A sauna is a wooden paneled heated room that is often used for relaxation. Sauna also has other health benefits. A sauna is a wooden structure in our built environment that can be heated to around 100 degrees.
Types of Saunas
Wood Burning Sauna: Wood is used to heat the sauna room and sauna rocks. This type of sauna is associated with high temperature and low humidity.
Electrically Heated Sauna: Electricity is used to heat the sauna through the electrical heater attached to the sauna room. This type of sauna is associated with high temperature and low humidity.
Infrared Sauna: Here, light waves from special lamps are used to heat up the users’ bodies. This is the recommended type for the people with health challenges that can only be compounded with the high temperatures in the other saunas.
Steam Room Sauna: Here, high humidity and moist heat are used in place of the dry heat.
Benefits of using a Sauna
The following are benefits one can derive from using the sauna
- It reduces stress level.
- It reduces muscle pains.
- It enhances heart function.
- It improves joint movement.
The effects of using a Sauna
The risks associated with sauna are:
- Use of sauna can cause lower blood pressure.
- It can cause dehydration.
- It can cause dizziness and nausea.
Precaution on using a Sauna
The following precautions should be taken when using the sauna
- Do not drink alcohol before or during sauna.
- Do not spend more than a maximum of 20 minutes at a time in a sauna. When you are feeling uncomfortable after a few minutes, kindly leave the sauna.
- Drink enough water after using a sauna to replenish the fluid lost due to sweating.
- Do not use the sauna when you are ill or not comfortable with it.
- Always monitor the use of sauna by children.
Design of Saunas
The design of a sauna will consider the following for it to work effectively
- Paneling
- Roof and ceiling height
- Doors and windows
- Electrical system
- Heater and heater guard
- Insulation
- Lighting
Basic components of a Sauna
- Heater
- Door
- Benches
- Control panel (To switch on/off heater and lights, Adjust temperature and Display temperature and time)
- Lighting
Other accessories of a Sauna
- Buckets/Ladles
- Thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Timer
- Audio/speaker
Maintenance of a Sauna
To preserve the functionality of assets, regular maintenance of the assets is necessary. The following are maintenance tips to help keep your sauna in a good working condition.
- General cleaning
- Regularly inspect the sauna for defect, check the door and window to ensure they are firm.
- Rinse your feet at the entrance of the sauna before entering to remove debris from them.
- After use, dip a hand brush in a clean water and brush the walls, backrests and benches. Wipe and leave the door open to allow the sauna to dry completely.
- Always prevent the sauna rocks from dust and other particles.
- When changing the sauna rocks, clean and wash off debris from them.
- Only use sanding disk to restore the appearance of the inside wooden panels. Do not paint the interior.
- It is a good practice to heat up the sauna for about 60 minutes when using it for the first time.
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Kazeem Olugbade, ProFM, is a facility management professional who has extensive knowledge and skills in the subject areas.
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