Outdoor Saunas
Guide to Outdoor Saunas
Updated 8/4/23
Welcome to the wonderful world of outdoor saunas! Imagine stepping out of your back door and into your own personal oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation, a place where you can unwind from the stresses of daily life in the comfort of your own home. That’s the luxury an outdoor sauna brings.
Outdoor saunas, a staple in Scandinavian culture, have become increasingly popular worldwide for their numerous health benefits and their ability to integrate relaxation seamlessly into the everyday. Regular sauna use is said to improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, alleviate skin issues, and even help with weight loss. Plus, who can ignore the sheer relaxation of leaning back, allowing the heat to soothe your muscles and your mind to wander free?
Whether you're a sauna veteran or a newcomer, the adventure of owning an outdoor sauna is a rewarding journey. From traditional Finnish-style saunas to infrared cabins, there's a vast array of styles, sizes, and heat sources to consider. And there's something incredibly special about saunas situated outdoors. They offer a unique interaction with nature, providing a place where you can sweat out your worries while listening to the birds chirp or watching the snow fall.
In addition to their health and wellness benefits, outdoor saunas also make striking additions to your backyard or garden. Their aesthetic appeal can transform your outdoor space into a serene spa-like sanctuary, a place of retreat, and a focal point for socializing and entertaining guests.
We’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about outdoor saunas, from choosing the right type for your needs, to understanding how to maintain it, and making the most of your sauna experience. Let's delve into this exciting venture and discover how you can bring a bit of that wonderful Scandinavian wellness lifestyle right into your own backyard!
There are all kinds of places you can find awesome saunas to put in your backyard. You can find a local retailer, check out our list below or see which ones Amazon has.
2 person outdoor sauna
If you only need a 2 person sauna to use outdoors, this is the one for you. It is also an Infrared sauna! It does not really take up too much space either which makes it pretty ideal. Get out that measuring tape and see where you can fit this awesome sauna in your backyard! Or maybe even indoors too if you prefer that. Heck, you can even spread out and make this your very own personal sauna instead! The reviews speak for themselves too. Just a high-quality product to invest in.
Oval outdoor sauna
Can a sauna get much cooler than this thing? Oh and you can fit 8 people in this bad boy! This is definitely one of the more popular options out there. It is pre-cut with instructions ready to build! Wherever you live, you will get free curb side delivery too. This beautiful work of art is also made in Europe! If you have the room, we highly recommend pulling the trigger on this one. It is pre cut and ready to build!
Ceramic outdoor sauna
We LOVE this ceramic sauna, perfectly suitable for 2 people. Or by yourself in extreme comfort! Give it a shot to relieve muscle and joint pain. It also comes with an integrated sound system if you want to switch it up from the silence. Maybe some soothing massage style music for a change.
4 person outdoor sauna
Looking to hit the sauna in a giant wine barrel? Us too. Not to mention, you can fit 4 people in this one! Barrel saunas are so cool! Grade A Canadian Pine. That’s all you need to know! Power: 220v, 9,000 Watts(No Power Plug). (3 wire 220v, 40 Amps), we recommend a 50A breaker, Power cord not included.
8 person igloo outdoor sauna
Looking to go all out with your sauna? And looking to withstand all weather conditions? You’ve come to the right place. Check out this Igloo 8 person sauna for yourself in more detail! Who wouldn’t want to spend 20 minutes in this thing each day?
Canadian wood outdoor sauna
Canadian wood you say? Sign me up! This will fit perfectly in your backyard! We absolutely love this sauna. It’s perfect for a couple as it’s recommended for 2 people or less.
Infrared sauna
Looking for a lighter colored wood sauna? This is the one you are looking for in that case. You will get it delivered curbside, it’s hard to beat that. The interior control panel is top notch and has exactly what you need to really enjoy a good sauna session.
Portable sauna on the go
Need to bring the sauna on the go? We’ve got your covered! You can even take it to your hotel room for example. Your ultimate portable sauna to take on the road. You can get this set up in one minute. It comes with a one year warranty as well! So you can feel some comfort when making this purchase online.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick talking about sauna benefits! Her appearing on Joe Rogan’s Podcast has really made a lot of people curious about what benefits saunas have to offer. Just to a quick Google search for yourself to see. You’ll come across things like heat shock proteins, increases in collagen production and things along those lines. Simply put, we just love outdoor saunas.
Benefits of Using a Sauna
Saunas are renowned worldwide for their numerous health and wellness benefits. They're not only a place for relaxation and tranquility but also a wonderful way to promote physical and mental health. Here are some of the key benefits associated with regular sauna use:
Improved Cardiovascular Health: The heat from a sauna causes your heart rate to increase, which can provide similar benefits to moderate exercise. Regular sauna use can improve cardiovascular function, decrease the risk of heart disease, and even potentially lengthen life span.
Detoxification: Sweating induced by the sauna helps your body get rid of toxins, including heavy metals like lead, zinc, copper, nickel, and mercury. This detoxification process can leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief: The heat from the sauna can help soothe aches and pains in the muscles and joints. It can be particularly beneficial for people suffering from conditions like arthritis or recovering from muscle injuries.
Improved Circulation: The heat of a sauna encourages blood vessels to expand, which improves circulation. This improved blood flow can help speed up the body's natural healing process, reducing pain and inflammation and promoting overall health.
Stress Relief: Saunas can also provide a fantastic way to reduce stress. The heat helps to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel good" chemicals. Additionally, the tranquil, quiet environment of a sauna can provide a peaceful retreat from the stresses of daily life.
