What is a Barrel Sauna and How Can You Benefit from One?

So, what is a barrel sauna? If you have ever seen one, you have probably been intrigued to try one out maybe even envious of someone who has one themselves. A barrel sauna is a perfect addition to any backyard, and can act as an entertainment piece for guests.

In this article, we will be discussing what exactly is a barrel sauna and how they differ from other saunas. Next we will be discussing the benefits of owning a barrel sauna and the general cost of one. Finally, we will answer from frequently asked questions surrounding barrel saunas, all to give you a comprehensive understanding before you purchase one!

What is a Barrel Sauna?

A barrel sauna is, as the name suggests, a sauna that is shaped like a barrel and put on its side. These are cleverly designed saunas that tend to be for outdoors more than indoors. Nonetheless, they make a great additional to any backyard and have the ability to extend your living space into a private and relaxing sanctuary.

Similar to any other kind of home sauna, a barrel sauna can be either infrared or traditional. This means that in order to produce heat, either infrared waves or hot rocks and steam are used. Some barrel saunas also come equipped with shingle roofing for durability, outdoor seating, and even a panoramic window – in case you have a view you certainly do not want to miss!

Benefits of Owning a Barrel Sauna

There are several benefits to owning a home sauna, but especially a barrel sauna. There are benefits that are obvious and shared with all types of saunas, but also that are unique to barrel saunas.

In general, there are 4 main benefits of owning a barrel sauna:

• Efficient heating
• Health benefits
• Relaxation and stress relief
• Entertaining

Efficient Heating

Barrel Saunas are efficient in terms of energy requirements, materials needed, and heating the unit. This is due to the ingenious design, where the tightly sealed pieces of wood are placed in a circular shape.

This shape allows for the sauna to be more evenly and efficiently heated compared to regular shaped saunas. In fact, barrel saunas are 32% smaller than regular saunas without compromising sitting space, due to the roundness rather than the sharp corners.

Further, the roundness of a barrel sauna stops the heat from sitting at the top of the sauna, unlike regular saunas, and forces the heat back down throughout the sauna. This allows for more efficient heating, so you can enjoy your sauna even quicker!

Health Benefits

Another reason why customers love not only barrel saunas but all home saunas Is the extensive list of health benefits they provide. Specific health benefits of a sauna can depend on the type of heater that is used, such as infrared, dry heat, or steam. Nonetheless, there are general health benefits that each type of sauna possesses.

For example, some of the health benefits of a home sauna include:

• Detoxification of the body
• Relief from muscle aches and pains
• Reduced risk of developing respiratory illness
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular ailments
• Reduced risk of developing memory related diseases
• Improved circulation
• Glowing and clear skin
• weight loss!

Relaxation and Stress Relief

Another major benefit of owning a barrel sauna is that it provide immense relaxation and stress relief. Picture this: After a long stressful day at work, you finish up dinner, and prior to bed, you want to find a way to relax. Not to worry, you can hop in your barrel sauna and have the space and quiet to destress, improve your health, and get ready for a restful nights sleep.

Entertaining

The final major benefit of owning a barrel sauna is that it is perfect for entertaining friends and family. This is especially true if you are putting the barrel sauna in your backyard, where it could complete your backyard oasis as a spot to entertain.

A barrel sauna is often larger than other saunas. This allows for more people to enjoy the sauna!

How Much Does a Barrel Sauna Cost?

There are several factors which can contribute to varying costs of a barrel sauna. For instance, the size of the sauna, the type of heater that is used, the brand, and any other additional add ons such as shingle roofing or a larger heater.

In general, a barrel sauna can range from as little as $4,599 to over $8,000. At The Outdoor Living Zone, we have a variety of options at different price points. For example, there is the ALEKO 4 Person Barrel Sauna which is on the lower end cost-wise, compared to the Thermory 6 Person Barrel Sauna, which is slightly more expensive.

Barrel Sauna Frequently Asked Questions

We would like to take this chance to discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about barrel saunas.

How Does a Barrel Sauna Work?

In general, a barrel sauna works by some sort of sauna heater, such as infrared, dry heat, or steam, heats up the unit. The barrel sauna shape causes the heat to be evenly and efficiently distributed so when the heat rises to the top of the sauna it will be forced back down throughout the sauna.

How Many People Fit in a Barrel Sauna?

The number of people that can comfortably fit in a barrel sauna depends on the size of the sauna. There are often very few barrel saunas that are designed specifically for 2 people only. More often, barrel saunas often fit 4 to 8 people comfortably, although more could possible fit.

What Do You Put Under a Barrel Sauna?

There are a variety of different materials that your barrel sauna can be placed upon. This includes compressed gravel, a concrete slab, a wooden platform such as a deck, brick, or any other sturdy surface, other than carpeting.

It should be noted that each sauna will also come with a stand it will be placed upon, so the actual sauna is not resting on the material/flooring below.

How Long Does a Barrel Sauna Take To Heat Up?

This will largely depend on the type of sauna heater you have and the size of your sauna. Of course larger saunas will take longer to heat up than a smaller one, and traditional saunas also take longer to heat up.

Nonetheless, a barrel sauna takes less time to heat up than a square sauna. This is because the heat does not escape or sit stagnant – instead, the heat that rises to the roof gets forced back down into the sauna because of the shape.

Concluding Thoughts on What Is A Barrel Sauna

A barrel sauna is an excellent investment and addition to your household. What makes a barrel sauna a is its barrel like shape that heats efficiently and maximizes space.

There are several benefits to owning a barrel sauna, such as:

• Efficient heating
• Health benefits
• Relaxation and stress relief
• Entertaining