sauna buyer’s guide
TRANSCRIPT
Sauna Buyer’s Guide
mind, bodymind, bodyReward yourReward your
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Feel the difference ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2
Relax your mind, reward your body���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
All about infrared saunas ������������������������������������������������������������������ 5
Health benefits of infrared saunas��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
Infrared saunas for sports and fitness ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
Choosing the perfect sauna ������������������������������������������������� 10
The finishing touches��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11
Technical information ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12
Peace of mind ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13
Frequently asked questions ������������������������������������������������� 14
Sauna buyer’s checklist ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Get in touch �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
Contents
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 1Reward your mind, body and soul
Feel the differenceA sauna in your home will take your lifestyle to the
next level in luxury – at an affordable price.
Walk in the door, step into your sauna, sit back, relax
and feel the difference. You’ll wonder how you got
through the week without one�
There are lots of different types available from
traditional steam saunas heated with hot stones
through to the latest state-of-the-art infrared therapy
saunas. Today’s high-tech saunas can feature sound
systems, Bluetooth® compatibility, and mood lighting.
While it’s great to have options, as a consumer
– so many choices can be confusing. We get it.
That’s why we put together this helpful guide�
It contains everything you need to know so you
can find the perfect sauna for you.
Health benefits of saunas include reduced muscle pain, better sleep, detoxification, relief from joint pain and stiffness, stress reduction and improved circulation.
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 2Reward your mind, body and soul
Relax your mind – reward your body
People have known for thousands of years how
beneficial ‘sauna bathing’ is for the mind, body
and soul�
Physically, nothing is more reinvigorating than
a deep, healthy sweat every day� You feel more
relaxed and rested, and the heat helps relieve
sore muscles and can improve your overall health
and wellbeing�
So, what is a sauna?
Put simply, ‘sauna’ describes any heating system
intended to create profuse sweating.
The earliest known sauna structures were dug
into the earth and lined with stone� Today, modern
saunas are typically timber framed rooms heated
with hot stones, wood stoves, hot embers, or
electricity. They can be indoors or outdoors.
What does a sauna do?
Saunas have been a part of traditional medicine
for many centuries. They are believed to provide
a number of wonderful health benefits including
reduced stress, lower blood pressure and relief
from muscle and joint pain.
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 3Reward your mind, body and soul
Relax your mind - reward your bodyWhat types of saunas are there?
There are four diverse types of saunas: traditional
Finnish or steam sauna, dry sauna, steam bath (also
known as a Turkish bath), and infrared sauna. Each
experience varies from one type of sauna to the next.
Infrared therapy vs steam saunas
The main difference between infrared saunas
and traditional steam saunas is how they use heat�
Traditional saunas use a single heater that heats
the air and that hot air heats the user�
In contrast, infrared saunas use advanced infrared
heaters to warm your body directly. As your body
absorbs the infrared heat, this increases thermal
energy, inducing a deep and relaxing sweat.
The infrared environment is cooler than traditional
saunas, allowing you to stay in the sauna longer
and get more benefit from each session.
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 4
All about infrared saunasInfrared saunas offer the same benefits of
a traditional sauna plus much more, without
the extreme heat�
What is infrared?
The largest source of infrared heat is the Sun.
Infrared is a safe wavelength of light (or energy)
which we feel as heat. Infrared heat is all around us.
You can feel it from sources like fire, heated sand
on the beach, and the sun (without the harmful
ultraviolet waves that the sun gives off).
The infrared spectrum consists of near (NIR),
mid (MIR), and far (FIR) infrared waves, each with
distinct characteristics and frequency ranges.
How do infrared saunas work?
Infrared saunas have carbon or ceramic panels that
generate infrared heat. This infrared heat can easily
penetrate human tissue, heating your body before
the air�
The infrared heat waves penetrate more deeply
than warmed air, allowing you to experience a more
intense sweat at a lower temperature�
In fact, infrared saunas usually operate between
46 to 57 degrees while traditional saunas can get
up to 85 degrees.
Linear three person model shown
Infrared heaters
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 5Reward your mind, body and soul
All about infrared saunasIs infrared heat comfortable?Many people consider infrared saunas more
comfortable than traditional saunas because of
their lower temperatures and dry environment�
Are infrared saunas safe?Infrared heat is completely safe. In fact, it is so safe,
hospitals use similar heaters to warm newborn babies�
Infrared is a part of nature and essential for life�
How much does an infrared sauna cost?Infrared sauna prices vary depending on the type
of sauna, quality of timber and equipment, the size
of the unit and extra features�
Prices start at $2,000 for an entry level unit
and around $7,000 to $10,000 for high-quality,
mid-market saunas�
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 6Reward your mind, body and soul
Health benefits of infrared saunasRelieve muscle, joint and back pain
Heat has long been known to improve a vast array of
musculoskeletal ailments. The ability of infrared heat
to penetrate up to 50mm into our bodies means it can
get right into joints and provide pain-relieving benefits.
