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Everything Home Sauna: The Only Sauna Guide You Need
New to saunas and full of questions? Begin your journey here to discover all the essentials about saunas and find the answers you're looking for!
This comprehensive guide is here to help you navigate the exciting world of luxury saunas and find the perfect one for you. A growing body of scientific evidence, including a 2018 study published in Nature Reviews Cardiology, suggests that regular sauna use can offer a range of health benefits. This guide will assist you in finding the ideal sauna to reap these potential benefits and create a relaxing at-home spa experience.
Traditional vs. Infrared Saunas: Understanding the Heat
Both traditional and infrared saunas deliver therapeutic benefits, but they achieve heating in distinct ways:
Traditional SaunasThese evoke the classic Finnish sauna experience. They use electric or wood-burning heaters to heat the air inside the sauna to temperatures ranging from 190-195°F (87-90°C). As you sit within the heated space, your body temperature rises, inducing sweat. Traditional saunas offer higher humidity levels, especially when you throw water on the rocks to create steam. |
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Infrared SaunasPrimarily for indoor use, infrared saunas utilize infrared light to directly heat your body, rather than heating the air around you. Infrared heaters, typically made of carbon, generate heat between 120-140°F (49-60°C), causing you to sweat directly. |
Hybrid SaunasHybrid saunas combine the best of both traditional and infrared technologies, offering a versatile sauna experience. These units are equipped with both a conventional electric or wood-burning heater as well as infrared panels. This dual-functionality allows users to choose between a classic high-temperature sauna session and a lower-temperature, infrared session depending on their preference. Hybrid saunas typically feature adjustable settings to control temperature and heat source, providing a customizable approach to relaxation and detoxification. |
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Learn More:
- Infrared vs Dry Sauna: A Detailed Comparison for Home Buyers
- 5 Benefits of Infrared Saunas for Modern Homes
- Hybrid Saunas: The Fusion of Tradition and Technology
- Hybrid Infrared Sauna: Pros, Cons & More
Electric vs. Wood-Burning Heaters: Choosing Your Fuel Source
Both electric and wood-burning heaters are efficient and safe for creating steam in your sauna:
Electric HeatersIdeal for those prioritizing convenience. With a simple switch or a tap on your mobile app, electric heaters quickly and effortlessly heat your sauna. |
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Requirements:
- Electric heaters necessitate a 220-volt, 30-40 amp power supply depending on the heater size (some 208V options available). Installation requires a licensed electrician to connect it directly to an electrical source.
Automated Electric HeatersFor ultimate convenience, some electric sauna heaters can be upgraded for WiFi control. This allows you to remotely heat up your sauna from anywhere, anytime!
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Wood-Burning HeatersPerfect for those who enjoy the ambiance of a crackling fire. Wood-burning heaters are highly effective for heating larger spaces and are ideal for saunas designed for 6 or more people (84 inches and above). |
Requirements:
- Wood-burning heaters require an additional chimney kit and are only suitable for outdoor use.
Learn More:
Indoor vs. Outdoor Saunas: Selecting Your Perfect Location
The choice between an indoor or outdoor sauna depends on your personal preference and available space:
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Outdoor SaunasThe only saunas that must be outdoors are those with wood-burning heaters. Almost any other sauna type can be used outdoors, unless specifically designated as "indoor" only. |
Indoor SaunasAny sauna with an electric or infrared heater can be used indoors. Many indoor-specific saunas are designed to utilize your existing floor as their interior surface (ideally concrete, tile, vinyl, or laminate). Avoid placing your sauna on carpet; if you must, a floor kit is essential. |
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Learn More:
- How to Choose Between Indoor and Outdoor Saunas
- 7 Tips to Choose the Perfect Outdoor Sauna for Your Home
- Ultimate Guide to 2 Person Outdoor Saunas for Intimate Relaxation
Dive Deeper: Sauna Shapes, Woods, and More
Now that you understand the core elements of traditional and infrared saunas, along with heater options and placement, let's explore the finer details to craft your dream sauna experience:
Finding Your Form: Different Sauna Shapes
Sauna shapes go beyond just aesthetics; they can influence functionality and space optimization:
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Barrel SaunasA popular choice, barrel saunas excel in efficient heating and maximizing interior space due to their design. They come in various sizes and offer customization options.
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Cabin SaunasShaped like a traditional house or cabin, these cabin saunas provide a straightforward and spacious design. They come in various sizes and are commonly used for indoor and infrared saunas.
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Unique Saunas
For those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience, various unique shapes are available, including:
- Eagle's Nest Sauna (tapered shape)
- Kota Sauna (hexagonal shape)
- Pod Saunas (raindrop shape)
- Luna Sauna (cube with rounded corners and large front window)
- Corner Saunas
- Best for: Both indoor and outdoor use, depending on the specific sauna.
