Everything you need to know about a Sauna
What are the benefits of using a sauna?
Regular sauna sessions can help relax tight muscles, boost circulation, reduce stress and support better sleep. Many people also find it helps with recovery after exercise, clearer skin, and even overall mood. Whether it’s for wellness or winding down, it’s one of the best things you can do for your body and mind.
What’s the difference between a traditional and an infrared sauna?
Traditional saunas heat the air using a heater and sauna stones, creating that hot, dry heat you can really feel – and you can add water to create steam. Infrared saunas work differently – they use infrared panels to gently heat your body from the inside out. You’ll sweat just as much, but at lower temperatures. It really comes down to personal preference – some people love the intensity of traditional heat, others prefer the gentle warmth of infrared.
Why choose an Alpine sauna?
Alpine saunas are built with premium, sustainably sourced Canadian red cedar or hemlock – not just for looks, but for lasting performance. In our infrared models, we use industry-leading, safe carbon panels for a deep, effective sweat. In our traditional saunas, we use trusted Harvia™ heaters for that classic, steamy heat.
Every layout is carefully designed and tested for comfort and proper ergonomics – so your sauna session feels as good as it should. Plus, all our saunas come with world-class warranties and support from our friendly team.
Is it hard to install a sauna at home?
Most of our Alpine indoor saunas are really easy to install – they come in pre-cut panels and plug into a standard power supply. Our outdoor saunas take a bit more time, but they arrive as a kitset with clear, step-by-step instructions. Whether it’s inside or out, we’ll help guide you through the setup process, and our team’s here if you need support.
How hot does a sauna get?
It depends on the type and the model. Our traditional saunas usually sit between 70 and 90 degrees Celsius, but some models can go well over 100. That said, the key to a great sauna session isn’t just about heat – it’s about humidity. You can control that by adding water to the stones for that classic steam feel.
With our infrared saunas, most people get a really effective sweat at around 50 to 60 degrees – but some of our models can reach up to 70. It’s a gentler heat, but it penetrates deeper and works just as well.
Everything you need to know about Indoor Infrared Saunas
What is Alpine Saunas ZenGlow Chromotherapy?
ZenGlow™ chromotherapy fills your sauna session with calming light. Choose from nine preset colors or use the slider to set the mood—enhancing emotional balance and deep relaxation with healing visual tones.
What are the power requirements for an infrared sauna?
Some saunas, like our Helsinki Sauna, Infrared Cabin Sauna and Infrared Barrel Sauna operate on a standard 15 amp plug—easy to install and energy efficient, delivering powerful performance without big electrical upgrades.
Other saunas, like our Oslo Sauna, Lyon Sauna, Copenhagen Sauna operate on a standard 10 amp plug—again, super easy to install and energy efficient, delivering powerful performance without big electrical upgrades.
What is full spectrum heat?
The QuantumFeel™ full‑spectrum heaters deliver near, mid, and far infrared light, targeting different layers of your body for enhanced circulation, relaxation, and detox. You feel it on surface and deep within.
What is ultra-low EMF heat?
Our ultra‑low EMF heaters emit less than 0.5 milligauss—lower than most household appliances—so you enjoy infrared therapy in maximum comfort and peace of mind.
What does a ThermaDial do?
The ThermaDial lets you fine‑tune your heat intensity with precision. Each user can personalize their infrared experience for comfort that feels just right every session.
What is ergonomic seating?
Our LumbarPlus™ seating provides wall‑to‑wall ergonomic support with strategically placed gaps for heat flow. It’s designed to deliver comfort and effective infrared exposure.
What is this sauna made of?
Some of our Alpine Saunas are built from sustainably sourced Canadian red cedar, this sauna is naturally aromatic, resistant to moisture, and excellent at retaining heat. Cedar also resists warping, making it ideal for long-lasting indoor or outdoor use.
Other Alpine Saunas are crafted from sustainably sourced Canadian hemlock, this timber is durable, smooth-grained, and naturally resistant to cracking. It delivers a clean, modern look while holding heat efficiently.
Tell me about the WiFiTouch Pro Control Panel
WiFi TouchPro™ is a premium control panel allowing remote access via smartphone. Adjust lighting, temperature, and heater settings easily from anywhere—making your sauna experience seamless and personalized.
