Sauna Use

Keep the temperature at optimum levels
Sauna heaters are the key to getting the temperature inside a home sauna to the level necessary for the full health benefit. Wood-burning, electric, infrared, and gas sauna heaters provide the means for increasing sauna temperatures. Large rock storage capacity is important for any sauna heater. The average temperature range in a home sauna is 150 to 190 degrees - lower, though, for an infrared sauna heater.

Larry McDermott, manager of Home Innovations Spas in Omaha, NE, says the proper temperature gives users the most comfort. Conventional saunas, he says, usually provide the most comfort at 160 degrees or more. It's just a matter of individual preference.

The air in an indoor home sauna is heated by sprinkling the stones with water to increase humidity. A home sauna should never be completely dry, as that could pose a risk to the respiratory system. To lower the heat inside a steam sauna, sprinkle water on the benches for a cooling effect.

To keep your indoor sauna clean inside, it's a good idea to shower before using it. Once the unit is heated, the benches can become quite warm, so consider sitting on a small towel. The beauty of an indoor sauna is that all you do once settled in is relax and let the heat open the pores of the skin while permeating your body.

Electric sauna heaters do a fine job of maintaining a desired temperature inside the sauna, but you can pump up the air moisture by simply tossing water on the heater's stones. The steam that is released will make it feel warmer.