With the increasing popularity of Saunas, and looking at the great health benefits that it has to offer, many people have shown interest in constructing their own Saunas.
Considerations to be kept in mind while building a sauna are the availability of required budget, space and the requirement of luxury.
The following parameters should be kept in mind while constructing a sauna:
It is important to choose the material of sauna as per the availability, comfort and the finance available. Sauna can be directly purchased which is available in the form of prefabricated cabins made of plastic, wood or glass. They can also be made by using stones or wood with the help of special tools.
Size:
Size is an important design parameter which depends on the requirement of the user. It depends on the number of users, space requirement for changing room, shower areas and most important of all, the space required for the heat generation stove or other machine.
Saunas are directly available in prefabricated forms which can be directly installed as per the instructions from the manufacturers. These can be even erected in few hours. Also there are special provisions made available to the customers to modify certain designs befitting their personal requirements.
Heat source is a critical factor in deciding the type of sauna required. The heat source used may be electricity, gas, infrared waves, wood, etc.
Electricity:
Electric stoves are widely used where economy is a consideration. As compared to wood, they can be cheaper as there is no cost of cutting and hauling. An added advantage is that it can be used in both indoor and outdoor saunas. Electrical connections are easily available and so there are no hassles in this type of sauna.
Wood:
Using wood is quite obsolete these days as it requires large quantities of wood to be cut and transported and thus it can be more laborious. But wood has its own charismatic essence and produces a traditional environment and a soothing odour. But before selecting this alternative, it is important to check with the local regulations for the permission of the usage of wood stove.
Gas:
Gas is comparatively cheaper than electricity and wood. So if economy is an important consideration, then gas can be used. The only disadvantage with gas is that it is necessary to check the emissions and test whether the carbon monoxide produced is within the permissible limits
The selection of heat source governs the location of sauna. If wood is a source, then it is essential that it should be outdoors and essentially near a place where wood can be properly stacked before consumption. If electricity is an option then it is more preferable to have it indoor where electrical connection is easily available.
Water supply is also very important while deciding on the place of installation. Indoor saunas require good plumbing and draining facilities. On the other hand outdoor saunas will also need plumbing unless water is to obtained from a pond.
Most of these options selected are purely based on convenience or budget considerations.
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