All You Need to Know About Outdoor Saunas

Outdoor saunas have been a part of many cultures for centuries to relax and connect with nature. Saunas are popular today because they help with weight loss, cleansing, and heart health.

If you're thinking about getting an outdoor sauna, this article will discuss its origins and benefits. You will also learn proper installation and maintenance methods so you can use it longer.

What is an Outdoor Sauna?

Any sauna that uses dry or wet heat treatments intends to promote relaxation, purification, and detoxification. With a few notable exceptions, outdoor saunas are essentially identical to their indoor counterparts.

Steam can be produced in both conventional indoor saunas and outdoor saunas by combining water, sauna stones, and a heat source. Indoor infrared saunas are more common, although outdoor models are also available. These saunas emit a dry heat.

Using specialized materials, outdoor saunas are constructed to withstand harsh weather conditions and temperature fluctuations.

Brief History of Outdoor Saunas

Although the exact origins of outdoor saunas are uncertain, specialists speculate that they may have originated in Northern Europe around 2,000 BCE. The sauna was originally intended to be a man-made cave lined with animal skins that could withstand the elements, such as rain, snow and wind.

The ancient saunas had the following fascinating facts and features:

• Sauna rooms helped people survive by improving their health and hygiene thanks to the long-lasting heat and the sterilizing effects of the smoke.
• In the past, saunas typically had multiple uses. These purposes include places of birth, restrooms, kitchens, celebration gathering places, and even mortuaries for the preparation of the deceased for burial.
• Additionally, they were frequently used as dwellings due to their ease of heating, which enhanced the likelihood of inhabitants enduring the bitter winter months.
• Because of their curative properties, saunas were often considered sacred places, and some cultures even had spirits that could help people recover after a session. More so, some people still think saunas have mystical powers.

Outdoor Sauna Types

A variety of saunas are available for your selection. To better suit your needs, you can further customize each of these by selecting the sauna's form and heating source.

1. Traditional

Among the most popular outdoor sauna designs are the traditional types. A classic outdoor sauna is the best option if you enjoy traditional sauna treatments and spending time in nature. These saunas are heated by wood-burning stoves or electricity.

Among all the several kinds of saunas, traditional ones are the hottest. If you want intense heat and want to start a nice sweat fast, you won't be let down. These saunas can heat the inside cabin to an agonizing 160 to 175°F by using dry heat. Steam saunas and infrared ones employ far lower heat levels than conventional types.

2. Infrared

Outdoor infrared saunas have been somewhat popular within the past decade. Their heating method differs from a traditional sauna and they run at a rather lower temperature of 120°F. For many who find the stifling heat of a conventional sauna intolerable, these are a far more reasonable alternative.

These saunas use very little energy. They run at lower temperatures and yet get the job done. This is accomplished by infrared saunas by heating the body directly rather than the air within the sauna. Plus, they get hotter faster.

An infrared sauna may be the best option for you if you prioritize ease of use, maintain a comfortable temperature while working, and want to save money on your energy bill.

3. Hybrid

There is also the hybrid sauna, which is a dry outdoor sauna alternative. This hybrid sauna uses infrared heat in addition to the more conventional methods, as the name implies. An infrared heating panel mixed with a traditional stovetop heater makes a hybrid sauna.

Typically, the infrared heating panels are placed along the rear wall to provide warmth to the back and lumbar area. An enhancing sauna experience can be had with a hybrid sauna, which incorporates the best aspects of both technologies.

4. Steam

One more common kind of outdoor sauna is the steam room. Unlike the dry heat conditions produced by conventional infrared saunas, steam saunas are often quite humid—up to 100% humidity.

They use steam generators to heat them and run at a cooler temperature than conventional saunas. Between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for steam saunas. The tiles in some outdoor steam saunas are heated from underneath by electrical heaters, so you'll never feel the cold.

Different Styles and Designs of Outdoor Saunas

There is a wide variety of styles and sizes available for each of the four outdoor sauna types. Listed below are the most popular ones.

Barrel

Outdoor saunas with a barrel shape are one of the most common. Their big, round barrels and flat, circular ends are telltale signs.

Purchasing a barrel sauna comes with two major choices: one ready-made and one that calls for assembly. Often lacking sufficient insulation, these saunas can lose some heat during usage. On the other hand, they get hot quite fast due to their compact size.

Barrel saunas also have eye-catching designs making them perfect for a garden or backyard. However, these saunas may need repairs to stop water from leaking out due to their construction. When not in use, you may opt to cover it with a waterproof tarp.

Cabin

Outdoor saunas are designed to seem like typical indoor saunas, even though they are meant to be used outside.  Their sloped roofs and wooden construction make them ideal for areas prone to heavy precipitation. Outdoor saunas like these are among the most popular options available.

Cedarwood, specifically western red cedar or eastern white cedar, is the material of choice for outdoor cabin saunas. In addition to pine and basswood, other acceptable woods include hemlock, aspen, Douglas fir, and Nordic spruce. Though it is weather-treated for outdoor use, the wood will still require sporadic maintenance to remain that way.

Corner

A corner sauna is a compact outdoor sauna that may be easily tucked away in a tight spot. For those outdoor areas with limited space, nothing compares to the beauty and practicality of a corner sauna. A 90-degree corner is the perfect spot for one of these saunas.

The front face and sauna door connect the two side walls of the sauna, which sit flush against your existing corner. Their design is similar to that of a pie: two straight sides and a curved front section that houses the door.

