The sauna buyer's checklist
10 things to verify before you spend a dollar on a home sauna. Print this. Check every box.
1. Prove the habit first
Do 10 sauna sessions (spa, gym, or friend's sauna) before spending five figures. If you're not craving session 11, stop here.
2. Choose your heat: traditional vs. infrared
Traditional = hotter air + steam ritual, 240V wiring. Infrared = gentler, plugs into a wall outlet, far cheaper. Commit to the experience before you commit the money.
3. Measure the space — twice
Length × width × ceiling height. Remember delivery access: can a crate or module actually reach the spot? Note setbacks from property lines.
4. Size the heater correctly
Rule of thumb: 1 kW per 40–60 cu ft depending on insulation. Undersized = lukewarm forever. Use our free heater-size calculator.
5. Get TWO electrician quotes first
Traditional electric saunas need 240V / 30–50A. Check panel capacity now — an upgrade adds $1,500–3,000. Quotes are free; surprises aren't.
6. Budget the full 5-year cost
Purchase + pad + electrical + 5 years of electricity + maintenance. Typically 20–40% above sticker. Run our total-cost calculator.
7. Check permits & HOA rules
Permanent outdoor structures often need permits; HOAs have opinions. One 10-minute call to your city beats a stop-work order.
8. Verify ventilation & materials
Proper airflow (intake low, exhaust high) prevents mold. Interior should be real cedar/hemlock — not plywood or MDF. Ask the builder how they ventilate.
9. Read the warranty like a contract
What's covered: structure? heater? electronics? For how long, and who pays shipping on a claim? Lifetime structural warranties are the gold standard — and warranty terms are published by the manufacturer, so read theirs, not the marketing headline.
10. Plan the cold side
Contrast therapy needs cold: a plunge, a cold shower, or at minimum a plan. Budget it now — it's a second purchase that always follows the first.
🧊 Bonus: the 90-day rule
Not ready for the full build? Start with a sauna tent or 3 months of spa visits. The cheapest due diligence in wellness is proving you'll actually use the heat — before the heat gets expensive.
Tip: press Ctrl/Cmd + P to save this page as a PDF. The free calculators this checklist references live at polarandember.com/calculators.