-
A Steam Shower and Tub: Is it for You?
Often we hear the terms steam bath, steam shower and steam sauna. Do they mean the same thing? Steam baths have been a popular way of bathing for thousands of years. They were known to the ancient Greeks and have long traditions in both Turkey and Russia. Today, steam baths can be found in many spas and gyms. They are also becoming increasingly popular for home installation. Thanks to recent developments in steam generator technology steam baths can be installed in almost any residential bathroom. Tip! Indulge in a warm and soothing steam shower if you want a great way to start your day or when you want to relax…
-
How to Build a Steam Room – Part One
Do you love steam baths? Feel that you can’t survive without them? If you are one of those who live for steam, consider getting a steam bath installed in your home. Having your own is the ultimate for many steam bath lovers and getting one may be easier (and less expensive) than you think. There are two basic choices when installing a steam bath in your home. You can convert your existing bathtub or shower or you can install a modular steam bath. There are several steam bath designs which are self-contained and simply need appropriate plumbing and electrical connections. Converting an existing bathtub is also fairly easy. A steam…
-
Steam vs Sauna : Is a steam bath or sauna better for you?
There is sometimes confusion between the terms ‘steam bath’ and ‘sauna.’ Many people think they refer to the same thing. Not so. Even though they both are hot baths, a sauna uses dry heat while a steam bath uses moist heat. The sauna has very low humidity. This means it can be much hotter than a steam bath. Saunas are usually between 80°C and 100°C while a steam bath is usually about 40°C. If the steam bath was any hotter than this it could scald the skin, but the dry heat of the sauna is safe. Saunas are heated with stones placed on some kind of heater — usually electric…
-
Not all sauna kits are created equal
There are several kinds of sauna kits, each designed for a different purpose. Lets first look at the different kinds of sauna kits. Then let’s look at some ways to compare them. PERSONAL/PORTABLE KITS: This is as simple as it gets. Most of these small saunas are for one person and come in 2 pieces that are easily attached. The pieces are designed to fit through doorways and take only a few minutes to put together before you are ready to go. Most are designed for inside but there are a few outside models available. These are complete units including heaters and benches (more like seats since there is no…
-
4 Types of Sauna Heaters
Sauna heaters determine the type of heat you get, the way you sweat and the way you design your sauna. This is an important decision and effects the planning of your custom sauna. Options include wood, gas, electric and infrared sauna heaters. Read on to get general information about options for heating your sauna and buying tips for specific types of heaters: Choosing the type of sauna heater should be one of your first jobs in designing a sauna. Here is some background information to help you decide if you want to go with a conventional sauna heater like wood, electric or gas. You may also want to consider the…
-
Your sauna construction plans can take many forms
Quality sauna construction starts with the right custom sauna plans. With all the options how do you decide on the perfect plans for you? One way is to look at the important components of a custom sauna separately. After making a decision about each part, they can be looked at together to see if it works as a whole package. The best way to eat an elephant (build a sauna) is one bite at a time. Lucky for you sauna construction is not rocket science and a lot easier than eating an elephant. Coming up with custom sauna plans that are perfect for your situation will only take some thought.…
-
Sauna construction should start with the right materials.
Sauna construction can’t start without deciding which materials to use whether you are building a custom sauna or a kit. It takes just as much work to put together a sauna with inferior materials as it does with quality materials. The end product will only be as good as the materials that go into it. With that in mind let’s look at which materials are most suitable for sauna construction. INTERIOR MATERIALS Wood continues to be the standard material for sauna interiors for several reasons. It absorbs excess steam and resists condensation. Wood contributes to the relaxed aesthetics, creating a warm and appealing space. Wood does not transmit temperature very…
-
Custom sauna benches need to be sturdy, functional and attractive.
The right materials, design, and construction methods for your custom sauna benches will give you benches that are functional and beautiful. Your sauna construction plans should take the following ideas into consideration before starting on the benches. Which materials should you use? Cedar is the wood of choice for custom sauna benches, also known as platforms. 1 x 4 or 2 x 4 is a good size lumber to use for sauna bench construction. Any wider and it tends to warp in the constantly changing conditions of a sauna. Any thinner is not practical. Use full lengths of clear knot-free lumber. Don’t splice boards together; the joint will never stay…
-
Sauna benefits effect your skin, heart, muscles toxin levels and more.
To find out about sauna benefits like weight loss, detoxification, negative ions and blood pressure read on. The benefits of a sauna come about due to the way heat effects your body. Let’s start with a general explanation of what happens and then look at specific benefits of a sauna on your health. Before looking at the health benefits of a sauna any further I need to confess to not being a doctor, not playing one on TV or having much desire to be one. I wouldn’t mind the paycheck but not if it requires the associated responsibilities. The following information is a result of research on the Internet and…
-
Detoxification through sauna therapy: how and why detoxification works
Detoxification by “sweating it out” in sauna therapy is becoming accepted as a major benefit of a sauna. Studies reveal the process that makes detoxification using sauna therapy so effective. There is more to sauna therapy detoxification than simply “sweating it out”. First lets look at toxins and how they react with your body. We are all bio-accumulators, meaning some of the chemicals we come in contact with we don’t get rid of. Our modern world is full of toxic chemicals. Many of these are retained in our bodies in fat cells and intercellular fluid. Blood is over 50% fluid (as opposed to the blood cells) but there is also…