Weight loss and increased metabolism
Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of any
wellness plan. According to the Journal of the American
Medical Association, regular use of a sauna imparts a
similar boost on the cardiovascular system as running.
Stress and fatigue reduction
Numerous studies show that stress can shorten the
average lifespan and increase the risk of chronic illness.
Stress relief is one of the greatest benefits of using an
infrared sauna. The heat penetrates deep into muscle
tissues and causes your body to completely relax.
Improves circulation which strengthens the cardiovascular system
High blood pressure can lead to an increased risk
of stroke and cardiovascular illnesses. Studies have
shown that use of an infrared sauna has lowered
blood pressure in some people�
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 7Reward your mind, body and soul
Health benefits of infrared saunas
Promotes beautiful, youthful skin
Our skin is the largest organ we have� The body’s
natural way to clear pores and clean the skin is
to sweat� Saunas open your pores and allow your
whole body to sweat them clean. Daily sauna
sweating can also help detoxify your body as
it rids itself of accumulated toxins.
Boosts your immune system
A strong immune system is vital in defending against
viruses, bacteria and naturally occurring cancer cells.
Deep heating from infrared saunas raises the body’s
core temperature, this creates an artificial fever which
is the body’s natural way of strengthening the
immune system�
Can help relieve rheumatism, arthritis and fibromyalgia
Many rheumatic conditions respond very well to heat
so infrared sauna sessions can offer benefits to these
forms of arthritis. Radiant heat can also be effective in the
treatment of sprains, neuralgia, bursitis, muscle spasms,
joint stiffness and many other muscular-skeletal ailments.
Infrared sauna studies and science articles
The benefits of infrared therapy have been researched
for many years worldwide. You can view a list of studies,
articles and clinical trials that focus on infrared therapy
on our NZ website or our AU website�
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 8Reward your mind, body and soul
Infrared saunas for sports and fitnessThere are many benefits to using a sauna after
a workout. It can help you train harder, increase
performance and recover faster.
Muscle recovery
After working out, you’re sure to feel sore in the
muscles you’ve worked. Using a sauna enhances
the muscle recovery process by increasing blood
circulation and carrying oxygen-rich blood to oxygen-
depleted muscle. Heat also allows muscles to relax
better, thus relieving muscle tension.
Benefits of sweating
Sweating during your workout helps cool you down,
but it also releases toxins from your body. You can
prolong the benefits of sweating well past your gym
session by sweating it out in a sauna. Just be sure to
stay hydrated, as you’ll be losing more fluids in
a sauna than you’ll be taking in�
Sauna weight loss benefits
There are many studies showing a correlation
between sauna use and weight loss� Infrared
sauna use can aid weight loss by:
- decreasing body fat
- increasing human growth hormone
(HGH) production
- lowering cortisol levels
- reducing stress and improving wellbeing
Please note: We do not recommend using a sauna
before a workout as it can lead to a number of risks
during your workout such as relaxed muscles, lower
energy, dehydration and overheating�
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 9Reward your mind, body and soul
Infrared saunas come in a wide variety of sizes,
and a range of prices. To help find your perfect
sauna match, ask yourself these questions:
What do we need it for?
Are you going to be using your sauna primarily
for stress relief, relaxation, fitness recovery or
simply take time for yourself?
What size do we need?
How many people do you think will end up using it at
any one time? Home saunas come in a variety of sizes,
from one person to up to 6 people. Once you know
how many will be using it - you’ll want to decide where
to put it and how much room you have. If you feel
claustrophobic in small spaces, then you might consider
a larger sauna with a full glass front and as much glass
as possible on the sides�
What heat source would you like?
The two main considerations for infrared heat sources
are: the type of infrared heat you want and the heater
material used to emit the infrared heat� Infrared heaters
can deliver near, mid, far and full spectrum infrared
heat� Near and far infrared heating elements are the
most common. Near infrared units tend to promote
topical healing and mild pain relief quite effectively,
but far infrared heating units are incredibly effective
at removing toxins, improving circulation,
and relaxing the muscles. It’s up to you
which heat source you feel will
serve you best�
Where are we going to put it?Settling on the location for your new sauna will also
help you decide what size you should buy. Will it
be indoors or outdoors? What are the limitations
of your property? Remember, if your sauna is easy
to access – you’ll use it more.
How much are we prepared to pay?
Like the old adage says: You get what you pay for�
Inexpensive saunas are made with low-end materials,
offer less effective sauna health benefits and can
lead to costly repairs or replacement down the road.
