For a sauna you will need sufficient air supply and ventilation (e.g. via a window) and a current supply of 400 V (high-voltage current) at the place of installation. Saunas are available in different forms and sizes, classical saunas in wood or saunas with glass fronts for a special ambiance. You should also think about the type of wood and the equipment when it comes to the planning. Today, many saunas already come with built-in infrared elements which make the cabin multifunctional. 

The major issues when planning an outdoor sauna are the building permit, snow load, concrete foundation, size of the foundation, floor insulation and electric installation. 

• Finnish sauna – The Finnish sauna provides particularly high temperatures of 80 - 90°C for an intensive sauna experience.
• BI-O sauna – The BI-O sauna with a sauna heater with evaporator generates a humid sauna atmosphere 
  (temperatures of about 50°C) with a humidity of approx. 60%. Additionally, you can enrich the air in the cabin with salt and valuable minerals in the BI-O mode with our brine spa (Sole-Therme) salt evaporator.
• Sauna with infrared technology – Sauna and infrared combined in one cabin.
• Multifunctional sauna – all technologies combined in one cabin for little moments of well-being.

The size of your sauna depends on various factors, in particular your height and whether you prefer to sit or lie in the sauna. For seated sauna users, a small alcove can often be sufficient, while an internal dimension of around 200 cm is recommended for a comfortable reclining position. To calculate the actual space required, the wall thickness of the sauna and the distance from the wall must be taken into account in addition to the interior dimensions if the sauna is adjacent to a wall.

For rough planning purposes, we recommend dimensioning at least one side of the sauna with an internal dimension of 200 cm to ensure comfortable use. Of course, the sauna can also be planned smaller, depending on personal preference or room size. Alternatively, a larger sauna is a good option if there is sufficient space and the sauna is for family use.

When planning the external dimensions, it is important to add the wall thickness of the sauna to the internal dimensions. For element saunas, this is 7.5 cm (4.5 cm for log saunas). In addition, 5 cm air inlet and 10 cm air outlet wall clearance should be planned for Finnish saunas to ensure adequate ventilation. For Bi-O saunas, 6.5 cm supply air and 10 cm exhaust air wall clearance is required. This rear ventilation is crucial to prevent condensation and possible mould growth.

As an example: An element sauna with an internal dimension of 200 cm, which adjoins room walls on both sides, would have an external dimension of around 215 cm. The total space required, including wall spacing, would then be around 230 cm.
This example illustrates the difference between internal and external dimensions and shows how important precise planning is for a functional and safe sauna.

1. Place of installation: The room should be dry, odourless and heated. The comfortable feeling increases with the installation environment. Experience shows that the easier you access the cabin and the more agreeable you design the ambiance, the more often you will use the cabin.
   Floor space: Tiled or vinyl floor.
2. Power supply: A current supply of 400 V is required, for additional accessories (e.g. coloured LED lighting) a supplementary 230 V connection is needed.
3. Duration of assembly: About 6 - 12 hours according to size and build.

Saunas from series production always include a detailed description. With some manual skills it is possible to assemble the sauna on your own. However, a made-to-measure sauna should be installed by an expert. Usually there is no detailed description due to the different constructions and dimensions.
The electrical connection must be carried out by an authorized expert only.

The heater capacity depends on the volume, glass surface (size of the windows) and the sauna construction. Find more information about “Determination of the heater capacity” here: 

Unfortunately, there are many incorrect calculations about the power consumption of a sauna circulating on the Internet. The kW output of the sauna heater is often simply multiplied by the operating time to determine the power consumption. However, this calculation is inaccurate. As soon as the sauna heater has reached the desired temperature, it only needs less than 50 % of its maximum output to maintain the temperature.

The actual power consumption of a sauna depends on several factors. The most important influencing factors are

• Size of the sauna cabin
• kW output of the sauna heater
• Individually set target temperature
• Running time of the sauna heater

With a heating-up time of 45 min. and three sauna sessions with a sauna heater of 9 kW, the approximate energy costs are €6.00.

