Do you want to add a wet dry sauna in your home? You can get them as easy-to-assemble kits that can save you money. Plus, they don’t require lots of work to maintain. Get all of the benefits of heat therapy – in the convenience of your own home, with space for 2-6 people.
As you’d expect, this 4-person sauna is about twice as large as many 2-person models. However, it feels more spacious because it has large floor-to-ceiling glass windows on 2 sides.
Plus, the unit has 2 rows of seating for a more space-efficient design. As a result, it heats up faster. That said, ALEKO makes different sized saunas, ranging from 2-person up to 6 person.
By the way, you can also get their saunas in either hemlock wood or cedar. Both woods perform well in saunas, although experts tout cedar as being the best and used in outdoor saunas. (It also costs more.)
Note: Saunas made of hemlock can save you some money, while they also resist cracking, splitting and shrinkage. In addition, they have a milder wood aroma than cedar, for those who prefer a less woodsy scent.
Home Sauna VS Steam Room: What’s Better?
Through years of experience, I’ve learned that deciding between a home sauna and a steam room often comes down to cost, convenience and versatility.
For starters, steam rooms tend to be more expensive than saunas due to their design and installation requirements. Building a steam room involves waterproofing the space, installing a steam generator, and incorporating proper ventilation systems to manage the moisture. These added complexities contribute to higher costs.
On the other hand, home saunas offer a more budget-friendly option, particularly with DIY sauna kits. These kits allow for self-installation, reducing labor costs and making it easier to add a sauna to your home. Additionally, many saunas are portable, offering the flexibility to move or rearrange them as needed.
Beyond these financial and practical considerations, saunas and steam rooms offer distinct therapeutic benefits. Saunas provide dry heat, promoting sweating and detoxification, while steam rooms offer a moist environment that can aid in respiratory health. Ultimately, the decision between a sauna and a steam room should reflect your budget, lifestyle, and wellness goals.
Note: This particular wet dry sauna kit comes as panels that have already been pre-assembled. You simply fasten the panels together, so assembly is fairly straightforward. Altogether, the project should only take a few hours.
Both steam rooms and saunas have similar benefits due to the therapeutic effects of heat. Specifically, two studies done in Finland on sauna bathing over 20 years showed a significant risk reduction in dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, sudden cardiac death and all cause mortality.
Other sources state that hot saunas can help with sleep, boost metabolism, enhance immune function and help reduce arthritis and inflammation. However, evidence has shown to be minimal and incomplete. as of 2017.
Note: Saunas are safe for most people, but Harvard Health recommends that people with uncontrolled high blood pressure and heart disease should check with their doctors before using them.
Wet VS Dry Sauna Benefits:
According to WebMD, steam can help with some respiratory conditions, like clearing congestion. Therefore, some people like to use steam when they have seasonal allergies or a cold or cough.
Inhaling steam moisturizes and soothes respiratory passages, thinning mucus and reducing inflammation. It promotes blood flow, alleviating nasal congestion and providing relief from respiratory symptoms like colds or sinus congestion. Steam inhalation temporarily eases breathing difficulties and soothes irritated airways.
Steam also opens pores on your skin, making it easier to clean out dirt for clearer, healthier looking skin. So, showering after a steam session can be a great way to slough off and rinse away dirt and dead skin.
The advantage of this indoor wet dry sauna is that you can enjoy steam with your sauna. Simply drop water over the lava stones to increase the humidity in the sauna. (Bucket and scoop are included).
Note: You don’t want to dump a large amount of water on the rocks at once. Rather, you want to splash water using the scoop. And keep in mind that the steam is very hot and can burn your skin.
Sauna Installation:
This kit arrives in panels that you can put together yourself. However, the manufacturer recommends having a licensed electrician do the wiring for the unit (it must be hardwired).
Minimal tools are required for assembly, but you will need 2 people to put it together (see installation guide).
Once set up, these saunas conveniently require minimal maintenance. For example, lava rock for the heater should be replaced once every 500 hours of sauna use. In addition, you’ll want to oil-coat the interior wood once a year to keep it well-conditioned. And then just regularly clean the wood and keep the unit ventilated (these saunas have ventilation holes already built-in).
Specs for the Wet Dry Sauna:
- Dimensions: 66″ Wide x 66″ Deep x 75″Tall
- Weight: 850 lbs
- Material: Canadian Hemlock Wood
- Door: Clear Tempered Glass
- Capacity: 4 Person
- 2 Seating Levels
- Indoor Use Only
- Operates from 158 to 194 Degrees F
- 4.5 kW Harvia KIP Electric Heater
- Infrared: No
- Power: 220V-240V, Hardwire
- Customizable Shut-Off Timer
- Comes with Hygrothermograph (measures temp, humidity)
- Includes Lava Stones, Lamps, Wooden Bucket & Scoop, Remote
- Assembly Required: Yes (comes partially assembled)
- Installation Manual
- Customer Reviews: 3.8 Out of 5 Stars
- Model #: STHE4INNY
- 1 Year Warranty
- Manufacturer: Aleko Products
- Customer Service Phone: 833-926-2323
- For Sale: Where to Buy the Steam Sauna
Summary:
In conclusion, this wet dry sauna kit offers a comprehensive and convenient solution for at-home heat therapy, seamlessly blending the benefits of both wet and dry saunas. With pre-assembled panels and easy assembly, it provides a straightforward installation process, while its use of lava stones enables users to enjoy steam alongside traditional dry heat.
The choice between hemlock or cedar wood allows for customization, balancing cost and aroma preferences. Overall, this versatile sauna kit brings therapeutic advantages for the skin, respiratory system, and cardiovascular health, making it an excellent addition to any home for wellness and relaxation.
Last Updated May 1, 2024
