Owning an outdoor infrared sauna means relaxing and rejuvenating while reaping the health benefits of heat therapy in your backyard. To ensure you enjoy such luxuries in the comfort of your own home throughout the seasons, protecting your sauna from weather conditions like rain, UV rays and outdoor elements is crucial. Mitigating these risks can effectively extend the lifespan of your outdoor sauna.
Weatherproofing your sauna doesn’t have to be difficult. This step-by-step guide from Sun Stream Saunas NZ will provide you with easy-to-follow tips to get started.
Step 1: Choose a strategic location
Ideally, it’s recommended for the infrared sauna to be placed in a spot with natural shelter, such as near a wall, under a sturdy awning, or even beneath a custom-built pergola. These structures shield your sauna from direct rainfall and sunlight, reducing wear and tear over time.
It’s also worth considering the ground underneath your sauna. The surface has to be stable, level, and well-draining. This will protect it from water pooling, which can damage the base of your sauna and promote mould growth. Some of the best solutions to this are to build gravel or concrete foundations first.
Step 2: Protect the exterior
The exterior of your sauna bears the brunt of weather exposure. With that, investing in a durable, waterproof sauna cover would be quintessential. This offers a simple yet effective way to shield it from outdoor elements.
For optimal protection, opt for a high-quality UV-resistant cover that is also breathable. This will safeguard against moisture buildup and potential damage from condensation.
Additionally, applying weatherproof sealants to the sauna’s external wooden components helps preserve their integrity. These act as a barrier against moisture and sunlight, preventing warping, cracking, or fading. For sauna owners in harsher climates, treating the exterior wood of your sauna annually with weather-resistant oils or varnishes is highly advisable.
Step 3: Safeguard electrical components
Electrical components exposed to outdoor elements, such as control panels, wiring, and heating units, require meticulous protection due to their high sensitivity to moisture and temperature fluctuations. To prevent outdoor electrical features from getting damaged, follow these tips:
- Install waterproof enclosures around electrical connections to prevent water infiltration.
- Ensure all outlets and connections meet outdoor safety standards and are weatherproofed.
- Regularly inspect the wiring for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
While setting up your outdoor infrared sauna, remember to consult with a licensed electrician to ensure your sauna’s electrical setup complies with local regulations and is adequately protected against outdoor conditions.
Step 4: Maintaining the infrared sauna’s performance all seasons
Routine maintenance during seasonal adjustments keeps your infrared sauna in peak condition. During summer, prevent overheating by checking for excessive sunlight and implementing shading solutions such as umbrellas or adjustable canopies. While in winter, inspect seals and insulation to ensure optimal heat retention. If snow accumulation is a concern, regularly clear the roof to prevent structural stress.
A general rule of thumb is to conduct regular cleaning to remove moisture, dirt, and other debris that may accumulate on or around the sauna after every use. Then, use non-abrasive cleaners for the exterior.
These small adjustments ensure your outdoor infrared sauna continues to perform reliably for years to come.
Protect Your Outdoor Infrared Sauna
Compared to their indoor counterparts, outdoor infrared saunas face greater exposure to the elements, which potentially shortens their lifespan However, with proper care and maintenance, you can significantly extend its longevity and continuously enjoy the invaluable experiences it provides.
At Sun Stream Infrared Saunas, we understand the importance of durability and performance in outdoor saunas. That’s why our products are made with premium materials designed to thrive in any environment. Explore our range of outdoor infrared saunas today or contact us for further inquiries.