While many homeowners dream of having their own private sauna for heat therapy, muscle recovery and stress relief, they often hesitate to create one in their existing bathroom because they worry about how it may disrupt the current layout of the room, create too much clutter or create a need for larger scale renovations. In truth, by creating a plan of action and being mindful of how the sauna will fit into the existing design of the bathroom, it is possible to add a sauna unit to your existing bathroom without removing existing fixtures. The important consideration is to find a sauna style that fits into the existing bathroom space while respecting the layout and design of the existing wet area; and to properly handle all the necessary ventilation, waterproofing, and electrical requirements for your sauna unit.
The first step is to perform an accurate space audit of your bathroom. You do not need to have a large master bathroom to accommodate a sauna; there are several compact sauna styles (1 – 2 person modular infrared units) that work well in a standard bathroom. These units are best located in areas that are not heavily used or occupied, such as underutilized corners, space where an old unused soaking tub was removed, or the area next to the shower that is currently empty. To determine where the sauna will go, use a measuring tape to take measurements of your existing bathroom's width, depth and ceiling height, and how much space you will need around the outside of the sauna for air circulation. It is also recommended to maintain a gap of approximately 2-4 inches between the sauna back panel and the bathroom wall, in order to prevent moisture from becoming trapped and overheating the sauna unit. Additionally, check the direction that the sauna door swings: sliding glass sauna doors are much easier to fit in tight spaces such as bathrooms than hinged doors that can obstruct walkways.
The next step is to select the right sauna type based on the ventilation and humidity levels of your bathroom environment.For integrating infrared cabin Saunas into already built bathrooms, the far infrared Cabin Saunas are much easier to accomplish than Traditional Dry Saunas or Finnish Saunas. In general, the majority of Compact Infrared Saunas run on 120V and produce significantly lower humidity compared to Traditional Finnish Saunas, therefore, requiring less load on the Exhaust system in your bathroom. For people who want to have a Traditional Dry Sauna that uses a stone heater, more thought will need to be put into how to effectively ventilate it. A standard Dry Sauna using a stone heater requires two vents, one at the bottom (low) to bring in fresh air and one at the top (high) to vent out the humidity. It's important to note that the Sauna ventilation system operates independently of the Exhaust Fan in the Bathroom. The exhaust fan's function is to remove any residual moisture that may have collected after each use of the sauna, so the Bath Fan must vent outside (not into the attic space).
The most common mistake made when installing a Sauna in the bathroom is neglecting to properly waterproof and control moisture in that area. Most bathrooms already contain waterproof tile, which makes it easy to create good water proofing of the Bathroom and Sauna together. It would not be wise to install a sauna on top of wood or carpet flooring. Even prefabricated Saunas will release moisture as they are used. Ensure that the existing waterproofing membrane and the grout in your bathroom are in good shape before you install a sauna. If you choose to install your sauna adjacent to the shower area, leave enough gap between the shower and the sauna to prevent water from continually splashing on the sauna's wooden panels. Cedar and Hemlock are excellent wood choices for bathroom Saunas because of their resistance to moisture and mould compared to many other types of Wood.
It is critical that Electrical Safety adheres to the Local Building Codes in your area.Sauna circuits must not share a circuit with light, vanity outlets, or shower equipment. Infrared saunas that are smaller in size should have a dedicated 15A-20A 120V circuit, whereas traditional sauna heaters need to be hardwired to a dedicated 240V circuit by a licensed electrician. GFCI protection is required for any circuit in wet bathroom areas. When designing your sauna, make sure to mount any controls outside of the sauna enclosure for safety. The biggest safety risk associated with a sauna installation in your bathroom is improper wiring, so it is essential to have electrical work performed by a professional electrician before using your sauna.
To create a clean design flow, find a sauna design that complements the rest of your bathroom's current style. Sauna cabins made from frameless tempered glass offer an airy and spa-like ambiance as they can be integrated into a modern tile design or combined with chrome fittings and fixtures. Solid cedar sauna cabins also work well if the bathroom has a rustic and natural feel. Try to avoid excessively large sauna frames and dark blocking panels, as they will make the bathroom feel cramped and claustrophobic. Many homeowners choose to use the same colour temperature for the sauna's LED ambient lighting as the existing bathroom lighting, creating a cohesive, relaxing space.
Once you choose the right style of sauna and evaluate where it will fit into your bathroom, you also need to consider how you will move between your shower area and your sauna. You should try to have clear access routes from your shower to your sauna, and ensure that the toilet and vanity areas are separated from each other when the sauna is in use so as not to disrupt your daily routine. If you are limited on available bathroom floor space, a small corner-mounted single-person sauna will help maintain your other necessary bathroom fixtures.
When you add a sauna to an existing bathroom, the renovation project does not need to be disruptive. Evaluate your available space, select a sauna model to fit your needs, and develop a solution for ventilation and electrical concerns. When planned carefully, the addition of a sauna will create a private wellness corner within your bathroom that you'll love and use as much as you do today.
