A warm sauna session after a long day isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifestyle shift.
But when you’re thinking about sauna installation at home in Sussex, the excitement can quickly get tangled in a mess of questions.
What size should I get? Is infrared or traditional better? Can I put one in my garden—or my bathroom?
You’re not alone.
Many homeowners want to bring the spa experience indoors (or into the garden) but get stuck figuring out where to begin.
Let’s break down exactly what you need to know to install a sauna that fits your home, goals, and budget, without the headaches.
Whether you’re considering a compact infrared unit or a full Finnish steam bath, this guide will walk you through each step of sauna installation, clearly and confidently.
1. Choosing the Right Sauna for Your Sussex Home
Not all saunas are made the same, and that’s a good thing. Before sauna installation, consider what you value most: intense heat, faster sessions, or sleek modern looks.
Types of Saunas You’ll Encounter
- Infrared Sauna: Heats the body directly using far infrared light, making it ideal for detox, relaxation, and joint relief. Quick to heat and efficient, models like the Jacuzzi Infrared Sauna are known for their quality and convenience.
- Traditional Finnish Sauna: Uses a heater to warm air and rocks, allowing you to pour water over them to generate steam. More intense and immersive. Hekla’s wood-clad options are great examples.
- Barrel Saunas: Stylish, outdoor-friendly, and perfect for a garden installation. Their cylindrical shape improves heat circulation.
Size Matters
Consider how many people will be using it. A single-user infrared pod may fit snugly in your bathroom, while a family-friendly Finnish sauna might require a dedicated room or garden space.
2. Matching Features with Your Wellness Goals
Now that you’ve chosen a type, let’s ensure it meets your physical and mental needs.
- Relieve muscle soreness? Infrared is your friend.
- Recreate an authentic Finnish spa at home? Go with steam and stone.
- Entertain guests or wind down with a partner? Look for larger models with ambient lighting and music features.
Some high-end units even feature chromotherapy lighting, Bluetooth audio, and adjustable humidity controls to fine-tune your experience.
3. Planning Your Budget Without Surprises
Let’s talk numbers.
| Sauna Type | Average Starting Price | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared (Indoor) | £2,500 – £5,000 | Installation, wiring |
| Finnish (Indoor/Outdoor) | £4,500 – £9,000+ | Insulation, plumbing, wood |
| Barrel (Outdoor) | £5,000 – £10,000+ | Foundation, weatherproofing |
Don’t forget: Euphoria Lifestyle offers Novuna financing to spread the cost over flexible monthly plans, making wellness more affordable without compromise.
4. Finding the Perfect Spot at Home
Whether you live in a Sussex cottage or a modern new build, you have options.
Indoor Sauna Installation Locations
- Bathroom: Ideal for compact infrared models. Add a shower nearby for a full spa setup.
- Basement or spare room: Larger units fit well here, provided they have proper flooring and ventilation.
- Garage conversion: Great if you’re short on indoor space.
Outdoor Sauna Installation Ideas
Your garden or patio can become a Scandinavian oasis. Barrel saunas thrive in backyards with sufficient clearance, and outdoor models require a flat, level base (such as a concrete slab or decking) and access to electricity.
5. Prepping the Site: What Needs to Happen First
Before delivery day, prepare your space for the sauna installation.
- Electrical wiring: Most infrared units need a 13–15 amp plug. Finnish heaters often need a 240V connection—best handled by a qualified electrician.
- Ventilation: Essential to prevent mould or moisture build-up.
- Floors: Opt for non-slip, water-resistant flooring options such as treated wood, tile, or sealed concrete.
- Walls and ceilings: Sauna units generate high humidity and heat, so the surrounding materials should be able to resist moisture.
6. Step-by-Step Installation: What to Expect
Sauna installation isn’t rocket science, but it is best done by professionals like the team at Euphoria Lifestyle.
The Typical Process:
- Pre-install inspection and site readiness check.
