Category Archives: Sauna & Steam

Winter is a wonderful time to have access to an outdoor sauna. Not only can your sauna be instrumental in helping to encourage relaxation during stressful times but it has some great health and wellness benefits too. At this time of year, conditions can sometimes be challenging so it’s vital that you have good maintenance habits in place when it comes to your outdoor sauna in winter.

• Make sure you prepare your outdoor sauna exterior for the winter months. The exterior of the sauna provides a protective shell so it’s crucial that you look after it well. That could include treating the wood with a wood penetrating oil to sustain the natural look, pressure washing to remove dirt and debris and treating the windows and doors to avoid deformation.
• Prepare your outdoor sauna for the first use in winter. When you warm up the sauna for the first time in winter it’s a good idea to treat it as a trial run and not use it. This is especially important if the sauna is brand new. Start getting used to ventilating the sauna after every use so that you don’t get mould or unpleasant odours forming.
• Get into a monthly cleaning routine. You only need to spend 15 minutes a month cleaning your sauna to help extend its life. The cleaning routine should include sweeping out dirt and dust, using a fine sandpaper to tackle and scuff marks, mopping the floors and wiping the interior over with a soft cloth. It’s important to avoid any harsh, chemical cleaners as this can damage the sauna. Instead, opt for a mix of baking soda and warm water or white vinegar and water.
• Take care of the wood inside the sauna. It’s the wood that has a big part to play in creating the right experience for the sauna, as well as ensuring that you get the most from it. If you live in a hard water area then you might want to avoid using water from the tap as this can create a lot of limescale build up. Don’t ever stain or treat the interior of the sauna – this is for the outside only. It’s also vital not to eat or drink in the sauna, as this can ruin your investment if it is spilled.
• Create the right routine for sauna care every time you use it:
  • Before getting into the sauna, wash your feet so that you don’t take dirt and debris inside with you. It can also be useful to have a quick shower.
  • Keep plenty of fresh towels handy to soak up sweat and water and avoid stains. Don’t forget to remove these when you’re done.
  • When you’ve finished your sauna, wipe down benches to remove moisture, drain the water bucket and leave the door open so that moisture can clear from the sauna.

It’s a real luxury to have an outdoor sauna in winter and this is the kind of maintenance that will ensure you can continue to enjoy yours.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

Even though the recent weather has been unseasonably warm, we all know that Winter is coming. The clocks have changed and we’re set for darker evenings, shorter days as well as that inevitable temperature drop. There are lots of ways to prepare yourself, physically and mentally, for this kind of change – and integrating a sauna into your routine in Winter 2022 is one of the most effective. These are some of the key benefits of doing this.

• Spending time in a sauna can boost your mood. This is the time of year when it can become really challenging to stay cheerful, especially if you’re someone who struggles with the loss of natural light or something like Seasonal Affective Disorder. When you regularly schedule in some sauna time you can help to minimise the impact of this – the effect of the sauna will be to release endorphins into your system, which is the body’s happy hormone. This can boost your mood and help you to switch off and relax. If you struggle with energy at this time of year the sauna can be beneficial there too, as people who regularly use a sauna tend to notice that their energy levels are higher.
• A general boost to overall wellbeing. It can feel harder to look after ourselves in the winter, as there is less motivation to go outside and exercise and plenty of temptation around when it comes to party season food and drink. Although a sauna is never going to be a replacement for a lifestyle that is built on healthy levels of activity and a varied diet, it can certainly help you to stay on track where general wellbeing is concerned. That’s because the sauna will make you sweat. Sweating will help to remove any toxins from your system and make you feel refreshed. It also boosts your circulation, which can have a very positive impact on your heart and general wellbeing. So, as part of a healthy routine, a sauna can be a great way to give your wellbeing the boost it needs in Winter 2022.
• Minimising the seasonal challenges. This is the time of year when many of us suffer with colds, flu and generally feeling rundown. Regular time in a sauna has been found to strengthen the immune system so it can actually protect against getting sick in the first place. If you do find yourself unwell then a sauna can help provide some relief. The high temperature in the sauna will clear the sinuses and make it easier to breathe. Plus, the heat can also help to slow down the progression of viruses and give your body a break. So, using a sauna this winter could help you enjoy a better seasonal experience and recover more easily if you do get sick.

From improved mood to a boosted immune system, easier recovery and better overall wellbeing, using a sauna in Winter 2022 has many benefits. With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

We are entering what can be a very busy and stressful time of year for many. Whether you find your body struggles with the clocks going forward, or the run up to Christmas is especially busy for you, it’s vital to be able to find a way to relax your body and mind. Steam rooms offer a simple and effective way to do this. Spending some time in a steam room a few times a week can have a really transformative impact where relaxation is concerned. Here’s how:

• A great way to release tension. The impact of being in a steam room is to soothe the body. Nerves are calmed and your muscles will naturally relax, helping to release the tension from all over your body. Spending time in a steam room can also help to reduce joint pain and has even been found to release the pressure of tension headaches.

