5 Tips to Select an Outdoor Sauna

Lots of people think that if they own their home and the surrounding land that goes with it, they're free to do whatever they want with that space.

In fact, there are a variety of organizations that can and often do set rules regarding what, how and where you can build on your own land. Home owners' associations, for one, might regulate where you can add additional structures, what they can look like, and to what extent they can be viewed from outside your home.

State or local building codes, too, may have something to say about your outdoor-sauna addition. In particular, you probably need a building permit if you're going the permanent-structure route (as opposed to portable), since that's typically considered "new construction." There may also be taxes associated with this type of addition.

In extreme cases, failure to comply with these kinds of codes can result in forced removal of the new structure, so it's well worth your while to cover your bases before you start.

Assuming you're good to go, the next tip: When it comes to space constraints, be realistic.

A sauna can turn a good sweat into a great party, and you'll find outdoor models that can fit eight, 10 or even 12 people comfortably. Unfortunately, the party sauna may not fit in that unused corner of your yard

You may be tempted to go as big as you can afford, but a sauna that monopolizes your entire outdoor space will seriously limit your options for future additions, may turn off prospective home buyers if you eventually want to sell, and will probably look pretty odd.

A good approach is to go with the largest sauna you can afford among the models that will fit easily in the available space. Even a small yard can accommodate a multi-person sauna -- a 5x7-foot structure can fit three or four bathers comfortably. You'll just need to pare down the guest list.

Next tip: Be honest -- are you really the party type?

Do you plan to invite neighbors to share your sauna, or is this just for your own use? Is it mostly intended to increase your home value, or will you take it with you if you move? Do you plan on cold-weather use?

Put some real thought into how you plan to use your sauna and what its main purpose is, because these considerations will determine your sauna's ideal size, type, add-ons and structural configurations. For instance, you can install sauna-friendly entertainment centers if you plan to play host. If you hope to take it with you to your next home, you can look into a portable model. For use in colder climates, an attached changing room and maybe even an enclosed pathway between home and sauna can be invaluable assets that dramatically increase how often your sauna gets used.

Next tip: Learn about your options in heat sources, because there are real differences between them.

The wood stove and rocks that characterize traditional Finnish saunas are still around, and lots of people refuse to give up the rustic sauna experience. Wood burning is only one way to heat a sauna, though, and the more-modern methods are the ones in widest use today.

Besides the wood stove, your primary choices are:

There's no right choice here. Heat source is a matter of preference and logistics. Be aware, though, that a gas heater requires a gas line running to the sauna, and if that means installing one from scratch, you're looking at a significant increase in cost.

Finally, don't overlook the importance of the controls.

Heating methods aren't the only way saunas have changed with the times. We're a long way from stoking flames and pouring water on stacks of rocks (if we want to be, that is).

Sauna controls can be programmed to start the heating process (which typically takes at least 30 minutes) on a timer so you walk into a perfectly heated room. Some offer settings for energy efficiency and have presets to store different user's temperature preferences. Remote control can eliminate the need to ever leave the bench, steam can be automated, aromatherapy scents injected, and auxiliary inputs utilized for music and lighting technology you already own.

There's one feature, though, that needs to be included in whichever controls you choose: auto-off. The heat source must be told to turn itself off after a preset period of time so a user who falls asleep in there doesn't get hurt.

Luckily for the purists, even a traditional-style sauna can be equipped with modern safety controls. Surely even the Finns didn't care for heat stroke.

For more information on outdoor saunas and their indoor counterparts, check out the links on the next page.