It is everyone’s wish to have a personal spa parlour in their homes whereby they can relax in a sauna or steam bath. Apart from being a way of relieving stress and being unhealthy, these wellness spaces also are an added value to your home. Nevertheless, the process of designing a sauna or a steam room is not a very simple one and has to be done very well in order to enhance safety, effectiveness and pleasure. Here are the top 10 essential tips to assist you in planning for the ideal home sauna or steam room.
- Define Your Purpose and Goals
- First of all, identify the purpose of installing a sauna or a steam room. Are you looking for relaxation, health reasons or both? This will assist in determining the design and the features that would be necessary.
- Choose the Right Location
- The location of your sauna or steam room is very important. It should be easily accessible and afford privacy. It is recommended that it be situated near a bathroom. Make sure that the area has enough ventilation and can allow for the necessary utilities to be installed.
- In order to distinguish between a sauna and a steam room:
- Saunas are characterised by dry heat where the temperatures range from 150°F to 195°F and steam rooms are characterised by moist heat where the temperatures range from 110°F to 120°F. Choose the type of experience that will best meet your requirements and wishes. There are those who like the heat of the saunas and there are those who prefer the steam of the steam rooms.
- Choose the Right Size:
- Find out the number of people you want to ferry at one time. Some saunas can only accommodate 1-2 people, while others can accommodate 6 or more people. The size will also determine the cost, the amount of heating required and the installation process.
- Choose the right materials
- For saunas, cedar or hemlock wood is recommended since these types of wood are able to withstand high temperatures and high levels of moisture. While steam rooms are usually constructed using non-porous materials such as tiles or acrylics. This helps in the selection of materials that can withstand a lot of wear and tear while at the same time having a beautiful appearance.
- Understand the Heating System
- Saunas are usually equipped with electric, gas or wood burning heaters and electric heaters are the most commonly used ones since they are easy to use and very effective. Steam rooms on the other hand work with a steam generator; the size of the generator should be proportional to the size of the room. It is advisable to seek the services of a professional in this field to help choose the right one.
- Ventilation and Drainage Planning
- Ventilation is very important in order to ensure that enough fresh air is brought into the room and at the same time to avoid accumulation of moisture that can lead to formation of mold and mildew. It is therefore important that both saunas and steam rooms have efficient drainage to allow for proper water flow and management of water build up.
- The following are the safety features to incorporate
- Safety should always be a concern. Some features that can be incorporated include the installation of timer which automatically turns off the appliance when the pre-determined time expires, thermoregulators and adequate lighting. This is because the doors should be designed in a way that they swing open and can be easily pushed in case of any crisis.
- Keep Energy in Mind
- This is why energy efficiency is significant in cutting down the operating costs as well as the negative impact on the environment. Ensure that the room is well insulated so that heat is not lost and think about installing energy efficient heaters or steam generators. Another way is by utilizing a programmable thermostat which helps in regulating the energy use accordingly.
- Maintenance and Cleaning Plan
- It is imperative to perform routine maintenance of sauna or steam room in order to ensure that they are in their best condition at all times. Select materials that are easy to clean and maintain. Set a schedule for cleaning and servicing of heating system or steam generator.
Consult with Professionals
While DIY might be tempting, consulting with professionals ensures your sauna or steam room meets all safety standards and performs efficiently. Professionals can provide valuable insights and prevent costly mistakes.
Contact For Sauna or Steam Room