Skin Health: Regular sauna use can also benefit your skin. The increased sweating helps to remove dead cells, improve capillary circulation, and cleanse the pores. This can result in healthier-looking, more radiant skin.
Weight Loss: While a sauna shouldn't replace a healthy diet and regular exercise, it can complement a weight loss plan. The heat increases your heart rate, which can lead to a higher calorie burn.
Improved Sleep: Many people report better sleep after using a sauna. The relaxing heat of a sauna can help promote deeper, more restful sleep, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Steam vs Infrared Saunas (Similarities & Differences)
Similarities
Relaxation: Both steam and infrared saunas are used primarily for relaxation and stress relief. The heat helps to soothe tense muscles and encourages the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals.
Detoxification: Both types of saunas stimulate sweat production, which can help to flush out toxins from the body.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Both saunas can increase heart rate and improve circulation, similar to moderate exercise. This can lead to improved cardiovascular health.
Differences
Heat Source and Distribution: Steam saunas use a traditional heat source like a wood or electric stove to heat the air, which in turn heats your body. This leads to high humidity levels. In contrast, infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly, leading to lower air temperatures and lower humidity.
Sweating and Temperature: In a steam sauna, you'll typically start sweating at a lower body temperature because of the high humidity. In an infrared sauna, sweating might start a bit later because the heat is more directly targeting your body, not the surrounding air.
Respiratory Relief: Because of the high humidity, steam saunas can be beneficial for those with respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis, as they can help to clear the airways. In contrast, the dry heat in an infrared sauna might not offer the same respiratory benefits.
Skin Health: The moist heat in a steam sauna can be beneficial for the skin, as it opens pores and helps cleanse the skin. On the other hand, the direct heat of an infrared sauna can penetrate deeper into the skin, potentially promoting more effective detoxification.
Energy Efficiency: Infrared saunas tend to be more energy-efficient than traditional steam saunas because they heat the body directly rather than heating the entire room.
Installation and Maintenance: Generally, infrared saunas are easier to install and require less maintenance compared to steam saunas. They're often portable and don't require a lot of space. Steam saunas, on the other hand, are typically installed in a dedicated space and require more upkeep due to the high humidity.
Outdoor Sauna FAQs
Can I buy prefab saunas online?
You sure can! Get your sauna delivered and ready to go out of the box! It doesn’t get much more exciting that.
Where can I get an outdoor electric sauna?
Chances might be slim that you have a store down the street for this. Check out our guide instead and find exactly what you need.
Why are outdoor barrel saunas so popular?
From an aesthetics perspective, these just look so cool. And it truly comes down to that. Even for those that aren’t really into the whole sauna thing.
What is the best outdoor home sauna?
You know, it’s really tough to say. It really depends what exactly you are looking for and how much space you have.
Are all saunas made out of wood?
No they are not but the coolest ones sure are!
What are the different size saunas you can buy online?
1 person sauna
2 person sauna
4 person sauna
6 person sauna
8 person sauna
12 person sauna
How long should you stay in a sauna?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on individual preferences and how your body responds to heat exposure. However, saunas are typically used for 15-20 minutes at a time. Some people may stay in for longer periods of time, but it is important to listen to your body and not overdo it. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous, exit the sauna immediately and cool down. Use common sense there. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids before and after using a sauna, as dehydration can occur quickly when sweating profusely. Maybe even some additional electrolytes! Saunas are a great way to relax, unwind, and detoxify the body, but it is important to use them safely and moderation.
How often should I sauna?
Again, every single body is different. So this depends on your needs and what your body is capable of. Some people do it five times a week, while other just go a couple of times each week. Read up on different studies of sauna use for yourself to see what works for you.
How much does it cost to run a sauna at home?
The cost of running a sauna at home will vary depending on the size and type of sauna you have, as well as the electricity costs in your area. Generally, it will cost between $0.50 and $2.00 per hour to run a in your place of residence.
What should you wear (or not wear) in a sauna?
The most important thing to remember when visiting a sauna is to dress appropriately. Most saunas will provide towels, but it is always a good idea to bring your own. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove, such as shorts or a bathing suit. You should avoid wearing anything that is tight or constricting, as this can make it difficult to sweat properly. It is also important to avoid wearing any jewelry, as it can become uncomfortably hot.
Should you drink water in the sauna?
Yes, you should definitely drink water in the sauna. Not only will it help keep you hydrated, but it will also help your body to sweat more effectively. The more you sweat, the more toxins and impurities you'll be able to flush out of your system.
We must admit, Dr. Rhonda Patrick talking about saunas so much really helped inspire us to put this guide together.
How peaceful is it when you are inside of a sauna? Do yourself a favor and just sit in there and think and you will feel amazing! We all aspire to have an amazing backyard one day. Now just image how much better it would be with your very own sauna! If you partner disagrees, show them how visually appealing they can look too.
We truly mean it when we say you will feel AMAZING after coming out of a sauna. And even another level better after a shower right after. If you are just starting, aim for about 5 minutes! There is no need to overdue it (for many reasons). After a while you will work it up to 10 min, 12 min, 15 min, even 20 min! Going beyond that probably isn’t necessary, but we are NOT doctors and every body is different.
The older we get, the more we try to truly better ourselves. Whether that is with healthy food, running a few times a week or hitting the sauna each morning before work. There are many routes to go here, but with this article we really wanted to highlight why we love saunas so much. Before you buy one, maybe try a few sessions at the gym first. Just to make sure you like it first.