Can you place an infrared sauna outdoor?
Are there any true weather-resistant infrared saunas?
The answer is YES.
The problem is:
A true weatherproof outdoor infrared sauna – is hard to find.
In this post, you’ll find how to find a weatherproof infrared sauna you can place outside (patio and backyard) and save space in your home, and our top recommendations for 2023.
Overview
Can You Place an Infrared Sauna Outside?
Most home infrared saunas are built for indoors. If you want to place your FIR sauna outside, you have to make sure it is specially designed as an outdoor sauna room.
This is because exposing the sauna elements to humidity, heat, snow, and wind can ruin them, and if the sauna is not well insulated, it will be harder to keep the heat inside.
An outdoor infrared sauna has to be built with water-proof solid wood, it has to be well insulated, and usually comes with a roof.
👉 In a Hurry?
See our top 3 picks compared in the table below, or jump to the outdoor infrared sauna reviews
| Outdoor Infrared Sauna | Size | Heaters/Wattage | Material | Warranty/Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Xmatch 4-Person Infrared Sauna 🥇 Best Value | 68″ x 52″ x 82.5″ | 8 carbon heaters | Kiln Dried Premium Hemlock Wood | ✅ $3395 on Amazon 12-year warranty |
Western Pacific 3-Person FIR Sauna Best Insulation | 75″ x 62″ x 102″ | 7 carbon heaters | 100% waterproof Red Cedar Wood | ✅ Check Price on Amazon 10-year warranty |
Xmatch 2-Person FIR Sauna | 58″ x 41″ x 82″ | 9 Carbon Crystal Heaters | Kiln Dried Premium Hemlock Wood | ✅ $2699 on Amazon 12 year warranty |
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How to Choose an Outdoor Infrared Sauna
Outdoor far infrared saunas are different than indoor ones and are usually more expensive (see the best 2 person indoor infrared saunas or the best 3-4 person infrared saunas)
But still, they make a wise long-term choice and will help you detoxify, boost your immune system, relieve chronic pain, lose weight (not just water weight!), and much more.
👉 Related: The Amazing Far Infrared Sauna Benefits
Here are the most important factors to consider:
1. Electricity – an outdoor far infrared sauna needs electricity to function. You’ll need to install it next to an adequate outlet. Make sure it is close enough to a GFI outlet with enough capacity.
(You’ll find the power requirements for each sauna we recommend – in our reviews below)
2. Space – The best thing about an outdoor infrared light sauna is the fact it won’t take up space inside your home. You can place it on your patio, in your backyard, or on a deck outside.
And, if you have enough space outdoors, you can enjoy a large sauna – fit for 4-5 people.
3. Insulation – to be able to work up a sweat you’ll need a far infrared technology sauna that keeps the heat inside even when the weather is cold.
A specially designed outdoor sauna is made with the right kind of solid wood (more on that below) and is well-insulated. This will also lower your electricity spend on the sauna.
4. EMF radiation – choosing a low EMF infrared sauna is a critical factor for your safety.
A safe level of EMF is considered to be anything below 3.0mG.
5. The number of infrared heaters – since outdoor IR saunas are typically larger (3-person or more) – the number of heaters can be between 6-10.
A sauna for 4 people requires 8-10 heaters, while a 3-person sauna will have 6-8.
The number of heaters can make a difference when it comes down to the temperature control and the heat inside.
6. Best wood type for outdoor saunas – the commonly used ones are hemlock, cedar, pine, and spruce.
Cedar is considered the best, followed by hemlock.
The cheaper ones are made with pine or spruce. Cedar and hemlock are the most stain and moisture-resistant.
7. Safety – make sure it is up to local building codes, safe, and able to withstand weather damage.
The 4 Best Outdoor Infrared Saunas (for the Backyard/Patio)
Unfortunately, pickings are slim. It took us a lot of research and digging to find the 5 high-quality FIR saunas below:
1. Xmatch 4-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna Best Value
- Size – 68″ x 52″ x 82.5″
- Wood – Cedar
- Temperature – 68-149 F
- Power – 2050 Watts /120V / 60 Hz
- Warranty – 12 years, 30-day free returns, 5-star customer service
- EMF Radiation – 2mG on the bench / average 8mG inside space
✅ $3395 on Amazon
The Xmatch 4-person cedar infrared sauna looks like a standalone house on its own.
