1/3 HP is the default starting horsepower for nearly every cold-plunge-specific chiller brand, built to reach 41-42°F in tubs up to roughly 79-80 gallons — the differences between models come down to capacity range, noise, and whether filtration is actually included, not raw cooling power. One option in this roundup ships without a filter at all to hit its price point, and only one states a confirmed noise rating, so those two details are worth checking before you compare on price alone.
| Photo |
Top Pick
|
Versatile
|
Budget
|
Best Value
|
Best for Reliability
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | AS ColdPlunge 1/3 HP Ice Bath Water Chiller | Poafamx 1/3 HP Ice Bath Chiller with External Filter & Pump | Fox Plunge 1/3 HP Ice Bath Water Chiller | 1/3 HP Cold Plunge Water Chiller with Remote Control, 600W | 1/3 HP Ice Bath Chiller with Household Submersible Water Pump |
| Min temp | 42°F | 41°F | Not specified in listing | 41°F | 42°F |
| Filtration | Built-in filter | External filter + pump (PP cotton cartridge) | External filter + pump | External filter + pump | Not included — pump/hose kit only |
| Noise level | Not specified | 35-45 dB | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Capacity gal | Not specified | Up to 79 gal | 40-53 gal recommended (79 gal max) | Not specified | Not specified |
| Buy Now | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → |
Quick Tips
Confirm a filter is actually included — one budget option in this tier ships with just a pump and hoses.
Look for a stated dB noise rating; most 1/3 HP listings skip it, so a confirmed number is worth something.
1/3 HP tops out around 79-80 gallons for most brands — check the listing's specific gallon range rather than assuming.
Remote control and touchscreens are convenience features on top of the same core cooling performance at this tier.
AS ColdPlunge 1/3 HP Ice Bath Water Chiller
Best for a complete kit from a dedicated brand
AS ColdPlunge 1/3 HP Ice Bath Water Chiller
Best for a complete kit from a dedicated brand
What we like
- Established brand with a dedicated cold plunge product line and stated customer support.
- Built-in filter and pump, plus an included submersible pump for tubs without ports.
- Confirmed 42°F minimum temperature with 24/7 operation.
- Insulated hoses included in the kit.
What we don't
- No stated gallon capacity or noise rating in the listing.
- No remote control — LED touchscreen adjustment only.
- Costs more than the cheapest generic options in this roundup.
You get a chiller from a brand built entirely around cold plunge gear, with a built-in filter and pump plus an included submersible pump for tubs without dedicated ports. It's a well-documented, low-risk choice if brand recognition and support matter to you.
This is the pick if you want a straightforward kit from a company focused specifically on cold plunge. If you need a stated gallon capacity or noise rating to compare directly, the Poafamx or Fox Plunge options below spell those out.
Poafamx 1/3 HP Ice Bath Chiller with External Filter & Pump
Best for Versatility
Poafamx 1/3 HP Ice Bath Chiller with External Filter & Pump
What we like
- Confirmed 35-45 dB noise rating, the only stated figure in this roundup.
- Explicit 79-gallon capacity rating with a confirmed 41°F minimum.
- R290 refrigerant with zero ODP and ultra-low GWP.
- LED touch control screen for direct temperature adjustment.
What we don't
- 79-gallon cap means larger tubs need a bigger unit.
- External filter setup requires more installation steps than a built-in system.
- No remote control — touch screen only.
You get the most completely specified listing in this roundup — a confirmed 79-gallon capacity, 41°F minimum, and 35-45 dB noise rating, all stated directly rather than left to marketing language. That's real, checkable data at the entry-level power tier.
This is the pick if you want every major spec confirmed before buying rather than assuming. If you also want remote control convenience, the generic 600W option below adds that feature.
Fox Plunge 1/3 HP Ice Bath Water Chiller
Best for a stated recommended gallon range
Fox Plunge 1/3 HP Ice Bath Water Chiller
Best for a stated recommended gallon range
What we like
- States both a recommended range (40-53 gal) and a hard maximum (79 gal), more specific than most listings.
- Portable design with external filter, pump, insulated hoses, and remote control included.
- Compressor technology comparable to a home refrigerator, per the listing.
- Entry-level positioning specifically for first-time cold plunge buyers.
What we don't
- No stated minimum temperature in the listing.
- No confirmed noise rating.
- Recommended range tops out well below the 79-gallon maximum, so performance may soften near the upper limit.
You get a specific recommended gallon range — 40 to 53 gallons — rather than just a vague maximum, which makes right-sizing easier than guessing from a single top-end number. Remote control and external filtration round out a complete entry-level kit.
