Benefits of a Barrel Sauna

A barrel sauna is a type of sauna that looks like a barrel and is usually made of cedar staves and steel bands. The round shape has many benefits, such as a shorter time to heat up, a more even spread of heat, and built-in seats with back support. In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits, as well as some possible drawbacks and common questions about this type of sauna.

What is a barrel sauna?

This is a type of steam sauna with curved walls and a round top, like a barrel. Most are made of cedar staves, which are thin strips of wood used to make the sauna’s walls. Steel bands hold these planks in place, which helps keep the sauna’s structure in good shape.

Benefits of Barrel Saunas

Easy to ship

The fact that it is easy to ship is one of the best things about a barrel sauna. Because it is round, it can be broken up into smaller, easier-to-handle pieces and shipped to you. This makes it a great choice for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time or money on transportation.

Easy to put together

Not only are they easy to ship, but they are also easy to put together. Many kits come with clear instructions and all the hardware needed to put the sauna together. This makes it easy for homeowners to do it on their own.

A barrel sauna heats up faster

A round sauna heats up faster than a traditional square sauna because it is round. This is because the curved walls of a the sauna make it easier for heat to move around, so it heats up faster.

There is 23% less space to heat

A curved sauna is also better than a traditional square sauna of the same size because it has 23% less space to heat. The usable air space is smaller because there are no high corners. This means that heating one takes less time and energy, making it more energy efficient.

Because the sauna is round, the heat moves around more evenly inside

The round shape also helps spread the heat more evenly throughout the sauna. This is because the curved walls of the sauna make it easier for heat to move around and keep the sauna at a more even temperature.

The round shape stops heat from settling

The circular shape of a barrel sauna helps keep heat from getting stuck in one spot and also spreads the heat out more evenly. This is because the curved walls of the sauna make it easier for heat to move around and keep the sauna at a more even temperature. Less unused airspace at the top pushes heat down to where the users sit.

Curved walls are more comfortable

Another good thing about a barrel sauna is that the curved walls can be used as seats with built-in back support. This makes it easier for people to relax and have a good time in the sauna.

A barrel sauna outside is very efficient

An outdoor barrel sauna is also a great choice because it lets people take advantage of how the cedar staves naturally expand and contract. This means that the sauna can adjust to the weather outside and still keep its shape over time. Cedar wood and other woods are excellent insulators, which makes them more efficient.

Change room

Many barrel saunas also have a change room where people can get dressed before and after using the sauna. This can be especially helpful for barrel saunas that are outside and don’t have a changing room inside.

With ball-and-socket profiles, the wood can move with changes in temperature

Many barrel saunas are made with ball-and-socket profiles, which allow the wood to move as the temperature changes. This helps keep the wood from cracking and splitting due to natural expansion. This makes barrel saunas a good choice for people who want to buy a high-quality sauna that will last a long time in an outdoor environment.

Can pick from two kinds of heaters

You have a few choices when it comes to how to heat a barrel sauna. Electric heaters are often used in barrel saunas because they are easy to use and don’t need much care. You can also heat your sauna with heater rocks and a stove that runs on wood.

Can add Himalayan salt wall or led light bar

You can customize your barrel sauna by adding things like a Himalayan salt wall or an LED light bar. You can also choose from different types of heaters. These features can help you get more out of your sauna and make it feel more luxurious.

The curved roof handles a substantial snow load

A barrel design is different because its roof is curved instead of being flat. This lets the sauna stand up to a bigger amount of snow and keep its shape in places where it’s cold and snowy.

Backyard escape

Lastly, a barrel sauna can be a nice place to unwind in the backyard after a long day. It can be a comfortable and quiet place to unwind. A barrel sauna can be a great addition to your outdoor living space, whether you want to relax and de-stress or just spend some time alone.

Disadvantages of Barrel Saunas

There are many good things about a barrel sauna, but there are also a few things that could go wrong.

