Combination saunas
A sauna that combines both traditional hot rock and infrared heat capabilities is an excellent way for the consumer to experience the best of both worlds. By combining these two heat sources, bathers can experience a traditional sauna environment from the hot rock stove, while still receiving the added health benefits of an infrared heater.
As knowledge increases regarding the health benefits of infrared heating, sauna manufacturers are finding the popularity of combination saunas becoming increasingly popular for both residential and commercial applications.
Electrical requirements
Saunas can be customized to fulfil various electrical requirements for residential and/or commercial use as they can vary in both settings. For example, saunas can be offered with low wattage to increase energy efficiency. In residential applications, the most common voltages are 120 and 240 volts, while for commercial saunas it can vary between 120 and 600 volts.
It is also important to note, however, a licensed electrician must install the sauna’s electrical components.
Health and wellness
It has become common knowledge that regular sauna use provides many health benefits as they assist in the removal of toxins from the body. Traditionally, saunas have been used to improve mental clarity, to diminish pain, and promote longevity.
More recently, it has been shown that regular sauna use can greatly assist in the elimination of accumulated toxins, including mercury (Hg), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and pesticides. It is also important to consumers with environmental sensitivities and allergies as saunas can be customized to ensure none of the these potentially harmful materials are included.
In fact, some saunas on the market are made from certain woods and materials these consumers should not come in contact with. Therefore, manufacturers can custom-build a sauna to meet their customer’s demands for better health. For instance, they can be completely constructed without the use of adhesives, plywood, or other impure materials that may adversely affect sensitive individuals.
If a customer has an allergy to a particular type of wood, the manufacturer can suggest one of the wood alternatives previously discussed. Should a customer have a general wood allergy, the sauna can be made completely from glass.
Equally as important as the material the sauna comprises is the building materials used to construct the sauna stove.
The heating source, whether infrared or traditional hot rock, can be made of surgical stainless steel for pure heat. Surgical stainless steel is pure metal, allowing bathers to get the best quality heat. Low-wattage components are also available so the consumer does not have to worry about any impurities or electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Many small portable saunas are also built on wheels, allowing users to move the sauna to clean its exterior and avoid dust build-up. These upgrade options are often found on saunas used in treatment facilities, or on residential units for those who want a high-quality, pure-heat therapy sauna.
Going beyond consumer expectations
The old saying, “If the sauna is just a bath, then Buckingham Palace is just a house,” rings true. Saunas have moved from simple box-style construction to rooms that go far beyond the consumer’s expectations of functionality and esthetics.
Contemporary saunas can meet nearly any demand a consumer has and can also echo the style of a person or company. Sauna manufacturers can provide input in order to ensure codes and requirements are met and in doing so, helping to make your customer a satisfied one.
Anna Vetta is the sales administrator for Saunacore, a manufacturer of custom sauna products in Bolton, Ont. She has more than 12 years of experience in the sauna industry and holds a specialist degree in economics and geography from the University of Toronto. Vetta can be reached via e-mail at anna@saunacore.com.
