Sauna FAQs
General & Product Comparison
1. What is the difference between a traditional Finnish sauna and an infrared sauna?
A traditional Finnish sauna uses an electric or wood-burning heater to heat the air (usually to 70-100°C), creating a "dry heat" where you can add water to stones for steam. An infrared sauna uses radiant heat to warm your body directly at lower temperatures (45-60°C), which many find more comfortable for longer sessions.
2. Which is better for my home: Traditional or Infrared?
It depends on your preference. Traditional saunas offer the authentic "steam" experience and higher heat. Infrared saunas are often "plug-and-play" (using a standard 13amp socket), heat up faster (15-20 mins), and are easier to fit into smaller indoor spaces.
3. Do you supply outdoor saunas?
Yes. While many of our cabins are designed for indoor use, we provide specific outdoor sauna ranges and weatherproofing kits. It is essential that any outdoor sauna is placed on a level, solid base like concrete or decking to ensure longevity.
4. What type of wood is best for a sauna?
Scandinavian Spruce is the traditional choice for its durability and authentic aroma. For benches and backrests, we often recommend Abachi wood; it is knot-free and has low thermal conductivity, meaning it stays cool to the touch even at high temperatures.
5. Can I install a sauna in a small flat or apartment?
Yes, our infrared cabins and small 1-2 person Finnish saunas are designed with a compact footprint. You simply need a level floor (preferably stone, ceramic, or vinyl) and sufficient ceiling height (minimum 2100mm).
Installation & Technical
6. Do I need a professional electrician to install my sauna?
For traditional Finnish saunas with heaters 2.5kW and over, yes, they must be hardwired to the mains by a qualified electrician. However, most of our infrared saunas are "plug-and-play" and can be used with a standard UK 13amp wall socket.
7. Do I need any plumbing for my sauna?
No. Neither traditional nor infrared saunas require plumbing or drainage. In a traditional sauna, you only use a small amount of water ladled over stones, which evaporates instantly.
8. What are the floor requirements for a sauna cabin?
The floor must be level and washable. We recommend tiles, stone, or concrete. We do not recommend installing a sauna directly onto carpet, as moisture and heat can cause hygiene issues.
9. How long does it take to assemble an Oceanic Sauna?
Our saunas are designed for DIY assembly using a panel system. Two people can typically assemble a standard indoor cabin in 1-2 days, larger models may take longer.
10. How much clearance do I need around the cabin?
We recommend a minimum air gap of 25mm all around the cabin to allow for air circulation and to prevent heat buildup against your house walls.
Health & Usage
11. What are the main health benefits of using a sauna?
Regular sauna use is linked to improved cardiovascular health, reduced muscle soreness, stress relief, and better sleep. The intense sweating also helps with skin cleansing and detoxification.
12. How long should a sauna session last?
A typical session lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. We recommend "cycling"—15 minutes in the heat, followed by a cool shower or fresh air, and then repeating if desired. Always listen to your body and exit if you feel dizzy.
13. Is it safe to use a sauna every day?
For most healthy adults, daily sauna use is safe and beneficial. However, if you have heart conditions or are pregnant, you should consult a GP first.
14. Can children use the sauna?
Yes, but they should always be supervised, stay on the lower (cooler) benches, and keep sessions short (5-10 minutes), as children’s bodies heat up faster than adults'.
Costs & Maintenance
15. Are saunas expensive to run in the UK?
Saunas are surprisingly efficient. A typical 1-hour session in a home sauna (including heat-up time) costs roughly between £0.50 and £1.80, depending on your electricity tariff and the heater's power rating.
16. How do I clean and maintain my sauna?
Wipe down the benches with a damp cloth after use to remove sweat. Leave the door open to air out the cabin. Avoid using harsh chemicals; a mild solution of water and baking soda or a specialist sauna cleaner is best for the timber.
17. Do the sauna stones need replacing?
In a traditional sauna, stones should be checked annually. If they become brittle or start to crumble, they should be replaced to ensure the heater remains efficient and safe.
Delivery & Orders
18. How is my sauna delivered?
Most saunas are delivered flat-packed on a pallet via a kerbside delivery service. Because the panels are large, we recommend having two people available to move the components into your home.
19. What is your return policy?
At Oceanic Saunas, we offer a 14-day right of withdrawal for unused products in their original packaging. Please note that once a sauna has been installed or the timber has been treated, it can no longer be returned.
20. Do you provide a warranty?
Yes, all our heaters and cabins come with a comprehensive warranty. We also stock a full range of spare parts in our UK warehouse to ensure your sauna remains operational for years to come.