As a spa owner or manager in the UK, selecting the right type of sauna for your establishment is a complex decision that requires expert knowledge. Saunas offer numerous health benefits and can significantly enhance your clients’ spa experience. However, choosing the perfect sauna involves more than just picking an off-the-shelf solution.
This guide will help you understand the various types of saunas available in the UK market, their unique features, and how they can benefit your spa business and fit in with your spa design layout. Remember, while this information provides a starting point, consulting with sauna design experts like Alkaline 360 is crucial for making the best choice for your specific needs.
Need help identifying where you are in your spa development journey? Read our comprehensive guide that outlines the whole process (including how to avoid common pitfalls) here
Types of Saunas for UK Spas
1. Electric Sauna
Key Features:
- Heated by an electric stove
- Dry heat with option to increase humidity
- Temperature range: 65-90°C
- Easy temperature control
- Various wood options and finishes available
Benefits for Spas:
- Convenient and easy to operate
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation
- Precise temperature control for client comfort
- Lower maintenance compared to other types
- Can be designed for various group sizes
Considerations:
- Requires reliable electrical supply
- Can increase energy costs
- Wood type and finish affect durability and aesthetics
2. Infrared Sauna
Key Features:
- Uses infrared light to heat the body directly
- Lower ambient temperature (49-65°C)
- Dry heat environment
- Modern, sleek designs available
Benefits for Spas:
- More comfortable for heat-sensitive clients
- Energy-efficient operation
- Quicker heat-up time
- Can be marketed for specific health benefits
Considerations:
- Different experience from traditional saunas
- May not appeal to traditional sauna enthusiasts
- Higher initial cost for quality units
- Limited capacity for group sessions
3. Steam Room (Steam Sauna)
Key Features:
- High humidity (nearly 100%)
- Lower temperatures than dry saunas (38-49°C)
- Moist heat environment
- Requires specialised construction for moisture resistance
Benefits for Spas:
- Beneficial for respiratory health
- Excellent for skin hydration
- Can be combined with aromatherapy
- Appealing to clients who prefer moist heat
Considerations:
- Requires proper waterproofing and tanking to the floor
- Higher risk of mould growth (needs regular cleaning)
- Not suitable for those who prefer dry heat
- Specialised ventilation systems required
4. Combination Sauna
Key Features:
- Combines traditional sauna with infrared technology
- Offers both dry and infrared heat options
- Versatile temperature and humidity settings
- Can be customised with various wood types and finishes
Benefits for Spas:
- Provides options to cater to diverse client preferences
- Can offer various sauna experiences in one unit
- Maximises space efficiency
- Ideal for spas with limited space but diverse clientele
Considerations:
- Higher initial investment
- May require more complex maintenance
- Staff need training to operate different modes
- Careful design needed to ensure optimal performance in all modes
5. Barrel Sauna
Key Features:
- Unique circular design
- Electric heating for UK market
- Often used for outdoor installations
- Temperature range similar to traditional saunas
- Can be crafted from various wood types
Benefits for Spas:
- Attractive, eye-catching design
- Efficient heat distribution due to circular shape
- Can be a standout feature for outdoor spa areas
- Potential for unique sauna experiences
Considerations:
- Limited capacity compared to room-style saunas
- May not be suitable for indoor installation
- Requires proper site preparation for outdoor use
- Specialised design may not appeal to all clients
Choosing the Right Sauna for Your UK Spa
When selecting a sauna for your spa, consider the following factors:
1. Client Preferences and Offerings:
- What type of sauna experience do your clients expect?
- What kind of sauna experience do you want to offer?
- Are you interested in offering unique experiences like Aufguss sessions (where a sauna master performs a towel-waving ritual to distribute heat and aromas)?
2. Capacity and Group Experiences:
- How many people do you anticipate using the sauna simultaneously?
- Do you want to offer large group format sessions?
- Consider complementary facilities like a large format plunge pool for contrasting treatments
3. Space Availability:
- How much room can you dedicate to a sauna installation?
- Is outdoor installation an option?
4. Budget and Quality:
- Consider initial costs and long-term operational expenses
- Factor in the quality of materials, especially wood types and finishes
- Remember that commercial-grade saunas require higher investment than domestic units
5. Maintenance Requirements:
- How much time and resources can you allocate for upkeep?
- Consider the cleaning and maintenance needs of different sauna types
6. Energy Efficiency:
- Look for options that align with your spa’s sustainability goals
- Consider long-term running costs
7. Health Benefits:
- Choose types that complement your spa’s wellness offerings
- Consider how different sauna types can support your overall treatment menu
8. Versatility:
- Consider combination options if you want to offer various experiences
- Think about how the sauna can be used for different treatments or sessions throughout the day
9. Aesthetics and Materials:
- Consider different wood types (e.g., Nordic Spruce, Canadian Hemlock, Alder) and their properties
- Explore various lacquer options and how they affect the look, feel, and durability of the sauna
10. Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure all options considered meet UK safety standards and regulations
- Consider any local planning permissions that may be required, especially for outdoor installations
The Importance of Expert Consultation
While this guide provides an overview of sauna options for UK spas, the selection and installation process is complex and requires expert knowledge. Factors such as precise temperature control, optimal humidity levels, ventilation systems, and material selection all play crucial roles in creating the perfect sauna experience.
