A home sauna has always been an oasis for tranquility, relaxation and reflection. Over the past decade, sauna culture has spread from its Scandinavian roots, and home saunas are now a popular addition in homes across the USA. The North American sauna market is valued at more than $200 million, and is growing at a rate of more than five percent per year. With numbers like that, it is no surprise that US home saunas are carving a distinct market niche, as sauna manufacturers come up with new designs to appeal to American tastes. Here are a few of the most striking innovations in the US home sauna market.
Barrel saunas
One of the most popular types of sauna to appear on the US market is the barrel sauna. These are available as prebuilt kits in a range of sizes from specialist suppliers like Saunaplace. As the name suggests, a barrel sauna is shaped like a giant barrel, with circular ends joined by long planks of wood – usually cedar, pine or aspen.
The barrel sauna is certainly a statement piece for any American garden, but it is about more than just interesting aesthetics. The curved top means it is far more energy efficient, as there is 23 percent less space to heat than in a conventional cabin sauna. The lack of corners also promotes better air circulation, so the temperature stays more even.
Cube saunas
Also sometimes called a “Luna sauna” this design is a striking combination of retro and futuristic – a little like the designs used in science fiction TV shows from the 1960s. The striking geometric shapes fit perfectly for homeowners who enjoy contemporary designs.
Although these saunas look square, they actually have rounded off interiors, so they share the practical benefits of barrel saunas when it comes to air circulation. As well as traditional wood, they can be ordered using alternative materials like glass, steel or a combination of all three.
Indoor saunas
Not every US homeowner has a secluded back garden where they can install a sauna. But that does not preclude them from reaping the health benefits, which include relaxation, stress relief and better skin health. Indoor saunas and steam rooms present a practical alternative, especially for those living an apartment or duplex.
An indoor sauna can be installed in a bathroom, basement or dedicated fitness room. As well as the convenience, there is no need to worry about protecting your sauna for the elements and it can genuinely be used all year round, whatever the weather. This makes it a compelling choice in US states like Minnesota and Wisconsin, which have harsh winter weather.
Infrared saunas
US sauna buyers are not just breaking with tradition when it comes to the external appearance of their home sauna. There are also innovations in the technology you find inside. The infrared sauna is the most groundbreaking example of this principle in action. Most saunas use a gas, electric or log stove to make heat. But an infrared sauna uses light. This allows it to deliver the same effects as a traditional sauna, such as sweating and an elevated heart rate, but directly to the body and without heating the surrounding space.
This means they use less energy. They are also far more compact, so are ideal for indoor saunas in American homes where space is at a premium. Medical research suggests they are just as effective as conventional saunas and there are no harmful effects to worry about.
US sauna culture is spreading
A few years ago, sauna culture was most common in the northern US states like Michigan and Wisconsin. However, today, you are just as likely to find home saunas in New York, California, Florida and the rest of the US. As sauna culture has spread, so have the types of saunas that are available to meet the needs of different types of sauna users across the USA.