This article is aimed at all those people who are interested in purchasing and installing an outdoor sauna. We will mention fundamental aspects, necessary to choose the option that best suits your needs and tastes.
If you are still thinking about whether to place the sauna inside or outside the house, we will give you reasons why you may prefer an outdoor sauna.
It will allow you to save valuable space inside the house.
They add a lot of charm to your garden or terrace.
You can take advantage of your pool in winter for a quick dip during sauna sessions.
They allow the installation of wood stoves.
They bring great joy when you see the winter landscape from the windows or doors.
Saunas in nature have a long history and have evolved over thousands of years from being a means of survival and purification to a therapeutic temple. Today, saunas are enjoyed for the variety of health benefits they provide, including detoxification, improved heart function, and weight loss, among many others.
If you are considering purchasing an outdoor sauna, you probably have a lot of questions. This article will clear up many of those doubts.
Considerations before purchasing
The place where one lives.
The local climate plays an important role. In colder regions, good insulation and heating are crucial. In warmer climates, ventilation becomes more important.
This is very important, especially when choosing the heat source. You should seek advice from the professional who supplies you with the stove. A smaller model may mean creating a “hot room” rather than a sauna.
Space and location requirements.
The ideal location involves easy access while ensuring privacy. Consider proximity to your home and natural features such as trees or slopes.
Legal and safety considerations.
Please check local regulations and neighborhood regulations when installing on a terrace or balcony of a shared building.
Make sure that the electrical installation, if it needs to be modified for the stove, is carried out by a professional to maintain safety and comply with current regulations.
Transport and delivery.
Nowadays, you can buy a sauna disassembled and choose someone to do all the assembly. In general, almost all manufacturers provide a step-by-step instruction manual and a demonstration video.
When access allows, and if the dimensions are not too large, they can be purchased assembled. They are transported by a truck equipped with a crane, which will support it directly on the previously prepared base.
Several topics that require choice
Heat source.
Saunas produce heat in two ways, one is the traditional way, with an electric or wood stove, or the “non-traditional” way, with an infrared heater. Below is some information on how these heat sources work.
Wood stove
Saunas with this type of stove use wood to heat the rocks around them.
Users will find themselves surrounded by the pleasant aroma provided by the
wood.
The main advantage is the lack of need for electrical energy consumption.
A chimney, either ceiling or wall, must always be installed for this type of sauna to function.
Electric stove
As the word implies, they use electricity to generate heat and thus warm the rocks around them.
They are the most practical option due to their ease of use.
Nowadays they are sold together with systems that can be turned on and programmed remotely using an app.
These stoves heat the sauna faster than wood-burning stoves.
They also have a controller that allows you to increase or reduce the heat very easily.
It is very important to calculate the calories emitted with the need for the sauna due to the size and geographical location.
Infrared emitters
Infrared saunas take a more focused and modern approach to heat therapy. Instead of heating the entire space, like a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna creates radiant heat with its infrared heater. The temperature inside the sauna will not be as high, the body will absorb this radiant heat and sweat. Some practitioners claim that infrared technology is more effective at detoxifying the body.
The shape
There are a variety of outdoor saunas with different shapes, which do not affect their operation. We do not think it is important to dwell on this point.
The size
The size of your outdoor sauna will depend on what you plan to use it for and how many people you want to accommodate. A 1.80 x 1.80 m sauna is suitable for 2 to 4 people, while larger saunas can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people or more.
Please note that larger saunas will require more heating capacity. There is a mathematical calculation to determine the heating capacity based on cubic meters. Please seek advice from a specialist if you are unfamiliar with this topic.
Thermally modified wood
There is a range of saunas with a difference worth mentioning. Thermory saunas are constructed from thermally modified wood, making them stronger and more durable.
Thermally modified wood is any type of wood that has been subjected to a heating process in a low-oxygen environment, which completely dries it out, forever changing its chemical composition. After the wood cools, it is re-wetted and what remains is an extremely strong and stable wood that is eco-friendly, lightweight, and bio-resistant.
Choosing the location
The location of your outdoor sauna is crucial for both functionality and enjoyment. Consider factors such as privacy, accessibility, and proximity to your home or other structures. Make sure the chosen location has a level, stable base and adequate drainage to prevent water damage.
Also, think about the view from your sauna. A picturesque or natural setting can enhance the relaxation experience, so consider the surrounding landscape when selecting your location.
Access to electricity in case of electric stove.
Make sure the sauna location has easy access to electrical wiring. For most saunas, including infrared saunas, a power source with sufficient amperage is essential.
Space for ventilation.
Proper ventilation is critical for both user comfort and the longevity of your sauna. Choose a space with good airflow to prevent excessive moisture buildup.
Privacy.