This is the pick if you want guidance on the ideal tub size rather than just the outer limit. If you need a stated minimum temperature to compare directly, the Poafamx or AS ColdPlunge options above confirm theirs.
1/3 HP Cold Plunge Water Chiller with Remote Control, 600W
Best for remote temperature control
1/3 HP Cold Plunge Water Chiller with Remote Control, 600W
Best for remote temperature control
What we like
- Remote control lets you adjust temperature without walking to the unit.
- LED touchscreen display for direct monitoring and control.
- External filter and pump are easier to inspect and service than a built-in system.
- Manufacturer's listing gives honest guidance on outdoor placement and heat-related efficiency loss.
What we don't
- No stated gallon capacity or noise rating.
- External components mean a slightly more involved setup than an all-in-one unit.
- Generic listing without an established cold-plunge brand behind it.
You get remote control and an LED touchscreen at a genuinely budget price, with an external filter and pump setup that's simple to inspect and service. The listing is also unusually upfront about outdoor performance limits.
This is the pick if you want to adjust temperature without getting up and don't need a stated gallon capacity to compare against. If exact sizing matters more, the Fox Plunge or Poafamx options above state theirs directly.
1/3 HP Ice Bath Chiller with Household Submersible Water Pump
Best for the lowest possible price
1/3 HP Ice Bath Chiller with Household Submersible Water Pump
Best for the lowest possible price
What we like
- Lowest confirmed price tier in this roundup.
- 24/7 energy-efficient operation confirmed to reach 42°F.
- Includes cooler assembly, submersible pump, insulated hose, and connectors in one kit.
- One-year warranty with 24-hour support response stated in the listing.
What we don't
- No filtration included — the listing doesn't mention a filter component at all.
- No stated gallon capacity or noise rating.
- You'll need to add filtration separately or change water more frequently without one.
You get the lowest price in this roundup, with a straightforward kit — chiller, submersible pump, insulated hose, and connectors — confirmed to reach 42°F. What you don't get is a filter; plan on more frequent water changes or adding your own.
This is the pick if price is your only real constraint and you're comfortable managing water clarity manually. If filtration matters to you, the Poafamx or Fox Plunge options above include it for a modest price increase.
What to Look For
Minimum temperature is fairly consistent at this power tier. Most verified 1/3 HP chillers reach 41-42°F, so this isn't usually the differentiator worth spending extra on.
Gallon capacity and filtration are where these listings actually diverge. Some state an exact range up to 79 gallons with a real filter; at least one skips filtration entirely to hit a lower price.
A confirmed noise rating is rare at this tier, so treat one as a genuine point in a product's favor. Check our [chiller-sizing guide](/chiller-sizing-calculator) if you're deciding between 1/3 HP and a larger unit.
Who Should Skip This
If your tub is over 80 gallons or you're in a hot climate, 1/3 HP will struggle to keep up — size up to 1/2 or 1 HP instead. If filtration and noise level are non-negotiable, skip listings that don't state them explicitly rather than assuming they're included.
If you're not ready to commit to a dedicated chiller, ice and a well-insulated tub remains a lower-cost way to start.
Quick Picks — In Case You've Already Decided
Poafamx 1/3 HP Ice Bath Chiller with External Filter & Pump
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What size tub does a 1/3 HP chiller work with?
Most verified 1/3 HP chillers are rated for tubs up to about 79-80 gallons. Check the specific listing, since a few state a narrower recommended range within that maximum.
What temperature can a 1/3 HP chiller reach?
Verified 1/3 HP chillers in this roundup reach 41-42°F, which is cold enough for effective cold therapy. This is fairly consistent across brands at this power tier.
Do all 1/3 HP chillers include a filter?
No — at least one budget option in this roundup ships with only a pump and hoses, no filtration included. Check the listing specifically rather than assuming.
Are 1/3 HP chillers loud?
It varies — one chiller in this roundup states a confirmed 35-45 dB rating, while most others don't list a noise level at all. If quiet operation matters, look for a stated dB figure.
Is 1/3 HP enough, or should I get 1/2 HP instead?
1/3 HP is enough for most tubs under 80 gallons in a moderate climate. Size up to 1/2 HP if your tub is larger, you're in a hot climate, or you plunge multiple times a day.
Buying Guide
You're choosing between nearly identical 1/3 HP chillers rated to 41-42°F for tubs up to about 79 gallons. The real differences are capacity range, noise rating, and whether a filter's included.
Confirm those three before comparing price. See our [chiller-sizing guide](/chiller-sizing-calculator) too if your tub is larger than 80 gallons.