Bathroom Sauna (Pros and Cons)

Here we share our bathroom sauna guide including the pros and cons, how to make a sauna, cost, space needed, design tips, and the best sauna bathroom ideas to consider.
A sauna is a compact room or hut-like enclosure that is heated to temperatures that range from 100 to 140°F. A sauna’s function is to produce perspiration through a combined effect of heat and steam. 

Saunas are thought to be helpful for circulation, pain alleviation, detoxifying, and relaxation. Steam saunas are also thought to be beneficial to the respiratory system.

If you wish to create a peaceful spa experience at home, you can consider installing an in-home sauna in your bathroom. Whether or not to install a bathroom sauna is entirely dependent on how much you enjoy using it.

Pros And Cons Of A Bathroom Sauna

Here we share the advantages and disadvantages of a bathroom sauna.

Pros Of A Bathroom Sauna

A bathroom sauna can offer various advantages to you and your family. Here are a few advantages of in-home bathroom saunas:

Saunas Installed In Home Bathrooms Let You Conveniently Unwind In Luxury: The most significant advantage of an in-home bathroom sauna is that it enables you to enjoy a beautiful spa-like getaway in the comfort of your beloved home.

You get the seclusion of your own place, which also offers a pleasant, stress-free environment anytime you desire it. Installing an in-home sauna is another option to warm up a cold bathroom.

Bathroom Saunas Can Be Beneficial To One’s General Health: Even though saunas provide numerous healing properties, not every piece of information on the internet is supported by scientific research. To make it clear, relaxation and its associated advantages are among the health benefits of saunas that have been proven.

In general, using a sauna in the comfort of your own home helps improve circulation and adequately relax stiff muscles. Taking the time to relax can be a beneficial tool for stress relief, which comes with its specific set of health advantages and has been linked to enhanced cardiovascular health.

Having a bathroom sauna in your house means you have a constant chance to get rid of the toxins in your body. Because we do not consistently sweat every day, toxins can build up in our bodies. Sweating provides numerous health benefits, and saunas aid in the promotion of intense sweating, which aids in toxin removal.

A Bathroom Sauna Can be a Good Retreat After a Tiresome Day: One of the key objectives for installing a bathroom sauna is that it feels wonderful on the body, even after accounting for the incredible mental and physical advantages of utilizing it. It provides a fantastic retreat and a great method for the body and mind to rest and reconnect after a long and stressful day.

A Bathroom Sauna Can Help You Get a Better Sleep; Ideal Household Space for Homeowners with Insomnia: Individuals who have a bathroom sauna in their house frequently sleep better and longer. The high temperatures will eventually fall towards the evening.

This is associated with a progressive decrease in endorphin levels in the blood, which relaxes you and allows you to gently fall into a blissful sleep.

A Bathroom Sauna In Your House Can Raise The Value Of Your Property: Saunas in the home, particularly in the bathroom, might be a valuable addition. 

Even if you might not be constructing a custom house with the goal of eventually selling it soon, an in-home bathroom sauna can raise the total value of your house. This is useful should you intend to sell it. Meanwhile, you can appreciate having your bathroom sauna at your convenience at any moment.

Cons Of A Bathroom Sauna

Despite their multiple benefits, bathroom saunas also have their drawbacks. Here are their cons:

The Effects that Bathroom Saunas Provide Are Not Suitable for Everyone: You should be cautious in general and use your bathroom sauna appropriately, as remaining in a sauna for too long might induce dehydration and heat stroke if you fall asleep while savoring it.

Individuals suffering from heart illness and pregnant women, on the other hand, should consult their doctors before using a sauna. Depending on the seriousness of your cardiac illness, your doctor may advise you to stay cool and avoid using the sauna. They may also urge you to avoid it if you are breastfeeding.

Furthermore, you should limit your session in a sauna to no more than 20 minutes as beyond that time can pose dehydration from extreme sweating and heat stress. You must also avoid consuming alcohol while in the sauna because it can cause dehydration.

