Thinking of an Outdoor Sauna? What you need to get started!
There’s nothing quite like stepping into a warm, soothing outdoor sauna at the end of a long day. Whether you’re looking to relax sore muscles, detoxify your body, or simply carve out more time for self-care, a home sauna delivers all the benefits of a spa—just steps from your back door. But before you can enjoy that first deep exhale, there are a few important steps to consider.
At Mountain Mist Spa & Sauna, we’ve helped hundreds of customers turn their backyard into a rejuvenating retreat. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to get started with your outdoor sauna, covering everything from electrical requirements and site prep to ventilation and weather protection. Let’s make sure your setup is as smooth as your post-sauna glow.
1. Choose the Right Type of Outdoor Sauna
Outdoor saunas come in several different types, each offering a unique experience. The two most popular categories are:
Traditional Saunas
These use electric or wood-burning heaters to produce high temperatures (typically 150°F to 195°F). They heat the air inside the sauna and can create steam when water is poured over heated rocks.
Infrared Saunas
Instead of heating the air, infrared saunas use infrared panels to warm your body directly. These models generally operate at lower temperatures (120°F to 150°F) and are often preferred for their energy efficiency and deep-penetrating heat.
At Mountain Mist Spa & Sauna, we carry top-of-the-line traditional and infrared outdoor saunas from trusted brands, all designed to withstand the elements and deliver years of relaxation.
2. Plan for Proper Site Preparation
The first step in installing any outdoor sauna is choosing the right location. Here’s what to consider:
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Level Surface: Your sauna must be installed on a level, solid surface. A concrete pad, pavers, or a reinforced deck are great options.
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Drainage: Choose a site that allows for proper water runoff. Avoid low-lying areas where water might pool.
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Accessibility: Think about ease of access from your home. You’ll likely want it close to a door or pathway for year-round use.
If you’re unsure whether your site is ready, our team can provide in-home or virtual consultations to assess your space and recommend the best setup.
3. Understand Electrical Requirements
Depending on the type and size of your sauna, you may need specific electrical configurations. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Infrared Saunas: Most plug into a standard 120V or 240V outlet. Some require a dedicated 20-amp circuit, which your electrician can easily install.
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Traditional Saunas: Larger models often require hardwired 240V connections, especially for electric heaters. Always follow local codes and hire a licensed electrician for any installations.
At Mountain Mist Spa & Sauna, we provide all product specs in advance so your installer knows exactly what’s needed before the delivery arrives.
4. Add a Weatherproofing Strategy
Since your sauna will be outdoors, it needs protection from rain, snow, sun, and wind. Here are key considerations:
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Roof Overhang: Choose a sauna with a sloped roof to help with water runoff.
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Weather-Resistant Materials: Our outdoor sauna units feature high-quality wood like Canadian Hemlock and Cedar, which naturally resist moisture, warping, and pests.
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Cover or Enclosure: Consider building a pergola, roofed patio, or even a small shelter around your sauna to increase longevity.
Many of our models are built with tempered glass, insulated panels, and stainless steel fasteners, which provide superior performance outdoors.
5. Factor in Ventilation and Airflow
Proper airflow is critical in a sauna—not just for comfort, but for safety and efficiency. Your outdoor sauna should include:
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Intake and exhaust vents for fresh air circulation
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Gaps beneath the door to allow consistent oxygen flow
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A way for steam or heat to naturally rise and escape, preventing pressure buildup
Our sauna brands are engineered with ventilation in mind, but placement still matters. Avoid tight spaces between buildings that could block airflow.
6. Decide on Lighting and Audio Enhancements
For the ultimate outdoor sauna experience, lighting and audio features are worth the upgrade.
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LED Mood Lighting: Many of our saunas come with color therapy lighting, allowing you to set the mood with calming blue, energizing red, or warm white tones.
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Bluetooth Sound Systems: Want to listen to meditation tracks, spa music, or a podcast? Look for saunas with built-in, heat-resistant Bluetooth® audio systems.
These features don’t just make your sauna feel more luxurious—they help transform your outdoor space into a true wellness retreat.
7. Don’t Forget the Extras: Towels, Hooks, & Flooring
Small touches can make a big difference in your sauna experience. Before your first session, make sure you have:
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Towels and robe hooks on the outside wall
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Non-slip mats or cedar duckboard flooring for comfort and safety
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Water bottles or herbal infusions nearby to stay hydrated
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A timer or use the built-in control panel to set your session duration
Every sauna we sell at Mountain Mist Spa & Sauna is designed for comfort, safety, and performance—but we also help customers customize their setup for a personal touch.
8. Consider Permits or HOA Requirements
Depending on your city or neighborhood, you may need to check for:
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Zoning regulations
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Building permits
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Homeowners association (HOA) rules
While smaller plug-and-play saunas often don’t require permits, traditional hardwired units might. Our team can guide you through any local code requirements to make sure your installation is 100% compliant.
9. Work with a Trusted Sauna Provider
Choosing a sauna is a big investment—not just financially, but for your health and lifestyle. That’s why working with a trusted provider matters.
At Mountain Mist Spa & Sauna, we offer:
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Expert product recommendations
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Transparent installation guidance
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Delivery and setup support
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Access to premium outdoor sauna brands
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Financing options and seasonal promotions
We’re passionate about helping our customers discover the benefits of sauna ownership—from relaxation and detoxification to improved sleep and circulation.
Let Us Help You Create the Perfect Outdoor Sauna Setup
Whether you’re just beginning your research or you’re ready to bring home a sauna this season, our team is here to help. We’ll walk you through your options, explain what’s needed for installation, and ensure that your outdoor sauna is ready to deliver years of health, warmth, and tranquility.
Visit our showroom or contact Mountain Mist Spa & Sauna today to explore our outdoor sauna models and schedule your installation consultation. We’ll help you build the perfect backyard escape—one sweat session at a time.