Sauna Buying Guide: Types, Benefits, Sizes, Costs & Installation Tips

A Sauna Bath is a small room that gets really warm to help your body sweat. People have used saunas for thousands of years, starting in Finland. Today, you can find saunas in homes, gyms, and spas. They’re used to relax, stay healthy, and feel better overall.

When you sit in a sauna, your body heats up and starts to sweat. This helps clean your skin, improve blood flow, and relax your muscles. Certain saunas use intense heat, while others use mild heat that penetrates deeply into your body.

Most regular saunas heat up to 70°C to 100°C. Infrared saunas are a newer type that stays cooler—around 50°C to 60°C—but still makes you sweat by warming your body directly.

Types of Sauna:-

There are different Types of Sauna to choose from. Each one works a little differently:

Traditional Sauna (Dry Heat)

This is the classic sauna. It uses a heater to warm the air. You can add water to rocks to make some steam.

• Gets really hot: 80°C to 100°C
• Usually made of special wood

Good for: People who like strong heat and sweating

Things to know: Uses more electricity and might be too hot for some

Infrared Sauna

This type uses light panels to heat your body, not the air. It’s easier for people who don’t like really hot rooms.

• Stays cooler: 50°C to 60°C

Good for: People who want deep heat without extreme temperature

Things to know: Doesn’t have the steamy feel of a regular sauna

Steam-Integrated or Hybrid Sauna

This sauna combines dry heat and steam. You can switch between both styles.

Good for: People who want more options

Things to know: Costs more and needs more setup

Choosing the Right Sauna Size

Saunas come in many sizes. Pick one based on how many people will use it and where you’ll put it.

Common Sizes:

• 1-person: Fits in small places like bathrooms
• 2 people: Good for couples
• 4+ people: For families or friends
• Custom: Built just for your space

Things to Plan:

• Most saunas need at least 6.5 feet (2 meters) in height
• You’ll need space for benches, heaters, and doors to open

Tip: Use tape or chalk to draw the sauna’s size on your floor. This helps you see how it will fit.

Health Benefits of Using a Sauna

Saunas are great for your health. Here are some ways they help:

• Heart Health: Makes blood flow better and may lower blood pressure
• Less Stress: Heat helps you relax and sleep better
• Clear Skin: Sweating removes dirt and toxins
• Muscle Relief: Soothes sore muscles and joints
• Stronger Immunity: May help your body fight off illness

Infrared saunas are good for people with pain or joint problems because the heat goes deeper into your body.

Sauna vs Steam Room

Saunas and steam rooms use heat, yet they feel extremely different. Here’s a quick guide:

Pick a sauna if you like dry heat. Choose a steam room if you want moist air to help your breathing.

What Affects Sauna Cost?

The price of a sauna can change depending on its size, type, and features.

Price Range:

• Traditional Sauna: ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakhs
• Infrared Sauna: ₹80,000 to ₹2 lakhs
• Hybrid Sauna: ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹3+ lakhs

Why Prices Vary:

• Wood Type: Fancy wood costs more
• Technology: Smart controls and apps cost extra
• Size: Bigger saunas need more materials
• Extras: Lights, music, and glass doors raise the price
• Installation: Custom units may need a professional

Even though they cost a bit upfront, using a sauna at home can save you trips to spas in the long run.

How to Install a Sauna

Installing a sauna takes planning. Here's what to know:

Indoor Saunas:

• Can go in bathrooms, basements, or spare rooms
• Need good airflow and electricity
• Keep away from areas that don’t handle heat or moisture well

Outdoor Saunas:

• Need to be weatherproof and sit on solid ground
• Think about shelter, like a roof or shade

Setup Tips:

• Ventilation: Keeps the air fresh
• Power Supply: Some saunas need a special power outlet
• Waterproofing: Protects your space from steam or spills
• Flooring: Should not be slippery; use tile or treated wood

DIY or Hire a Pro?

• Infrared Kits: You can often install these yourself
• Traditional Saunas: Usually need a professional to install properly

Cool Extras and Sauna Features

Want to make your sauna extra relaxing? Here are some fun add-ons:

• Color Lights: Change your mood with colored lights (called chromotherapy)
• Essential Oils: Add smells like lavender or eucalyptus to help you relax
• Music: Connect your phone and play calming music
• Timers & Remotes: Set how long and how hot your sauna gets
• App Controls: Use your phone to control the sauna
• Safety Tools: Auto shut-off and kid-proof settings
• Eco Features: Save energy with smart insulation and timers

A sauna can be a peaceful place to unwind, stay healthy, and feel great. Whether you want a small infrared sauna or a full-sized traditional sauna, knowing about Types of Sauna, ideal Sauna Size, Sauna Cost, and the best Sauna Features will help you make the right choice for your space and budget.

FAQ’s:-

Q: What are the different types of saunas available for home use?
A: Common types include traditional (dry), infrared, steam rooms, and portable saunas.

Q: What is the difference between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna?
A: Traditional saunas heat the air; infrared saunas heat the body directly with infrared rays.

Q: How do I choose the right size sauna for my home?
A: Base it on user capacity (1–4 people), available space, and power supply.

Q: What are the health benefits of using a sauna regularly?
A: Improved circulation, muscle relaxation, stress relief, detox, and better skin.

Q: How much space is needed to install a sauna at home?
A: A small sauna needs around 4'x4' (1.2x1.2 m); larger models need more room and ventilation.

Q: What is the average cost of installing a home sauna?
A: Ranges from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh+, depending on size, type, and features.

Q: How do I maintain and clean a sauna?
A: Wipe down benches, ventilate after use, use mild cleaners, and avoid excess moisture for dry saunas.

Q: What’s the difference between dry saunas and steam rooms?
A: Dry saunas use dry heat and higher temps; steam rooms use moist heat with 100% humidity.