Creating a list of ‘must have’ and ‘nice to have’ features
is a great way to determine your budget� Remember
to ask about financing options too.
Choosing the perfect sauna
Reward your mind, body and soul SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 10
The finishing touchesOnce you have a general idea about the type and
size of sauna you’re after, there are a number of other
features to consider – all of which could impact your
final decision.
Modern saunas come with a wide array of accessories
and special features. There really is something to suit
every desire, taste and décor!
Take your sauna experience to the next level.
Ask your retailer about the following options:
• Chromotherapy or light therapy
• Digital smart touch control systems for easy use
• LED lighting
• Sound system with Bluetooth® capability
• Automatic timers so you know how long you’ve been in the unit
• Roof vents to allow cool outside air inside the sauna
• Ergonomically-designed benches and integrated seating
• Plus, a huge variety of aesthetic choices including windows and doors
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 11Reward your mind, body and soul
Cabin wood and timber choices
The vast majority of sauna cabins are made of red
cedar or hemlock. Both are extremely dense and have
effective insulation but the red cedar has a longer life
span and does not deteriorate over years of use�
Cedar is a premium timber with a rich aroma
and elegant finish. Because of these desirable
qualities, it can be more expensive than other types
of timber. Hemlock is a beautiful furniture wood
with smooth contoured lines and edges. It offers
a natural resistance to mildew and is low in scent
so is preferable for people with allergies�
Some woods can emit unpleasant odors when heated.
Therefore, it’s best to stick to conventional, trusted
materials instead of experimental ones�
Electricity voltage
The amount of voltage a sauna requires will
determine which type of electrical outlet you need.
Saunas with 220V and 240V are compatible with most
household or commercial electrical outlets and do
not require any professional wiring�
Infrared heating system
Far infrared and full spectrum infrared heaters are the
most effective and safest infrared heaters available.
The two most common materials used in far infrared
heaters are ceramic and carbon.
Ceramic is a very efficient, effective material when
heated to produce infrared heat. The drawback to
ceramic heaters is that they tend to produce a shorter
infrared wavelength which are not as readily absorbed
by the human body so are less therapeutic.
Carbon fibre elements are more efficient and
have a low EMF� Carbon heaters operate at lower
temperatures due to the heating wavelength of
infrared technology. Carbon fibre heaters have a
more even distribution of heat and infrared heat from
carbon fibre heaters penetrates deeper into the skin
tissue which allows the body to absorb more energy,
meaning you experience a more intense sweat.
Safety
Look for infrared saunas with undetectable or
extremely low Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and low
Electric Fields (ELF). The best quality saunas have
EMF levels below 3 milligauss and ELF of 200mV or
lower. As a guide, these levels would be a good place
to start. Check to make sure your sauna has third-
party tested results on its EMF levels�
Your new sauna should be made from 100% non-toxic
materials, inside and out� No VOC glues should be
used to ensure there is no unhealthy off-gassing.
Glass doors and windows should be tempered
safety glass�
Your sauna should also have a built in auto shut down
and timer to eliminate the chance of dehydration after
falling asleep (after all, they are extremely relaxing)�
Electrical certification
Has your sauna been through third-party testing
to ensure safety? Make sure it has an electrical
certification to ensure it meets safety and
performance standards.
Technical information
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 12Reward your mind, body and soul
Peace of mindYour sauna is an investment� Make sure you buy from
a trusted company that offers extensive warranties.
Here’s what should be covered in a warranty:
Heating system
Lifetime warranty� Covers infrared heaters�
Sauna cabin
Lifetime warranty. Covers sauna structural integrity.
Electrical components
Two year warranty. Covers sauna controls & wiring.
• The warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Is the brand trustworthy?
• Have you checked the company’s Trustpilot reviews?
• How long have they been in business?
• Do they have local stores?
• Do they offer after sales service?
• Does the sauna have a comprehensive warranty that covers all structural areas and components?
• Does the warranty extend for an acceptable period of time?
• Will you be fully covered by the warranty as time progresses?
• Does the retailer have an easy to reach service/call centre? Have you called the customer-service line?
• Will the brand/retailer stand behind your sauna, and provide technical support for repairs?
• Are supplies and parts easy to purchase and affordable?
Check out our buyers checklist at the back of this guide for more useful and important questions to ask.
When discussing your sauna warranty, be sure to ask the supplier these questions:
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 13Reward your mind, body and soul
Frequently asked questionsHow long does it take to heat up a sauna? A traditional ‘hot rock’ sauna takes between 30 and 40 minutes to heat up. During this time the rocks are heated to the ideal temperature for soft heat and soft steam. An infrared sauna takes between 10 and 15 minutes to heat up. Since Far Infrared Saunas heat the body directly, you can get in the sauna as soon as the heaters are up to full temperature�
How much does an infrared sauna cost to run? It depends on your local cost per kilowatt hour (noted on your electric bill), the kilowatt rating of your heater, and how much you use your sauna. On average, if you use it three times a week you could expect to spend up to $10 a month on electricity. Overall, infrared saunas are more energy efficient than traditional saunas as you don’t have to wait as long before the sauna is ready to use� An idle sauna doesn’t cost anything.
