This time of year is the perfect time to be on the market for a new sauna. The weather has turned down a notch, and you’ll soon be in need of some warmth, relaxation, and detoxification. Outdoor saunas are a fantastic addition to a home, and can increase property value in the event of a resale. But before diving into the selection process, there are some important tips you should know about choosing a new outdoor sauna. These tips will ultimately help you decide whether or not a sauna is right for you and your home.
Outdoor Saunas
Outdoor saunas provide various muscle-soothing, stress-relieving benefits that help you unwind after a long days’ work or a tough workout at the gym. They are even wonderful for skin exfoliation, hydration, and simple, uninterrupted relaxation. They can leave you clear-headed and fully-refreshed, making them perfect for every member of the family! And now with lower costs and easier installation, outdoor saunas are picking up in popularity all across the country.
With the new increase in demand for residential saunas, there are now several selections on the market to choose from; all ranging in structures, sizes, fuel-types, design, and more. You can choose between portable or permanent units, single seater units, multi-person units, and much more. The process of choosing the right sauna for your property can be quite overwhelming, so for this reason, it is wise to review some tips that will help you sort your needs out.
Here’s where to start:
Learn the Rules. The first thing you want to consider after deciding that you want a sauna is whether or not you can actually have one on your property. Several residential homes are located in neighborhoods with Homeowner Associations. These associations regulate what changes a homeowner can make to their property, as well as a long list of other regulations. Some may not allow homeowners to install outdoor saunas at all, while others have strict guidelines to follow if it is allowed. For properties not regulated by an association, the state or city might still require you to obtain certain building permits, pay additional taxes, and abide by strict building codes. So always be sure you are not restricted by, or going against, any neighborhood association rules before buying a new outdoor sauna.
Decide on a Space. You will need to really consider the area you wish to install your new sauna, as well as, the actual available space for it. This step is important because you can then select the right size sauna for the reserved space on your property. It is wise to select the largest sauna that is within your budget, and will still fit perfectly in the space allotted. During this process, consider the amount of occupants that will be using the sauna. Wil it usually be occupied by one, or by many?
Select Your Preferred Heating Type. Outdoor saunas come in various heating-types ranging from 80 degrees all the way up to 125. These include infrared, electric, and gas. There is really no option better than the other; you merely choose based on personal preference and basic logistics. If your home doesn’t have a gas line, then you probably won’t choose a gas-heated sauna considering the hefty gas line installation costs on top of your sauna expenses. Talk to your sauna guy about planning and implementation of your new sauna.
Consider the Controls. Saunas come with a variety of standard controls and features. But not all controls are the same. When shopping around for an outdoor sauna, it is important to make sure the controls offer vital safety features. Auto-off is a very important control that should be sought-after during the sauna selection process. This feature automatically shuts off the power source after a certain time period in the dangerous case that anyone falls asleep inside.