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How is Sauna different from other baths?
A Sauna must have a special, insulated room built of softwood; a heater which is capable of heating the room to about 190F.; and stones which get hot enough to produce a good steam when water is poured over them. Anything else is not a Sauna. Also, a Sauna is not a steam bath. Steam is 100% humidity while a Sauna is relatively dry at about 20-25% average humidity (when water is used).

Are rocks necessary in a Sauna?
Rocks are necessary to store heat and to produce steam when water is poured over them. Rocks should be placed all around the heater elements and should completely cover them. In this way the stones will filter the heat from the heater elements for a softer more comfortable bathing experience and provide better steam. Rocks which sit on top of a grill or basket will not get hot enough to produce a good steam and the bather will experience a harsher heat.

What is the difference between a wet and a dry Sauna?
They are the same thing. When someone says "wet" they mean that water can be poured over the stones in the heater. If water can not be poured over hot stones it is not a Sauna. The Sauna bather controls the humidity in the room by the amount of water that is poured over the hot stones. Water can create a more relaxing atmosphere and it aids in perspiration and deep cleansing of the pores.



Why must a Sauna be built of softwood?
The humidity must be absorbed into the wood to keep the atmosphere relatively dry. Softwoods have this property and are cool to the touch. Hardwoods absorb heat and become too hot to sit or lean against. The wood must be kiln dried to within 9-11% moisture content to prevent shrinkage and warpage.

Should a Sauna have a waterproof floor?
A Sauna must have a waterproof floor that is can be easily washed and kept clean and sanitary, and free of odor. We recommend washable floors such as tile, cement, or heavy duty vinyl. Where possible, we also recommend a floor drain for easy cleaning; a necessity in commercial Saunas.

Should a Sauna be insulated?
Yes, to prevent heat loss. We recommend as minimum R-11 batt insulation. As an added vapor barrier insulations can be foil faced. R-19 in a 2x6 wall is best with ceiling R-value between 30 and 39.

How high should the ceiling be?
The ceiling should be no higher than 7 ft., as it is important to bring the heat down to where the bathers can use it at bench level. It is also more economical to heat, and the Sauna will heat faster. A 8 ft. ceiling would require additional bench levels to assure that the bather is at the higher temperature range; this will add both to the cost of the Sauna room and to the heat up time.

Where can a Sauna be installed?
A Sauna can be put anywhere you have space -- inside or outside. All you need is a waterproof floor, a 220/240V. electrical hookup for the heater, and for convenience, it is best to have a shower nearby for washing off. Health clubs, hotels, motels, master bathrooms, garages, patios, decks, basements are all ideal places for Saunas.

Is a Sauna expensive to operate?
Heat up time is fast - 30 to 45 minutes - and the sauna is only on when being used, unlike spas. The average Finlandia/S.S.C. home Sauna costs as little as $3-5 per month to operate, when used for 1-2 hours 3 times a week.

Why should I choose Finlandia and Springs Sauna Company Saunas?
We have the highest quality in the Sauna industry. We believe in our product and refuse to offer the customer anything but the best. We promote and sell only the real Sauna. We invite you to enjoy an Authentic Finnish Sauna experience!