Your Dream Garden Sauna: Wellness in Your Own Backyard

Owning a garden sauna offers numerous health and lifestyle benefits:​

• Stress Reduction: Regular sauna sessions can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation.​

• Improved Circulation: The heat from the sauna stimulates blood flow, which can aid in muscle recovery and overall cardiovascular health.​

• Detoxification: Sweating in the sauna helps eliminate toxins from the body.​

• Enhanced Skin Health: Sauna use can improve skin tone and elasticity by increasing blood circulation.​

• Convenience: Having a sauna at home means you can enjoy these benefits at your leisure, without the need to visit a spa or gym.

In Ireland, you may not require planning permission for a garden sauna if it meets certain criteria:​

• Size: The sauna should not exceed 25 square meters in floor area.​

• Free Space: At least 25 square meters of open space must remain in your garden after installation.​

• Height: The structure should not exceed 3 meters in height for a flat roof or 4 meters for a pitched roof.​

• Location: The sauna must be situated to the rear or side of your property and not in front of the house.​

• Usage: The building should not be used for living or sleeping accommodation.​

It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and local regulations may vary. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with your local planning authority to confirm whether your specific project requires planning permission. 

A solid and level foundation is crucial for the longevity and safety of your garden sauna. Common foundation options include:​

• Concrete Slab: Provides a durable and stable base, ideal for permanent installations.​

• Gravel Bed: Offers good drainage and is suitable for barrel saunas or other lightweight structures.​

• Paving Stones: An aesthetically pleasing option that also ensures stability.

• Screw pile foundation: Suitable for almost all ground conditions and easy to install, this foundation option is also available for your garden sauna.

The choice of foundation depends on the sauna's design, weight, and your garden's soil conditions. Consulting with a professional installer can help determine the best foundation for your specific situation.

The heating time for a garden sauna depends on several factors, including the type of heater, the size of the sauna, and the ambient outdoor temperature.​

• Wood-Fired Heaters: Typically take about 30 to 60 minutes to reach optimal temperatures.​

• Electric Heaters: Generally heat up faster, often within 20 to 40 minutes.​

Insulation quality and the presence of features like double-glazed windows can also affect heating efficiency. Regular maintenance of the heating system ensures consistent performance.

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your garden sauna in optimal condition:

• Cleaning: Wipe down benches and walls with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner after use to prevent mold and mildew.​

• Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow to keep the interior dry and prevent moisture buildup.​

• Heater Inspection: Check the heater and electrical connections periodically for any signs of wear or damage.​

• Wood Treatment: Depending on the wood type, occasional treatment with appropriate oils or sealants may be necessary to protect against weathering.​

• Roof and Exterior: Inspect the roof and exterior walls for any signs of damage or leaks, especially after severe weather.​

Adhering to a regular maintenance schedule will extend the life of your sauna and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

When building a garden sauna, selecting the right materials is crucial for durability, insulation, and overall sauna experience. Commonly used woods include:​

• Cedar: Known for its resistance to moisture, decay, and insects, cedar also emits a pleasant aroma, enhancing the sauna ambiance.​

• Spruce: A cost-effective option, spruce offers good insulation properties and a light color that brightens the sauna interior.​

• Thermowood: This heat-treated wood boasts improved stability and resistance to moisture, making it ideal for outdoor saunas.​

For the interior, it's essential to use wood that remains comfortable to the touch at high temperatures and doesn't secrete resin. Additionally, materials should be able to withstand the fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels typical of sauna use.​

In Ireland's climate, it's advisable to choose materials that can endure damp conditions and temperature variations. Proper treatment and maintenance will also extend the lifespan of your garden sauna, ensuring years of relaxation and wellness benefits.

A Garden Sauna with an electric heater typically requires a high-voltage 400V (three-phase) connection. This type of setup provides the necessary power to heat the sauna efficiently and maintain a stable temperature during use.

Key electrical requirements for a Garden Sauna in Ireland:

• 400V Power Supply: A three-phase 400V connection is needed for most standard sauna heaters between 6 kW and 9 kW. This ensures fast and even heating, especially in colder outdoor environments.

• 32-amp Circuit with RCBO: The circuit should be protected by a 32-amp residual current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection (RCBO). This adds a layer of safety by detecting electrical faults and preventing overloads.

• Qualified Electrician: In Ireland, all fixed wiring for a 400V sauna installation must be carried out by a certified electrician. This ensures the installation is compliant with the National Rules for Electrical Installations (ET101) and is safe for long-term use.

• Cable Specification: A 5-core, 4mm² armoured cable (or similar, depending on the sauna’s distance from the house) is usually recommended for outdoor installations.

• No standard sockets: Electrical outlets are not permitted inside the sauna cabin itself due to heat and humidity.

Before installation, it's a good idea to prepare the wiring and protective equipment in coordination with the sauna supplier or installer. Many Garden Sauna kits are delivered "connection-ready," meaning the final hookup to the power source is all that’s left to do once the sauna is in place.