A backyard sauna is more than a luxury—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It’s a space to unwind, recover, and reconnect with yourself, right at home. Whether you’re chasing the therapeutic benefits of heat, carving out time for mindfulness, or simply seeking an oasis of calm after a long day, the right sauna can transform how you feel—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

But with so many options on the market—infrared or traditional? Indoor or outdoor? Barrel, cabin, or custom?—how do you choose a sauna that aligns with your home, your health goals, and your daily rhythm?

At RnR Hot Tubs and Spas, we know that no two wellness journeys look the same. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process of finding a sauna that fits your life, not just your backyard. Whether your focus is muscle recovery, deep relaxation, detoxification, or overall well-being, we’ll help you narrow down the choices so you can invest confidently in your health.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING YOUR SAUNA

When choosing a sauna, it’s important to look beyond the aesthetics and focus on how it will support your lifestyle and wellness goals. Think about how often you plan to use it, how much space you have available, and what kind of experience you want to create. A sauna should feel like an effortless extension of your routine—something that invites you in, not something that becomes a chore to maintain or use.

You’ll also want to consider long-term value, from energy efficiency and durability to maintenance requirements and installation needs. The right sauna should align with your personal needs while fitting seamlessly into your space and daily life. Taking time to think through these details ensures that your investment truly enhances your well-being for years to come.

Here’s what to consider when choosing your perfect sauna:

Determine Your Goals

Before diving into the features, styles, and specifications, take a moment to reflect on why you want a sauna in the first place. Your personal wellness goals are the foundation for making the right choice. 

Are you craving a space to unwind and disconnect from the pressures of daily life? 

Seeking support for sore muscles after workouts or long days on your feet? 

Or are you focused on long-term health benefits like improved circulation, detoxification, or clearer skin?

When you’re clear on your why everything else—heat source, design, installation, and even how often you’ll use your sauna—becomes easier to determine. This clarity helps you invest in a sauna that’s not just a beautiful addition to your space, but a tool that genuinely supports your lifestyle, wellness journey, and daily rituals.

Consider Your Space

Your available space plays a major role in finding the sauna that fits your life—both literally and practically. Start by looking at where you envision your sauna living. Are you planning to create a serene backyard escape, or would you prefer the convenience of an indoor wellness nook? Whether indoors or out, your space should allow for proper ventilation, easy access, and a comfortable environment that invites regular use.

Size is another key factor. While a compact sauna might be perfect for solo sessions or smaller households, larger models are better suited if you plan to share the experience with family or friends. Think about who will be using the sauna regularly, and make sure the dimensions align with your needs—not just today, but in the future.

Don’t forget about electrical requirements. Different types of saunas have different installation needs, and understanding the power demands upfront can save time and hassle later. Some saunas can plug into standard household outlets, while others may require dedicated circuits or professional installation. Factoring this into your decision early on helps ensure a smooth setup process and long-term enjoyment.

Choose the Type of Sauna

When it comes to choosing the right sauna, understanding the difference between the two main types—traditional and infrared—can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and wellness goals.

Traditional saunas create a high-heat, high-humidity environment by using heated stones. These heaters efficiently warm the stones, allowing you to pour water over them to produce steam and increase humidity—creating that classic, immersive sauna experience. This type of sauna is perfect for those who enjoy the intense warmth and ritual of a traditional spa session. The heat envelops the entire space, raising the air temperature and encouraging a deep, cleansing sweat that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation.

Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared light to heat your body directly rather than warming the air around you. The result is a lower ambient temperature with dry heat that’s easier to tolerate for extended sessions. This makes infrared saunas an excellent option for those looking for a gentler, more accessible experience that still delivers powerful benefits like improved circulation, muscle recovery, and detoxification.

Not sure which one suits you best? 

The best way to decide is to experience them firsthand. Visit our showroom to feel the difference for yourself—we’re happy to guide you through the options so you can find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Think About Features & Customization

Modern saunas are designed to do more than provide heat—they’re built to elevate your entire wellness experience. We offer a wide range of features and customizable options to help you create a sauna that feels like your own private retreat.

From choosing the heating option that you want and LED mood lighting to chromotherapy, today’s saunas are all about comfort and ease of use. You can tailor the layout with options like custom bench configurations, backrests (permanent or movable), and even your preferred floor style—rounded or flat—for added support and comfort. 

Choose from window placements that invite natural light in, or opt for more privacy depending on your setup. We also offer stained wood finishes for a polished, spa-like look and complete sauna accessory kits to enhance every session with essentials like buckets, ladles, thermometers, and timers.

To make your experience seamless from start to finish, we provide professional delivery and installation, ensuring everything is set up safely and correctly. Whether you’re designing a personal escape or a space to share with others, choosing features that make your sauna inviting and easy to use will help you get the most out of it for years to come.

Quality and Craftsmanship Matter

A sauna is more than just a wellness purchase—it’s a long-term investment in your health and home. That’s why it’s essential to choose a sauna that’s built with lasting quality in mind. Look for construction that uses premium materials like Canadian cedar or hemlock, which not only withstand the heat and humidity but also bring natural beauty and a calming aroma to your space. A well-built sauna should also be energy-efficient, helping you enjoy the benefits without seeing a spike in your utility bills.

We’re proud to offer saunas that are made right here in Calgary, with craftsmanship you can count on. We also feature North American-made heater options that are trusted for their performance, safety, and longevity. These heaters are designed to handle regular use and provide consistent, reliable heat so you can enjoy every session without worry. We only carry brands we believe in—brands that prioritize quality, durability, and your overall sauna experience.

Set Your Budget

Sauna prices can vary significantly depending on the size, type, and features you choose—but investing in your health and wellness doesn’t have to mean overspending. Whether you’re interested in a compact infrared model with simple functionality or a fully customized traditional sauna with premium upgrades, there’s a high-quality option that can meet both your goals and your budget.

As you’re comparing prices—especially online—it’s important to look beyond the base cost and consider what’s actually included. Many saunas advertised online don’t come with essentials like a roof or heat protection plate for wood-burning models, which are often added expenses. The saunas we carry at RnR Hot Tubs and Spas include those features as part of the package, so there are no surprises later on. Plus, while many online sauna purchases arrive flat-packed for you to assemble on your own, we offer professional delivery and installation to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Not every sauna is created equal, and not every price tells the full story. We’re here to help you find the right sauna—with all the right components—so you get lasting value and a truly enjoyable experience.

We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality wellness tools. That’s why we’re committed to helping you find the right sauna without compromise. Our knowledgeable team will walk you through all available options, explain what impacts pricing, and ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment—no pressure, just personalized support. With expert guidance and locally made options, you can feel confident you’re getting quality that lasts at a price that makes sense for you.

Let’s Find the Sauna That Suits You Best

Finding the right sauna should feel just as calming as stepping into one. At RnR Hot Tubs and Spas, we’re here to help you choose a model that fits your space, your goals, and your lifestyle. 

Whether you’re looking to boost your wellness routine, create a quiet escape, or simply stay warm during Alberta’s long winters, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Visit our Calgary showroom and we’ll help you create the perfect at-home retreat.