A larger insulated upright vessel with documented 94-gallon capacity, strong stated insulation and factory chiller ports. Its extra water mass increases pull-down energy, while the insulation helps the holding load.
Published specifications
| Published water capacity | 94 gal (356 L) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 57.6 in L × 30.7 in W × 42.1 in H |
| Insulation / construction | R16 stated by manufacturer; insulated barrel and lid |
| Chiller / plumbing ports | 3/4 in NPT chiller ports |
| Empty / filled weight | ~104–106 lb empty; ~886–900 lb full (manufacturer pages) |
| Source checked | Aug 2026 |
View current manufacturer details ↗
What the tub means for cooling load
Ninety-four gallons requires more energy to pull down than a 77-gallon tub, but the manufacturer’s R16 claim gives the model a stronger insulation basis than a generic thin-wall vessel. The result is not simply “bigger tub = bigger chiller”; holding load and cooldown time must both be checked.
ChillSizer uses actual gallons and an insulation category/range rather than assuming every vessel with the same outside size behaves the same. A fitted lid can be as important as the wall construction because the top surface is continuously exposed.
What the ports mean for plumbing
3/4-inch NPT factory ports simplify a chiller loop. Keep the main plumbing low-restriction and verify the operating flow against the selected chiller minimum, especially if fine filtration is added.
Factory chiller ports are convenient, but the entire loop should not automatically be reduced to the smallest fitting. Hose length, valves, filter media and the chiller’s own restriction all contribute to the pump operating point.
Weight, location and serviceability
The filled weight approaches 900 lb before the user is included. Plan a stable level base, access, drainage and service space around the ports/chiller. The integrated steps/seat affect body fit but not the core hydraulic calculation.
Plan drainage and equipment service before filling. A vessel that is easy to move empty can become effectively permanent when full.
How to pair it with a chiller
Enter the published or measured water volume, insulation, environment, target temperature and exposure in the System Designer. Then select the filter and plumbing. The best-fit chiller is the smallest supported unit that passes the conservative thermal and hydraulic gates with useful margin.
What this page does not claim
This is a specification-based system guide, not a hands-on durability review. Comfort, long-term seam/finish quality and service experience require evidence beyond a product specification sheet. Where a manufacturer does not publish an engineering input, ChillSizer leaves it uncertain rather than inventing precision.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ice Barrel 500 chiller-ready?
Yes. The product page publishes 3/4-inch NPT chiller ports and sells a manufacturer chiller/bundle option.
What chiller size should I use?
Use the exact gallons, insulation, climate and target temperature. Do not pick from the tub name alone.
Can it be used outside?
The tub is marketed for weather exposure; use a cover and independently confirm that the selected chiller is outdoor-rated and protected from freezing as required.