(infrared sauna connected to an outlet)
(outdoor Finnish sauna, concrete base, volcanic rocks, bucket and speaker)
The price of installing a sauna may vary depending on the city.
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How much does it cost to install a sauna?
A sauna is a facility designed for taking steam or high–temperature baths. Such baths are used for hygienic, therapeutic or relaxing purposes. Installing a sauna increases the value of the house and improves the quality of life of the residents of the house.
The cost of installing a wet sauna for 2-3 people in a house with lighting, a thermohygrometer, a bench and a headrest is 3900 euros/p>.
Where can I install a sauna?
The location of the sauna largely depends on the type and size of the house in which it is installed.It is best to place it next to a bathtub or shower to be able to perform heating/cooling cycles. These cycles consist of staying in a sauna with a higher temperature for a certain period of time, and then immediately moving to a much lower temperature, usually through a bath or shower in cold water. The temperature contrast has a beneficial and tonic effect on the body and mind.
Saunas can be placed in other places if there is a standard outlet. This outlet must consist of a grounded mains plug and its own differential. The heating system can also be connected directly to the electrical network through an integrated box, with its own differential in the switchboard. It is recommended that there be a window or skylight in the room.
Saunas can also be installed in houses with a patio or garden. In this case, they must be designed for outdoor use, that is, they must be made of treated wood to withstand outdoor exposure, and have a waterproof outlet specifically designed for outdoor use and approved. The wiring must also be laid outside and protected.
Advantages and disadvantages
Installing a sauna at home has many advantages and some disadvantages, both in terms of design and in terms of its use.The most important of them are:
Revaluation of the house
It serves as an addition to the bathroom, pool, summer shower or garden
They add aesthetic value to houses
Cleanses the skin and cleanses the respiratory tract
Relieves pain in muscles and joints
Promotes muscle recovery after exercise
Regulates blood pressure
It has a relaxing and anti-stress effect
It occupies a useful place
Repair and maintenance required
It is necessary to conclude a contract for additional electricity
Higher power consumption
You need a license for minor works
It is not recommended for very young children, people with heart problems, hypertension and pregnant women.
In Turkish baths, moist heat can contribute to the appearance of fungus on the skin
Functions
To build a sauna in the house, you must follow a number of mandatory rules. The structure should have a minimum height of 2.10 m and enough space for comfortable movement, at least 1 x 1 m per user. They should always be built on solid and insulated ground, preferably cement. Be sure to leave a ventilation hole of at least 10 x 10 cm in size, located near the ceiling and on the wall opposite the location of the heating equipment.
It is possible that the sauna is connected to the electrical network of the house, and not connected to the mains. In these cases, the heater is connected to the home network via cables embedded in walls or extension cords, through a junction box. This box should be different from the one that connects to the sauna lighting, if any. It should also have its own differential switch in the switchboard at home.
Sauna walls are usually made of wood treated to protect against moisture and heat. In outdoor saunas, it also needs to be treated so that it can withstand being outdoors. Preferably, the floor should also be covered with wood.
The sauna should have a heater that regulates the internal temperature to the desired one, depending on the type.
Types
Saunas are divided into different types, depending on the type of heater used and whether they have humidity or not.The most common:
Infrared sauna
They have an infrared heating system connected to the electrical network
Infrared rays affect the skin and create a thermal effect
They reach a temperature of 50°
Low power consumption compared to Finnish saunas
They can include lighting systems of different colors to facilitate relaxation (chromotherapy), audio devices and USB connection
From 2400 euros (2 people)Wet sauna or Turkish bath
They have a pipe system and a steam boiler
They reach a temperature of 70°
Average electricity consumption
They consume water
From 3300 euros (2-3 people)Dry or Finnish sauna
They include a heater based on electrical resistances that heat the stones, dissipating heat.
They reach temperatures of 80-90°
Water pours onto the stones, releasing steam, creating a maximum relative humidity of 20 %
From 4000 euros (for 2-3 people)Seats
Saunas should have seats or benches for comfortable use. The benches are attached to the wall, and if there is space, they can be placed in the form of stands. They are made of treated wood, their price is about 255 euros/linear meter. These benches are installed by carpenters or locksmiths; the cost of the work is about 50 euros per counter. They can be supplemented with head restraints or head restraints (25 euros).
The cost of installing a sauna includes the assembly of the cabin, if necessary, electrical connections, and in the case of wet saunas, plumbing work.
Including construction and labor work, the installation of an indoor infrared sauna for 2 people can cost about 2,400 euros. If you choose a wet sauna or a Turkish bath for 2-3 people, the price will be about 3,000 euros plus plumbing installation (about 300 euros). A Finnish sauna of the same capacity can be installed for about 4,000 euros.
If the sauna is not connected to a grounded outlet, but is connected directly to the home network via an electrical panel, the installation cost will increase by about 60-100 euros.
In outdoor saunas, it may be necessary to add the construction of a rigid and insulating base to the cost of assembly and electrical or plumbing connections, especially if we want to install the sauna on unprepared ground, for example, in the courtyard. , a veranda or a terrace. This base is a concrete slab poured onto a pre-built foundation on the ground. Before laying the foundation, the ground must be dug, prepared and leveled. The total cost of manufacturing a plate with such characteristics is about 300 euros.
Saunas in the case of "wet" models are installed by locksmiths, electricians and plumbers.The cost of installation starts from 550 euros for a dry sauna for 1 person and increases depending on the size and complexity.
Service
The sauna should be cleaned frequently, at least once a week. With daily use from two to four times. Every 15 days, it is recommended to carry out thorough cleaning, lifting of moving parts, as well as cleaning of the heater.
The products used for cleaning wood must be harmless to the material. They should also not emit odors or vapors, as well as be activated by heat or humidity. Special fungicidal cleaning products for wooden saunas (6.5 euros/500 ml) are usually used. The cleaner is diluted with water in a proportion of 30-50% and evaporates, then removed with a damp cloth.
Additionally
Lighting
Wooden corner lamps with LED technology will be a good option for lighting the sauna. A wall lamp with a height of 20 cm and a power of 0.8 W costs 116 euros, plus a transformer (69 euros). You can also turn on chromotherapy systems by placing special spotlights for bathrooms, saunas and humid rooms designed to withstand high temperatures. The price of a spotlight with such characteristics with remote control and IP54 protection is about 70 euros.
Stones
The heaters in Finnish saunas are covered with volcanic stones that get wet and emit moist heat. A bag of stones weighing 20 kg costs about 29 euros.
Cubes
In a Finnish sauna, you need a wooden bucket for the water used to wet the stones. A 4-liter bucket with a handle for pouring water costs about 79 euros.
Essences
The water that is poured on the stones can be flavored with essences. The proportion is 1-2 caps per liter of water. There are eucalyptus and mint, they cost from 5 to 7 euros / liter.
Temperature and humidity meters
There are thermohygrometers without connection to the electrical network, with two spheres and designed for manual control of sauna conditions for about 115 euros. There are also control panels connected to the electrical network, with controls to regulate these conditions using a Bluetooth connection or Wi-Fi connection. Prices range from 150 to 705 euros.
Speakers
There are sound diffusers that are resistant to heat and humidity, which can be installed in wet and dry saunas by connecting them to audio equipment (from 119 euros). There are also wireless models with Bluetooth connection (from 26 euros).
