Infrared Saunas?

jhuskey said:

I am considering building a traditional type sauna ... however I have heard a lot of hype about the infrared types ...

You've got it right there.

The people marketing the IR-saunas usually use a lot of pseudo scientific blather about deep penetration, healing, circulation ASO and that sales pitch frankly generates more hot air than their saunas do.

If you only want a modest increase of temperature then they will do the trick, but then there's no need to build the full sauna. You might as well get yourself a couple of bar heaters, hang them over your recliner and you're all set.

If you like the experience of a traditional sauna, then that's the kit you need to get it.

dabac said:

You've got it right there.

The people marketing the IR-saunas usually use a lot of pseudo scientific blather about deep penetration, healing, circulation ASO and that sales pitch frankly generates more hot air than their saunas do.

If you only want a modest increase of temperature then they will do the trick, but then there's no need to build the full sauna. You might as well get yourself a couple of bar heaters, hang them over your recliner and you're all set.

If you like the experience of a traditional sauna, then that's the kit you need to get it.

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping someone had for experience with them. I may just build my own and buy a heater. Finnish style!

jhuskey said:

Thanks for the reply.

You're welcome!

jhuskey said:

.. I was hoping someone had experience with them.

Although IMO there wasn't much of an experience that they had to offer...

jhuskey said:

I may just build my own and buy a heater.

Not much to them in the basic form. Big heater, small room - done!

Then of course there are the niceties of no exposed screws/nails on the benches or any other surface you're likely to touch, heat resistant light fittings, moisture proofing, floor drains etc etc.

jhuskey said:

. Finnish style!

You might want to be a bit careful with that 🙂 as the original, hardcore Finnish style is the smoke sauna

jhuskey said:

I am considering building a traditional type sauna with the the rocks, heater and so forth, however I have heard a lot of hype about the infrared types which are a lot cheaper. My nephew tells me he likes the IR type better than the steam type.
Anyone have any real life experience with one?

Jerry,

I would look carefully into it. Many of these newer ideas come back to haunt you at a later date.

At the moment UV at the other end of the spectrum is being found responsible for a host of other undesirable effects.

I've never used an IR device, since the water and rocks type seems fine to me.

James Bruce Gil said:

Jerry,

I would look carefully into it. Many of these newer ideas come back to haunt you at a later date.

At the moment UV at the other end of the spectrum is being found responsible for a host of other undesirable effects.

I've never used an IR device, since the water and rocks type seems fine to me.

I ordered a 9 kw heater today and will build a 2 person Finnish type sauna.I know how these work and like them very much. So I made my decision.
Good to hear from you.
Please visit the "Is this Forum Dying over at the GT category"
Some people there would like to meet you.

jhuskey said:

I ordered a 9 kw heater today and will build a 2 person Finnish type sauna.I know how these work and like them very much. So I made my decision.
Good to hear from you.
Please visit the "Is this Forum Dying over at the GT category"
Some people there would like to meet you.

there is a lot of hype. but i like the old school steam saunas still....

I've tried all the different types. I like them all. I'm kind of inclined to say that the simpler ones are better. Steam or dry heat. It gets a little too complicated with the newer technologies. Simple is best.

Well, there ya go, JH. Just in case you're still on the fence 7 years later. 😄

I prefer the traditional sauna instead of an infrared sauna. In my opinion the experience better and you can easily adjust the heat in a traditional version.

mpre53 said:

Well, there ya go, JH. Just in case you're still on the fence 7 years later. 😄

Wow, finally and to think all the damn sleep I have lost waiting for JSWin to come along with his magic cyber shovel. Actually the fence feel down from decay. Maybe he can dig up the " do you think Armstrong is doping" thread . So many unanswered questions on that subject.

I have used the infrared sauna for over 15 years.

I selected it against the steam because I am concerned about the humidity in my house.

If it was outside that would be one thing but being inside, the infrared is the way to go.

Sincerely,
Cranky