Cube

Cube saunas are easily recognizable by their unusual shape. Each one has a floor, roof, and side that is level and of equal size. Because of their modular construction, they have a clean look that makes them ideal for use in confined areas.

In comparison to barrel saunas, cube saunas often offer more interior room. Additionally, dual-height seats can be accommodated by larger versions.

Unfortunately, you'll have to be particularly careful that they don't leak because their flat roofs might collect water. In comparison to saunas with curved edges, cube saunas are typically easier to install. Though you can find them ready-to-go or pre-assembled, most of the time they are kits that call for assembly.

Oval

You might think of an oval sauna as a little more spacious version of barrel saunas. Oval saunas are a good alternative to barrel saunas if you enjoy the design but are concerned about the cramped interior space. Compared to a barrel sauna, their flat floor design makes them feel safer.

An oval sauna is a beautiful focal point for any outdoor space. Apart from their natural beauty, the oval-shaped contours produce an amazing silhouette.

Panorama

A full-size glass panel or extra-large window added to one or more of the sauna's walls defines a panorama sauna. As you relax in the therapeutic sauna heat, they let you enjoy amazing views. A panorama sauna is a great addition to a house or other building when there are beautiful scenes in all directions.

You may completely immerse yourself in your surroundings in a panorama sauna, whether you like the calm serenity of a lakeside or alpine setting.

Pod

The characteristic high arch shape of pod saunas is easily recognizable. You can fit a two-tier bench layout in these, and there's more room inside than in a barrel sauna. The taller sauna pods, which can be anywhere from six to eight feet in height, are a favorite among those who value space.

The sauna is better protected from bad weather by the roof's steep angle. Still, regular upkeep is required to keep the timber beams from being harmed by the elements and rotting. The terms "igloo sauna" and "raindrop sauna" are interchangeable when discussing sauna pods.

Thermowood

Thermowood saunas are crafted from a specific kind of outdoor-treated wood. Wood undergoes a thermal treatment to make it more resistant to the weather and extend its lifespan.

In Europe, where the practice first emerged, thermowood saunas have unparalleled popularity. Spruce, fir, and pine are the usual woods used by European sauna producers. To make these woods weatherproof, heat treatment is necessary. Conversely, pressure treatment is used in the United States to increase the weather resistance of wood.

Benefits of Bathing in an Outdoor Sauna

An outdoor sauna is great for several reasons. Numerous studies have shown its positive effects on both the body and the mind. Here are its advantages:

Cardiovascular Health

Numerous health advantages of an outdoor sauna include enhanced cardiovascular, blood circulation, and immunity. Whether your goals are mental clarity or physical, it could make a big difference in your life.

If you want to get a workout without raising your blood pressure, try using an outdoor sauna. It is safe for people with cardiac problems and can improve vascular function.

Detoxification

There is a significant advantage to perspiring. This approach not only helps you get rid of harmful substances from your body but also accelerates metabolism, enabling you to release them even more rapidly.

Higher Metabolism

Saunas not only help people lose water weight, but they also burn calories. Many people are unaware of this. It’s fairly uncommon for someone to notice noticeable improvements after just one day of using an outdoor sauna in the spring or summer when humidity levels are high.

Essential Factors to Consider When Installing an Outdoor Sauna

Many more elements should be thought about in addition to the sauna's design. To prevent mold growth in between sessions, for instance, you should ensure that there is adequate ventilation and that your electrical supply can power it correctly. For your outside installation to go off without a hitch, it's best to acquire professional advice.

Here are three things to think about when setting up an outdoor sauna:

Layout

A corner connection is the best layout for a sauna. This will make cleaning a breeze while also providing you with the maximum amount of room to move about in it. Make sure your sauna area is at least 6 feet by 6 feet so you can fit four people in it (two on each side). Having enough space to relax and enjoy your workouts without feeling crowded is ideal, though.

In addition, putting a sauna in your home is a breeze because of its small footprint. An under-seat sauna heater system can be installed for further space if desired. To further maximize your room for relaxation, the sauna's carbon heaters are covertly placed beneath the bench.

Wood

Choosing the correct wood for the building of your sauna is vital. Apart from its appearance, it has to be able to resist very high temperatures and humidity.

Red Canadian Cedar is the best wood to use in a sauna. You may get more out of your sweat sessions by using this wood to keep the area at a comfortable temperature and humidity level. It is a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing type of wood with a wide range of colors.

The interior of a sauna will be quite hot, so it's important to choose materials that can withstand the heat, such as cedar, and to keep the color scheme consistent so that the room feels more welcoming.

Most outdoor saunas use engineered wood for their exteriors because it can withstand extreme weather and other elements.

Ventilation

An energy-efficient ventilation system is a must-have for anyone looking to enjoy a heated sauna session without the hassle of stale air. The number of persons in the room can be used to modify the ventilation system. In addition to keeping you cool, this will also help you save money and simplify your life.

Maintenance Tips

The best approach to extend the life of your sauna is to clean it thoroughly after each usage. Be sure to have a hand brush on hand by the door. When you're ready to leave, wet the bristles and scrub off the entire bench area, walls, and backrests. Doing this makes cleaning your sauna a breeze.

Although it may only take a few minutes, taking the time to do this will guarantee that your sauna stays in excellent condition for a long time.

Embrace the Sauna Lifestyle

There isn't a better way to relax and improve health than to spend time in an outdoor sauna. Whether you choose a traditional wood-burning sauna, a modern infrared version, or something in between, the key is to create a space that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Take the plunge and buy the best outdoor sauna today! You can fully embrace the sauna lifestyle and enjoy its many rewards for years to come.