CREATE A PERSONAL SANCTUARY WITH AN INDOOR SAUNA FOR HOME

If you dread going to the local spa or fitness club for a sauna session, or if the capricious elements of mother nature are dampening your outdoor sauna escapades, an indoor sauna might just be what you've been searching for!

The indoor sauna takes the best parts of a spa and brings them home, making sauna sessions more convenient and accessible. The luxury of an indoor sauna is that you can enjoy it anytime, even during unpleasant weather. 

How exactly do you choose an indoor sauna? Where can you place one in your home? How do you get the most out of your sauna experience? Read to learn more about the ins and outs of an indoor sauna and how to find the perfect one for your home.

Types of Indoor Saunas

Indoor saunas come in various types, each featuring unique benefits and functionalities. These include:

Dry Heat Saunas

Dry heat saunas use heating mechanisms, such as infrared lamps or electric heaters, to warm up the air and your body. Unlike other types, these saunas do not introduce any steam into the environment. Indoor dry saunas are further divided into two major types:

• Traditional Sauna

  
  

These indoor saunas boast wood burning or electric heaters to warm the space to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Traditional saunas, with their intense dry heat and periodic steamy bursts, allow your body to sweat out toxins while relaxing your muscles. 

• Infrared Sauna

  
  

Notably, the infrared sauna is a modern type of dry heat sauna. Instead of traditional heating elements, it uses infrared lamps to directly heat the body without substantially warming the air around you. 

These home indoor saunas operate between 110 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for those who want to maintain their core body temperature while enjoying the same therapeutic benefits as a dry heat sauna. 

Since these indoor saunas rely on electricity, you won’t have to worry about adjusting your plumbing system while installing them. 

Moist Heat Saunas

Moist heat saunas use a water boiler or a stove topped with stones to generate steam that fills the room. These indoor steam saunas operate slightly cooler than dry heat saunas, usually at about 90 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 

But the 100% humidity level makes all the difference in these saunas, bringing on that glorious, detoxifying sweat we crave from a good sauna session.

Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and it all boils down to your preference and specific health condition.  For instance, dry heat saunas are easier to install and maintain but may not be as effective for respiratory problems as moist heat saunas. 

Selecting the Perfect Location for Your Indoor Sauna

Once you’ve chosen the right type of indoor sauna, the next step is to figure out where to put it. Following are some of the most important factors you should consider before setting it up:

Available space

You can place an indoor sauna in various areas around the home, including the basement, bathroom, garage, or unused closet space. However, if your basement often gets flooded or has a lot of storage, consider another location for your home sauna. 

The same goes if you live in a humid climate, as humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow inside the unit. Whichever location you choose, measuring the space first is essential to ensure it's large enough for the sauna. 

If you have children or pets that like to run around, be mindful of their safety by ensuring adequate room for them not to bump into anything while inside.

Ventilation

Without proper ventilation, the air inside your home sauna room could become toxic. To avoid this, you must place the sauna in an area with adequate ventilation. 

Do not place it in any room with a fan or air conditioning system, as this could cause the air to blow back into the sauna and create negative pressure inside. 

Ideally, you should open at least one window in another part of your house so that fresh air can flow through and replace stale air when it exits through the exhaust vent.

Power source

The power source is another important consideration when choosing a location for your sauna. Place it near an outlet so you can plug it in easily without running long extension cords around your house. 

Additionally, you should check the electrical panel to ensure it can handle the extra load of having an electric sauna plugged in. If not, you may need to run a new circuit or upgrade your home’s wiring system.

Accessibility

Your sauna experience should be a breeze right from the get-go. So, position your indoor sauna in a location that's easy to access and get to while keeping safety and daily activities in mind. After all, you don't want your tranquil retreat in the middle of a busy hallway. 

Water Supply

Depending on the type of sauna you've chosen, you might need access to a water supply for the steam generator. Some models come with a built-in water tank, while others require you to attach one externally. 

Before buying an indoor sauna or outdoor sauna, think about where the water supply line would go and whether any plumbing needs to be done to accommodate it. Your sauna's instruction manual should outline the specifics regarding these access points.

Customizing Your Indoor Sauna Experience

While an indoor sauna can offer a relaxing experience, you can adjust the ambiance and experience to suit your tastes. Here’s you can customize your indoor sauna:

Seating and Capacity

When you think of a traditional or barrel sauna, one of the first things that comes to mind is the seating. When buying an indoor sauna, look for one with ergonomically shaped benches for optimal comfort. 

If you plan on sharing this wellness space with your other half or friends, consider multi-level seating or foldable benches to converse and sit down comfortably. 

Lighting and Aromatherapy

Nothing sets the mood in your sauna like the proper lighting and scents. Here's how you can elevate your sauna experience with these elements:

• Lighting: Use dimmable LED lights to create a warm, soothing atmosphere. Consider installing a salt lamp or even a small window to let in some natural light for a more natural feel.

  
  

• Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in your sauna. Essential oils such as ylang-ylang, Frankincense, and peppermint are scientifically proven to have a calming effect, while lavender and thyme are known to create an uplifting mood. You can apply these essential oils topically or use an oil diffuser like Health Mate Aroma Therapy Cup.

  
  

Technological Features

Like outdoor saunas, modern indoor saunas can be equipped with various technological features to add fun and excitement to your sauna experience. Some of these features include:

• Entertainment System: Many saunas today come with Bluetooth speakers, so you can play your favorite tunes or podcasts while unwinding.

