Hot pools. Ice bath. Back again.

You know that first breath after stepping into cold water? Sharp, loud, then strangely calm. Our Magnesium Contrast Pools are built around that feeling. Four pools, from a warm soak to an ice bath, and you move between them at your own pace.

What are contrast pools?

Contrast pools let you move between hot and cold water in one session. At P3 you’ll find a hot pool (35-40°C), a warm pool (28-34°C), a cold pool (10-15°C) and an ice bath (5-10°C), all magnesium pools.

It’s the part of the week a lot of our members don’t skip. Some come straight from training. Some come before work. Some just come for the quiet.

How do you use an ice bath and hot pool together?

Start warm and settle in. Step into the cold or ice for as long as feels right, even 30 seconds counts. Then back to the heat. Most people do a few rounds. Our team will show you around on your first visit, so there’s no guesswork.

How does it feel?

The cold wakes you up. The warmth brings you back down. Most people walk out feeling clear-headed and in a better mood than when they arrived. It’s one of the easiest ways to switch off from the day, because the cold doesn’t leave room to think about your inbox.

Who is it for?

Anyone. The runner between races, the parent who hasn’t had an hour to themselves in weeks, the tradie after a long week on their feet. You don’t need to be an athlete, and you don’t need to go colder or longer than feels right.

A group of men and women immersed in a P3 Recovery Contrast Therapy pool

Take a look inside our contrast pools.

Make it part of your routine

Heat. Cold. Compression.

Pair the pools with an infrared sauna session and finish in the Compression Lounge. Curious what the cold feels like? Find your nearest P3 and start with an Intro Offer.

Learning hub

FAQs

Some of our most frequently asked questions

Is an ice bath the same as a cold plunge?

Mostly, yes. Both mean sitting in cold water for a short time. At P3, the ice bath is the coldest of our contrast pools, usually 5-10°C. Some locations also have a separate cold plunge. You choose how cold and how long, and our team can help you start.

What is contrast therapy?

Contrast therapy is the common name for moving between hot and cold water. At P3 we call it our Contrast Pools: hot, warm, cold and ice baths in one space. A 2013 review of 18 studies found people reported less muscle soreness after hot and cold water than after passive rest.

How long should I stay in the ice bath?

There’s no fixed rule. Many people start with 30 seconds to a minute and build from there. Listen to your body, get out if you feel unwell, and never push past what feels safe. Our team will talk you through it on your first visit.

Is the ice bath safe for everyone?

Cold water isn’t right for everyone. If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, are pregnant or have any health concern, check with your GP first. Let our team know about any health concerns before you get in.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a towel and a drink bottle. Arrive a few minutes early on your first visit for a walk-through.

Register you interest and our team will be in touch.