What is a pod outdoor sauna?
Most people might not be familiar with the term “pod sauna”, but it is simply an outdoor sauna that is self-contained and portable.
Pod saunas are becoming increasingly popular because they offer many benefits that traditional saunas cannot provide.
The raindrop shape of the POD SAUNA causes it to be higher in the walking zone. The extra height allows for a two-tier bench on the rear wall as an option.
Pods are available in four sizes: 6′, 7′, 8′, and 9′ deep. The peak of a Pod sauna is 8 feet tall, while the depth is 6,’ 7,’ or 8′ deep. You may also add an entrance porch to any Pod sauna and convert it into a bigger space.
It looks similar to barrel saunas because of their round shape. The main difference between the two is that pod saunas are more portable since they are not permanently fixed in one place.
What is a pod sauna kit?
Just like other sauna kits, a pod sauna kit contains all the necessary materials and equipment that you need to build your pod sauna.
The only difference is that a pod sauna kit is specifically designed for pod saunas.
A typical pod sauna kit includes walls, ceilings, flooring, benches, doors, windows, and vents.
Depending on your budget and preferences, you can also opt for a pod sauna kit that comes with high-end sauna accessories like bronze tempered glass windows, a full tempered glass door, cedar shingles, etc.
Different types of pod saunas
There are two main types of pod saunas: electric and wood-burning.
1. Electric pod saunas
As the name suggests, electric pod saunas are powered by electricity. They come with electric heaters that generate heat to warm up the sauna.
All you have to do is plug in the sauna heater and it will start working. Electric pod saunas are very easy to use and require little maintenance.
The only downside is that they can be quite expensive to run since they use a lot of electricity.
2. Wood-burning pod saunas
Wood-burning pod saunas are powered by wood-burning sauna heaters and use wood as fuel.
They are a great option if you want to save money on your energy bills. There are also cheaper than electric pod saunas.
You can also add sauna rocks to get a more authentic and traditional Finnish sauna experience.
The only downside of wood-burning pod saunas is that they require more maintenance than electric pod saunas. You will need to regularly check the wood-burning stove and make sure there is enough wood for the next sauna session.
Other than that, wood-burning pod saunas are great for people who want to save money and enjoy a more authentic sauna experience.
How to choose the best materials for pod saunas?
Sauna materials play a major role in determining the quality of your sauna.
The most important factor to consider when choosing materials for your pod sauna is its durability.
You want to make sure that the materials you choose can withstand high temperatures and will not warp or crack over time.
Some of the best materials for pod saunas include
- Clear western red cedar
- Canadian red cedar
- Knotty cedar
- Spruce
- Hemlock
- Basswood
These are just some of the most popular materials used for pod saunas.
You can also use other types of wood as long as they are durable and can withstand high temperatures.
How to build a pod outdoor sauna?
So now that we know one or two things about pod saunas, let’s take a look at how to build a pod sauna.
Building a pod sauna is not as difficult as you might think. In fact, it is actually quite easy if you have the right tools and materials.
Here are the basic steps you need to follow to build your pod sauna:
1. Choose the location
The first step is to choose the location where you want to build your pod sauna.
It is important to choose a level area so that your sauna will be stable and not wobble when in use.
If you are planning on building an outdoor sauna, make sure to choose a location that is not too far from your house.
This will make it easier for you to bring the sauna inside when it’s not in use as well as provide a place to store all your sauna accessories.
If you like natural light, you can also choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight.
2. Prepare the foundation
The next step is to prepare the foundation for your sauna.
If you are planning on building an outdoor sauna, you will need to build a concrete pad or platform for your sauna.
The concrete pad should be big enough to fit your sauna and have at least a few inches of clearance on all sides.
If you are building an indoor sauna, you can skip this step.
3. Gather all the materials
Once you have chosen the location and prepared the foundation, the next step is to gather all the materials you need to build your sauna.
If you are using a sauna kit, you will find all the materials you need in the kit. You will also find an instruction manual that will guide you through the process of building your sauna. \
4. Build the walls and the roof
The next step is to start with the wall panels.
If you are using a sauna kit, the wall panels will already be cut to size and ready to be assembled.
If you are not using a sauna kit, you will need to cut the wall panels yourself. Once the wall panels are cut, the next step is to assemble them.
Start with one wall and work your way around until all the walls are assembled.
Once you are done with the wall do the same thing with the roof. If you are building a wood-burning sauna, you will need to leave an opening in the roof for the chimney.
5. Install the sauna heater
If you are using an electric sauna heater, this is a relatively easy task. Simply follow the instructions that come with your sauna heater.
If you are using a wood-burning sauna heater, the process is a bit more complicated.
You will need to build a firebox for your wood-burning sauna heater. The firebox should be big enough to hold at least a few logs.
Once the firebox is built, the next step is to install the chimney. The chimney should be installed in such a way that it goes through the roof of your sauna.
6. Install accessories
The next step is to install the sauna accessories.
This includes the benches, shelves, doors, lights, and anything else you want to add to your sauna.
Again, if you are using a sauna kit, the accessories will already be cut to size and ready to be installed. If you are not using a sauna kit, you will need to cut the accessories yourself.
7. Test your sauna
The final step is to test your sauna.
Turn on the sauna heater and let it heat up for a few hours. Once the sauna is up to temperature, turn off the heater and let the sauna cool down.
Once the sauna is cool, you are ready to use it.
If you find something isn’t working properly, make the necessary adjustments and test again.
You can call a professional if you get stuck or have any other questions.
8. Enjoy your sauna
You did a lot of hard work and it’s time to enjoy your sauna.
Invite some friends over and spend a few hours relaxing in your new sauna.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the use and care of your sauna. With proper care, your sauna will last for many years.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Now you know how to build a pod sauna. As you can see, it’s not a difficult task. With a little bit of hard work, you can have your very own sauna in no time. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take your time. And most importantly, enjoy your new sauna!