While both types of sauna are popular among Finns, Turkish bathers, and others throughout history for their relaxing effects on body and mind, selecting which one to purchase for personal use can be a difficult choice depending on your personal lifestyle, geographic region (weather), and budget. First, we will compare the costs of outdoor saunas versus those made for inside the home so that consumers have a better understanding of this distinction. Then we will discuss the health benefits associated with either type of sauna; where it would fit within your living space; what current trends exist concerning the use of an outdoor sauna. In this way, we hope to help you choose the best option for you.
When thinking about the price of the sauna, another important factor to consider is the installation costs incurred as well. Although most indoor saunas can be purchased for around $1,500 -$3,000, the larger upfront investment comes from installing the sauna because it requires a dedicated location with proper ventilation, wall materials that are resistant to moisture, and in some cases, reinforced flooring to support the heater and the bench.According to studies, when retrofitting a bathroom or spare room, it is anticipated that $1,000-$2,500 in additional electrical, waterproofing and wall finish upgrades will be required. Whereas outdoor saunas generally are prefabricated kits and can typically cost anywhere from $3,000-$6,000+ for quality cedar kits but typically must also have a solid, level foundation. Concrete slabs or wooden decks may need to be built for a prefab unit. Also, electrical must be run to your outdoor sauna; depending on how far away it sits from your house this can be a significant expense. The associated hidden costs for things like permit fees, weatherproofing and insulation can also add up quickly. Indoor saunas can appear to be lower cost; however, outdoor saunas may be more economical for you if you already have the existing patio or yard space with electrical access, but remember outdoor saunas will require more long-term maintenance than indoor wood saunas and heaters because they will be subjected to harsher weather conditions.
Health and Wellness: The Physical Experience Difference
In general, both outdoor and indoor saunas provide most of the same health benefits (i.e. Improved circulation, Relaxation & Stress Relief). However, they can produce significantly different physical experiences. An outdoor sauna (especially one used during cold weather) can produce a powerful "contrasting effect" on the body's thermal responses. For example, stepping out of a 180°F sauna into freezing air or a plunge pool or lake will cause your blood vessels to constrict, followed immediately by an increase in diameter or expansion. This causes an intense cardiovascular workout and can enhance your body's immune system and speed up muscle recovery from intense exercise. Additionally, getting fresh oxygen from the outdoor environment fills your lungs and provides an endorphin rush due to the psychological shock of cold exposure, which many people describe as being euphoric.Indoor saunas do not have the same large thermal contrast, however, they are a more controllable and milder hot therapy environment. The user has control over the temperature and humidity, no harsh winds, and if at any point you feel dizziness, you can easily adjust your indoor sauna session. Also, for those with elevated blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, the gentle and gradual gradual acclIMATION to heat of an indoor sauna allows for a safe session. In addition, the convenience of using an indoor sauna over an outdoor sauna may provide more consistent health benefits over time. Conversely, for those seeking extreme circulation enhancing contrast, outdoor saunas will be preferred; however, if gentle and frequent hot therapy is desired, then indoor sauna use will be preferred.
Where to Place It in Your Life: Space in the Home/Where Will It Fit?
Space and Placement is often a practicality that will determine which sauna becomes "the winner." An Indoor Sauna requires a permanent footprint within your dwelling, on average, 4 ft x 6 ft (1.2 m x 1.8 m) is what a compact two-person indoor sauna will take; also, one will need clearance around the heater. Finding a space for an indoor sauna in small homes or modern apartments may result in a renter sacrificing closet space, part of a laundry room, or a corner of a master bathroom. This is often a deal-breaker for renters or those who live in tight spaces. An outdoor sauna, on the other hand, can provide a solution for the inability to find indoor sauna space. Outdoor saunas may be added to the backyard, be placed on a rooftop, or beside a garden shed, and will not require indoor square footage. Additionally, outdoor saunas can be custom made to fill awkward spots in your yard.Even though both indoor and outdoor saunas have their own unique benefits and advantages, they both require flat and easily accessible outdoor areas, preferably located near bodies of water, to cool down after using them. Outdoor sauna users must also check their local zoning ordinances. Some localities will require outdoor sauna owners to have a certain distance away from their property lines and/or limit them to using detached structures. Outdoor sauna owners must also make sure that their unit is securely anchored and weatherproofed if they live in areas with large amounts of snowfall or high rainfall amounts caused by wet seasons (i.e., monsoons).
From a logistics point of view, outdoor saunas provide home owners with the flexibility of using their property and provide individuals who live in apartments and/or who do not have access to a private yard with the convenience of using an indoor sauna.