In-Home Bathroom Saunas Can Be Costly: Irrespective of the type of sauna you select, an in-home bathroom sauna will necessitate significant preparation and materials.

This implies that installing one in your customized home will raise your costs. If you are a homeowner with limited financial options, an in-home bathroom sauna might be an extra amenity that might drive your budget too far.

Some Types of Sauna Take Up Bathroom Space: A regular or infrared sauna occupies valuable space, thus you will have to include it in your bathroom layout and décor.

They may take up significant space in your bathroom contingent on the structure of your bathroom arrangement. The advantages of having a sauna in your house may exceed the expense of giving up some bathroom space.

However, you have some freedom in terms of the sauna dimensions – you can have a small one with sufficient space for one person or a bigger one with plenty of room to stretch out. Implementing these home sauna design suggestions will also help ensure that it is worth the extra space you are willing to lose.

If the idea of sacrificing more bathroom space does not interest you but you still need an in-home bathroom sauna, you can consider installing a steam shower rather than a regular or infrared sauna. Unlike the other forms, a steam shower may be fitted into your regular shower, saving you room in your bathroom. 

A Bathroom Sauna Necessitates Regular Maintenance: The fact that an in-home bathroom sauna adds another component to your house that needs regular maintenance is another potential disadvantage.

Installing an in-home bathroom sauna might be challenging for someone who is extremely busy and particularly dislikes additional household chores. Read more about sauna pros and cons on this page.

How To Make A Sauna In Your Bathroom 

Sauna Location: Your sauna should be placed in a location that is properly insulated and shielded from water damage. If you intend to use a log burner, you must be capable of safely arranging a vent through the space to allow the emissions from the fire to depart. You must have some means to situate ventilation panels to allow the air to pass through.

When installing a sauna inside a bathroom, you should keep a close eye on the hardware and fittings since plastic might distort and metal can become overheated.

The safest option is to zone an area. Make use of ceramic materials whenever possible. Remember that a small room is quicker to heat, thus if you have an option, you can pick your en-suite.

If in uncertainty, you can settle for an infrared sauna setup. It maintains a minimal ambient temperature, making it appropriate for a pre-existing bathroom, and the heaters may be placed on either side of the body for productive heating.

If you want to make things more advanced, you should install intricate infrared radiator emitters with reflective surfaces as well as temperature settings. 

Bathroom Layout With Sauna: A glass door is commonly used to enter the bathroom sauna. It is normally divided into two sections. The sauna usually has dimensions of 8 x 10 feet with a height ranging from 10 to 13 feet. Wood planks of varying widths are frequently used to cover the sauna.

The design of the sauna bathroom provides proper ventilation and natural sunlight. The sloped ceiling normally has three light fixtures: one in the toilet room, one above the shower, and one above the bathtub.

The sauna is usually brightened by certain types of glass doors, one of which leads to the pathway in front of the bathtub. However, bathroom saunas can also have a few light fixtures recessed on the ceiling.

Sauna Material: Cedar wood is usually used in the construction of steam bathroom saunas because it does not expand or break significantly under heat, insulates efficiently, and is far less prone to decay. There are usually 7 grades of cedar wood.

You have additional options with an infrared sauna, such as pinewood panels, which are easier to obtain and refurbished. You can also utilize old furniture or off-cuts from a contractor or a woodworker. It is crucial to make sure that the wood you purchase has not been chemically treated or coated.

Insulation: You have to be certain that a draft-proof insulating system is fitted in your bathroom sauna. Although the interior is itself steam-insulated, your bathroom could be damaged by condensation water. Huge windows or a dedicated ventilation system can provide essential airflow.

Cotton-based insulation is also a terrific, eco-friendly option if you are making a fresh start. It is not something you can produce yourself as it has to be treated to be fire-retardant, although it is safer than fiberglass inside the home.

