Considering an indoor vs outdoor sauna? There are pros and cons to both. Learn the important differences to decide which sauna is best for you.
Are you going to enjoy an indoor or outdoor sauna more? Is one better than the other? If you’re thinking about adding a sauna to your home, you aren’t alone. Many people are turning to saunas these days for their health benefits. As more and more people take a preventative approach to maintaining their health, saunas have become an increasingly popular way to support relaxation, recovery, and overall well-being at home.
But how do you know which type is best for you: indoor or outdoor?
Both offer a variety of benefits, and in some cases, your choice will come down to practical issues, such as space and installation requirements.
However, if you do have the ability to choose between the two, should you opt for one over the other?
Here’s what you need to know.
Indoor Sauna
Indoor saunas are exactly what they sound like: located inside homes. Most people install them in bathrooms, basements, or home gym areas. They tend to be smaller and integrated into an existing area where there’s space. Most use electric heating, and as long as they are properly ventilated, they’re a great addition and operate well.
Indoor saunas offer convenient year-round access. They’re easy to incorporate into existing or renovated spaces. Benefits of indoor saunas include:
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Convenience: There’s no need to go outside or contend with the weather.
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Space efficiency: These saunas tend to be small, so they work well even if you don’t have a large space.
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Integration into home wellness spaces: Indoor saunas are a great addition to home gyms or spa bathrooms.
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Controlled environment: Indoor saunas make it easy to regulate temperature.
The potential downside of indoor saunas?
You’ll likely have less sauna space, and they’re often only large enough for one person. You also need to be aware of moisture control.
Outdoor Sauna
Outdoor saunas offer the same health benefits as indoor saunas, but are located outside. They are usually small, cabin-style, or barrel-shaped rooms. They tend to be larger than indoor saunas and might be more immersive.
One of our favourite outdoor sauna models is the Leisurecraft Barrel Sauna Clear Cedar (760E). This is a cedar outdoor sauna with solid benches and durable construction designed for backyard installation.
Another favourite if you have a decent amount of space is the Pure Cube Sauna with Porch (CU672P Outdoor Sauna).
Benefits of outdoor saunas include:
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Larger space: Not only can this make them more comfortable for an individual user, but it also means you can enjoy sauna time with friends and family.
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Authentic sauna experience: Many people enjoy the benefits of hot and cold therapy, and outdoor saunas make this easy, especially during the colder months. You simply need to step outside of the sauna to experience a drastic drop in temperature.
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Eliminates concerns about heat and moisture in your home: Installing the sauna outdoors prevents indoor humidity buildup.
What Should You Consider When Investing in a Sauna?
There are several things you’ll need to consider when choosing which sauna is going to work best for you. This includes:
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Available indoor or outdoor space
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Budget and installation costs [Link to Sauna Cost: What to Budget Before You Buy]
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Desired sauna size
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Personal preference for indoor convenience or outdoor atmosphere
Installing your sauna can be frustrating if you don’t evaluate your situation in advance. Before buying a sauna, consider:
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Electrical wiring requirements: Can you plug an electric sauna into your existing electrical system, or will you need to upgrade?
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Ventilation and humidity control: If your sauna is indoors, you’ll need to plan ahead to avoid problems with moisture, mildew and mould.
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Stable foundation: Especially outdoors, make sure there’s a level base onto which to place your sauna.
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Weather protection: If your sauna is outdoors, you’ll need to ensure it’s protected against high winds and any other potential risks.
Best Sauna for You
Both indoor and outdoor saunas offer a variety of benefits.
If you’re limited on space indoors, outdoor saunas are a great way to enhance your outdoor space and enjoy the benefits of hot and cold therapy, at least for a portion of the year.
If your outdoor space is small or you lack outdoor space, an indoor sauna is a great way to enjoy the benefits of a sauna in your home.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your home layout, lifestyle, and how you plan to enjoy your sauna. If you’re new to sauna ownership and you’d like guidance in choosing the right type, visit us at Pool Products Canada.