What is the best timber for saunas?For lasting beauty and durability, hemlock and cedar are considered the best quality sauna timbers. Look for saunas constructed from smooth, hand-selected, kiln-dried hemlock or western red cedar. Ideally, it should be certified from sustainable forests. No one should be cutting down rainforests to make saunas.
How long does it take to install a sauna? Can I install it myself?It depends on the sauna. Most kitset saunas can be easily assembled yourself� It usually takes two people about one to three hours to assemble a portable or kitset sauna, depending on the size and type of sauna and if there are any extra features to install� If you’d prefer a professional installation, check with your supplier if they can provide this.
How often should I use my sauna?There is no right or wrong answer for this as every person is different. Typically, for a healthy adult it is safe to have a sauna session every day, or even more than once a day. If you have any concerns, please check with your doctor for their advice.
How do I clean my infrared sauna?Infrared saunas are made to be cleaned quickly and easily� Use only environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning products to clean your sauna. Never use bleach or other harsh chemicals. To prevent accumulation of germs or sweat stains, sit on towels when relaxing in your infrared sauna�
How much do saunas cost?Top of the range: $10,000 - $25,000+
Mid-range: $6,000 - $9,000
Low-range: $2,000 - $5,000
What is the best size for my family?Consider your indoor or outdoor space, your budget and how many people are going to be regularly using your sauna. As a guide, you could plan for at least 60cm of bench space for each bather.
When should I avoid using a sauna?While many people use saunas as part of a healthy lifestyle, what’s best for you may not be what’s best for someone else. Certain health conditions are not compatible with saunas or steam rooms. If you have any medical conditions, we recommend consulting with your medical practitioner before buying a sauna.
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 14Reward your mind, body and soul
Make things simple, decide from our checklist what is most important to you, prioritise the checklist and take it with you when you go shopping for saunas�
Sauna size□ How large is the area you have available for your
sauna? Take measurements before you shop and discuss suitable options with the salesperson.
□ How many people will be using your sauna often? Are you a couple, or are you a family of six?
Personal needs□ Do you have specific health issues a sauna could
help with? Back pain? Muscle tension? Stress? If so, is the sauna you are considering suited to those requirements?
Site considerations□ Measure the location where the sauna will be
placed. What are the dimensions of the allotted space and is there an adequate electrical outlet nearby? Factors like ease of access and the view from inside are also important to keep in mind�
Sauna timber□ Infrared saunas can be composed of various types
of wood. Durable wood choices like hemlock or cedar are premium sauna selections and should be preferred over materials such as pine or plywood.
The heating system□ The heart of an infrared sauna is its heater� For
optimal healing benefits, find a sauna with a heater that has a lower surface area temperature – this allows for a more precise wavelength consistently throughout your sauna session�
□ The two main types of heaters used in infrared saunas are ceramic and carbon. Carbon heaters are the superior option� They are more expensive but are also thin, light, provide an even and safe surface temperature and can last up to 50 years.
□□ When considering heating, make sure your infrared sauna has heaters all around you� Ideally, you want heaters on the back wall, side walls, under the bench, by your calves and on the floor – so you are surrounded by infrared heat�
Warranty□ Gather all information about the warranty and what
coverage entails. Look for a lifetime warranty on sauna cabin and heaters; and a minimum 2 years on electrical components..
Safety□ When purchasing an infrared sauna, it is crucial to
consider the Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Electric Fields (ELF). When considering safety, look for EMF levels below 3mG and and ELF of 200mV or lower. Ask the retailer if their infrared saunas are both low EMF and low ELF. Check for third-party testing on EMF levels�
Craftsmanship and quality□ Look for the highest quality and craftsmanship
possible during your sauna selection process. This will ensure you are making a solid investment in a sauna that is built to last�
□ A timer to monitor your sessions to ensure you are following recommended use times.
□ Kiln-dried/air dried, fine-grain wood construction to minimize warping/cracking and to look beautiful.
□ An even heat that radiates from all areas of the sauna to ensure a consistent temperature throughout and infrared heat over your entire body�
Extra features and customisation□ Are you interested in colour light therapy or
chromotherapy? How about an audio system? There are a variety of entertainment options that can be added to your infrared sauna to make your experience more exciting and customised to your tastes�
Sauna buyer’s checklist
SPA WORLD | SAUNA BUYER’S GUIDE 15Reward your mind, body and soul
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