1. Take sufficient time for a sauna session.
2. Avoid entering the sauna with an empty stomach or directly after a meal. By sweating the body looses water, for this reason it is important to drink enough before and after — however not between — sauna sessions.
3. Have a shower beforehand. This does not only have to do with hygiene, but also helps remove oils from the skin and unblock the pores.
4. Put a towel on the bench.
5. We recommend that sauna beginners sit on the lowest bench first. The temperature on the bottom bench is lower.
6. A sauna bath should take 10 to 20 minutes. If you do not feel well, leave the sauna immediately. Cool down outdoors after the sauna bath. If you want to train your cardiovascular system, have a cold shower after having cooled down outdoors. Relax between the sauna baths and repeat the procedure two or three times.
7. Adhere to the rule of not taking more than 3 sauna baths a day. Always take a break between sauna sessions.
8. In order to really enjoy the positive effects, a cold shower after the last sauna session is an integral part. First cool down in the fresh air and have a shower afterwards.
9. Have a rest, relax and kick back.
10. Drink plenty of water afterwards.

How long should a sauna session last in order to achieve a positive effect? The recommended minimum duration is approx. 10 minutes, as only then will the desired effect occur. The heat causes the pores to open, the blood vessels to dilate and the body begins to sweat more intensively. This eliminates toxins, stimulates the metabolism and promotes the detoxification process.

In order for the heat to have a sufficient effect on the body, a sauna duration of 10 to 20 minutes is recommended. For the first sauna session,  10 minutes is ideal, while the subsequent sessions can be extended to 20 minutes. This allows the body to benefit from the positive effects without being overtaxed.

Up to three sauna sessions are ideal to achieve positive health effects without overloading the body. After the last sauna session, it is important to drink enough fluids (preferably water) to balance the fluid levels.

The number of sauna sessions should be adjusted according to the frequency of sauna visits per week:

• 1x per week sauna: up to 3 sauna sessions
• 2x per week sauna: maximum 2 sauna sessions
• Daily sauna: 1 sauna session

Ultimately, your personal well-being is decisive - listen to your body and customise your sauna sessions.

There are no strict, generally binding age requirements for an infant's or toddler's first sauna session. Ultimately, parents decide whether to take their child to the sauna before their first birthday. From the age of one, there is generally nothing to stop them enjoying the sauna together, as long as the child is healthy and enjoys it - which is usually the case with the little ones.

Sauna with children - what should you bear in mind?
When you go to the sauna with your child, it is important to proceed with caution and pay attention to your child's reactions. Start with relatively low temperatures, around 60 degrees in the Finnish sauna, and avoid infusions. Start with a short stay of 3 to 5 minutes on a middle or lower bench. For the first few sauna sessions, you should leave it at just one session.

To cool down, it is advisable for the child to take a lukewarm shower, go out into the fresh air, drink plenty of fluids and then relax and cuddle with the parents. Depending on the child's well-being, you can later increase this to two sauna sessions.

It is important that your child never goes to the sauna unaccompanied - you should always be present. It is most pleasant if you sweat together with your child in your own sauna at home. If you want to take your child to a public sauna, find out in advance about the minimum age or special times for baby or children's saunas.

Due to the high sweating volume, bacteria and fungi can accumulate under swimwear. Abstaining from clothes is mainly for hygienic reasons. Synthetic swimwear or slippers can emit harmful steam under the influence of high temperatures. 

A warm footbath during the cooling phase between the sauna sessions increases the effect of the sauna. You should take a cold footbath first, followed by a warm one. This dilates the blood vessels and the skin perfusion is increased.

The heating-up time of sauna is approx. 40 - 60 min. according to the place of installation, ambient temperature, power of the sauna heater and number of glass elements.

A sauna heater should contain a sufficient number of stones to obtain the ideal effect of pouring water on them. You will find more details in the instructions for use as the requirements differ from heater to heater. When pouring essential oils on the stones, this might cause deposits such as lime, oil etc. 

Please ensure that the sauna heater has completed its warm-up phase when pouring water on the stones. All heating rods must glow and the stones must be really hot, so that water evaporates immediately and does not drip onto the floor.

