WHY CHOOSE A MODERN OUTDOOR SAUNA

Modern outdoor saunas are the perfect private getaway that your home needs. They’re also standard gym equipment due to their muscle-relaxing heat. Traditionally, they’ve been used for community, health, and ritual  and for a good reason. Sauna treatments have been proven to ease stress, tension, and muscle aches, leaving you feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

Many praise  sauna treatments for easing health concerns ranging from skin issues and arthritis to depression and anxiety. These sauna benefits have convinced many to install saunas in their homes. This leaves many potential buyers asking, “Is it better to have an indoor or an outdoor sauna?” This guide will answer your questions and give you everything you need to know about a modern outdoor sauna.

So, What Is A Modern Outdoor Sauna?

All saunas, indoor and outdoor, are made for detoxification, purification, and relaxation through dry or wet heat therapy. Mostly, both types function the same way but with a few variations. They can generate steam using sauna stones, a heat source, and water. 

Key Differences Between Outdoor and Indoor Sauna

• Size: Indoor saunas are usually smaller and designed to fit two to four people. On the other hand, outdoor saunas are installed by the backyard pool or cottage and can fit four to eight people. 

• Various designs: Most indoor saunas have a standard cube or box shape, whereas outdoor ones are available in various designs.  Outdoor saunas are made using wood that can handle weather elements and sudden temperature changes. 

• Type of heater: Indoor saunas typically come with infrared heater or an electric stove. Outdoor saunas, on the other hand, usually are wood-burning with a chimney, but they can also be electric. It is rare to find an outdoor infrared sauna.

Top Reasons to Get a Modern Outdoor Sauna

Saunas are a great addition to your home to help you unwind, relax, and escape everyday stress. It is, therefore, important to consider the benefits of modern outdoor saunas before making your purchase. Below, we’ve outlined the top reasons to get a modern outdoor sauna. 

Fewer Space Constraints

Unlike indoor saunas, you can easily install outdoor saunas in your backyard or on the porch. . You can get more creative with the style and size of your sauna without the physical constraints of interior dimensions.  Outdoor saunas allow you to select from an array of window types that show off your complimentary landscaping. All these options allow you to select the perfect outdoor sauna you and your family can enjoy for years. 

Private and Peaceful Oasis

A modern outdoor sauna provides the much-needed privacy to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life compared to a gym or spa. And even though it’s just a few steps (or more) from  your home,  an outdoor sauna can feel like the ideal private oasis when it’s too noisy or crowded inside. It can also be perfect if you work from home as it allows you to separate your relaxation and workspace, which is crucial for your mental health. 

Double-Up your Pool House and Sauna

You can combine your modern outdoor sauna with a pool house. It allows you to include an entryway to protect you from snow, rain, and other weather elements. This allows you to extend your pool sessions by alternating your sauna sessions with refreshing dips (a process known as The Nordic Cycle) even in the cooler months.

Improve Your Home Value

It’s no secret that outdoor saunas can significantly improve home value. They help create a unique feature that’s attractive to potential buyers. Moreover, with a modern outdoor sauna, you don’t have to worry about special ventilation or indoor renovations.

 It’s easy to install an outdoor sauna, as you’ll only need to find a flat surface in your backyard. So, by installing a modern outdoor sauna to your landscaping, you’ll create a lasting final product that adds to your home’s value. 

Incorporate Into Your Workout Routine

You can get substantial value from an outdoor sauna if you’re an athlete or simply like to stay in shape. You can use it before and after a workout to improve your recovery and performance. The high sauna temperatures naturally improve blood circulation after a workout. 

Modern Outdoor Sauna Health Benefits

Did you know there are many proven health benefits as well? Let’s dive in!

Reduced Fibromyalgia and Arthritis Pain

Researchers have combined sauna and aquatic therapy to mitigate fibromyalgia and arthritis pain. Virtually all the participants in the study reported significant pain reduction and other symptoms. 

Improved Cardiovascular Health

According to a study by the Harvard Medical School, visiting your outdoor sauna increases your pulse by around 30% or more. This implies that twice as much blood will be pumped through your heart, improving your cardiovascular health. It’s better than a workout because it doesn’t always raise your blood pressure. Therefore, saunas are safe for most individuals, including those with particular health and heart problems. Still, it’s advisable to consult your doctor if you have concerns. 

Relief from Itchy Skin Problems

Scientific research also shows that people suffering from psoriasis, a chronic disease presenting scaly and itchy skin, can benefit from regular sauna sessions. 