Saunas are best enjoyed in private, quiet settings. Whether indoors or outdoors, choose a place where you can relax without interruptions.
The base
A very important element that every owner must have prepared in advance, and it must be in accordance with the measurements of the support beams of the sauna.
It will provide stability, leveling and insulation.
Remember that a poorly leveled base makes it very difficult to correctly install the sauna, especially those that do not come assembled.
We detail the three most used types of bases
Concrete slab.
This is a base that offers the greatest stability and durability. It is resistant to rot and can support the weight of the sauna structure. However, it is also the most expensive option and requires professional installation.
The base should be about 10-15mm smaller than your garden sauna to allow water to drain down the outer walls and out of the base.
If the base plate is larger than the ground plane of the sauna, rainwater can accumulate around the sauna. As a result, the base structure can constantly be on wet ground. As a result, the wood can absorb water and begin to rot.
Wooden platform
A wooden base, such as a platform, provides a sturdy surface to support the sauna. You can use pressure-treated wood to resist moisture and decay.
This option allows for easier installation and can be a more affordable and beautiful alternative to concrete.
Gravel bed
For a more rustic and economical approach, I can create a level gravel bed as a base. This involves excavating the area, laying down a weed barrier, and filling it with compacted gravel.
While not as permanent as concrete or wood, a gravel base can provide adequate support if done well.
In the photo on the right, old wooden beams were placed just below the main rails of the sauna.
Electrical installation
This is especially important when using saunas with electric or infrared heaters. In this case, it is necessary to read the electrical requirements indicated by the manufacturer before purchasing.
A high voltage power supply of 400 V and three-phase installation is often required.
An electrical circuit breaker must be installed according to the amperage requirement. From there, a cable will extend to the sauna where it will be connected to the electrical distribution panel.
This cable, in addition to powering the stove, will provide electricity for the lights, Wi-Fi signal and electronic controller.
Maintenance and good use
The current techniques used to create outdoor saunas ensure decades of use. The oldest working sauna in the world was built in the 20th century and is still in operation today. This is a good sign that with proper care, your sauna can last a lifetime.
Here are some cleaning and maintenance tips to help keep your sauna running for years to come.
Before use.
Wash your feet before entering the sauna to reduce the buildup of dirt and sweat. By doing so, you will also reduce the chance of mold forming inside the sauna.
Shower before your sauna session to reduce the amount of dirt and sweat you leave on the benches and floor after each use.
Cleaning.
You should vacuum or sweep your sauna regularly and give it a deeper clean at least once a month.
Always make sure that the sauna is turned off while cleaning it. It is not advisable to work with high temperatures, as some cleaning products can release harmful chemicals when exposed to heat.
Try to use only chemical-free products and warm water. Baking soda mixed with water is a very effective and safe cleaning agent.
To remove stubborn stains or wear marks, use a fine-grit sandpaper.
You can pressure wash the inside of the sauna if you feel it is necessary, using a wide pattern nozzle with a low pressure setting.
Interior wood care.
Avoid using hard water if possible. Magnesium and calcium salts will cause lime buildup, and you will need to use sanding discs to remove this.
Do not use protectors or sealants inside your sauna to prevent the wood from absorbing moisture – the heat will cause the substances to release toxic chemicals.
Always use towels during your sessions and have extra ones on hand for your guests, washing them immediately after each use.
Clean the wooden interior of your sauna with warm water and a soft cloth regularly. This will keep the wood looking new.
If your wood looks discolored, simply sand those areas to touch them up. Clean up the wood splinters when you're done, or they may splinter during your next session.
Exterior wood care.
It is important to know that a sauna with wood in its natural color will require more maintenance to keep it looking nice and not turning grayish. Colored wood requires less maintenance.
If you decide to treat the exterior of your sauna, you should use an oil that penetrates the wood.
For deep cleaning, use a pressure washer at low temperature.
If you decide to stain the exterior of your sauna, be sure to use a product with a UV inhibitor, as this will help the wood withstand sunlight.
Other precautions to take into account
Sauna stones require very little maintenance – simply wipe them with a soft cloth. Well-maintained sauna stones last for years.
Check your stove doors and vents regularly and replace any loose screws as needed. Loose hinge screws will require longer replacement screws.
If your sauna door does not close properly, sand down any uneven areas.
If your sauna door keeps opening, try adjusting the stop.
Sand down the sliding corners to reduce the drag on your sauna vent.
If your sauna stones crack or split due to temperature changes, be sure to replace them as soon as possible.
If possible, only use stones designed for your sauna heater. If you have to get your own stones for a quick fix, choose good, dark stones that can retain heat.
During the first few months of using your sauna, you may need to make adjustments.
We hope you enjoy your future sauna very much.
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