• Sweating out the toxins. When our body feels cleaner and lighter, we do too. Being in a steam room activates one of the body’s most powerful cleansing systems – sweating. Sitting in a steam room for just 20 minutes can eliminate the toxins and waste products from an entire day, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to rest.

• Improving skin quality and removing impurities. Sweating also helps to deal with conditions like acne and can improve skin quality. It also gives circulation a boost and this can result in a healthy, rosy glow thanks to the steam alone.

• Feel good chemicals are released. When we’re in a steam room the conditions trigger the release of the body’s endorphins, which are essentially feel good chemicals that can make it easier to deal with pressure and stress. These help us minimise the impact of stress and are the reason why you’re likely to feel calmer leaving the steam room than when you went in.

• A great post-workout routine. A steam room is not only a great way to relax after you’ve completed a workout and reward yourself for that self-discipline and commitment but it will also help to aid a quicker recovery for your muscles. When muscles are relaxed like this during the recovery process they grow more quickly, which is essential for achieving those vital gains.

• Helping to shift water weight. Steam rooms can even help us with weight loss, which can significantly help to reduce stress. Although it’s no substitute for exercise and a healthy diet, spending time in a steam room can minimise the water weight that you’re carrying – which makes a real difference.

• Easing sinus problems. At this time of year, many of us suffer with our sinuses. Everything from central heating to colds and viruses can irritate the sensitive sinus area. Being in a steam room opens and thins the mucus membranes all around the body. This means you’ll instantly be able to breathe more easily and relax more.

From a physical tension release to the positive impact on sinus problems and water weight, steam rooms are a great way to improve health and wellbeing, to switch off and relax.

A sauna is a wonderfully relaxing experience and one that many people choose for themselves at home. However, it’s not just about self-care and home spa days, as your sauna also has a number of key health benefits that might surprise you. If you’re keen to make the most of your sauna in 2022 then there are lots of reasons to do it.

• Improve the quality of your sleep. There’s no getting away from how vital sleep is, especially during the winter months. A whole body of research has found that spending time in your sauna on a regular basis can help you achieve deeper sleep and relax more. This is a combination of the body’s temperature being elevated and the fact that endorphins are being released in the hours before you sleep.
• Detoxifying. You probably know that a sauna will make you sweat – and that means the opportunity to detoxify the largest organ in your body, the skin. Sweating in a sauna is more intense than anywhere else, which makes it a great opportunity to help rid your skin of toxins such as heavy metals and chemicals that have been ingested or absorbed.
• Deal differently with stress. No matter what’s going on in your life you can change the way that you deal with it by regularly using your sauna. For example, regular sauna time can help to bring down levels of cortisol in your system (cortisol is like alarm bells) and increase serotonin (happy hormones). Serotonin is also responsible for bone and skin health so your sauna can not only make you feel better – and less stressed – but ensure you’re physically healthier too.
• Better brain function. You’d probably expect much of the research on saunas to hail from Finland (where everyone has one). One local study there focused on men using their saunas for 20 years, 4-7 times a week. The research found that the sauna use was associated with a lower risk of dementia and alzheimers.
• Enhanced blood flow helps your muscles and joints. When you’re in a sauna, blood flows better throughout the circulatory system and this is highly beneficial for reducing lactic acid build up. It can even help to reduce chronic injuries and make healing faster and more efficient.
• Boosting the immune system. Exposure to the heat of a sauna can help with the creation of the white blood cells that our bodies use to fight infection and viruses. Studies have found that those who regularly use a sauna can suffer less from seasonal colds and – if they do get one it tends to be shorter and less severe.
• Burning the calories. Although a sauna is not an instant weight loss cure, the heat plus the sweat can significantly increase the number of calories burned over a period of time. It’s no substitute for healthy eating and exercise but can be a great support to them.

If you’re keen to take advantage of your sauna in 2022 these are some very good reasons to make more time for it.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

After a scorching summer, there’ve been moments when the humidity has felt like being in a sauna. This can make the thought of getting into a sauna sound crazy when it’s so warm outside. However, there are some great reasons why you should continue using a sauna, even in warmer months.

Acclimatising to the Heat

Those 35-degree days won’t feel half as hot as they did before if you decide to take a quick, 20-minute sauna session before cooling off in an icy shower or swimming pool. It’s a terrific way to enjoy the heat without exposing yourself to the sun’s harmful rays.

Relaxing The Muscles

The sauna offers a soothing and unwinding environment. A confined space filled with hot air can help aching muscles and tight joints. The sauna is a great way to relax those muscles and calm your body and mind.