Reduce Stroke Risk and Muscle Soreness

Naturally, by improving cardiovascular health, the risks of stroke are reduced. In addition, researchers have worked with athletes who work in extreme conditions while keeping in top form. Saunas have been proven to decrease muscle soreness before and after exercise.  With careful hydration and gentle stretching, a sauna session can help speed up your recovery and soothe tired and sore muscles.

Improved Breathing

Confirmed studies have revealed that individuals with certain breathing conditions, such as asthma, can breathe easier and have less wheezing after a sauna session. This is attributed to the humidity and heat combo, which loosens phlegm, opening the airways. It also helps with reduced stress and lessens the risks of respiratory issues. 

Decreased Inflammation and a Healthier Immune System

Most of the modern outdoor sauna benefits boil down to reduced inflammation. Researchers have proven that inflammation markers reduce with regular sauna sessions. It is also believed to treat chronic pain and severe headaches. Sauna sessions can also improve your immune system. Study shows that these sessions stimulate the immune system causing the body to produce more white blood cells. 

Types of Modern Outdoor Saunas

Now that you’re aware of the many benefits of an outdoor sauna, you must be wondering which is the best type for your home. While there are many different types of outdoor saunas in the market, most people aren’t aware of the many options and factors affecting each selection. There are three primary ways in which outdoor saunas differ from one another:

• Source of heat

• Shape

• Size

Source of Heat

Traditional saunas have evolved to include state-of-the-art equipment with stunning designs and advanced heating technology. Depending on the source of heat, outdoor saunas can be generally categorized into:

Wood-Burning Saunas

If you’re a purist looking for the rustic, traditional experience, wood-burning sauna stoves are the way to go. As the name suggests, they use firewood to heat the sauna rocks. Although they don’t need extra wiring, wood-burning saunas still require an operational chimney for venting.

Electrically-Heated Saunas

The electrically-heated saunas are the most popular choice for heating and use electric sauna stovesfor heating. These heaters come in various sizes and configurations and will need to be hardwired with the help of a licensed electrician. Once installed, they can be turned on with a flip of a switch, or, if Wifi-controlled can be turned on using an App. 

Infrared Sauna Heaters

This is a relatively newer technique, and traditionalists don’t consider them authentic saunas. They usually use infrared light waves to heat your body instead of the air. Infrared saunas  are usually only for indoor use. 

Hybrid Saunas

A hybrid sauna is another option. It’s a combination of both infrared and traditional heating techniques. They come with both the traditional infrared and traditional heating stove panels, but only one can be used at a time. The infrared heating panels are typically placed in the back wall to deliver heat to the lumbar and back regions. The hybrid sauna is your best bet if you want to experience both techniques. However, keep in mind that these are typically only for indoor use. 

Modern Outdoor Sauna Designs

Now that we’ve looked at the sauna types you can use in your outdoor sauna, let’s dive into how these types can be further categorized by design and shape. The most common sauna shapes are barrel, cube, oval, corner, and cabin. 

Cabin Saunas

Outdoor cabin saunas look like the regular indoor ones, only that they’re specially designed for outdoor use. Cabin saunas are made from timber and have slanted roofs to prevent snow and rain accumulation on the rooftop. 

Barrel Saunas

Barrel saunas are a very popular design for outdoor saunas in the market. They’re known for their massive round barrel shape with flat circular sides on each end.  Due to their efficient shape,  they tend to heat up fast. 

They’re aesthetically appealing and stand out when installed in your backyard or garden. To minimize maintenance and prevent water egress and leaks, you can purchase a sauna rain jacket. 

Classic and Porch Barrel Saunas

They come in two varieties – the porch and classic barrel. The main difference is that the porch one has a small roofed porch that you step on as you exit it. This is designed by extending the roof past the sauna door creating a sheltered area. 

Thermo wood Saunas

Thermo wood saunas are designed using a special wood treated for outdoor use. The wood is heated at high temperatures to increase its resistance to weather elements and durability. They’re quite popular in Europe, where the process originated, and now have made their way into the American market. So, barrel saunas prepared using thermowood are referred to as thermo barrel saunas. We offer two amazing brands of saunas built with thermally treated lumber: Thermory Saunas and Forever Saunas. 

Cube Saunas

You can also get an outdoor sauna with a distinctive cube shape. Cube saunas, like the Dundalk LeisureCraft Luna models (picutred below), have equal-sized roofs, floors, and flat sides. This design gives them a clean finish making them easy to install in tight areas. Besides, they have a bigger cabin space than barrel saunas and can accommodate dual-height benches.