Are Alpine Saunas energy efficient?
Yes—thanks to extra-thick 8 mm safety glass and a compact design with less glazing, this model holds up to 30% more heat. That means faster warm-up times and lower energy use.
Who should buy an Ultra Low EMF Infrared Sauna?
An Ultra Low EMF Sauna from Alpine Saunas is perfect for wellness-focused users who value a calming sauna experience with minimal EMF exposure. It’s gentle, soothing, and ideal for regular, longer sessions.
Who should buy an Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna?
A Full Spectrum Sauna from Alpine Saunas is best for people who want more intense heat and a deeper therapeutic effect. The full spectrum heaters provide a warmer, more invigorating sauna—ideal for recovery and detox.
What is a ThermoBase™ heater?
ThermoBase™ emits focused infrared heat at the floor, targeting your legs and feet—perfect after a long day on your feet, promoting circulation and soothing tension.
What is a wall-to-wall calf heater?
This supporting heater gently warms your lower legs, enhancing overall warmth and comfort—especially beneficial for targeted muscle relief and deeper relaxation.
What warranty does Alpine Saunas offer for their Infrared Saunas?
Our Alpine Saunas are built to last—with a 5-year warranty on both the structure and heaters, plus 2 years for all components. That means your investment is safeguarded from the inside out. You get peace of mind knowing it’s supported by Alpine’s quality, backed by solid coverage for years of comforting, worry-free use.
How easy is the assembly of an Infrared Sauna?
Our Infrared Saunas use a smart, click-in-place assembly system—no complicated tools or specialist skills required. With two people, setup takes around an hour, so you can have it ready and heating the same day it arrives.
Are Infrared Saunas safe?
Yes—our Alpine Saunas meet strict safety and electrical standards, including SAA certification. They’re tested for quality, electrical compliance, and emissions, so you can relax knowing every session is backed by trusted safety approvals.
What glass is used for Alpine Saunas?
Alpine Saunas use premium 8 mm tempered safety glass—the thickest on the market. It’s stronger, safer, and better at retaining heat, while giving you a crystal-clear view for an open, airy feel inside your sauna.
Everything you need to know about traditional Finnish saunas
What are the power requirements for Traditional Saunas?
Some of our Traditional Alpine Saunas sauna require, like the Mini Vista Sauna, Barrel Sauna, Vista Sauna, Cabin Sauna need a dedicated 32 amp circuit, ensuring your powerful 6 kW heater operates safely and efficiently. Remember, a licensed electrician is needed for setup.
Other, larger, traditional models, like the Vista Barrel XL Sauna and the Hut Sauna call for a 45 amp supply—so your heater will reach higher heat quickly and maintain peak performance. Always leave electrical setup to a qualified electrician for safety.
What is a traditional Finnish sauna?
A traditional Finnish sauna uses a heater packed with stones—gently heated, they radiate dry heat throughout the room. Adding water to the stones creates steam, enhancing warmth, humidity, known amongst the Finnish as Loyly.
What types of stones are used in the saunas?
Alpine Saunas use Rough Cut Olivine stones, mined in Western Finland. They’re impurity-free, heat evenly, and store warmth for longer—perfect for creating consistent, hot steam when paired with water. Their durability means they won’t crack or break down under repeated heating and cooling.
What is the difference between the Harvia 6 kW and 9kW traditional heater
A Harvia 6 kW heater—renowned for quality—heats up quickly and evenly. It’s easy to control and efficient, making your sauna warm-up smooth and reliable.
A Harvia 9 kW heater provides a more intense experience. It delivers higher heat output for those who love an ultra-hot sauna session—trusted, consistent, and made by an industry leading brand.
Do traditional Finnish saunas produce steam?
Yes—our traditional models include Harvia hot rocks plus a ladle and bucket. Pouring water over heated stones creates invigorating steam, adding humidity and depth to your sauna session.
Why is cedar best for outdoor saunas?
Alpine Saunas use FSC-certified rustic cedar—it’s naturally heat-insulating, moisture- and rot-resistant, and infused with antimicrobial oils. Cedar also releases a lovely aroma when heated and resists warping—ideal for lasting outdoor use.
