Heating Up Home Spas

From Roman and Finnish to Aztec and Native-American societies, heat bathing has been an integral part of many cultures. In fact, the first North American sauna was built in 1638 by Finnish immigrants in the Delaware River Valley who longed for the comforts of home. In the mid-19th century, steam rooms or “Turkish baths,” began tentatively appearing in public bathing facilities in North America but were mainly for the upper class, not the general public.

In the United States, the terms sauna and steam room are often used interchangeably but, in reality, there are major differences between the two. Saunas provide dry heat in a wooden room and include a small amount of steam created by pouring water over hot rocks. Typically, the sauna temperature ranges from 160 to 200 degrees F with a humidity level ranging from 5 to 30 percent. On the other hand, steam room temperatures range from 110 to 114 degrees F with a humidity level of approximately 100 percent. Steam rooms provide a moist heat via a water-filled generator pumping steam into an enclosed room.

Sauna and steam baths are both believed to offer similar benefits, including helping circulation and respiration, diminishing muscle tension and removing toxins from the skin and body through perspiration. Suana and steam bath companies have recently introduced more efficient units incorporating luxurious features, entertainment system capabilities, mood enhancement options and more practical designs. And through advancements in research and development, manufacturers now have the technology to allow virtually anyone to enjoy a home spa regardless of home size.

As Finlandia Sauna’s Terri Tarkianen, explains, “The basic principle of the sauna has been around for over 2,000 years. Stereos, special lighting and aromas are just added features that make the experience more modern and enjoyable.”

Convenience and Efficiency
Especially appealing to the fast-paced American lifestyle, Finlandia Sauna’s Ever Ready heater requires no preheat time. While the unit is always on, once it is heated, the Ever Ready uses only 250 watts of power promising maximum energy efficiency. And the heater contains more than 200 lbs. of rocks for large volumes of instant heat and steam.

“Home saunas are often used two to three times a week but vary greatly with the user. The sauna can be used year-round but most use it more in colder months,” Tarkianen explains. “We have had customers call to tell us they rarely use their spa or whirlpool but love to use their home sauna. With our Ever Ready sauna heater, which is always ready to use, some take a sauna every day.”

Jim Van Landingham, ThermaSol’s national sales manager, elaborates by saying, “Our society is an instant gratification society. They don’t want to wait 5 to 10 minutes for the steam to enter the room. And one of the key benefits of ThermaSol is that we supply constant steam at a constant rate — the unit always maintains the same amount of water.”

Utilizing infrared light technology, Sunlight Saunas recently introduced a line of wooden saunas that employ Solocarbon technology. Solocarbon heating technology promises the largest amount and most therapeutic infrared sauna heat — the same heat released by the sun — for an increased amount of sweat.

“Infrared light energy heats the body for a deeper, more penetrating sweat than you could get from traditional steam and hot rocks,” says Jason Kort, Sunlight Saunas corporate account manager. “Infrared light is more comfortable and requires much less maintenance, and it is much more energy-efficient than the old steam saunas.”

Luxury in Demand
In today’s high-pressure society, homeowners find that the bathroom is an ideal sanctuary in which to relax, unwind and escape reality. With chaotic lifestyles, time demands and ever-increasing stress, Americans need a private retreat to regroup and rejuvenate.