Mood enhancer

According to studies, the warmth that a sauna provides gives the same physical benefits as a quick workout. Endorphins are released, leaving you to feel rejuvenated and giving you the energy you need to finish off the rest of the day or to fall asleep soundly.

Stress-relieving

A stressful day’s worries can be eased by escaping to the peace and quiet of a sauna. Breathe deeply and let the heat and steam take care of the rest.

Losing Water Weight and Burning Calories

The longer summer days can result in going to bed later and doing more activities, but they can also mean more time to eat. What better way to chip away at those excess calories than jumping in the sauna for a couple of minutes? Your body burns more calories due to increased heart rate, raising your metabolism.

Enhances Skin

A sauna’s powerful and controlled heat boosts your body’s circulation. Dead skin cells are removed, facial tension is reduced, skin suppleness is improved, and harmful germs are detoxified. This ultimately leaves your skin feeling rejuvenated, nourished, and radiant.

Pain Relief

Head relieves stress, tension, and physical discomfort by reducing inflammation. Every area of the body instantly relaxes in the intense heat of a traditional sauna, which also promotes blood circulation and eases any pain that has been suppressed or neglected.

Enhances Immune Functionality

Is there anything worse than having a cold in the summer? The immune system can benefit from a sauna session. The intense heat makes your body believe you have a fever. To fight off infection, your body will naturally manufacture extra white blood cells. Additionally, the steam aids in sinus and airway clearing. So, sit back and take a few long breaths.

Athletic Training

To better prepare yourself for a hot, humid race day, the sauna helps the body adjust to increased heat levels. Red blood cell synthesis is also increased by the high heat, giving you more energy and oxygen for a lengthier and tougher workout.

Relaxing Escape

Escape to the sauna for some peace and quiet during the hectic summer.

The sauna is intended to be used throughout the summer, and maintaining your regular sauna routine will only benefit your health.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

The idea that saunas shouldn’t be used in the summer is astonishingly common. This is because saunas are commonly regarded as fantastic at warming you up, and therefore you don’t need to use one in the summer period. Many people think that saunas are just used to protect those living in Scandinavia from the Nordic chill, however, it’s actually common to have a sauna in a summer house.

Saunas are frequently built close to lakes in the Nordic nations so that visitors can enjoy them in the summer alongside a refreshing swim in the lake. At any time of year, your body can benefit from the sauna’s scientifically proven health benefits. Did you know, saunas can even help you cool down in the summer by acclimatising your body to the heat? Even though it is summer, using a sauna can still help you burn calories, lose weight, improve your heart and respiratory health, relax your muscles, and most importantly feel amazing.

Using a sauna to cool your body down dates back to the Roman and Ottoman Empires. These baths provided heated water and hot rooms to bathers in hot Middle Eastern and North African counties. This was to help the body acclimatise to the hot temperatures (before air conditioning) & to reap some of the amazing health benefits.

Don’t let the heat deter you from enjoying a good, soothing sauna session this summer, no matter how hot it gets. Then, to bring your body’s temperature down, take a cool shower or a dip in a plunge pool. Your body will be better able to withstand the summer heat after using a sauna in the summer since you’ll feel calm and balanced.

When your body temperature rises, tension is released effortlessly from your muscles and joints. Sauna bathing also opens up your pores, aiding the secretion of metabolic waste toxins. This helps to cleanse your body, inside and out, leaving you feeling truly revitalised.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

The benefits of relaxing in a sauna are no secret. There’s nothing more physically energising than taking time out of your day to chill out in a sauna and sweat the stresses of daily life away! Tension dissipates, muscles relax and mentally we emerge refreshed, reenergised and ready to tackle whatever is ahead of us.

It only takes a few minutes to look and feel refreshed. People all across the world experience the amazing benefits that derive as the body reacts to the gentle, persistent heat. As a result, an increasing number of medical professionals are recommending sauna use due to its purifying benefits. Let’s dive into some of the fantastic advantages that sauna use brings to both the body and mind!

Saunas improve cardiovascular performance

The skin heats up and our core body temperature rises when using a sauna. This causes the blood vessels near the skin to dilate and our cardiac output rises.

According to medical studies, the heart rate can rise from 60-70 bpm in the sauna to 110-120 bpm and then drop to below normal following the cooling off stage. Sauna use has been shown to lower the risk of all-cause mortality and fatal cardiac attacks, as well as the risk of stroke and hypertension.

Saunas help the recovery process after a workout

Saunas have been proven to help people recover quickly after exercising by reducing joint and muscle strains and lactic acid build-up. After just one sauna session, growth hormone levels rise by 200-300 percent, which aids in the reduction of muscle atrophy, a great benefit if you participate in strength training. It has also been proven to reduce fatigue in long distance runners.

