Experts' Advice on Saunas
For thousands of years, people of all cultures have indulged in the soothing warmth of a sauna. Commonly accepted benefits range from relaxation and a feeling of well-being to relief from allergy symptoms and the reduction of toxins in the body. Although there are individual variations, just about everyone would agree that saunas offer both a healthy and pleasurable experience.
Be it the Finnish sauna, the Russian bania, the Turkish hamman or a Native American sweat lodge, many cultures consider sauna bathing as common as taking a shower. Even Hippocrates recognized that by creating an "artificial fever" (physically-induced heat treatments that result in heavy perspiration), he could cure many illnesses.
The sauna industry has made great strides in developing technology that enables people to have sauna units in their homes-regardless of size or budget limitations. Unit choices are more numerous than ever, with a multitude of price and appearance options. Our experts share their views on what consumers should know when they are in the market for a sauna.
Health Benefits
What health benefits has research indicated result from sauna use?
Tim Chen, Keys Backyard: A wide range of physical benefits can be gained from infrared sauna practice. Research has shown that body detoxification resulting from intense perspiration not only rids the body of toxins, but it also improves skin tone, offers muscular pain relief, increases cardiovascular activity and aids in wound healing. Scientific studies on far infrared (the type of infrared waves that are most effective in penetrating and warming the body, not the air in the room) are ongoing, and it appears there is hope for additional advantages.
Robert Kreitz, National Pool Wholesalers: Sauna use reduces mental tension and stress because of the relaxed atmosphere and the body cleansing that occurs in an infrared sauna. Lower anxiety levels do not stop when the sauna experience does, but continue throughout the day. Far infrared saunas also induce physical relaxation. People report that falling asleep is easier, and they sleep sounder when they use their saunas regularly.
Reino Tarkiainen, Finlandia Sauna Products: Sauna bathing has been used for thousands of years in northern European countries for its benefits to the body and the mind. They are even enjoyed as family entertainment venues, so people are taught the benefits from an early age.
Where to Research
Where should consumers research and then purchase a sauna?
Kreitz: The majority of sauna sales today come through the Internet to online retailers. Many customers still like to shop in stores, however, so dealer representatives and pool and spa specialty retailers are popular places to shop.
Chen: Besides retailers, websites are a good place to see many of the models available. Major online retailers now offer saunas. Big-box stores also carry them-sometimes several lines and models-both in their locations and through their websites. The category's growth has resulted in excellent accessibility to a wide range of saunas in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as offshore countries.
Tarkiainen: Companies such as ours have dealer representatives across the country. A wide variety of saunas are also available at pool and spa retailers, kitchen and bath specialty stores, fitness firms and home improvement centers.
Price
What can consumers expect to pay for a home sauna today? How wide are the price ranges?
Chen: Sauna prices are extremely competitive today, and many companies are working hard to reduce costs and pass the savings on to consumers. A two-person sauna can now be purchased for less than $2,000.
Tarkiainen: High-end saunas with skylights will run from $7,000 to under $9,000, depending on the size. Also, the quality of the heating unit and the component materials make a huge difference in price. A sauna that is built to last many years will justifiably be more expensive.
While space limitations may prevent some people from owning large saunas, units that are long enough to lie down in offer special treatment. Because heat rises, the upper portion of the body becomes warmer when sitting; reclining enables the entire body to experience the same heat level.
Kreitz: In general, prices have dropped somewhat in the past year. A one-person unit, which would have cost nearly $1,400 a year ago, can now run as low as under $1,000. It is a good time for consumers to make a sauna purchase.
The Heater
What should customers know about the heater?
Tarkiainen: It is important to remember that the heart of every sauna is the heater. Stainless steel elements ensure long life, and a large rock capacity is important for heat storage. Direct rock-to-heating-element-contact is necessary to filter the harsh heat radiating from the heater's extremely high temperature and to eliminate the electromagnetic field for safe and therapeutic sauna bathing. This is also an integral aspect in producing the best steam impact when water is poured over the rocks.
Free airflow (which uses natural convection to bring fresh air into the heater and distribute it inside the sauna) implies faster heating abilities, so this is also important. Bathers should feel only pleasant, soft heat in their sauna experiences.
Kreitz: The introduction of fiber carbon heaters using far infrared technology now being mass-produced is important and has resulted in lower retail prices. Today, nearly everyone can find a sauna that fits his or her budget.
Safety
How can customers ensure a sauna is safe?
Chen: It is important that sauna heaters are certified in accordance with UL standards, and the equivalent of those standards in countries where saunas are sold other than the U.S.
Much work has been done to increase the number of sauna units that do not require a 20-amp plug, but instead operate within the standards set for 15-amp use. This also means that more people can own a home sauna today without having to invest in costly electrical alterations.
About the Experts
Tim Chen, Owner/CEO, Keys Backyard
Tim Chen began his career in finance after earning his bachelor of science in administration from National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, and his M.B.A. from the University of North Texas. He worked for a variety of businesses before starting Keys Fitness in 1988.
Robert Kreitz, Owners/President, National Pool Wholesalers, Inc.
Robert Kreitz founded National Pool Wholesalers as a startup business four years ago. Before starting this sauna import company, Mr. Kreitz spent 15 years in the retail world and 10 years gaining a vast working knowledge of the Internet.
Reino Tarkiainen, President, Finlandia Sauna Products, Inc.
Reino Tarkiainen has spend the past 43 years at Finlandia Sauna Products, Inc. He hold degrees in mechanical engineering and architectural design and carpentry. Mr. Tarkiainen is a member of APSP and the National Association of Home Builders. He has built over 8,000 saunas through the years.