Discover why a sauna is better than a hot tub for your backyard. Learn about saunas’ energy efficiency, health benefits, versatility, and affordability.
If you want to relax, rejuvenate, and improve your health at home, you might be wondering whether to invest in a sauna or a hot tub. Both options have pros and cons, but in this article, we will give seven reasons why a sauna might be a better choice for your backyard.
Reasons why you might choose a sauna over a hot tub:
- Health benefits: Saunas have been shown to have some health benefits, including:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved skin health
- Cost: Saunas are typically less expensive to purchase and operate than hot tubs.
- Maintenance: Saunas require less maintenance than hot tubs.
- Size: Saunas are typically smaller than hot tubs, making them a good option for smaller spaces.
- Personal preference: Some people simply prefer a sauna’s dry heat to a hot tub’s wet heat.
Potential drawbacks to saunas:
- Safety: Saunas can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and respiratory problems. It is important to talk to your doctor before using a sauna.
- Heat tolerance: Not everyone can tolerate the high heat of a sauna. If you are new to saunas, start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more accustomed to them.
- Comfort: Some people find saunas to be uncomfortable, especially at first. The dry heat can be drying to the skin and eyes, and it can make it difficult to breathe.
When considering a sauna, weighing the pros and cons carefully and deciding which option is best for you is important.
Key differences table between saunas and hot tubs:
| Feature | Sauna | Hot tub |
|---|---|---|
| Heat type | Dry | Wet |
| Temperature range | 150-195°F (65-90°C) | 98-104°F (37-40°C) |
| Health benefits | Improved cardiovascular health, reduced pain and inflammation, improved sleep quality, reduced stress and anxiety, improved skin health | Muscle relaxation, stress relief, pain relief, improved circulation |
| Cost | Less expensive to purchase and operate | More expensive to purchase and operate |
| Maintenance | Less maintenance required | More maintenance required |
| Size | Typically smaller | Typically larger |
| Personal preference | Some people prefer the dry heat of a sauna | Some people prefer the wet heat of a hot tub |
Sauna over a Hot Tub
1. Saunas are more energy-efficient than hot tubs.
One of the main advantages of saunas over hot tubs is that they use less energy to operate. A sauna only needs to heat the air inside the room, while a hot tub has to heat and circulate a large volume of water.
According to some estimates, a sauna can use up to 80% less electricity than a hot tub. Choosing a sauna can save money on your energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.
2. Saunas are easier to maintain than hot tubs.
Another benefit of saunas is that they require less maintenance than hot tubs. A sauna does not need chemicals, filters, or pumps to keep it clean and functional. You only need to occasionally wipe down the benches and walls and empty the water bucket after each use.
On the other hand, a hot tub needs regular cleaning, testing, and balancing of the water chemistry, as well as replacing the filters and parts periodically. A hot tub must also be drained and refilled every few months, which can be a hassle and a waste of water.
3. Saunas have more health benefits than hot tubs.
Both saunas and hot tubs can provide relaxation, stress relief, and muscle relaxation, but saunas have some additional health benefits that hot tubs do not. For example, saunas can:
- Boost your immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells that fight infections.
- Improve your cardiovascular health by lowering your blood pressure, improving your blood flow, and reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Detoxify your body by inducing sweating that flushes out toxins, impurities, and excess fluids.
- Enhance your skin by opening up your pores, removing dead skin cells, and increasing collagen production.
- Aid in weight loss by increasing your metabolism and burning calories.
4. Saunas are more versatile than hot tubs.
Saunas come in different types and sizes that can suit your preferences and needs. You can choose between traditional dry saunas, steam saunas, or infrared saunas, depending on the level of heat and humidity you want.
You can customize your sauna experience by adding aromatherapy oils, music, or lighting to create your desired mood. Saunas can also be used year-round, regardless of the weather or season. Hot tubs are more limited in their options and features. They usually have one temperature setting and one type of jet system.
They also depend on the availability of water and electricity, which can be affected by storms or power outages. Hot tubs can also be uncomfortable in very hot or cold weather.
5. Saunas are safer than hot tubs.
Saunas are generally safer than hot tubs if you follow some basic guidelines, such as staying hydrated, limiting your time in the heat, and avoiding alcohol or drugs before or during the session. Unlike hot tubs, saunas do not pose any risk of drowning, slipping, or falling.
Saunas also do not harbor bacteria or germs that can cause infections or diseases, unlike hot tubs that can become contaminated with harmful microorganisms if improperly sanitized.
6. Saunas are more social than hot tubs.
Saunas are more conducive to socializing than hot tubs because they allow users more space and freedom of movement. You can sit or lie down on different levels of benches in a sauna, while in a hot tub, you are confined to one seat or position.
You can also talk more easily in a sauna because the noise level is lower than in a hot tub, where the jets and bubbles can drown out the conversation. Saunas also have a long history and culture of being used as communal spaces where people can bond, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
7. Saunas are more affordable than hot tubs.
Finally, saunas are more affordable than hot tubs regarding initial cost and ongoing expenses. A sauna can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the unit’s size, type, and quality. Depending on the same factors, a hot tub can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000.
A sauna also has lower operating costs than a hot tub because it uses less electricity and water. A sauna can cost around $0.25 per hour, while a hot tub can cost around $1.00 per hour.
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Final Words:
As you can see, there are many reasons to choose a sauna over a hot tub for your backyard. A sauna can offer more energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, health benefits, versatility, safety, sociality, and affordability than a hot tub. Of course, the final decision depends on your preference and budget, but we hope this article has helped you make an informed choice. For more abort sauna and hot tub study.
