Sauna 101.com -- Info Guide to Saunas and Steam Rooms for the Home

Top Sauna Buying Tips

Here are some tips you sould consider when buying a sauna:

» Infrared saunas are popular for indoor use. They use less electrical power, need less maintenance, require no plumbing, are more likely to simply plug into a wall outlet, and come in smaller sizes since they don't use a stand-alone sauna heater. However, if you want the traditional sauna experience, complete with hot stones that you pour water over, get a Finnish sauna.

» Determine the electrical requirements. Many saunas require 240V electrical power, with a hardwired connection to a separate 30A or 40A breaker in the electrical panel. Some smaller saunas can be simply plugged into a 120V wall outlet, as long as there isn't alot other electrical devices on the same circuit.

» Determine any plumbing requirements. Some sauna heaters are gas-fired and some have steam vaporizers, so determine if any gas piping or water piping is needed. This is particular true of steam saunas that utilize an external steam generator.

» Ceiling height no more than 7 feet. Heat rises and you want to keep the heat down at the bench level. For every 6 inches above 7 feet, you lose about 20% of the heat. It is also cheaper and faster to heat if the ceiling is no more than 7 feet.

» Get a larger sauna than you think you need. You may be fine with a sauna built for two, but a sauna that can seat four people doesn't cost that much more, and you'll have room to lie down when by yourself. And you will be offering a more traditional sauna experience, which is all about socializing.