If you plan to use a steam sauna, you can arrange the room properly by installing a vapor barrier after inserting the insulation between the baton frame and anchoring it down.

However, you can also use aluminum foil since it is less expensive and it will not dissolve or warp like plastic. You can also apply aluminum tape to the walls, handling around the corners and seams then work from the ground up.

Seating: Because metal is not recommended in a steamy area, a hardwood bench would be the better seating option. If you are a do-it-yourself enthusiast, you can go grab an old bed frame and cut it down to accommodate your sauna space. 

Because many bed frames are abandoned as their mattresses grow lumpy, you can almost likely locate this at your local second-hand furniture store. Do not use untreated wood in spots where you are most likely to sit because it will absorb sweat over a period.

Since the emitters or lights in an infrared sauna do not heat the air around you, you must properly arrange your bench. You will have to be near, preferably between two heaters. It is also a smart option to design the heater placement first, then the wooden bed frame.

Heating & Temperature: Despite being a relatively new technology, infrared saunas are quite widely known since they offer the best in-home sauna experience.

In-home bathroom saunas, unlike commercial saunas, usually do not heat the space around you. Thus, the needed temperatures are lower, often ranging from 100°F to 150°F. Nevertheless, most professionals suggest that bathroom sauna temperatures range between 140°F and 150°F for the best results.

Essentially, you will have the same experience as you would in a commercial sauna, but at considerably lower temperatures. It is achievable since infrared waves can heat you from the inside out.

Bathroom Sauna Steamer: A portable sauna steamer can help individuals relax and unwind in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Furthermore, because of its portable form, it is suitable for use anywhere and anytime, and the warmth from the steam provides a natural healing experience.

The majority of portable sauna steamers for bathrooms use infrared technology. Despite the lower temperature, the light from an infrared sauna steamer reaches significantly deeper into the body, generating a more intense sweat.

Design & Finishes: The overall design of the bathroom amplifies the therapeutic impact. A sauna involves the use of wood. Wood grain can be blended in a variety of ways, and it appears particularly excellent with natural stone. Light-colored tiles and smart lighting allow you to customize the brightness to your particular preferences.

In-home bathroom saunas are intended to be experienced and appreciated, but that does not imply they cannot also be attractive. Windows may be a good addition because you will get a spectacular view.

Just be sure to utilize double-paned glass to avoid jeopardizing the structure’s insulation and comfort. You also have some design flexibility with the door—you can go with hardwood, glass, or even certain types of sliding doors.

If you select the electrical option, the look of the bathroom sauna heater might be important as well. The finish and design of your heater can significantly alter the mood of your sauna, thus spending some time researching options and finding one that suits your preferences are essential.

How Much Space Is Needed For A Bathroom Sauna?

In terms of size, a compact sauna requires only a 4-by-4-foot open floor space, including some place for the sauna door and electrical wiring, as well as a ceiling height of at least 7 feet. However, you have to make sure that it is on level ground wherever you put it.

When deciding on the size of your sauna in your bathroom, the conventional guideline is to provide 2 feet of bench seating space per individual.

Bathroom Sauna Cost

On average, in-home bathroom saunas cost around $2,000 to $6,000, but some models, particularly infrared versions, might cost $9,000 or more, contingent on installation challenges.

Indoor models are more pricey than outdoor saunas since professionals must ventilate the area well and protect surrounding regions from excessive heat and wetness.

Adding Sauna To Bathroom Design Tips

• It is essential to consider the space required for a bathroom from the start of the design phase for new projects or upgrades. One square meter per individual will ensure adequate space. The smallest models necessitate slightly more than one square meter. Plan ahead of time if applicable.

• To create a sauna setting in your bathroom, you should increase the temperature of the water and enclose the area so that steam can develop. 

• Using the vents, the sauna collects cool air and expels hot air. Ensure that the sauna has abundant breathing space. The unit must not be located too close to a wall. It is possible that the walls and ceiling will need to be insulated.