While the physical benefits of using a sauna are often associated with being alone or with family members, there are frequently social aspects associated with using a sauna that may also be prevalent when using either type of sauna. An indoor sauna near a bathroom or shower can create a more intimate atmosphere where users can be together in an enhanced manner, commiserate, and have access to warm showers and bathtubs afterwards. Additionally, indoor saunas are climate-controlled; therefore, indoor saunas can be enjoyed in the same manner during the winter (i.e., snowy January) as they can be during the summer (i.e., humid August). On the downside, indoor saunas can feel more sterile than outdoor saunas due to the absence of natural airflow and open-air access. Alternatively, outdoor saunas tend to hold a more traditional vibe and offer a more vivid multi-sensory experience. The aromas of cedar combine with the scents of pine trees or sea breezes while the transition from heat to nature significantly connects and grounds users in a unique way.According to many enthusiasts, the ideal conversation occurs outdoors. After a day in the sun and sweat-filled, it's nice to sit back with friends, with the stars above, having a few cold beers, and enjoying each other's company. Socially speaking, many people choose to use their outdoor sauna as a meeting place for friends and family, away from the public eye, where they can enjoy the privacy of an outdoor sauna. Also, the outdoor sauna can be a great escape from the weather. If it rains or snows, or becomes extremely windy, an outdoor sauna can become less appealing for most people, so they may not want to use it at all. Indoor saunas do not suffer from these same weather-related issues, and as such, they can be enjoyed by the user at all times of the year, without worrying about insect bites or the possibility of freezing. So ask yourself: do you want your sauna to be the centrepiece of your social experience, or do you want it to be an escape from everyday life?
When it comes to keeping your sauna functioning properly and maintaining its durability, there are many differences between the two types of saunas. A sauna located outdoors is constantly exposed to the elements (rain, snow, UV rays, and temperature changes), and as a result, the exterior will require constant upkeep. The exterior of an outdoor sauna will need to be treated with a protective coating every five years, and the heater and electrical connections will be subjected to increased wear and tear due to moisture and freezing conditions. Therefore, you will need to spend a lot of time and money on yearly maintenance, as well as replacing dried-out seals and re-coating the roof. On the positive side, because outdoor saunas do not have walls around them, they typically allow for better airflow than indoor saunas. Therefore, outdoor saunas are less likely to have a mildew problem in the long term.Your sauna's longevity may drastically decrease if regular maintenance isn't performed. Indoor saunas are situated in controlled environments. They do not experience damage from ice or sunlight but are exposed to a lot of humidity in a confined area. If adequate ventilation and moisture protection are not in place, you could have issues like peeling paint and warped walls or even structural problems in the room surrounding the indoor sauna. Due to a lack of airflow, indoor saunas also have the potential to retain unpleasant odors from sweat and body oils and may require more frequent cleaning of benches and flooring. In summary, seasonal servicing is necessary for outdoor saunas but managing high humidity levels will require continual effort on your part when using an indoor sauna based on the degree of commitment you want to make to maintaining both types of saunas.
Geography and Weather: Adapting Your Sauna to Your Environment
Your geographical location will play an important role in determining whether you select an outdoor or indoor sauna. If you live in a northern region with extreme winters (Scandinavia, northern US), an outdoor sauna offers you the opportunity to experience an exciting "hot-cold" sensation, as well as being a warm shelter in the middle of wintertime snowy terrain. You could also install a small plunge pool next to your sauna to experience the full cycle of "hot-cold" therapy. Conversely, if you live in a tropical or desert climate, an outdoor sauna is going to be insufficient, as it will be seen as a suffocating environment when it is 100 degrees outside and you walk into an adjacent sauna that is 180 degrees Fahrenheit, and you will have no way of cooling down with refreshing outside breezes. In hotter environments, an indoor sauna with air conditioning will allow you to sweat while remaining cooler, allowing you to enjoy a nice, comfortable sweat session, and with a quick air cool off or a lukewarm shower afterward, without stepping out into oppressive heat. In milder climates, both indoor and outdoor saunas can be used throughout the year, but an indoor sauna will allow you to be flexible and have continual access to it, without worrying about an unexpected thunderstorm or sudden heat wave. You will also have to evaluate your likelihood of using the sauna, if the sauna will be used only when the weather is very bad, you may find yourself not using an outdoor sauna for months during wintertime. To make your final decision, honestly consider how you would feel about using the sauna both outdoors and indoors based on the current weather conditions.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Sauna For Your Individual Lifestyle
In conclusion, determining whether or not an indoor or outdoor sauna is better is subjective. If you have available yard space, enjoy being outdoors and experiencing the contrast of a sauna's warmth against freezing temperatures in winter months, and are willing to do seasonal maintenance, the experience of being social in an outdoor sauna and experiencing the revitalizing effects of the sauna is greater than an indoor sauna experience. If you live in an apartment, live in a cozy living space, prefer the ease and convenience of having the sauna inside, and/or have an extreme climate and/or hot climate, an indoor sauna would probably be more beneficial as a convenient and low-maintenance sanctuary in your daily routine. Please consider how much you will spend on the installation and maintenance of the sauna, your physical health, and how frequently you think you will use the sauna. Whichever option you choose, both an indoor or outdoor sauna will promote relaxation and well-being; therefore, please ensure that you choose a sauna based on what will fit your living situation and your visions of an ideal sauna experience.
