The trend today is for superyachts to have everything possible for the guests’ enjoyment including pools, a Jacuzzi, a fully equipped gym, beautiful glass shower screens and even a sauna. This is often found on yachts designed by Sam Sorgiovanni, who is known for innovative and creative design in the world of luxury yachts. However, up-market homes are a bit like luxury yachts and you can easily install a sauna in your own home.
It can be part of a bathroom if there is enough room, or it can be separate. You can even have a room built in the garden especially for a sauna. However, don’t forget to look into council regulations because a building in the garden may need council approval. Adding a sauna to your home will not because it is part of the home; not separate.
So what are the benefits of a sauna? First, let’s be sure we are on the same page. Some saunas have dry heat while others have moist heat. Dry heat saunas can sometimes be both if there is provision to splash water over the heater. Naturally enough, it has to be a special type of heater so you don’t get electrocuted.
Generally speaking, a moist heat sauna is made from tiles, while a dry heat sauna is made from timber. The room for the sauna can be of any size you like, depending on how many people will be using it at one time. It should contain bench seating for the people who use it to sit or lie on. The benches should be covered with a towel for hygienic reasons, but it will also make the bench a bit more comfortable.
So why should you want a sauna? If you have never tried one, go to your local gym and try theirs. It will be especially good if you do a workout first. The heat from the sauna helps to ease muscle pain and you’ll recover faster.
Here are some points about sauna use you should know.
- Take a water bottle in with you. The heat will make you thirsty as you sweat. It is essential to replace this so you don’t get dehydrated.
- Never had a sauna? Take it slowly at first. Five minutes should be plenty for your first go and you can gradually work up to half an hour.
- A sauna is for relaxing in so don’t take a book and especially not your phone as the heat and/or humidity can cause it to malfunction. Just lie back and relax for 5-10 minutes and you’ll feel like a new person.
- Don’t use a sauna as a weight loss activity.
- Some doctors don’t recommend a sauna for kids under 5, pregnant women or anyone with a disease that heat might aggravate.