Everything you need to know before purchasing an outdoor sauna.

An outdoor sauna is the ultimate way to achieve optimal relaxation in your own backyard. It's not just a garden accessory; it's a space that allows you to unwind whenever and however you want. But before you purchase an outdoor sauna, it's important to get well-informed. Do you know, for instance, if you need a permit to install an outdoor sauna? And what about the maintenance of an outdoor sauna? In this blog, you'll discover everything you need to know so you can make an informed decision.

Can an outdoor sauna be installed without a permit?

If an outdoor sauna is not attached to the house, it falls under the category of outbuildings. In the Netherlands, there are general rules regarding outbuildings: "If your outbuilding has a height of less than three meters, an area smaller than 30 m2, and is not intended for living, generally, no building permit is required."

These rules apply to almost 90% of all situations. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to verify this with your municipality, as municipalities have the right to make exceptions to national rules. Additionally, restrictions may be included in the building regulations. To date, we have placed our 20ft Wellness spaces without a permit in all cases. This is partly possible due to the use of a shipping container, which is often not considered permanent construction.

What maintenance does an outdoor sauna require?

An outdoor sauna is not just a symbol of luxury but also of durability. Regularly cleaning the outdoor sauna extends its lifespan, resulting in long-term cost savings. After all, you're investing in a sauna with the intention of enjoying it for a long time.

A sauna undergoes quite a bit of wear and tear. Consider the fluctuating temperatures from cold to hot and the moisture deposition from steam. Did you know, for example, that you should replace the sauna stones every two years? The ventilation of the stones becomes less efficient after two years. This is due to the debris that remains in the heater and forms a whole with the stones. This leaves no room for ventilation.

Over time, sauna stones may become less efficient in absorbing heat, especially due to repeated heating and cooling. This can lead to the sauna losing its optimal functionality, and you won't be able to enjoy the desired heat. To ensure that the poured water evaporates immediately, the stones must be kept constantly warm. If the stones do not warm up sufficiently, you risk the water not evaporating and dripping along the stones, potentially damaging the heating elements in the oven. Therefore, it's wise to regularly maintain the sauna stove and stones to prevent unexpected costs.

What materials is an outdoor sauna made of?

The essence of luxury often lies in the choice of materials. Of course, wood is a crucial component, but there's more to it. How about an outdoor sauna with a large glass wall? This allows you to enjoy your sauna session even more because of the view of the green surroundings.

Interior: Typically, we use (thermally treated) aspen wood for the interior of our outdoor saunas. Of course, we can adjust the type of wood to the client's wishes. Additionally, there's the option to install tiles as flooring. Tiles are resistant to moisture and heat, making them durable and less susceptible to wear. Moreover, a tile floor ensures even heat distribution, contributing to a comfortable and relaxing sauna experience.

Exterior: One of the most striking sustainable aspects of a 20FT WELLNESS® space is that the exterior of the space lasts for years. It is made from new shipping containers in various sizes: 10ft, 20ft, 30ft, or 40ft. Shipping containers are transformed into well-insulated spaces. With the addition of high-quality insulation materials, the heat stays inside, saving you energy costs. This makes the wellness space not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly due to reduced energy demand.

To complete the sustainable picture, you can consider installing a sedum roof on the wellness space. A sedum roof is a roof covered with sedum plants that assists in additional insulation. Due to the heat from the sun, the sedum begins to "sweat." This causes the collected water in the plants to slowly evaporate. This evaporation consumes a lot of energy from the plants, allowing them to release only a small portion of solar energy (13%) to the roof of your garden office. The remaining 27% of the sun's energy is directly reflected and bounces away from your outdoor sauna. The layer beneath the sedum plants (substrate) also provides extra insulation. The substrate consists of multiple layers with a small air layer in between. You can think of it as multiple layers of clothing. The stagnant air between the layers acts as an additional insulator.

What other features can an outdoor sauna include?

Outdoor saunas can be equipped with various features, such as an integrated shower or a stylish canopy. Since a 20ft Wellness space is fully custom-made, this means you can have your specific wishes integrated into the design.

Additionally, you can opt for ingenious gadgets like the wood stoves from TylöHelo. This comes with an app that you install on your smartphone, allowing you to activate your sauna remotely. This way, your sauna is always ready when you are. In short, you determine how luxurious your ultimate wellness experience will be.

What is the energy consumption of an outdoor sauna?

An indoor Finnish sauna consumes an average of 1 kWh per cubic meter. Of course, this strongly depends on the size and type of sauna heater. An outdoor sauna generally requires a bit more power due to the larger heating capacity. When designing outdoor saunas, we always take energy efficiency into account.

In your quest for the perfect outdoor sauna, we are ready to guide you into a world of luxury and relaxation. An outdoor sauna is not just an addition to your home but an investment in your well-being. Choose elegance, choose comfort, choose the ultimate outdoor sauna experience.