5 hot tips for your new sauna
Although this article was written at a time when the temperature outside reaches sauna-like heat and the idea of a classic sauna in such weather does not appeal to almost anyone - perhaps you are one of those who decided to build or buy a sauna in this period. The current prices of saunas can be more than acceptable and that is why it is worth investing in your own wellness right now, outside the "heating" season.
1. Self-made sauna or purchased?
Rozhodnite sa, či si kúpite vopred vyrobený model sauny alebo si postavíte vlastnú. Niektoré sauny sa dodávajú zmontované a pripravené na inštaláciu, iné sa dodávajú vo forme súpravy, ktorú je potrebné "poskladať" a ďalšie sú vyrobené na mieru. Alebo si vyberte prenosnú saunu, ktorá nemusí byť zabudovaná na pevnom mieste. Ceny sa značne líšia v závislosti od veľkosti, materiálov a mnohých ďalších faktorov. Môžete nájsť malé, vopred vyrobené sauny za približne 1 000 € (nenainštalované), zatiaľ čo modely vyrobené na mieru sa môžu rozšíriť až na päťciferný rozsah.Decide whether to buy a pre-made sauna model or build your own. Some saunas come assembled and ready to install, others come as a kit that needs to be "put together" and others are custom made. Or choose a portable sauna, which does not have to be installed in a fixed place. Prices vary widely depending on size, materials and many other factors. You can find small, pre-built saunas for around €1,000 (uninstalled), while custom-made models can run into the five-figure range.
If your electrical wiring does not support the voltage required by an electric sauna (approx. 220 volts), you will need the help of a licensed electrician to repair it. Additionally, you may need to add a side exhaust vent to exhaust the moisture generated by the steam.
2. Outdoor or indoor sauna?
Do you want your sauna indoors or outdoors? Indoor saunas are more desirable, but outdoor saunas are a great option if you don't have room inside or if you want a sauna near the pool or with a view. However, it should be taken into account that the outdoor sauna will need additional insulation to stay hot.
Many people choose concrete, tile or other durable material for the sauna floor, because the moisture on the wooden floor allows bacteria to grow.
3. What material will your new sauna be made of?
Know the possibilities of materials for the production of saunas. Cedar is a classic choice — it smells pleasant, resists moisture - rot, does not absorb excess heat (i.e. you won't burn your ass :D). However, you can also use other soft woods such as hemlock and spruce.
4. What type of sauna and heating do you want?
Choose a heat source. Saunas basically overheat the body in two ways. A traditional wet-dry sauna uses an electric heat source or a wood-fired heat source with stones to raise the air temperature to an average of between 70 and 90°C. You can also make steam by adding water to the stones in the heating element (hence the "wet" part).
Choose a heat source. Saunas basically overheat the body in two ways. A traditional wet-dry sauna uses an electric heat source or a wood-fired heat source with stones to raise the air temperature to an average of between 70 and 90°C. You can also make steam by adding water to the stones in the heating element (hence the "wet" part).
Can't decide between an infrared sauna and a classic Finnish sauna? Try a combined sauna that combines both types into one. You can find out more HERE.
5. Sauna for 2, 3, 4 or more people?
Determine the size of the sauna. Think about how you plan to use it. Will it be a "party headquarters" or a place for solo relaxation? Choose a type of sauna that has space for the number of people you count on, so you don't waste money and energy on heating unused space. You should also avoid making the ceiling unnecessarily high, so that the heat rises above the level where the "sauna users" are sitting - about 210 cm is usually considered the maximum.
