Modular Saunas – A Quick Guide for Homeowners

Life today is full of stress and brings us in frequent contact with toxins and environmental contaminants. For hundreds of years, people from many parts of the world have been using the process of perspiration to reduce the levels of such toxins within their bodies and to improve their health and quality of life. Scandinavian and Native American cultures, for example, have used saunas and sweat lodges to improve health and well-being for many generations. Today, all of us can take advantage of the many benefits of this centuries-old method of enhancing health by having our own modular sauna in our home or yard.

Two basic types of modular saunas that you can choose from are traditional saunas and infrared saunas. Traditional saunas provide a high heat, low humidity environment and also use hot rocks. These saunas typically have an air temperature in the range of 180 to 220°F and a humidity of approximately 30 to 32%. This humidity is created by ladling water over the sauna's hot rocks to create a blast of steam. This blast of water vapour intensifies the feeling of heat which causes the body to perspire in order to keep itself cool.

In contrast to traditional saunas, infrared saunas use infrared waves to directly heat the body. As these waves are absorbed by the body, the sweating process is triggered. Infrared saunas have an ambient temperature of approximately 125 to 150°F and zero humidity. Their lower ambient temperature makes infrared saunas more comfortable for some people, and an increasingly popular choice. In fact, some newer units include both traditional and infrareds combined into a single modular unit!

Deciding which type of sauna will be the best match for you and your home will largely depend upon your personal preferences, and how you like to enjoy sauna.

For example, infrared saunas provide a much milder environment than traditional saunas. For those who do not find traditional saunas to be comfortable, this can be a great advantage. On the other hand, for those who enjoy the blast of steam off of a traditional sauna's hot rocks, infrared saunas may not seem as satisfying. Sauna purists will most likely prefer traditional saunas but both types of saunas will provide a great environment for relaxation and heat therapy.

With respect to the operating costs associated with each type of sauna, traditional saunas will typically be more expensive to operate. However, as most people only use their saunas a couple of times per week, the cost difference ends up to be measured only in pennies rather than in dollars. As for the electrical work required to install saunas, traditional saunas will require a dedicated breaker while smaller infrared saunas will plug into any outlet. However, mid-size and larger infrared saunas will require a special plug that will have to be installed by a professional electrician.

When contemplating the addition of a sauna to your home or yard, you should also consider dual saunas. Dual saunas provide you with the best of both worlds by featuring two types of heaters, traditional and infrared. Dual saunas allow you to choose the type of experience you have on any given day. You can enjoy the more intense, warming experience of a traditional sauna or you can simply switch modes and experience the milder temperatures of an infrared sauna. Dual saunas are the ideal option for homes where different family members prefer different sauna experiences and for people who enjoy having more flexibility when it comes to using their sauna.

Whether you prefer traditional, infrared or dual saunas, the health benefits of using saunas are numerous and varied. By causing perspiration, saunas help bodies to safely eliminate toxins, chemicals and heavy metals trapped beneath the skin. Saunas will also enhance circulation and tissue oxidation. Using saunas on a regular basis can also lower high blood pressure and aid in cardiovascular rehabilitation. Saunas help significantly in relieving stiffness and pain associated with arthritis and can also help with weight loss, as a 25 minute session in a sauna can burn up to 600 calories.

While all of the above benefits are provided by both traditional and infrared saunas, the lower temperatures of infrared saunas will also allow certain toxins, including lead, nickel and mercury, to escape the body more readily. Infrared saunas may also be more comfortable for people who are ill and are particularly beneficial for people suffering from chronic diseases such as lupus, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Prior to purchasing a sauna, it's important to pay attention to heaters and sauna size. Sauna heaters are available in many different models, including both built-in and wall-mount models. Some sauna heaters can be used in a flat-wall configuration while others are corner units. Still other models can be used in both configurations. Two of the most important qualities to look for in sauna heaters include energy efficiency and durable construction. Also, keep in mind that it's extremely important to choose a sauna that is the right size for you and your home. This means that you will need to consider the dimensions of the proposed location for your sauna as well as how many people will be using your sauna. By taking all of the above information into account, you will be able to make an informed choice that will allow you to make the very most of your new sauna.

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