: Use as part of inflammation control, nervous system reset, or post-adjustment recovery.
- Physical Therapy Clinics: Integrate into rehab protocols for swelling, soreness, or joint recovery.
- Airbnb & Vacation Rentals: List it as a premium amenity to attract wellness-focused travelers and stand out in search results.
- Recovery Studios & Biohacking Spaces: Pair with saunas, red light, or compression therapy to offer a full experience.
- Corporate Wellness Rooms: More companies are adding tubs for employee mental health and performance.
These setups help create new revenue streams, improve client retention, or just add serious value to an existing space. If you’re running a service-based business, it might be worth considering.
Cold Plunge Prep Checklist
Make sure your space checks all the boxes. These are the only things you need to get started:
- Standard 110V outlet nearby
- 72" in length to accommodate length of plunge + control box access
- Flat surface that supports 1,000+ lbs (water + body weight)
- Hose access to fill the tub (any standard garden hose works)
- Drain area or hose route for emptying every few months
- Floor or surface that can handle light splashing or dripping
Pro Tips
- Avoid placement in direct sun.
- If placing outdoors, avoid plugging it into a circuit shared with high-draw appliances (sauna, hot tub, etc).
- If using extension cord, make sure it is 3 prong heavy duty outdoor rated extension and keep plugs off the ground and out of water.
- Fill time with a standard hose is about 5–10 minutes. Draining takes 15-30 minutes depending on hose angle and length.
- For carpeted or delicate floors, consider using a waterproof mat or floor tray under the tub.
Still Not Sure?
Scroll our gallery of real customer setups or talk to someone on our team about your space.