The Benefits of Adding an Outdoor Sauna to Your Space
Some days feel like they never really stop. Work, responsibilities, and an endless to-do list can leave little space for genuine rest. If you’ve been craving better sleep, a way to wind down, or just a corner of calm in your day, you’re not imagining it. More people are actively looking for simple, effective ways to feel better without leaving the comfort of home.
That’s where an outdoor sauna fits in. A simple 20 minute session can bring comfort into a stressful week and help you reset after a long day. You'll notice how your body unwinds, and your mind clears with regular use.
I am sure you too have also been hearing how saunas can reduce your chances of major diseases and health conditions, and increase your longevity.
Why choose an outdoor sauna for your home?
Compared to indoor installations, an outdoor sauna connects you with the natural world. You can step into a warm cocoon of heat while surrounded by fresh air, garden greenery, or even a frosty winter backdrop. It creates an immersive sensory experience, combining warmth with mental and physical calm that’s hard to replicate indoors.
From barrel-style designs to cabin models, garden saunas are customisable and easy to integrate into many types of gardens. They come in various sizes and finishes, with features such as panoramic windows, changing areas and integrated lighting. You can also select the heater style that best suits your routine. Many fit easily on patios or decking, making them ideal for both compact and spacious gardens.
Health and wellness benefits of garden saunas
Regular sauna use can:
- Stimulate circulation and support cardiovascular health
- Help ease sore muscles and joint pain
- Reduce tension and lower stress levels
- Promote clearer, more radiant skin
- Support better sleep by calming the nervous system
These effects come from the body’s natural response to heat exposure. The high temperature helps widen blood vessels, improving circulation and delivering oxygen-rich blood to muscles and joints. Sweating encourages detoxification by helping to remove impurities through the skin, while the deep warmth soothes the nervous system and lowers cortisol levels. This is why many people report improved mood, better sleep, and reduced aches after a consistent sauna routine.
The outdoors enhances this effect. Emerging into fresh air after a sauna session boosts endorphins and strengthens your immune response. It also creates a mental “pause” that helps you re-centre and recharge. If you're recovering from exercise or simply need a mental break, the routine of stepping into a sauna and then out into fresh air adds a rhythm that supports overall balance.
Easy maintenance, long-term value
Most models use heat-treated wood or thermowood, built to withstand temperature changes and moisture. With proper placement and occasional cleaning your sauna will look and perform well for many years.
To keep your sauna looking and performing its best:
- Ventilate well between uses to prevent mildew or odour
- Clean benches and flooring on occasion with mild, natural products
- Re-oil exterior timber annually
- Ensure good drainage under the sauna if outside to avoid moisture build-up
- Check heater stones and replace them as recommended
With minimal upkeep, your sauna stays ready to use and supports your wellness routine with ease. It’s a reliable way to stay consistent with your self-care goals.
A beautiful feature with lifestyle impact
An outdoor sauna adds practical value to your life and enhances the overall look of your garden at the same time. Whether you opt for a rustic timber barrel, a sleek glazed cabin, or a traditional Finnish layout, these saunas create a visual focal point that feels more like a retreat than a utility.
Placed next to a cold plunge pool, tucked into a wooded corner, or featured on a decked area with privacy screens and subtle lighting, your sauna becomes a destination. For many homeowners, it also adds a daily ritual that supports mindset, mood, and quality of life.
If located indoors we can create the ultimate spa retreat and ensure it seamlessly fits in your home and wellbeing space.
Your wellness retreat is closer than you think
At The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company, we offer a wide range of sauna options, from compact infrared models, to combination steam saunas, to traditional wood-fired eco designs, to electric saunas with coal stoves. You choose the size and shape and we can turn your dream into a reality. If you're looking for a space-efficient solution or a full-featured outdoor retreat, we offer options tailored to your needs. All our saunas feature high-quality, sustainably sourced timber with options that balance comfort, efficiency, and visual appeal.
Features such as smart sauna controls, energy-efficient insulation, and optional LED mood lighting support relaxation and elevate your garden space. You can also explore custom add-ons like changing areas, APP connectivity controls, overhangs, or exterior wood treatments to make your sauna blend seamlessly with its surroundings. With decades of experience, we help you design and install a sauna that fits effortlessly into your space and lifestyle.
You can personalise your outdoor sauna with your choice of size, shape, seating layout, heating type, and finish. Many of our barrel and cabin models allow custom staining or painting to suit your style, and we guide you through every step from design to aftercare.
Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey? Visit our award-winning showroom in South East England to experience the options in person and speak to our team face to face, or email us to discover more on sales@hottub-swimspa.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I install an outdoor sauna in a small garden?
Yes, garden saunas come in compact models from two person size upwards that are perfect for small gardens or even patios. Barrel saunas and smaller cabin styles are particularly space-efficient. Alternatively, we offer a range of stunning larger saunas and commercial saunas suitable for gyms, health clubs and wellness clubs.
Do I need planning permission for an outdoor sauna in the UK?
In most cases, you don’t need planning permission for a freestanding outdoor sauna if it falls within permitted development guidelines. It’s always a good idea to check with your local authority if you’re unsure.
Which is better for garden saunas: electric or wood-fired heaters?
Electric heaters offer convenience and quick heating, while wood-fired heaters provide a more traditional, sensory-rich experience. We also offer controlled steam saunas, and infra red technologies- either stand alone or combined in a traditional sauna. The right choice depends on your lifestyle and preferences.
How energy efficient is an outdoor sauna?
Modern garden saunas are designed to retain heat efficiently, especially when built with insulation and thermowood. Energy-efficient electric heaters can also help reduce running costs.
What accessories can I add to my outdoor sauna?
Popular additions include built-in lighting, Bluetooth audio systems, aromatherapy dispensers, headrests, infra, and exterior privacy panels. These extras can help elevate the sauna experience.
Is it safe to use an outdoor sauna during winter?
Yes, garden saunas are ideal for cold weather. In fact, many people find winter sessions especially invigorating. Just ensure your sauna is properly insulated and maintained.
Do garden saunas increase home value?
They can. An outdoor sauna adds a desirable wellness feature that appeals to many homebuyers looking for lifestyle and self-care amenities.
Have more questions or need personalised guidance?
Get in touch and let us help you bring your perfect outdoor sauna to life.
