Why Outdoor Saunas Are Becoming a Wellness Must-Have

Once viewed as a luxury reserved for spas and gyms, the sauna is finding a new home in backyards across the country. More than just a way to warm up, people are discovering the profound wellness benefits that come from regular sauna sessions. Adding an outdoor sauna to your home creates a personal sanctuary, a space dedicated to relaxation, health, and quiet contemplation.

This shift towards home-based wellness reflects a deeper understanding of self-care. It’s about creating rituals that restore both body and mind. An outdoor sauna provides a unique escape, enabling you to connect with nature while investing in your long-term wellbeing. In this guide, we’ll explore why outdoor saunas are becoming an essential part of modern wellness routines and how you can bring this restorative practice into your own life.

The Health Benefits of Stepping Outside

The practice of sauna bathing is centuries old, rooted in traditions that understood its power to heal and rejuvenate. Modern science now supports these ancient beliefs, revealing a wide range of physical and mental health benefits.

• Improved Sleep and Relaxation: The gentle, enveloping heat of a sauna helps to calm the nervous system and lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. This deep relaxation can lead to more restful sleep, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and restored.
• Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief: For anyone with an active lifestyle, a sauna can be a powerful tool for recovery. The heat increases blood flow to tired muscles, easing soreness and reducing inflammation. This can help speed up recovery after a workout and alleviate chronic pain conditions.
• Lower Blood Pressure: Regular sauna use has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which can help lower blood pressure and improve circulation over time, contributing to a healthier heart.
• Boosted Immunity: The increase in body temperature during a sauna session mimics a fever, which is the body’s natural way of fighting off infection. This process can stimulate the production of white blood cells, strengthening your immune system’s ability to ward off illness.
• Detoxification and Skin Health: Sweating is one of the body’s most effective ways to detoxify. A deep sweat in a sauna helps to flush out toxins, cleanse the pores, and leave your skin looking clear and radiant.

Choosing Your Personal Oasis

When it comes to outdoor saunas, there are two main types to consider: traditional steam saunas and modern infrared saunas. Each offers a distinct experience and set of benefits, so understanding the difference is key to finding the right fit for you.

Traditional Steam Saunas

For those who love intense, enveloping heat, a traditional steam sauna is the classic choice. These saunas utilize an electric or wood-burning heater to warm rocks, which are then sprinkled with water to create steam.

• The Experience: Temperatures in a traditional sauna can reach 180-200°F, producing a powerful and invigorating sweat. The combination of dry heat and bursts of humidity opens up the pores, providing deep physical and mental relaxation.
• Best for: Individuals seeking an authentic, high-heat sauna experience and the ritual of creating steam.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas offer a gentler approach to heat therapy. Instead of heating the air around you, they use infrared light waves to warm your body directly.

• The Experience: The temperature in an infrared sauna is typically lower, around 120-150°F, making it a more comfortable option for those who find traditional saunas too intense. The infrared waves penetrate the skin, providing a deep, detoxifying sweat from within.
• Best For: People who prefer a milder heat, want to enjoy longer sessions, or are focused on benefits like muscle recovery and skin purification.

Christoffer Arfert, Founder of Select Saunas, notes, “We’re so passionate about helping you get the absolute best sauna for your home and your personal needs – a sauna becomes such an instrumental part of our daily lives, so we know how important it is to get it right.”

Designing Your Backyard Retreat

An outdoor sauna is more than just a wellness tool; it’s a beautiful addition to your home. With various designs available, you can choose a style that complements your space and aesthetic.

• Barrel Saunas: These iconic, cylindrical saunas are not only visually striking but also highly efficient. The curved walls allow for natural heat circulation, ensuring an even and consistent temperature throughout the space. Many models, such as the Almost Heaven Barrel Saunas, are crafted from high-quality North American lumber and are renowned for their exceptional durability.
• Cabin Saunas: For a more traditional look, cabin-style saunas offer a classic and spacious design. These models often feature porches or changing rooms, creating a complete wellness retreat in your backyard. Brands like Dundalk Leisurecraft offer beautiful cabin saunas made from Canadian Timber.
• Cube Saunas: Modern and sleek, cube saunas are gaining popularity. Often featuring large panoramic windows, such as those from SaunaLife, they offer stunning views of the surroundings and blend seamlessly with contemporary architecture.

As Jasper Knight, Founder of Secret Saunas, explains, “Our connection to saunas is profoundly personal. We understand the myriad of ways in which a sauna can enhance one’s life. Our intimate understanding and personal experience of the sauna benefits is what fuels our desire to curate and deliver an exquisite sauna experience right to your doorstep.”

Common Questions About Outdoor Saunas

Do I need a special foundation for an outdoor sauna?

Yes, your sauna should be placed on a level and stable surface. A concrete pad, paved patio, or sturdy, level deck are all excellent options. This ensures the structure remains stable and secure.

What kind of electrical work is required?

Most electric sauna heaters require a dedicated 220-240V circuit. It’s essential to hire a licensed electrician to handle the installation, ensuring it’s done safely and in compliance with code.

How do I maintain my outdoor sauna?

Maintenance is straightforward. Regularly clean the interior with a mild soap and water solution. For the exterior, treating the wood with a protective stain or sealant annually will protect it from the elements and keep it looking its best. It’s also essential to regularly check the electrical components and wiring, as well as the heater, for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, it’s best to have them repaired by a professional before using the sauna again.

How can I make my sauna experience more enjoyable?

To enhance your sauna experience, consider incorporating calming aromatherapy or soothing music. Remember to stay hydrated and practice mindful breathing to relax and rejuvenate in your personal sanctuary fully.

A Healthier Future Awaits

Bringing an outdoor sauna into your life is an investment in your wellbeing. It offers a dedicated space to disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with yourself. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, improved health, or simply a quiet moment of peace, an outdoor sauna provides a pathway to a more balanced and restorative lifestyle. By selecting the proper sauna for your needs, you can create a personal sanctuary that supports your health and happiness for years to come.