Hydrotherapy Equipment for Athletic Training Rooms: Whirlpools vs. Cold Plunge Tanks

Athletic training rooms have evolved considerably over the past several decades. Today's schools, colleges, universities, sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation centers, and professional sports organizations often rely on a combination of therapeutic hydrotherapy and cold water immersion equipment to support athlete recovery, rehabilitation, and return-to-play programs.

Two of the most common categories of equipment are therapeutic whirlpools and commercial cold plunge tanks. Although both involve water-based treatment, they serve different purposes and are frequently used as complementary tools within athletic training and rehabilitation facilities.

This guide explains the differences between therapeutic whirlpools and commercial cold tanks, discusses when each may be appropriate, and highlights Whitehall's Sports Series hydrotherapy equipment.

Hydrotherapy in Athletic Training Rooms

Hydrotherapy has long been a component of athletic training and sports medicine programs. Professional whirlpools provide warm-water therapy under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals and may be incorporated into rehabilitation plans based on an individual's condition and treatment goals.

Commercial hydrotherapy equipment is commonly found in:

• High school athletic training rooms
• College and university athletic departments
• Sports medicine clinics
• Physical therapy clinics
• Rehabilitation hospitals
• Professional sports organizations
• Performance training facilities
• Military rehabilitation centers

What Is a Therapeutic Whirlpool?

A therapeutic whirlpool is designed to circulate heated water using a whirlpool turbine, creating controlled agitation during supervised hydrotherapy treatments. Whitehall Sports Series whirlpools are available in multiple capacities and are designed for commercial healthcare and athletic environments.

Depending on the model selected, whirlpools can be used for upper- or lower-extremity treatment as well as larger treatment areas requiring higher-capacity tanks.

If you're comparing models, read our How to Choose the Best Physical Therapy Whirlpool guide.

What Is a Commercial Cold Plunge Tank?

Commercial cold plunge tanks, sometimes called Sports Cold Tanks, are dedicated cold water immersion systems designed for professional athletic and rehabilitation facilities. Whitehall refers to these products as Sports Cold Tanks, while many buyers search for terms such as commercial cold plunge tubs, commercial ice baths, or cold water immersion tanks.

Unlike therapeutic whirlpools, commercial cold tanks do not include whirlpool turbines or heated water systems. They are purpose-built for cold water immersion.

Learn more in our Commercial Cold Plunge vs. Cold Tank Guide.

Therapeutic Whirlpool vs. Commercial Cold Plunge

Many athletic facilities choose to incorporate both warm hydrotherapy and cold water immersion into their equipment lineup depending on the types of treatments they provide.

Choosing Equipment for Your Athletic Training Room

When planning a new athletic training room or upgrading an existing rehabilitation space, consider:

• Available floor space
• Plumbing requirements
• Stationary versus mobile equipment
• Expected patient or athlete volume
• Tank capacity
• Cleaning and maintenance requirements
• Overall treatment workflow

Facilities serving multiple athletic programs often benefit from equipment that supports different treatment needs throughout the day.

Whitehall Sports Whirlpools

Whitehall has supplied hydrotherapy equipment to healthcare providers and athletic organizations for decades. Their Sports Series whirlpools are fabricated from heavy-gauge stainless steel and are available in several capacities to meet the needs of schools, universities, rehabilitation clinics, and sports medicine facilities.

Popular Sports Series models include:

• 85 Gallon Sports Whirlpool - Stationary
• 85 Gallon Sports Whirlpool - Mobile
• 90 Gallon Sports Whirlpool - Stationary
• 90 Gallon Sports Whirlpool - Mobile
• 110 Gallon Sports Whirlpool - Stationary
• 110 Gallon Sports Whirlpool - Mobile

Browse our complete Whitehall Hydrotherapy Equipment collection.

Commercial Cold Tanks for Athletic Recovery

Many athletic facilities are also adding dedicated commercial cold tanks to support cold water immersion programs. Whitehall Sports Cold Tanks are available in 85-, 90-, and 110-gallon capacities with both stationary and mobile configurations.

Explore our complete Commercial Cold Tanks Collection to compare capacities and configurations.

Can Athletic Facilities Benefit from Both?

Many sports medicine and rehabilitation facilities maintain both therapeutic whirlpools and dedicated cold plunge tanks. Warm hydrotherapy and cold water immersion may each play a role in a facility's treatment offerings depending on patient needs, clinician recommendations, and organizational protocols.

Equipment selection should always be based on facility goals, available space, budget, plumbing requirements, and guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.

Why Buy Whitehall Hydrotherapy Equipment from Total Rehab Solutions?

Total Rehab Solutions supplies professional hydrotherapy and rehabilitation equipment to athletic trainers, physical therapists, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, colleges, universities, and professional sports organizations throughout the United States.

Whether you're comparing therapeutic whirlpools, commercial cold plunge tanks, or planning a new athletic training room, our team can help you choose equipment that fits your facility's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do athletic training rooms still use whirlpools?

Yes. Therapeutic whirlpools continue to be used in many athletic training rooms, sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and educational institutions as part of supervised hydrotherapy programs.

What is the difference between a sports whirlpool and a cold plunge?

A sports whirlpool uses heated, circulating water generated by a whirlpool turbine, while a commercial cold plunge tank is designed specifically for cold water immersion and does not include a turbine.

Can an athletic training room have both a whirlpool and a cold tank?

Yes. Many facilities incorporate both types of equipment to support different treatment approaches and athlete recovery programs.

What sizes are available?

Whitehall Sports Series whirlpools and commercial cold tanks are available in 85-, 90-, and 110-gallon capacities with both stationary and mobile configurations.

Who uses Whitehall Sports Series equipment?

Whitehall Sports Series hydrotherapy equipment is commonly used by athletic trainers, sports medicine clinics, physical therapy practices, rehabilitation hospitals, schools, colleges, universities, and professional sports organizations.