These instructions will help you understand how to choose and use your sauna equipment properly. Whether you are installing a cedar sauna, thermowood sauna, or traditional indoor sauna room, following these simple steps will help you enjoy safe, efficient dry heat performance.
Wet or Dry Saunas?
When you go into a sauna at your local spa or gym, you probably don't think about whether it's wet or dry. However, when installing one in your home, you'll need to know the difference between the two. Common questions are: "Can we have water on the heater rocks?" Backcountry Recreation offering of sauna heaters is tested and approved by C.S.A. (Canadian Standards) and approved for water use. However, there are important points to consider:
- WHERE THE SAUNA IS BEING USED- Will the heater be in a residential or a commercial setting? This question is asked because a homeowner is more likely to care for the heater than a commercial owner.
- WATER USAGE- Water should always be used in small amounts when the rocks are hot. This creates proper löyly steam without damaging the electric stove or heater rocks.
- APPLYING THE WATER - Proceed cautiously when pouring water onto the hot rocks. It's better to use a spray bottle or ladle for safe control.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Heater and Room
On our website, you will see a chart for choosing the right sauna heater. In addition, instructions will help you determine the volume of the room (cubic room size). Please refer to the sauna heating and electrical specification chart to find the heater for the room where the sauna will be used.
- Size of the Room- It's relatively common that customers exaggerate room dimensions to get the largest residential heater. Proper sizing is essential for efficient dry heat and energy savings.
- Height of the Ceiling - Residential sauna room ceiling heights are typically between 6 1/2 and 7 feet. This allows heat to circulate efficiently while maximizing comfort and muscle recovery benefits.
What Makes a Sauna Room?
Insulation & Vapor Barrier
There is a minimum of R-12 fiberglass insulation for walls and ceilings in the sauna room. Proper insulation improves humidity control, heat retention, and overall sauna efficiency.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation
Ventilation is important in sauna rooms. Proper airflow helps maintain comfort, prevents overheating, and improves blood circulation during sauna use.
Intake Air
Backcountry Recreation can make sauna doors with proper airspace beneath the door to improve circulation. This helps reduce the need for additional intake holes and supports balanced ventilation.
Exhaust Air
An adjustable vent on the opposite wall should be installed at top bench level. Proper exhaust air flow prevents overworking the sauna heater and maintains balanced heat levels.
Electrical Hookup
The sauna heater size determines wire and breaker requirements. Always verify amperage and voltage requirements before installation to ensure safe operation.
G.F.I. (Ground Fault Interrupt) Breakers
G.F.I. breakers may cause nuisance tripping with sauna heaters. Since sauna heaters have dedicated circuits, they generally do not require G.F.I. systems unless local code requires it.
Replacement Heaters
Backcountry Recreation provides replacement heaters when needed, especially for older public sauna systems. If your heater predates 1982, replacement is recommended to meet updated safety standards.
If you're exploring outdoor alternatives, also read Barrel Sauna Basics, 10 Things You May Not Know About Barrel Saunas, and 5 Reasons You Should Consider a Outdoor Barrel Sauna.