The double-wall construction (which can be assembled by yourself) comes with a weather-sealed tempered glass door, and two classic windows, and is made with Kiln Dried Premium Hemlock Wood – which is weather resistant (and smells awesome)
Four people can sit in it, three comfortably, and two can stretch out on their own benches (or do some hot yoga).
Anyone up to 6.3 ft. can stand upright in it with no problem.
The 8 carbon infrared heaters heat up in 15-20 minutes, and the sauna reaches 149 F, with an auto shut-off function for safety.
The assembly process is relatively easy, taking approximately 1 to 90 minutes, and the end result is gorgeous.
Inside you’ll have 2 vents on the top ceiling, a wooden seat with a 660-pound weight limit, two advanced 12V 4-inch music speakers (with Bluetooth connection), and an LCD controller (and another one outside).
Plus, you also get 2 LED Reading Lights and 4 Colorful LED Lights!
The Xmatch saunas are highly rated by users and many of them come back months after purchasing to share their delight with the sauna and their health and stress-relief results.
Pros
- Top-notch at-home spa experience
- Has 2 Bluetooth speakers that let you connect your phone or other devices to play music
- It heats up within just 10-15 minutes, allowing you to hop in and start enjoying it right away
- Energy-efficient compared to traditional Finnish saunas or steam rooms
- Has 2 LED reading lamps and 4 chromotherapy lights that create a relaxing atmosphere
- Excellent customer service and quick delivery
- Assembly is a breeze with two people
Cons
- Instructions lacking for pairing Bluetooth
✅ Available on Amazon ($3395) and at Walmart ($3780)
The same sauna is also available in a 2-person size with 1750W and 9 low EMF heaters:
2. Xmatch Far Infrared Outdoor Sauna – Best for 2 People
- Size – 58″ x 41″ x 82″ (40 x 34 x 72 inches inside)
- Temperature – 110F to 140F
- Power Usage – 1750W and power supply AC 120V/50~60HZ
- EMF radiation – 2mG on the bench / average 8mG inside space
- Warranty – 12 years, 30-day free returns
✅ $2699 on Amazon
The Xmatch 2-person outdoor infrared sauna fits people up to 4.9-6.2 ft. tall and uses 9 low-EMF carbon Far Infrared plates built inside..
Within 10-15 minutes, the carbon panels heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can control the temperature and treatment time, through the LCD panel inside.
Buyers on Amazon praise its ease of assembly (no help needed) – the tongue and groove design ensures a quick assembly, and all 6 parts arrive sanded and smooth to the touch.
We like that the company discloses the sauna’s EMF radiation (average of 8mG – lower than a microwave), and most buyers mention the quick response and assistance from the customer service and the quick delivery.
We also like that the inside wood is not treated with chemicals (the exterior layer wood is treated with waterproof oil paint).
Xmatch 2-Person Infrared Sauna Pros
- Perfect for 2 people, doesn’t take up much space
- Comes with 2 LED Reading Lights and 4 Colorful LED Lights
- 12V speakers with Bluetooth connection
- Well-insulated and designed for outdoor use
- Can be used when outside temp. is under 0 degrees
- Heating elements cover the entire body
- Heats up quickly
- Easy assembly, quick shipping, and good customer service
- 12-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for people taller than 6 feet 2 inches
- You are advised to keep it covered when it’s raining
- Takes longer to heat when the outside temperature is below zero
✅ Available on Amazon ($2699) and at Walmart ($2899)
3. Western Pacific 3-Person Outdoor Infrared Sauna – Best Insulation
- Size – 75″ Wide x 62″ Deep x 102″ Tall.
- Bench Size – 55.5″ Wide x 22″ Deep
- Power – 110v, 60hz, 20A (Standard 110v Plug Installed)
- Warranty – 10 years
- EMF radiation – not disclosed
The Western Pacific 3-person sauna is built with the best wood for outdoor saunas (100% waterproof red cedar wood construction) and has 7 carbon heaters spread around inside.
It is covered with a shingled roof and the tempered door and glass window are weather sealed.
The roof is fully shingled, ensuring maximum protection from rain and other elements. You can enjoy your sauna sessions in any weather without worry.
The Western Pacific FIR sauna comfortably accommodates up to three people, with a tall inside clearance height of 77 inches.
