Saunas have become a coveted feature in wellness-focused businesses like spas, fitness centers, and hotels. Incorporating a sauna into your facility can not only elevate the customer experience but also entice new clientele seeking relaxation, health, and luxury.
However, choosing the right commercial saunasfor your business requires careful consideration. Factors like the type of sauna, installation requirements, and the overall benefits influence the final decision. This blog compares various sauna options so you can find the one that suits your business best.
The Benefits of Adding a Commercial Sauna
Before exploring the types of saunas available, it’s important to understand why adding a sauna benefits your business:
Enhanced Customer Experience: Saunas provide a unique spa-like experience, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Health Appeal: Saunas offer numerous health benefits, such as detoxification, stress relief, improved circulation, and relaxation. Businesses with a wellness focus gain a competitive edge by providing these health perks.
Revenue Growth: Premium features like saunas can justify higher membership, session, or service fees, creating an additional revenue stream.
Marketing Potential: Saunas are a trending feature among consumers. Promoting them in your offerings taps into a wellness-conscious audience.
Types of Commercial Saunas
1. Traditional Saunas (Finnish Saunas)
Features:
Heated by stove or electric heater with rocks.
Operates at high temperatures (150ºF to 190ºF) with low humidity.
Allows users to increase humidity temporarily by pouring water on the rocks.
Benefits for Businesses:
Authentic Sauna Experience: Traditional saunas are highly popular for their classic, high-heat appeal, suitable for settings like luxury spas and hotels.
Custom Size Options: Can be custom-built to accommodate small or larger groups, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes.
Durable: Built with high-quality, heat-resistant wood, ensuring long-term functionality with proper maintenance.
2. Infrared Saunas
Features:
Uses infrared heaters to emit radiant heat.
Typically operates at a lower temperature range (120ºF to 140ºF).
Does not require water or stones.
Benefits for Businesses:
Modern and Energy-Efficient: Infrared saunas consume less electricity, lowering operational costs for businesses.
Health-Focused Appeal: Infrared saunas are favored for benefits like deep tissue detoxification, improved skin health, and joint pain relief.
Compact Design: Infrared saunas often come in smaller designs, making them a great addition for businesses with limited space.
3. Steam Saunas (Steam Rooms)
Features:
Rely on a steam generator to create a humid environment.
Operates at lower temperatures (100ºF to 120ºF) with 100% humidity.
Moist heat differs from traditional dry heat saunas.
Benefits for Businesses:
Unique Atmosphere: Steam saunas provide a distinct experience that is soothing for those with respiratory issues or dry skin.
Luxurious Feel: Ideal for businesses focusing on high-end spa services, making it perfect for specialized wellness centers.
Attractive to Diverse Audiences: Steam rooms are accessible for individuals who might find high-temperature, dry-heat saunas uncomfortable.
4. Outdoor Saunas
Features:
Constructed specifically for outdoor installations.
Available in traditional or infrared heating options.
Often designed in unique shapes like barrels or cabins.
Benefits for Businesses:
Appeals to Nature Enthusiasts: Providing a sauna experience surrounded by nature enhances relaxation and attracts patrons.
Additional Revenue Potential: Outdoor saunas create exclusive, private retreat-like experiences, making them a popular choice for boutique businesses.
Premium Offering: Stand out by offering something distinct and experiential.