- Delivery and unpacking of sauna components.
- Structural assembly: Panels, bench seating, insulation layers.
- Electrical connection and testing.
- Sealing, finishing, and software setup for modern control units.
In most cases, an experienced installer can complete the setup in one to two days.
7. First Heating: Breaking It In
Once it’s up and running, the first session shouldn’t be a full-blown sweat.
- Let it heat empty for 30–60 minutes at full power to remove factory residues.
- Check all controls: timer, temperature, lights, audio.
- Ensure ventilation is functioning properly before your first use.
You’ll know it’s ready when the heat is steady and the steam (if applicable) flows smoothly.
8. How to Maintain Your Sauna Like a Pro
Maintenance is low-effort if you keep a routine.
Daily:
- Wipe benches and walls with a soft cloth.
- Keep the door open afterward for air circulation.
Monthly:
- Check the heater and replace the sauna stones if they are cracked.
- Clean the ventilation system.
Annually:
- Consider a professional inspection, especially if using it heavily.
- Euphoria Lifestyle offers servicing plans to keep things running safely and efficiently.
9. Safety Guidelines and Health Considerations
When used properly, saunas are safe and beneficial. But misuse can lead to health risks.
- Hydrate before and after sessions.
- Limit your time—start with 10–15 minutes if you’re new.
- Avoid use if pregnant or with certain medical conditions.
- No alcohol, ever. Sauna + alcohol = dangerous combo.
Modern saunas have built-in safety measures, such as auto shut-off timers, insulated doors, and temperature limiters—but always use common sense.
10. Upgrades That Take Your Sauna to the Next Level
Want to go from “home sauna” to “wow experience”? Add a few of these:
- Aromatherapy dispensers with eucalyptus or birch scents.
- Chromotherapy lighting to set a relaxing vibe.
- Cold plunge tub for contrast therapy—Euphoria also stocks Chill Tubs®.
Combine your sauna with a Jacuzzi hot tub or even a swim spa for the ultimate home wellness retreat.
11. Your Sauna as a Long-Term Investment
A sauna isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a real asset.
- Health returns: Reduces stress, boosts sleep, supports skin health, eases muscle tension.
- Home value: Wellness rooms and garden saunas are increasingly desirable.
- Lifestyle benefits: No need to travel to the gym or spa.
Whether you want solitude or a social space, it pays off daily.
12. Why Euphoria Lifestyle Is the Trusted Sauna Partner in Sussex
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Euphoria Lifestyle brings:
- Top-tier brands: Jacuzzi®, Sun & Soul™, Hekla.
- Years of expertise in installation, product matching, and aftercare.
- Convenient showroom in Washington, West Sussex, so that you can see and feel the difference.
From helping you plan, install, finance, and maintain—it’s all under one roof.
FAQs
How much electricity does a sauna use?
Infrared saunas typically use 1–2 kWh per session, comparable to the energy consumption of a space heater. Finnish saunas draw more power but are used for shorter bursts.
Can I put a sauna in my bathroom?
Yes, but choose an infrared model for its compactness and ensure that ventilation and waterproofing are correctly installed.
Do I need planning permission?
Most saunas don’t need permission if under 2.5m in height and within your property boundary. Always check with your local council for peace of mind.
How long does it take to heat up?
Infrared models heat in 10–15 minutes. Traditional saunas require 30–45 minutes for a full steam session.
What kind of wood is used?
High-quality options include spruce, aspen, and cedar, chosen for heat resistance, scent, and moisture resilience.
Final Thoughts
Sauna installation at home is more than a project—it’s an invitation to invest in your wellbeing every single day.
From Sussex gardens to modern London homes, we’ve helped hundreds of customers turn their living spaces into daily retreats.
If you’re ready to stop dreaming and start sweating (in the good way), let’s talk.
Explore our saunas online or drop by our West Sussex showroom. We’re here to help you build your wellness escape.