What is the EasyPress Pro Control Panel?
The EasyPress Pro panel puts heat and light controls right at your fingertips. It’s intuitive, reliable, and makes adjusting your sauna’s settings quick and effortless.
What is the EasyPress Control Panel
Similar to the Pro, the EasyPress panel is user-friendly and consistent—it offers seamless control over temperature and lighting with a clean, dependable interface.
Is a traditional Finnish sauna right for me?
A traditional Finnish sauna is tailor-made for traditional sauna lovers—those who crave high-temperature, deep heat and enjoy the authentic Finnish experience.
It is also perfect for social users—friends, families, or hosts who want an intense, steamy sauna that brings everyone together in a warm, shared experience.
How easy is the assembly of a traditional Finnish sauna?
These outdoor saunas aren’t DIY-friendly—due to their size and complexity, professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure safe and correct assembly.
Are traditional Finnish saunas safe?
Absolutely. Our traditional Alpine Saunas are certified to the highest standards (including SAA), meeting strict requirements for electrical safety, emissions, and build quality—so you can relax with confidence.
What glass is used on these traditional saunas?
Only the best: tempered 8 mm safety glass is used for doors or windows. It’s the thickest on the market—tough, heat-resistant, and built for lasting clarity and safety.
How hot does a traditional Finnish sauna get?
A traditional Sauna can reach up to 60–80 °C on average—maintaining a robust, traditional heat level that builds both sweat and satisfaction.
What is Bitumax roofing?
The Bitumax roof offers waterproof, weather-resistant protection with a clean, matte finish that complements your sauna’s cedar exterior—both practical and stylish.
Do I need an electrician to wire this sauna? (Yes)
Yes—due to its high power requirements (32 amps), only a licensed electrician should complete the wiring to ensure it’s safely installed and compliant.
Do I need an electrician to wire this sauna? (No)
If you’re installing a wood-fired model (like the off-grid Vista barrel), no electrical wiring is needed—simply enjoy the simplicity of pure, unplugged heat.
What warranty does Alpine Saunas’ traditional Finnish saunas have?
Alpine Saunas proudly offer a 5-year structural warranty that protects your sauna’s build and integrity, plus 2 years of component coverage for parts and functionality. This ensures your sauna is covered from the inside out—giving you peace of mind and years of enduring enjoyment outdoors.
Everything you need to know about Traditional Wood-Fired Saunas
What are the power requirements for wood-fired sauna?
Our wood‑fired sauna’s heater requires no electrical power—it’s fully off‑grid. If you’d like spa‑style lighting using ZenGlow chromotherapy, simply plug in a 240 V, 10‑amp supply.
What is a wood-fired sauna?
A traditional, wood-fired sauna is an ultra‑hot, off‑grid sauna powered entirely by a wood burner. No electricity is used to generate heat—just pure, traditional warmth that delivers a deep, authentic Finnish sauna experience.
What is the NordicFlame Wood Burner?
The NordicFlame burner is your efficient heat engine. With a built‑in ash tray, it ignites fast and burns hot—perfect for achieving intense, enveloping warmth quickly and consistently.
What Sauna stones are the best?
We use smooth Olivine stones, carefully mined from Western Finland. They’re impurity‑free, heat evenly, and produce soft, soaring steam—holding heat longer and standing up to repeated high‑heat cycles.
Do wood-fired saunas produce steam?
Absolutely. The combination of hot Olivine stones, plus our ladle and water bucket, lets you elevate humidity on demand—creating gentle steam that enhances detox, relaxation, and the traditional sauna feel.
Are traditional wood-fired saunas right for me?
Traditional wood-fired saunas are perfect for purists who love the off‑grid, traditional Finnish sauna—delivering an extreme, wood‑fired heat experience that’s as authentic as it gets.
They are also ideal for enthusiasts seeking an intense Finnish-style sauna with deep, enveloping heat and the ritual of wood-fired operation. A true heat-seeker’s delight.
Are traditional, wood-fired saunas safe?
Yes—they include a flue guard to protect against accidental burns and ensure safe ventilation, so you can relax with confidence in both heat and safety.
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