Selecting the Right Wood: Aesthetics and Durability
While all sauna woods are moisture-resistant and long-lasting, their unique characteristics influence visual appeal:
- Cedar: A popular choice for its beauty, durability, and natural resistance to insects, stains, mildew, and decay.
- Color & Scent: Western Red Cedar boasts a deep reddish hue, while Eastern White Cedar offers a light, creamy color.
- Clear vs. Rustic Cedar: "Clear" indicates a smooth texture and modern look with no knots present. "Rustic" features knots for a provincial aesthetic.
- Spruce: Known for its durability and stain resistance, Nordic Spruce is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Color & Scent: Light-colored with small, tight knots, Spruce boasts a rustic appeal and has minimal to no scent, making it hypoallergenic.
- Hemlock: Canadian Hemlock (also known as Eastern Hemlock) is a cost-effective option but less ideal for outdoor environments. Perfect for indoor and infrared saunas.
- Color & Scent: Hemlock offers a lovely light white color with a uniform texture. Like Spruce, it has little to no scent, ideal for those with sensitive noses.
- Douglas Fir: Valued for its strength, durability, and appearance, Douglas Fir is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Color & Scent: Douglas Fir boasts a beautiful, uniform look with straight grain and a creamy yellow to reddish-brown color. It has minimal to no scent.
- Thermally Treated Wood: This eco-friendly process strengthens the wood throughout, resulting in a more durable and stable sauna wood compared to conventional options.
- Color & Scent: Thermal treatment can be applied to any wood type for increased strength. Thermally modified woods typically take on a darker, more refined look, offering unmatched decay resistance.
Learn More:
Unveiling the Potential: Health Benefits of Saunas
Regular sauna use can offer a range of science-backed health benefits:
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Heat Therapy: Regular exposure to the heat of a sauna (hyperthermia) is linked to several health improvements, including:
- Increased longevity
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Relief from aches and pains
- Weight management support
- Reduced stress and fatigue
- Enhanced relaxation and mood
- Embrace the heat and reap the benefits! Order your sauna today.
Additional Options for Enhanced Well-being:
- Himalayan Salt: Known for stimulating the respiratory system, balancing moods, boosting the immune system, and promoting better sleep.
- Up your sauna experience! Almost Heaven Saunas offer an upgrade to include a Himalayan Salt Wall.
- Color Light Therapy: This centuries-old practice (chromotherapy) uses light adjustments to balance bodily frequencies and energy stores, promoting emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
- All infrared saunas come with a chromotherapy light bar. Almost Heaven Saunas also offer an upgrade to include an LED Color-Changing Mood Lighting Bar.
- Aromatherapy: By stimulating smell receptors and being absorbed through the skin, aromatherapy can help relieve stress, headaches, and fatigue while boosting your mood.
- Craft your perfect atmosphere! Add a few drops of essential oil to a bucket of water and pour it over your sauna's heated rocks to create aromatherapy steam.
Learn More:
- Maximize Health Benefits with a Steam Sauna: Buying Guide
- Unveiling the Wonders of Infrared Sauna Benefits for Skin
Elevate Your Experience: Essential Sauna Accessories
Sauna accessories can significantly enhance your comfort and enjoyment:
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Buckets & LadlesThe traditional and safe way to transport water to pour over the rocks for steam creation. Choose from all-wood styles, stainless steel options, or complete sauna packages. |
Timers, Thermometers & HygrometersGain precise control over your sauna sessions with these tools that provide temperature and humidity readings. Explore premium accessory packages that bundle these essentials for convenience. |
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Backrests & Leg LiftsCrafted from cedar, backrests and leg lifts ensure proper spinal alignment and alleviate pressure on your lower back, neck, and shoulders. Available individually or as a complete "Accessory Kit." |
Lights, Pillows, Shelves & HooksEnhance comfort and convenience with sauna lights, water bottle shelves, pillows, robe hooks, and more. Individual items or complete "Accessory Kits" and "Elite Packages" are available. |
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Floor Kits
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Roof Cover (For Barrel Saunas): Provide an extra layer of protection for your outdoor barrel sauna. While durable and designed to withstand weather, a roof cover can extend your sauna's lifespan in harsh weather conditions.
By understanding the different types of saunas, heater options, wood selections, and potential health benefits, you can create a personalized sauna experience that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being.
If you are still on the fence and not sure what to purchase, reach out to us, or try our 1-Minute Sauna Quiz to give you a personal recommendation.
We would be more than happy to help you find the perfect home sauna for your needs.
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