  
  

• Smart Controls: Equip your sauna with a digital control panel that allows you to set the temperature and time and even preheat your sauna using your smartphone.

  
  

• Chromotherapy: This innovative feature uses colored LED lights to heal physical, mental, and spiritual energy imbalances.

  
  

• Oxygen Ionizer: To ensure your sauna is clean and safe, look for one with an integrated oxygen ionizer system. This will eliminate dust, pollen, and any foul odors from the environment and keep it fresh.

  
  

Health Benefits of an Indoor Sauna for Home

Indoor saunas have been gaining popularity and for a good reason! They can provide a multitude of health benefits that go beyond pure relaxation. These include:

Detoxification

When you're soaking in that heated atmosphere, your body sweats profusely. This intense sweating helps purge toxins from your system down to the cellular level. This detoxification process can help you feel less sluggish, more energized, and refreshed.

 

Stress Relief and Relaxation

Research shows that sauna-induced heat helps decrease cortisol levels while triggering the release of endorphins, aka the feel-good hormones. This can help melt away your worries and make you feel more relaxed from head to toe.

Better Skin

Looking for radiant, glowing skin? Your sauna might be your best ally. With the increased blood circulation during a sauna session, your skin cells receive more nutrients. This leads to improved skin health and a more youthful appearance. 

The sweat also helps unclog your pores and remove built-up dirt or sebum. This can be particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, as it can help reduce breakouts and heal blemishes.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Did you know regular sauna sessions can be a cardiovascular workout? Research shows that the heated environment of a sauna encourages your body to produce more red blood cells, which are vital in delivering oxygen throughout your body. 

Enhanced Muscle Recovery

The indoor sauna can be your post-workout best friend if you're into fitness. When you’re sauna-ing, studies show that the heat increases blood flow, expediting nutrient delivery to the muscle and speeding up the recovery process after an intense workout or other physical activity.

Review of the Best Indoor Saunas 

Following are our top picks for indoor saunas:

Tips for Maintaining Your Indoor Sauna

To maintain your indoor sauna at home, follow these tips.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

Proper cleaning and sanitization of the sauna is essential for safe use. To keep your sauna clean and fresh, consider the following:

• Shower before and after each session, and sit on a towel instead of directly on the bench.

• Avoid bringing food, drinks, or anything that can melt or stain into the sauna.

• After each use, you should air your sauna and sauna room well to remove the humidity and prevent mold growth.

• Once a month, you should wash the benches, backrests, and footrests with water and mild soap and leave them to dry for 24 hours. You can use a mild solution of baking soda and water or bleach heavily diluted with water, to gently clean any sweat or dirt spots with a soft cloth.

• Never paint or stain the inside of the sauna wood, as this can trap moisture and damage the wood.

• Vacuum the floor of your sauna periodically to remove any dust or debris.

  
  

Inspecting and Replacing Sauna Components 

Regular inspection of sauna components is important to help ensure that your sauna works properly and safely. Some elements that may need routine inspection and replacement are the sauna heater, the sauna rocks, the thermostat, the timer, the door handle, the hinges, the vents, and the light bulbs.

You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how often and how to inspect and replace these components or contact a professional sauna service if you are unsure or need help. Consider checking for cracks, splits, or warping in the wood, and sand or repair them as required.

Properly Maintaining the Heating Elements 

To properly maintain your heating elements, you should keep the heat on a high setting for 45 minutes to an hour before each sauna use, depending on your type of sauna. This will help warm the wood, prevent cracking, clean the sauna rocks, and create steam.

You should also use soft or distilled water only when adding water to the sauna rocks, as hard water can cause buildup and damage to the heating elements. Never pour water directly on the heating elements, as this can cause them to short out or burn out.

FAQs

Are Indoor Saunas Safe?

Yes, indoor saunas are safe, provided that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take proper precautions when installing them. 

The sauna should be placed in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials such as furniture or curtains. It should also be plugged into an outlet protected by a ground fault interrupter (GFI) to protect against electrical shock.

Is Sauna Better Indoors or Outdoors?

Choosing indoor and outdoor saunas depends on personal preferences and available space. If you have limited outdoor space and want maximum privacy, an indoor sauna is the way to go. An outdoor sauna might be perfect for those who love connecting with nature while enjoying the sauna experience. 

Are at Home Saunas Effective?

Yes, at-home saunas can effectively promote relaxation and provide health benefits, such as improved circulation, detoxification, stress relief, and overall skin health. 

What Is the Cost of Installing Indoor Saunas?

Like an outdoor sauna, the cost of installing an indoor sauna can vary depending on the unit type and modifications to your home's structure and electric system. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 for a basic sauna installation. The price will generally be higher if you want to add extras like a steam generator or air purifier.

Indoor Sauna for Homes: Conclusion

Whether searching for a private retreat after a hectic day or a health-boosting sanctuary during the winter, an indoor sauna could become your oasis. The benefits of an indoor sauna are plenty, from improved circulation and relaxation to pain management and even potential cardiovascular benefits. 

If you’re looking for top-of-the-line indoor saunas that offer the best value for money, check out MySaunaWorld’s collection of traditional and infrared saunas. For more information, feel free to contact us, and our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions and help you find the perfect model for your needs.