As global interest in health and wellness continues to rise, saunas have become a popular fixture in gyms, hotels, and spas. However, selecting the right sauna for a commercial setting involves many factors, from choosing between traditional and infrared saunas to understanding energy efficiency and maintenance needs. This guide will address the most common concerns that commercial buyers have when considering a sauna purchase.

When choosing a sauna for a commercial setting, understanding the specific needs of the business and customer demographics is essential.

• Traditional Saunas: Typically run at high temperatures of 70°C to 100°C and are favored by customers who seek a classic sauna experience. Commercial establishments like high-end spas or resorts, where clients expect this traditional sauna feel, may find this option more fitting.
• Infrared Saunas: Operate at a lower temperature (45°C to 60°C) and directly heat the body, not the air. Infrared saunas are more energy-efficient and better suited for gyms or wellness centers, where the focus is on health and frequent use. These saunas require less preheating and have a more comfortable operating temperature for customers who may not tolerate high heat.

Example:
A traditional sauna in a hotel spa that operates for 10 hours daily will consume around 12-15 kWh per hour, depending on the heater’s capacity. Over a month, this totals roughly 3,600-4,500 kWh. An infrared sauna operating under the same conditions would consume 30-50% less energy, reducing total monthly consumption to approximately 1,800-2,250 kWh, potentially saving thousands of dollars annually on electricity bills.

In terms of energy efficiency, infrared saunas hold a significant advantage. A typical traditional sauna uses between 6-9 kW of electricity per hour, while an infrared sauna uses 1.5-2.5 kW per hour. This discrepancy in energy consumption is due to the differences in heating methods.

Energy Consumption Comparison:

• Traditional Sauna: A standard 8kW heater in a commercial setting (used for 6 hours daily) would consume around 48 kWh per day. Over a month, this amounts to 1,440 kWh, which—depending on local energy rates—could cost anywhere from $150 to $300.
• Infrared Sauna: An infrared sauna operating for the same duration consumes around 12-15 kWh daily, translating to 360-450 kWh monthly. This lower usage could reduce electricity costs to $40-$100 per month, offering significant savings.

Recommendation:
If your business prioritizes long-term energy savings, an infrared sauna is a more sustainable option. The initial investment may be comparable, but operational costs are significantly reduced over time, making it a smart choice for high-usage environments.

Infrared saunas offer several scientifically-backed health benefits, many of which surpass those provided by traditional saunas due to the deeper tissue penetration of infrared heat.

• Detoxification: Infrared saunas are known to promote detoxification through more profound sweating. Research indicates that infrared saunas can help expel toxins such as heavy metals (lead, mercury), and organic pollutants up to seven times more efficiently than traditional saunas.
• Pain Relief & Recovery: Infrared heat penetrates the skin at a depth of 1.5-2 inches, stimulating circulation and reducing muscle stiffness. Studies show that regular use can improve joint mobility and decrease inflammation, making it a popular choice for rehabilitation centers.
• Cardiovascular Health: A 2015 study found that regular infrared sauna use can lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function, providing long-term cardiovascular benefits.

Example:
In a wellness center, infrared saunas could attract clients looking for specific health benefits, allowing you to market the facility as a recovery hub for athletes, or as a detox and wellness retreat for health-conscious individuals.

The performance of a commercial sauna heavily depends on the heater. For a commercial sauna room, factors such as size, expected usage frequency, and sauna type (traditional or infrared) must be carefully considered when selecting a heater.

• Heater Size: The power of the heater should match the sauna’s cubic volume. The general rule is 1 kW of power per cubic meter of space. For example, a 10 cubic meter sauna room will require a 10kW heater to ensure optimal heating efficiency.
• Durability: Commercial saunas operate far more frequently than residential ones, meaning heaters need to be robust. Brands like Harvia and Tylo are known for their reliable, high-output commercial heaters.

Example:
For a 15 cubic meter commercial sauna, a 15kW heater will be necessary to ensure rapid heating and consistent temperature maintenance throughout the day. Underestimating heater capacity can result in uneven temperatures and increased wear on the equipment due to overuse.

Wood type plays a critical role in the longevity and overall performance of a sauna. Commercial-grade saunas require materials that can withstand high temperatures, humidity, and frequent use without warping or splintering.

• Red Cedar: Known for its natural resistance to decay and insects, red cedar also remains cool to the touch, even at high temperatures. Its aromatic scent and luxurious appearance make it a popular choice for high-end saunas.
• Nordic Spruce: An affordable yet durable option, Nordic spruce is lightweight and has excellent thermal properties. It is commonly used in mid-range commercial saunas due to its resilience and aesthetic appeal.

Example:
For a high-traffic gym sauna that operates up to 12 hours daily, red cedar would be a better long-term investment due to its durability. While Nordic spruce offers a lower initial cost, it may require more frequent maintenance or replacement over time.

The size of the sauna impacts not only how quickly it heats up but also the user experience and operational costs. Larger saunas need more powerful heaters and take longer to reach the desired temperature, while smaller saunas heat up more quickly and are more energy-efficient.

Data Example:

• Small Sauna (3 cubic meters): Heats in about 30 minutes using a 3kW heater, consuming approximately 1.5 kWh during warm-up.
• Large Sauna (15 cubic meters): Requires a 15kW heater, taking up to 60 minutes to fully heat, consuming about 15 kWh just during warm-up. Over the course of a day, energy usage for a larger sauna can be double that of a smaller one, significantly affecting operational costs.

Recommendation:
Select a sauna size based on the number of users and the frequency of use. Over-sizing the sauna could lead to unnecessary energy waste, while under-sizing may result in poor user experiences.

Installation costs vary widely based on sauna type, size, materials, and additional features (like smart controls or LED lighting). Traditional saunas tend to have higher installation costs due to ventilation needs, while infrared saunas are simpler to install and maintain.

Cost Breakdown Example:

• Traditional Sauna (10 cubic meters): Installation costs can range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on materials and added features.
• Infrared Sauna (same size): Installation costs range from $7,000 to $15,000, as they require fewer complex systems (ventilation, stone heaters).

Recommendation:
Factor in long-term operational costs in addition to installation expenses. While infrared saunas are typically cheaper to install, their operational savings make them an even more cost-effective choice in high-traffic environments.

Selecting the right sauna for commercial use requires a comprehensive understanding of performance, energy efficiency, and user experience. By analyzing sauna types, heater capacities, material durability, and size impact, businesses can optimize their investments for long-term benefits.