• Saunas, unlike swimming pools or jacuzzis, do not necessitate as much upkeep. All you need to do is avoid using synthetic finishes. Paint and varnish might deteriorate the wood. After your hot treatment, keep the door open to allow the air to escape.

• You can bring your water heater temperature up to 140°F. Just remember to turn it off after you’re finished to prevent burning yourself.

Sauna In Bathroom Ideas

• A glass wall or slightly large window in your bathroom sauna would be a terrific way to liven up your peaceful environment. If you do not have a beautiful view, you can try installing a skylight to add some natural lighting to your sauna treatment.

• Wooden interiors are used in bathroom saunas since wood does not absorb as much heat as other materials such as stone and ceramic, making it more pleasant to sit on in a hot environment. Although cedar is the most usually used wood, other wood species such as pine also create excellent interiors.

• While wood is the classic sauna material, you should not be afraid to experiment with other materials to give your bathroom sauna some uniqueness. Several bathroom saunas include a concrete wall that keeps things warm.

• You can think about adding a wider-than-usual bench or a comfortable lounge chair. Have pillows or other supports available on the sides to increase your relaxation and support your neck and shoulders.

Master Bathroom With Sauna 

Upgrading your master bathroom layout to provide an attractive spot to unwind at the end of a tiring day is a fantastic idea. The addition of an in-home sauna takes it to the next level.

Here are some ideas for creating a master bathroom with a sauna:

• Add a Custom Sauna: The customized sauna converts the space into a relaxing space. The classic sauna not only provides an enclosed environment for pure relaxation but also encourages a healthy lifestyle by providing amazing heat-bathing benefits.

• Set up a Sauna Glass: The all-glass façade of the sauna blends in perfectly with the adjacent surroundings. The window within the sauna lets in natural daylight and enables sauna bathers to appreciate the views of nature from the outside.

• Install Smart Sauna Control: Homeowners may completely control their sauna from almost anywhere using a smart sauna controller. They can easily set the temperature, time length, brightness, and sound. The innovative glass touchscreen control is also conveniently located near the sauna.

• Put the Bathtub Near the Master Bathroom Sauna: The sauna is maximized by the presence of the nearby bathtub. They can have a relaxing bath in the tub after experiencing the intense heat of the sauna.

Bathroom Sauna Shower Combo

If you are unsure about where to place your bathroom sauna, you might want to think about putting it near your shower vicinity so that you can rinse off conveniently after working up a sweat.

Indeed, a bathroom-sauna shower combo is not only strategically situated but will also help transform your bathroom into an incredibly relaxing home sauna.

DIY Sauna In Bathroom

Dry saunas are essential for a do-it-yourself project. They can be placed almost anywhere, from the corner of a bathroom or master bedroom to outdoors.

If you are unable to construct a customized sauna from the ground up, DIY sauna packages are wonderful solutions for beginners. All internal materials will be included in DIY sauna packages, but you will still be required to frame the walls and ceiling with studs.

Bathroom Sauna Kit 

Although a customized sauna is an elegant complement to any house, other wonderful prefabricated bathroom sauna kits can be easily installed in your bathroom.

Prefabricated sauna kits are available in a variety of forms and sizes and are simple to construct and install, allowing you to enjoy a home sauna pleasure without the expense and time required to build a personalized sauna.

When buying a sauna kit look for one that is constructed with non-toxic materials. Other notable features are tempered glass, electrical certification, low EMF & ELF levels, and an automatic timer function.

Infrared Sauna In Bathroom

As long as the standard conditions for a particular sauna are followed, an infrared sauna can be installed anywhere, including bathrooms. A bathroom sauna, like a steam shower, necessitates effective spacing and heat-resistant enclosures.

An infrared sauna can be installed in your current bathroom since it maintains a low ambient temperature. The heaters can be placed on either side of the body to provide optimal body heating.

See more related content in our article about steam shower designs on this page.