Tips for Potential Owners

Finnleo Sauna

Finnleo Sauna

This is a broad overview of considerations to keep in mind when looking into a sauna purchase.
 
Find the Right Type of Sauna for You
There are several types of saunas (see our article (add link) describing them in more detail)—including those that are custom-built on pre-framed walls or modular/portable units that plug in. Before purchasing your sauna, think about the space you have available and how you plan to use the sauna (IE. The number of people using it at one time; private only or also for guests; will it be used in conjunction with a nearby swimming pool; what is its proximity to a shower and what type of experience you’re looking for – a cardiovascular event (traditional sauna) or a more passive but deeply penetrating event (infrared sauna) and so on.)

Inside Your Home
In the US, the sauna is usually located inside of the owner’s home. The types of sauna are pretty evenly split between the custom-built and modular. Which one is the best choice for you? This depends on the space available and your own preferences. Planning a sauna depends on whether the house in question is a new build or an existing structure. In the house-to-be-built, you should contact a sauna company as early in the process as possible and/or have your architect design a sauna into your floor plan. Common mistakes include planning a sauna for a poor or “wrong” location inside the house or have it of a size and shape neither practical nor comfortable given the style of the home and the layout.

Sauna Design
The sauna design is particularly important with a traditional custom-built sauna. Things to remember include ventilation, potential windows, access to a shower, the availability of electric power, drainage and more. Architects are not always aware of all the sauna details. Contacting your sauna supplier as early as possible helps everybody and provides the desired end result.

In an Existing Home
If the sauna will be located inside an existing home there are a few more details to take into consideration. However both types of saunas (custom/frame-built or modular) are still possible. A custom/frame-built sauna may be nicely tied in to a remodeling project—such as an in-home fitness center or a remodeled master bathroom. A freestanding modular sauna can be placed in almost any space and doesn’t need much advance planning. Once again, it is advisable to talk to your sauna professional early in the process; before starting any other work in the area.

Custom
Custom cut saunas require carpentry skills. They can be installed on existing framed walls (IE. converting a walk-in closet to a sauna) or need framing to fit the design of your sauna project. We work with Finnleo’s design department to provide you or your architect with valuable design assistance at the beginning of the project (including CAD drawings). We are your assurance of a properly functioning and enjoyable sauna and we provide professional installation service. Using an experienced sauna installer can save you from some common design and installation errors. Installing a sauna is not a difficult task but there are a few things that might be overlooked if the installer is not familiar with saunas.

Modular, Free-Standing Saunas
Modular saunas are designed to be installed by do-it-yourselfers or by our staff. Free-standing modular units can be placed almost anywhere inside your house with the right physical space available (IE. home gym, master bathroom, garage). Ideally the sauna will be located near a shower as you always want to rinse off after your sauna. Finnleo saunas include an integral waterproof floor and can then be installed even on carpeting. By design, they are very easy to install—some requiring only a few minutes to put together.

To learn more about Finnleo saunas stop into either one of our Pettis Pools & Patio locations. You can also call ahead and we’ll have one warmed up and ready for you to try out!