In a world full of chaos and stress, many folks find their comfort in an indoor sauna room. These structures are becoming a popular addition to homes, as is evident from their market growth. The worldwide sauna market generated a value of $859.5 million in 2023.
Since 2024, it has exhibited a CAGR of 5.9%, which is expected to remain constant till 2030. There are several drivers responsible for this growth, including wellness trends and technological advancements.
Do you also wish to enjoy a spa-like experience at home? Then, an indoor sauna room is an investment you will not regret. However, you must carefully choose the best room for sauna placement. In this article, we will discuss three important factors that will help you choose an indoor spot to install a sauna.
Availability of Space
One of the foremost considerations that will help decide the ideal spot for a sauna room is the available space. If the sauna setup ends up being too large, it will not fit inside the room. Simply considering the size of the room itself is not enough.
It is equally important to consider the width of the hallways as well as ceiling clearance. Additionally, account for the size of the sauna heater. In case you have a sauna custom-made for a smaller room, it’s possible to make things work with a smaller heater.
When you’re considering the size of the heater, factor in the space around it as well. After all, you should find it comfortable to move around or lie down. Now, should you have the sauna installed in any random room of the house? Not really; here are some things to keep in mind from the viewpoint of space –
- Take into account the number of people interested in using the sauna space. A single person does not require a large space but the same is needed for a family or a group.
- Plan the seating arrangement strategically. Every person should have enough space to sit and stretch out. The standard would be at least two feet of bench space.
- Try to maintain adequate space around the heater for safety and air circulation.
- Aim for at least seven feet of ceiling height for an upright seating arrangement.
- Consider the placement of all features, including water buckets and other accessories.
Ventilation
As you may know, sauna rooms tend to operate on moist heat. The moisture, when combined with the high temperatures inside, can proliferate the growth of harmful microbes. This is especially dangerous if multiple people will use the sauna at the same time.
As it is, respiratory viruses are causing millions of illnesses every year across the US. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that one way to reduce the spread of common respiratory viruses is to ensure proper ventilation. It will remove indoor air that may be concentrated with airborne viruses.
So, the next factor to consider is proper airflow for ventilation inside the sauna. If no space in your home can offer a high level of ventilation, it’s best to opt for an infrared sauna. Custom sauna rooms using infrared rays focus on warming the body directly.
This means they generate less humidity as the surrounding air is not heated. Also, consider choosing an innovative sauna structure. According to ThermaSol, this not only makes the sauna easy to install but is also an energy-efficient design. The fast heat-up time will also offer a superior sauna experience.
Safety and Accessibility
The third important factor to consider is accessibility and safety. By this we mean the sauna should ideally be placed in a room where you can access it easily without any hindrances. There should be no furniture or clutter on the way to the sauna space.
This is crucial from the standpoint of convenience as well as potential emergencies. Also, make sure that all parts of the heater are accessible. Regular maintenance work will be needed for which the surrounding area should not be hard to reach.
Since we are talking about the safety aspect, let’s discuss a bit about the sauna room benches. It’s best to have them fixed or built-in for enhanced security. The material used to build them should also be heat and moisture-resistant.
Finally, the safety aspect also covers ventilation to a certain extent. In other words, excessive heat and moisture buildup increases the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.
Those who already suffer from chronic dehydration, symptoms of which include dry lips and headaches, are at a greater risk. It can also lead to mold growth and make any wooden structures rot. So, if you’re going for a sauna that is steam or electrically heated, choose a dry room without much clutter.
On a parting note, it’s important to mention plumbing and electricity. Since a sauna room’s heater requires energy, there should be necessary power outlets and drainage in the space. You can consult with a licensed electrician for this. They will ensure that the electrical wires are in a safe place for prolonged use.
Some people wish to enjoy a combo of hot and cold saunas. In such cases, it is important to have a source of cold water nearby, or at least a hose. Cooling off without delay after a heated sauna is crucial.
Based on our discussion, some good spaces in your home to install a sauna include the attic, basement, bathroom, and garage. Choose yours wisely based on the size, dryness, electrical/plumbing facilities, and the safety of the space.