At Alkaline 360, we specialise in creating bespoke sauna solutions that perfectly match your spa’s needs, space, and clientele. Our experts can guide you through every step of the process, from initial design concepts to final installation and staff training.
By carefully evaluating these factors and understanding the different types of saunas available, you can make an informed decision that enhances your spa’s offerings and delights your clients. However, to ensure you’re making the best choice and getting the most value for your investment, we strongly recommend consulting with sauna design specialists.
Ready to elevate your spa’s offerings with a perfect sauna solution? Contact Alkaline 360 today for a personalised consultation and discover how we can bring your vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sauna for a commercial spa?
Electric saunas are most popular for commercial UK spas due to reliability, ease of operation, and precise temperature control. They accommodate both traditional sauna enthusiasts and guests new to heat therapy. Size for your peak capacity; most commercial saunas seat 6-10 people comfortably. Choose quality commercial-grade construction with appropriate wood species (Nordic Spruce and Canadian Hemlock are popular), proper ventilation, and safety features like automatic shutoffs. Combination saunas offering both traditional and infrared heating provide flexibility. The "best" sauna matches your clientele's preferences, available space, and operational capabilities. We help you select appropriate specifications for your specific situation.
How much does a commercial sauna cost in the UK?
Commercial-grade saunas typically cost £15,000-£40,000+ installed, significantly more than residential units due to heavier construction, larger size, and commercial safety requirements. Basic electric saunas for 4-6 people start around £15,000-£20,000. Larger capacity units (8-10 people) with premium wood and finishes run £25,000-£35,000. Custom designs, combination infrared-electric models, or outdoor barrel saunas can exceed £40,000. These figures include equipment, installation, electrical work, and basic surrounding finishes. Ongoing costs (electricity for heating and regular maintenance)typically run £100-£300 monthly depending on usage. Operating hours and energy efficiency significantly impact running costs.
What size sauna do I need for my spa?
Size by peak capacity: a boutique spa might need seating for 4-6 guests (roughly 4-6 square metres), while a busy destination spa might require 8-12 person capacity (8-12 square metres). Calculate based on your busiest periods, Sunday afternoons, for example. Some spas offer two smaller saunas rather than one large one for flexibility. Remember that sauna rooms need surrounding space for safe access, changing facilities nearby, and proper clearances for ventilation. A 6-person sauna requires approximately 20-25 square metres of total space including changing area and corridors. We model different scenarios based on your projected usage patterns.
Are infrared or traditional saunas better for spas?
Both work well but serve different clientele. Traditional electric saunas (65-90°C) appeal to experienced sauna users and European guests who expect authentic heat experiences. They're better for Aufguss ceremonies and create the classic sauna atmosphere. Infrared saunas (49-65°C) suit heat-sensitive guests, older clients, and those new to sauna use. They heat the body directly rather than the air, creating a different experience. Many spas install both types or choose combination units offering both modes. Consider your target market: hotel spas serving international tourists lean traditional; wellness centres attracting local members might choose infrared. We help you assess which suits your clientele.
Do saunas need special ventilation in the UK?
Yes, commercial saunas require properly designed ventilation meeting UK Building Regulations. The system must provide fresh air intake (typically low on walls), exhaust extraction (typically high on opposite walls or ceiling), and sufficient air changes per hour to prevent CO2 buildup and maintain comfort. Ventilation must handle high temperatures without creating uncomfortable draughts. Steam rooms require even more powerful extraction due to humidity. Inadequate ventilation creates health and safety issues and accelerates structural deterioration. Professional HVAC design is essential, this isn't an area for cost-cutting. We specify appropriate ventilation solutions integrated with your overall mechanical systems.
What maintenance do commercial saunas require?
Regular maintenance includes: daily cleaning (sweeping, wiping benches), weekly deep cleaning with appropriate sauna-specific products, quarterly inspection of heating elements and controls, annual professional servicing of electrical components, and wood treatment every 1-2 years (oil or specialised lacquer). Sauna stones need replacing every 2-3 years. Check door seals and hinges regularly. Monitor energy consumption, significant increases indicate problems. Most issues are preventable with proper use: prohibiting lotions or oils inside, maintaining proper ventilation, and ensuring guests shower before use. Professional maintenance contracts typically cost £600-£1,500 annually. We provide detailed maintenance guidelines for any saunas we install.
Can you install a sauna in an existing spa building?
Usually yes, but it requires proper planning. Key requirements: adequate electrical capacity for the heater (typically 6-9 kW for residential, 9-15+ kW for commercial units), proper ventilation with intake and exhaust, appropriate floor construction to handle heat and moisture, proper door with outward opening and panic-free operation, and safe clearances from combustible materials. Ground floor locations are simpler; upper floors may need structural assessment. Some buildings need electrical service upgrades. We assess your existing building, identify any necessary modifications, and design solutions that meet safety requirements while fitting within your space and budget constraints.
