All you need to know about a traditional Sauna

How long does a traditional Sauna takes to heat up?

With a traditional sauna, the bather should allow 30 to 40 minutes for the room to heat up to achieve a desired temperature and to properly pre-heat the rocks. This heating time is dependent upon the ambient temperature from which the room begins heating, the amount of insulation in the walls, and the ventilation provided in the room.

How hot does a traditional Sauna get?

The temperature for a traditional sauna typically ranges between 150 F and 194 F (65 – 90 Celsius).

How does a traditional Sauna work?

The process for heating the room most often involves an electric heater or wood burning stove that heats a compartment of stones, which then radiate the heat throughout the room. Once the room achieves set temperature, the heater will cycle on and off, typically operating about 50% of the time. The insulated walls and the heated rocks will keep the room hot and at stable temperatures. A traditional sauna is the only type of sauna where you control both temperature and humidity.

Why should I pour water over the heated stones?

Most traditional sauna users enjoy pouring water over the rocks to create steam to raise sauna humidity levels. The benefits of pouring water over the rocks include: making the room more comfortable, moistening the nasal passages, and allowing the use of aromatherapy by mixing essential oils with the water. There is an on-going worldwide trend with traditional sauna bathing for “lower temperatures and higher humidity” the so called “soft sauna”.

How long should I stay in a traditional Sauna?

The length of recommended use for a traditional sauna is approximately 10-15 minutes per session. Often bathers take three session with relaxing breaks in-between.

You must closely monitor how you feel and adjust accordingly. Drink a lot of water during the break between sessions.

On what kind of underground can I install my traditional Sauna?

To prevent any shifting a solid base for your traditional sauna is recommended and can be made from any of the following:

Concrete pad, wooden deck, crushed gravel, patio stones, paver blocks or tiles.

How much energy does a traditional Sauna with an electric heater need?

A traditional electric heated sauna will not cause a substantial increase in a household electric bill. If the average Kilowatt Hour of electricity is 11 cent and you have a heater that consumes 6 kilowatts per hour you are looking at 66 cents in an hour. Keep in mind that after properly heated up the heater will only run 50% of the following hour. Once you are done with your sauna session you will turn it off. That is a huge benefit and cost saving over i.e. a hot tub that constantly needs to run to stay warm.

Are there any special requirements before I can operate or install my traditional Sauna?

Electrical heater

Yes, if you decide to go with an electrical heater you are required to have 240 Volt and a dedicated outlet. All wiring needs to be installed according to the heater manufacturer’s instructions and by a licensed electrician.

Wood burning stove

Yes, if you decide to go with a wood burning stove it is suggested to consult with your City in regards to bylaws on distances to property lines, hedges and neighbors you may be required to follow before installation outside.

NO wood burning Sauna should be used inside.

Please also keep in mind that if you install a traditional outdoor Sauna you may require a regular electrical line for lighting inside and outside the Sauna.

As an alternative solar light are a great option commonly used these days.