Already prepare a sauna bucket with water (and maybe with essential oils) beforehand. When the heater is hot enough, pour a scoop of water onto the stones. The air in the cabin will be enriched with aromatic hot water vapour. The sudden increased humidity intensifies the sweating. The sauna door should not be opened while water is poured on the stones. If you feel too hot due to this procedure, sit on the lower bench.

Usually water is poured on the stones at the end of a sauna session.

Put the sauna stones loosely into the stone container/stone support, so that the air can circulate through the spaces between the stones.
With normal use it is sufficient to inspect the sauna stones every 6 to 12 months. However, if water is poured on the stones regularly or every day, the stones must be inspected every 3 to 4 months and, if needed, replaced and stacked again. 

1. Vacuum and wipe the floor.
2. Clean the sauna benches and backrests with a sauna cleaner to disinfect the benches.
3. Dust and lint should also be removed from the air inlets and outlets.
4. The sauna heater must be maintained and cleaned regularly. Remove limescale with a conventional descaler (further information according to the instructions for use).

Easing tension, relaxation, slowing down these are the essential factors looked for by sauna users. Regular sauna sessions, however, offer much more. They train the whole body. The intensive change from great heat and cold to cool off is beneficial for the circulatory system and relaxes the muscles. 

Sweating cleans the skin, supports skin elasticity and keeps it young. It fosters purification, as toxins are eliminated through the skin. Furthermore, the immune system is strengthened. Last but not least, the growing popularity for escaping from everyday life in the sauna is a pure pleasure of well-being: the body, soul and mind act as one.

Basically, you should have a sauna session only when you are healthy. With certain diseases the sauna is an absolute no-go or caution is needed and we recommend consulting a doctor before using a sauna. Avoid the sauna in case of flu-like infections, fever, circulatory and vascular disorders. 

The sauna keeps you young and is well suited for healthy seniors. During pregnancy the sauna can also have positive effects, since its muscle relaxing effect is a good preparation for birth. Discuss with your doctor if the high temperatures are suitable for you. If yes, we recommend the agreeable Bio sauna with lower temperatures of 60 to 70 C. We also recommend to sauna beginners to get used to the heat progressively and to start with lower temperature sauna sessions.

Pregnant women can generally take a sauna as long as they are already used to it and the pregnancy is progressing without complications. If you regularly take a sauna and feel comfortable, you can also enjoy the soothing warmth during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult your gynaecologist beforehand to ensure that there are no health concerns.

Saunas also offer a number of benefits during pregnancy: It strengthens the immune system and helps to prevent infections, trains the cardiovascular system and provides relaxation and balance. The calming effect on the psyche is perceived as particularly positive by many.

Sauna & pregnancy - duration and frequency
As always with saunas: listen to your body and pay attention to your well-being. If you feel unwell, you should leave the sauna immediately. Strong temperature fluctuations should be avoided, so it is advisable to avoid a cold plunge pool and instead cool down slowly.

It is advisable to take a gentler sauna during pregnancy. A bio-sauna or steam bath is often more suitable than a hot Finnish sauna. You should also take long breaks between sauna sessions. Overall, it is recommended not to plan more than two to three sauna sessions per session.

If you are suffering from an acute cold or infection, it is better to avoid going to the sauna. The additional strain on the cardiovascular system can weaken the body instead of supporting it. In addition, dry sauna conditions can dry out the mucous membranes, which favours the proliferation of pathogens. If you still want to go to the sauna, you should check with your doctor in advance whether it is safe in your case.

However, regular sauna sessions can help to strengthen the immune system in the long term and reduce susceptibility to infections. Instead of going to the sauna with an existing cold, it therefore makes more sense to train the immune system through preventative sauna sessions.

Preventing colds: sauna as an immune system booster
To effectively prevent colds, it helps to strengthen the immune system by regularly visiting the sauna. The changing temperatures in the sauna promote blood circulation and support the body's own temperature regulation. As a result, you are less likely to get cold and are generally better protected against infections.

