Saunas

A Guide to Understanding Saunas

Saunas are centuries-old traditions. While they are not as standard in the United States as in other parts of the world, many are common in hotels, gyms and day spas. While residential saunas are relatively easy to install, they are not common in North America.

The basic construction of saunas is a single room that heats up, and its inhabitants use the steam or heat rays to relieve general aches and pains, maintain healthier skin, improve blood circulation and increase body metabolism. The intense heat and/or humidity forces the blood to circulate more and the body to produce sweat, which cleanses the skin, removes body waste and regulates body temperature.

Types of Saunas

Conventional heat storage sauna

Smoke saunas, also called Finnish saunas or rock saunas, consist of a simple room containing a pile of rocks. It has no chimney, but a fire is lit directly under the rocks. After a while, the fire is extinguished, but the heat retained in the rocks becomes a source of heat in the sauna. While the temperature does not reach extreme heights, the humidity is relatively high.

Heat storage saunas also use a sealed stone compartment, but it also has a chimney, which eliminates smoke odor and eye irritation. The heat storage sauna doesn't give up much heat before bathing since the compartment has an insulated lit, but when the sauna bath starts, a shutter opens and allows a soft warm flow into the sauna.

Conventional continuous heat saunas

Electric stove saunas are now the most common type of sauna. The stones are heated up, and their temperature is maintained using electricity. There is usually a timer and a thermostat on the stove that users can adjust manually. This type of heating is usually used in urban saunas.

Continuous fire saunas, also called continuous fire stoves, do not use stored heat. Instead, there is a firebox and a smokestack, and stones are placed in a compartment directly above the firebox. It only takes about an hour to heat up, shorter than an electric stove sauna does, but it requires manual maintenance during bathing, so the fire can be somewhat hazardous. These are common in cottages.

Infrared saunas work differently than conventional saunas do. Rather than heating the air, they heat objects. They use infrared heaters to emit infrared radiant heat, which is absorbed directly into the human body. Some physicians claim that it helps reduce pain, stiffness and fatigue for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Important Sauna Features

Layered seating: While a common feature in saunas, it is an important one, as well. Because a sauna's heat source is at its base, the heat rises, making higher seats hotter. By having layered seating, it allows multiple inhabitants of the sauna to sit in locations that best suit their heat limitations or needs.

Size: Depending on your use for the sauna, whether it's used for private homes, public hotel spaces or commercial sales, size can make a big difference. Public community saunas are typically larger, allowing for higher capacity and more varied seating arrangements. Privately used saunas are typically smaller and able to fit one to four people. Saunas are usually designed with two feet of bench space per bather.

Dials: In more modern saunas, dials are all the rage. Look for saunas with dials on the inside, making it easier for the user to adjust the settings and temperature at their will. This also decreases safety risks.

Doors: Sauna doors should always be easy to open and close. Because saunas can cause discomfort for some inhabitants, and because safety can become an issue due to the heat, this is extremely important.

Music: Yes, music. Many saunas these days come with CD players, allowing the user to listen to music while they bathe. If you do not enjoy long silences or enjoy some relaxing tunes while you sit, then this is a great feature to look for in your sauna.

Sauna Installation

Saunas are very easy to install in your private residence. You can assemble them using screws and wenches. Partially assembled saunas with doors and walls are also available in stores, and those just need to be bolted together. Any more advanced models, such as infrared, public and commercial saunas, should be installed by a professional to avoid damage to the device.

Special note to users: You can get better heat distribution (and arguably more health benefits) from lying flat on the benches instead of sitting up. This is because the heat in saunas rises, so the body is more likely to stay consistent when it is level, rather than upright.