Maintenance

One possible downside of a barrel sauna is that it needs to be maintained to stay in good shape. Like any outdoor building, a barrel sauna needs to be cleaned and fixed up on a regular basis to stay in good shape. This could mean doing things like cleaning the sauna, replacing the rocks in the heater, and putting a wood preservative on the cedar staves.

No upper bench

Another thing that could be bad about a barrel sauna is that it usually doesn’t have an upper bench, like most traditional saunas do. This means that people can’t sit on the benches on the upper level of the sauna. Instead, they have to sit on the benches on the lower level.

Most frequent questions about Barrel Saunas

How much does a barrel sauna weigh?

The weight of a barrel sauna depends on how big it is and what it is made of. A barrel sauna usually weighs between 700 and 1000 pounds on average.

How to move a barrel sauna?

Most of the time, it’s best to hire a professional mover or use a heavy-duty forklift to move a barrel sauna. This will make sure that the sauna can be moved without hurting itself or the area around it.

Can you insulate a barrel sauna?

Yes, it is possible to insulate a barrel sauna. Adding insulation to the walls, ceiling, and floor of the sauna can help with this. By insulating a barrel sauna, the heat will stay in and the sauna will use less energy. Insulation materials like fiberglass, foam board, and mineral wool can be used for this.

What does a barrel sauna cost?

The price of a barrel sauna can change a lot based on its size, materials, and features. On average, a barrel sauna can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a simple model to tens of thousands of dollars for a more luxurious one. Between $3,500 and $7,000 is the average cost.

What is the purpose of a barrel sauna?

A barrel sauna works by heating the air inside the barrel to make it warmer. Most of the time, an electric heater or wood-burning stove is used to heat the sauna stones or heater rocks. As the stones or rocks get hotter, they give off heat into the air, which makes the sauna hotter.

How big of a heater does a barrel sauna need?

How big the heater is for a barrel sauna depends on how big the sauna is. As a general rule, you should choose a heater that can heat the sauna to at least 150 to 160°F in 30 minutes. To figure out what size heater you need, you’ll need to think about things like the size of your sauna, the type of heater you’re using, and how well your sauna is insulated.

How to clean a sauna in a barrel?

To clean a barrel sauna, you’ll need to sweep out any dirt and wipe down the walls, benches, and floor with a damp cloth. You could also use a sauna cleaner or mix water and vinegar to get rid of any stains or smells. Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the sauna because they can damage the wood or cause breathing problems.

Can you paint a barrel sauna?

Painting a barrel sauna is usually not a good idea because the paint can chip and peel over time. Also, the sauna’s heat and humidity can cause the paint to bubble or blister, which looks bad and could be bad for the sauna.

Where to put the temperature gauge in a barrel sauna?

In a barrel sauna, the best place for a thermometer is on the wall near the heater. This will give you a good idea of the temperature inside the sauna and help you adjust the heater as needed to keep the temperature where you want it.

Does a barrel sauna make sense for you?

Overall, if you want to add a sauna to your home or backyard, a barrel sauna can be a great investment. A barrel sauna can be a relaxing and enjoyable sauna experience because it heats up quickly, uses less energy, and has comfortable seats. Even though there are a few things that could be bad about a barrel sauna, such as the need for maintenance and the lack of an upper bench, the pros usually outweigh the cons. Whether you want an indoor or outdoor sauna, a barrel sauna may be a good way to improve the look of your home and your health as a whole.

Interested in a barrel sauna?

Epic Hot Tubs sells the highest quality outdoor barrel saunas with delivery to anywhere in the United States, and local assembly in the Raleigh and Durham area. Contact us or give us a call at 888-884-3742 to learn more.

About The Author:

Manny Brambila

Pool & Spa Expert

Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018. In the past few years Manny has become Director of Operations for Epic Hot Tubs with a priority of providing customers with the most reliable information and best service possible.