First signs of a cold? Use the sauna with caution
If the first signs of a cold appear but it has not yet broken out, a gentle sauna session in the bio-sauna can be helpful under certain circumstances. The temperatures there are more moderate at 60 - 70 °C and the humidity is around 40 %, which is gentle on the mucous membranes. However, it is important that you feel comfortable during your sauna session and do not overstrain your body.

Asthmatics have a sensitive bronchial system that often overreacts to stimuli such as cold air, dust or smoke. This can lead to breathing difficulties and pain. However, a sauna session can have positive effects and alleviate symptoms: The heat promotes blood flow to the mucous membranes, makes breathing easier and helps you cough up air.

However, asthmatics should avoid abrupt cold stimuli, such as those caused by an ice-cold plunge pool or a very cold shower. These can constrict the bronchial tubes and, in the worst case, trigger an asthma attack. Instead, a lukewarm shower is the better choice.

Asthmatics who do not regularly go to the sauna should consult their doctor in advance to obtain individual recommendations. In the sauna, you should always listen to your own body - as soon as something feels uncomfortable, you should gently stop using the sauna.

Positive effects of the sauna for asthma
The heat in the sauna stimulates the cardiovascular system and improves blood circulation throughout the body, including the mucous membranes and bronchial tubes. This relaxes the lung muscles and increases oxygen uptake in the lungs, making breathing easier.

In the long term, regular sauna sessions can even help to reduce asthmatic attacks. It also strengthens the immune system and has an overall relaxing effect on the body.

During a sauna session, the body begins to sweat in order to cool itself down. Although this process requires energy, the actual calorie consumption remains relatively low. On average, the body only burns around 150 kilocalories during three sauna sessions.

The visible weight loss after the sauna is primarily due to the loss of fluid through sweating. However, this effect is only temporary, as the lost water is made up for by drinking.

The actual health benefits of a sauna are not weight loss, but rather the strengthening of the immune system and the stimulation of the metabolism. The sauna also helps the body to eliminate toxins and thus promotes detoxification.

If you suffer from high blood pressure, you should always consult your GP before taking a sauna. They will be able to judge whether the sauna is suitable for your circulation. High temperatures could put too much strain on the body under certain circumstances. If conventional saunas are not recommended, a bio-sauna with a moderate temperature (45 - 60 degrees) could be a gentler alternative.

In general, regular sauna sessions have positive effects on health and strengthen the cardiovascular system. Scientific studies show that frequent saunas can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 70 %. Experts attribute this effect to the fact that saunas can regulate blood pressure and improve heart rate variability in the long term.

Important information for people with high blood pressure
If your blood pressure is unstable, it is essential to pay attention to your body's signals. During a sauna session, the blood vessels dilate, which lowers blood pressure. However, it rises again when you cool down afterwards. People with high blood pressure should therefore avoid an abrupt cold bath, as the sudden change in temperature can put a lot of strain on the circulation. Instead, a gentle cool-down in the fresh air or with lukewarm water is recommended to prevent blood pressure from rising too quickly.

People with low blood pressure should also be careful: The heat causes the blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to the blood ‘pooling’ in the lower regions of the body and, in the worst case, to circulatory collapse. Pregnant women in particular, whose circulation is often unstable, should take this into account. In any case, always pay attention to your body's reactions and stop the sauna session if you feel unwell.

Sport and sauna complement each other perfectly: in addition to physical and mental relaxation, the promotion of regeneration plays a decisive role. Taking a sauna removes waste products from the muscles and relaxes them. This often prevents or at least significantly reduces muscle soreness and tension.

Sauna supports the healing of sports injuries
The sauna can also be helpful for minor sports injuries. The increased blood circulation and the slight increase in body temperature (hyperthermia) stimulate the metabolism and promote healing processes, especially in the case of muscle tension or minor muscle injuries.

Sport & sauna - observe the correct sequence
To get the most out of the combination of sport and sauna, it is important to do them in the right order:

1. exercise first
2. then take a break of at least 20-30 minutes to normalise your heart rate
3. then relax in the sauna

Regular sauna sessions can have an overall positive effect on your health and contribute to faster regeneration after exercise.