Purchasing your first barrel sauna is thrilling but may also be overwhelming. It's a significant decision with a lot to think about. Having an outdoor barrel sauna offers numerous advantages, but you must ensure that you make the best decision possible. With this beginner's guide, finding the ideal barrel sauna that fits where you want it, is within your budget, and provides the benefits you want is simple. When considering purchasing a sauna, keep the following points in mind.
Benefits Of Owning a Barrel Sauna Kit
Let's begin by talking about why you might want to get a sauna in the first place. Having unlimited access to a sauna in your house has numerous advantages.
Backcountry Recreation Saunas can help with stress since the time spent relaxing in dry heat can help to alleviate tension and anxiety. Regular sessions also help regulate blood pressure, prevent depression, treat skin problems, and even alleviate chronic pain — benefits enhanced by the natural humidity and löyly created when water is poured over the sauna heater.
Sauna use can also assist in cleansing the body of free radicals, enhance cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Proper ventilation inside your barrel sauna further ensures a safe and comfortable session every time.
Why Location Matters
One of the first questions you should ask yourself during purchasing is where your sauna will be placed in your home. You'll have to decide whether you want an indoor or outdoor sauna as part of the location decision. Then, of course, it will be determined by the amount of room available in your home or yard.
You may have your outdoor sauna built in various areas around your home. The options are limitless. However, here are some questions to think about:
- What is the minimum amount of space required for setup and performance?
- What kind of foundation should the barrel sauna be placed on?
What Types of Saunas Are There?
A conventional sauna uses heat and convection to create a comfortable environment. This is the most common sauna you'll find in a gym. A wood burning sauna is a traditional Finnish sauna heated with a wood stove, prized for the authentic löyly experience it produces.
Another type is an electrically heated sauna using an electric stove. It is effective, simple to use, and secure. Some buyers also opt for infrared saunas, which use radiant heat panels rather than a traditional sauna heater and are known for their deep-tissue therapeutic effects.
When planning an outdoor sauna, you should also consider whether you want a cabin-style sauna or a barrel sauna. Barrel saunas have grown in popularity due to their reduced footprint and cylindrical design, which allows for natural air circulation and efficient ventilation — helping to maintain ideal humidity and dry heat levels throughout your session.
What Quality Is Available?
Quality is also crucial. You must pick a product that meets your requirements to get the most bang for your buck. It's also crucial to select a reputable company so that the sauna will last. Backcountry Recreation only uses 100% Canadian Western Red Cedar — clear grade, the highest grade available — as well as thermowood options for superior outdoor durability. Both woods offer excellent natural insulation properties, keeping heat in and reducing energy use.
Consider warranties and get suggestions from people in your neighbourhood who have used different types of saunas while you're out shopping.
Final Thoughts
When purchasing a sauna for the first time, a lot of confusing information is available. Make sure you do your research and choose a sauna that meets your demands and matches your budget while also adding value to your home or property. After all, it should be something you and your family enjoy for a long time!
For more reading, check out 10 Things You May Not Know About Barrel Saunas, explore 5 Reasons You Should Consider a Outdoor Barrel Sauna, or read our guide on Barrel, Outdoor & Indoor Sauna Maintenance to keep your sauna in top shape.