Saunas flush out toxins

The core body temperature begins to rise as a result of the sauna’s heat. Sweat is primarily produced to cool the body and is made up of 99 percent water. Deep sweating in a sauna, on the other hand, can help to lower levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury, and other substances in the body.

Decreases incidents of Alzheimer’s

A 20-year study conducted with more than 2,300 participants at the University of Eastern Finland by Dr. Jari Laukkanen and his colleagues revealed regular sauna use (4-7 times per week) at 80 degrees C for 19 minutes lowered the risk for both Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

Saunas help to relieve stress

Saunas can help to reduce stress levels and lower instances of depression and other mental health issues. In addition to the adaption to stress, the improved cardiorespiratory fitness contributes to the therapeutic effects of sauna for depression and anxiety.

As well as these great benefits, saunas can help induce a deeper sleep, fight illness and even burn calories! Introducing sauna use to your lifestyle is a great way to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allow you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with our expert sales team today to explore our range of saunas and steam rooms.

The short answer is, it depends. The temperature of your sauna will be determined by the type of sauna you choose and its features and amenities. In this article we’ve broken down the recommended temperatures for each sauna type and some of the great features that come with them.

Traditional Saunas

When we talk about traditional saunas, we’re usually referring to Finnish or smoke saunas which use wood, gas or electricity to power them. Most commercial saunas use electricity to heat them, making them quite powerful. Originally, a wood-burning furnace was used to heat the rocks in this sort of sauna. They work on the premise of producing steam after pouring water over the stones & is believed to have great benefits for your lungs, sinuses and skin. The Finnish Sauna Society recommends that sauna temperatures range from 80-90 degrees Celsius.

Infrared Saunas

Unlike some traditional saunas, infrared saunas are completely powered by electricity and use infrared heating panels to generate radiant heat. Infrared saunas do not heat the space around you; therefore, the required temperature can be lower, often between 38-65 degrees Celsius, with most experts recommending a temperature towards the higher end of this range. Since the temperature in an infrared sauna is more tolerable, your sauna sessions can last longer than in a traditional sauna.

Portable Saunas

The portable sauna is one of the most advanced forms now available on the market. It warms the surface of your skin with infrared heating panels and radiant heat. Because most versions are basically portable infrared saunas, the required interior temperatures are between 38 and 65.5 degrees Celsius. This option is worth considering if you want to buy your own sauna, especially if you enjoy travelling. You can take it with you everywhere you go and enjoy from the sauna’s benefits.

Steam Saunas

In comparison to the traditional or infrared sauna, the steam sauna operates in a completely different way. They feature a steam generator, which boils water instead of using dry heat to warm you. Because this sort of sauna is completely airtight, the humidity level can hit 100%, but the temperatures are lower than in a traditional sauna. The steam sauna’s usual temperature ranges from 32 to 49 degrees C, but the humidity may make it feel warmer.

Each type of sauna has great benefits for the body. Depending on the level of heat and moisture you prefer will have an effect on the type of sauna you choose to purchase. The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company ensures the process for you designing and customising your sauna remains hassle-free, leaving you with peace of mind throughout the process. We remain completely flexible regarding all elements of the design from size, to shape to positionings, making your dream sauna come to life. Get in touch today to explore our range of saunas.

Using a sauna is easy, but are you truly making the most out of the possible health benefits that relaxing in a sauna can provide? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will detail how you can best benefit from sauna use and answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we get from our clients.

The correct way to use a sauna

• Shower and dry yourself before entering the sauna. This is because dry skin sweats more quickly than moist skin.
• If this is your first time using a sauna, we’d recommend spending roughly 8 to 10 minutes relaxing
• Once you’re in the sauna, use an underlay towel to keep your body from touching the wood. The higher you sit in the sauna, the hotter it becomes, so if it’s your first time using a sauna, you might want to start with a middle or lower bench.
• Each heating session in the sauna is followed by a cooling session. The best way to improve circulation is to gently lead the cold castings from the ankles upwards towards the heart. Make sure you use cold water to make the most of the Kneipp effect, helping to support your circulation.
• You should wait rest for around 30-45 minutes between sauna sessions.

Why should you take a cold shower after using a sauna?

When the skin is cooled by a cold stimulus such as a shower, your blood pressure rises causing your body to work harder and training your cardiovascular system. This is a great exercise for those with naturally low blood pressure, however you need to ensure that the cooling is severe enough to make the most out of the effect.

Have you considered sauna infusions?

During infusion, the levels of humidity quickly rise and for a few minutes the heat becomes even more intense. The infusion should be started after the second sauna session. Essential oils should only be used sparingly and should be diluted to prevent a causing a fire hazard. The soothing effects are intensified by the fragrances.

With a range of traditional and soft sauna options available, such as a modular sauna that allow you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in contact with a member of the team today to explore our range of products