Are you looking for the differences, pros, and cons between indoor and outdoor saunas? Then you've come to the right place; we'll help you find all the answers!
Buying a sauna can bring confusion, and choosing can be complicated. This is why we've decided to make this blog and list the main differences of both worlds; Indoor saunas vs. Outdoor saunas. We hope you find this information helpful.
Indoor saunas
Indoor saunas are an excellent option for people looking to transform an unused room or an extra space into a luxurious at-home spa.
Here are some of the pros of indoor saunas:
- Easy to install: Indoor saunas are designed to be built in a couple of hours with only a handful of tools. Also, indoor saunas have easy access to electricity and water.
- Easier to maintain: Unlike swimming pools and hot tubs, an indoor sauna requires very little maintenance. Saunas can be left alone, and cleaning the floor and benches with water and a clean cloth does most of the work. Furthermore, indoor saunas tend to have a longer life span than outdoors since they are not exposed to the weather.
- Easy to access: Having a sauna inside your home means that you don't have to wait for the weather to be in your favor to bathe. Sometimes weather can be unforgiving, and having to walk out from the comfort of your home can be complicated or even dangerous.
Indoor cons
Although indoor saunas can be very convenient, there are some things you need to consider before choosing them. Some things to consider would be:
- No separation from your home: If separating your everyday life from your means of relaxation is essential, you might want to go outdoors. Sometimes life can be overwhelming, and you might want to put everything on the side for a few minutes and unwind; having your sauna indoors can sometimes feel like you're just adding more activities to your daily routine.
- Limited by space: When you choose your indoor sauna, the available space will ultimately determine your final decision. An indoor sauna (depending on the size you buy) can take a significant amount of space, and sometimes the sauna you want cannot fit inside your home.
- Limited locations: There are only a handful of places to place your sauna. The attic and a large bathroom are examples of where you could put a sauna. The floor type should also be considered, as saunas can't go on carpeted areas.
Outdoor saunas
Outdoor saunas are ideal for those who do not have enough space inside their home or want to enjoy a cozy and reinvigorating session in a quaint and traditional outdoor environment. Furthermore, even if indoor saunas can last longer, outdoor saunas can last between 10 to 15 years.
Here are some of the pros of outdoor saunas:
- Relaxing environments: You can place an outdoor sauna almost anywhere within your property. Many people put their saunas in scenic spots such as rivers, lakes, or forests, as just walking to their sauna and breathing fresh air can be relaxing.
- Landscape Improvement: Having an outdoor sauna in your backyard is an immediate improvement to the scenery. You can find a wide variety of outdoor sauna models to choose from, and they will all enhance the looks of whatever they are surrounded with.
- Not limited by space: While indoor saunas can only be placed in specific areas inside your home, outdoor saunas are not restricted. Outdoor sauns have no limitations when it comes to size.
You can check an Outdoor barrel sauna or a Catalina Outdoor Sauna if you'd like to see some outdoor sauna examples.
Here are some of the cons of outdoor saunas:
Outdoor saunas are great options altogether, but you should also consider the following:
- Convenience: Sometimes, the places we pick for our saunas have no access to electricity or water or are not fit to be built on. Although no electricity might feel like a huge drawback, there are two more types of heaters: wood-burning and gas-fueled. The outdoor location for your sauna might not be outfitted with electrical lines. So, unless you're using a wood-burning or gas-fueled heater, you'll need to do additional electrical work. Plus, outdoor saunas can take more time to set up than their indoor counterparts.
- Your exposure to the elements: Although outdoor saunas are built to withstand harsh environments, the human body is not. If you live in an area with extreme weather, remember that you'll have to walk through that environment to reach your sauna.
- Maintenance: outdoor saunas can require additional maintenance since they are exposed to the sun, wind, rain, and snow. Exterior washing and leak-proofing are some examples of extra care needed to give your outdoor sauna longevity.
Conclusion of indoor vs. outdoor
When it comes to a home sauna, there are no wrong choices. Just like your home decoration, it all comes down to personal preference.
We hope this blog has helped you understand the differences between indoor and outdoor saunas and that you are ready to decide what sauna is right for you.
Stay healthy, sauna enthusiasts!
