There are plenty of reasons to put a sauna house in your own garden: on the one hand, it is a combination of wellness and nature in your own home, and on the other hand, it is an aesthetic eye-catcher in the outdoor area, which of course also increases the value of the property.
No wonder the trend towards outdoor saunas is getting bigger and bigger. However, there is a lot to consider – both legally and in terms of materials. Jürgen Klingenschmid, Managing Director of KLAFS and an expert in outdoor and indoor saunas, explains in an interview what you need to consider before building an outdoor sauna. And why it makes sense to let professionals get to work.
1 What is an outdoor sauna and what are the differences to an indoor sauna?
The outdoor sauna is an outdoor sauna that is set up outside the living area – in the garden or on the patio. One major difference to indoor saunas is that outdoor saunas are subject to official approval. In addition, an outdoor sauna is exposed to all weather conditions, so high-quality materials that are weather and frost resistant are important. It also needs a well thought-out design to guarantee excellent thermal insulation and ideal roof water drainage after rainfall. The size of possible glass elements and any insulating glazing should also be considered in order to reduce heat loss. It is therefore highly advisable to consult an expert for an outdoor sauna project who has a great deal of experience in planning and implementation and can rule out the most common mistakes even before the construction phase.
2 What are the advantages of an outdoor sauna compared to an indoor sauna?
Taking a sauna in the midst of nature not only offers numerous health benefits, but also enhances the feeling of originality: be it experiencing the different seasons with their very own facets, be it the lasting freshness kick or the feeling of being one with nature – a sauna bath outdoors in the countryside gives body and soul particularly calming moments.
3. what different types of outdoor saunas are there and which are particularly popular?
There are numerous types of outdoor saunas and we also offer various models. One of these is the new, flexible Taras outdoor sauna, which is available in 23 different layouts. It has an extremely slim and contemporary roof structure of just 30 cm in height, which gives the sauna a modern elegance. The harmoniously coordinated wall and ceiling structures create a coherent overall picture. The interior design is also exclusive and varied: spruce Softline, ash Nature and Thermo with band saw cut, hemlock panel, walnut, wenge or imitation old wood – everything is possible. And the assembly time for this sauna is kept to a minimum because it is prefabricated in the factory and can be delivered to the customer as a finished sauna house.
4 What needs to be considered when choosing a location for an outdoor sauna?
To find the perfect outdoor sauna for you, you should ask yourself a few questions in advance. For example:
– How many people will regularly use the outdoor sauna?
– How much space is available in the garden or on the terrace?
– Where are the basic boundaries, can distances be maintained?
– Is it possible to lay a power line (400 volts)?
– What orientation should your sauna have – view/privacy?
– Is there a stable base for a foundation or pile foundation, ground anchor?
– Is there a permit, how does the respective municipality handle this?
5. which official permits may be required for the construction of an outdoor sauna?
The local building regulations must be checked before construction. In addition to compliance with safety distances, the statics and protection against wind, storm and snow loads must be checked. It would be best to consult a specialist before implementation. In order to avoid a demolition notice, it is essential to have the outdoor sauna approved by the local authority in advance.
8 What technical connections are required to operate an outdoor sauna?
In order to be able to set up an outdoor sauna, a ground foundation is required, and pipes for electricity, water and waste water must also be considered and prepared. The sauna control unit must be housed indoors or in a suitable, temperature-resistant technical cabinet.
9 The price range for outdoor saunas is very wide. Is a cheap one always worse than an expensive one?
There are various suppliers on the market with some – in my opinion – dubious cheap offers, where the question of durability and resistance of the materials as well as safety arises. We have stood for quality with our saunas for 70 years – this is also reflected in our guarantee policy.
10. what regular maintenance and care does an outdoor sauna require?
Regular maintenance by a competent customer service agent is recommended, regardless of whether it is an outdoor or indoor sauna. To care for the interior paneling and loungers, we recommend wiping them with a damp cloth or wood cleaner and wiping the floor with a damp cloth if necessary. Limescale or water stains on the sauna heater can be removed with a brush. Regular ventilation of the sauna is very important.
All photos: KLAFS GmbH
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