Cold plunge running cost per month (by state)
A typical 1/2 HP cold plunge chiller uses about 1.6 kWh a day, or roughly 49 kWh a month. At the US average residential rate of 18.16¢/kWh (EIA, August 2026 (preliminary)), that's $8.84/month in electricity. With water refills and filters, it comes to about $16.80/month.
Where the numbers come from
- Electricity: PlungeBox says its 500 W chiller uses 1.4–1.8 kWh per day at 77°F room temperature with the water set to 46°F (PlungeBox). We use the 1.6 kWh midpoint. Penguin's 1/2 HP High Efficiency chiller is rated 450 W (Penguin). Larger chillers (Redwood's all-in-ones list 1.5 HP), colder water, direct sun and hot garages all push usage up.
- Water: 105 gallons (Plunge Air's stated capacity) refilled twice a year at $16.83 per 1,000 gallons for water and sewer, the EPA WaterSense US average (EPA), comes to about $0.29 a month.
- Filters: Plunge's care guide says to change the filter at least monthly and the water at least every 6 months, or every 1–3 months without its recommended chemicals (Plunge). A Plunge 6-pack of filters is $46, or $7.67 a month.
By state
| State | Rate | Chiller electricity | Total / month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $6.19 | $14.15 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $6.26 | $14.23 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $7.74 | $15.71 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $7.30 | $15.26 |
| U.S. Total | 18.16¢ | $8.84 | $16.80 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $13.94 | $21.91 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $14.48 | $22.44 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $22.96 | $30.93 |
What's not included
- Water-treatment chemicals (we haven't sourced a typical monthly cost yet).
- Ice, if your tub has no chiller.
- The one-time cost of a dedicated circuit, if you need one: $700 on average, typically $570–$1,000 (Angi).
Calculate with your own numbers
Safety first. Saunas and cold plunges put real stress on your heart and circulation. If you have a heart condition, high or low blood pressure, are pregnant, or take medication, talk to your doctor before you use one. We don’t make health claims. This site covers costs only.
Prices checked 1 Nov 2026 on retailer sites; methodology. Spot an error? Tell us.