Even taller individuals can fully enjoy the sauna experience without feeling cramped.
Although assembly is required, the process is straightforward and can be completed by two people in approximately two hours.
The sauna is shipped flat-packed to reduce shipping costs, ensuring you receive the best value.
This sauna comes with chromotherapy lights, and another excellent healing tool – an Ionizer/Ozone generator –
which helps purify the air inside the sauna, creating a clean and refreshing environment.
It promotes better respiratory health and a sense of well-being during your sauna sessions.
✅ Available on Amazon.
4. Sanray Saunas Grandby – Best for 3 People
- Power – 120 Volts / 2100 Watts/ 20 Amps
- Size – 6′ 11” H x 6′ W x 3′ 11” D
- Cabin dimensions – 5′ 8” H x 4′ 9” W x 3′ 1” D
- Warranty – 7 years
- EMF Radiation – average 8 mG
✅ $2858 at Wayfair
The SunRay Saunas Grandby FIR rectangle outdoor sauna has a pitched, waterproof roof and comes with a rain cover, making it safe to assemble and use outside – even when it rains.
It comfortably accommodates 3 people and has 8 ceramic heaters (which heat up faster in colder weather), and reaches up to 140 F, inside a solid Canadian Hemlock build.
The natural Canadian hemlock is mildew, rot, rust, and corrosion resistant, and blends beautifully with nature outside your home.
This sauna also comes with an oxygen ionizer, which works by releasing negatively charged ions into the air, which attach to positively charged particles such as dust, bacteria, and other pollutants.
This process neutralizes the particles and makes them too heavy to remain in the air, causing them to fall to the ground. This helps to improve the air quality inside the sauna and provides a more comfortable and healthy experience for the users.
Pros
- A huge list of accessories
- Accommodates 3 people comfortably
- Fits taller people
- Easy and fast assembly
- Has an oxygen ionizer
Cons
- Instructions are confusing – state that it’s meant for indoor use
✅ Available at Wayfair ($2858)
Accessories
- 1 seating bench & 3 backrests
- Vent
- LED lighting
- Oxygen ionization
- FM radio w/CD and MP3
- Cup holders
Indoor vs. Outdoor Infrared Sauna
An indoor FIR sauna takes up space inside your home, while an outdoor sauna doesn’t.
Indoor saunas use a power supply already in your home, while outdoor ones require weather-resistant cables and an adequate outlet.
Outdoor saunas are usually larger and can accommodate more people, while indoor saunas are more private.
An outdoor sauna must have a roof and be built with humidity-resistant wood, while indoor saunas may last longer because they won’t be affected by temperature changes.
Finally, outdoor saunas require more power and may heat up slowly compared with indoor saunas.
How Much Does an Outdoor FIR Sauna Cost?
DIY outdoor infrared sauna kits, that include all the necessary materials and instructions to build your outdoor infrared sauna typically cost between $2,000 and $10,000.
The cost to buy and build an outdoor infrared sauna will vary depending on the size, quality of construction, wood type, heater type, and energy rating.
Size is usually the biggest factor in determining the price. The larger the sauna, the higher the purchase price.
How Much Does it Cost to Run an Outdoor Infrared Sauna?
Infrared saunas use less electricity than traditional saunas.
They use less power because they mostly heat surfaces and not the surrounding air.
They also have a lower preparation time – most FIR saunas heat in up to 30 minutes, while traditional saunas take an hour or more to heat up to the “sweating temperature”.
The electricity cost for an FIR sauna depends on how much you pay per kilowatt-hour on your current plan.
For example, a 2200W FIR sauna, running for one hour, will generally use 1KWh of electricity – around 26.4 cents in the USA.
What is the Best Wood for an Infrared Sauna?
According to sauna experts, Cedar has always been the most popular choice for an infrared sauna, because it is naturally resistant to moisture and will not contract or expand as other wood when the temperature changes.
It is also one of the most durable woods. However, it can vary in quality and health certifications.
How Often Should You Use an Outdoor Sauna?
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In the beginning, use it at least twice a week, starting with 10-15 minutes at a time and working up to 30-40 minutes at a time slowly.
As you get used to using an infrared sauna, you will need to get used to how long it takes to break a sweat and time yourself after that point
To your health and happiness,
Meital