Infrared Sauna & Home Saunas UK | Peak Health & Fitness
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between infrared and traditional saunas?
Traditional (Finnish) saunas heat the air to 80-100C using a stove or electric heater, and you sweat because the room itself is extremely hot. Infrared saunas use light panels to heat your body directly at a lower air temperature (45-65C), which many people find more comfortable for longer sessions. The health benefits overlap significantly - cardiovascular improvements, stress reduction, muscle recovery - but infrared saunas use less energy and heat up in 10-15 minutes versus 30-45 for traditional. We have written a detailed comparison in our guide to infrared vs traditional saunas
Do I need planning permission for a garden sauna?
In most cases, no. Garden saunas typically fall under permitted development rights as long as they are single storey, not forward of the principal elevation of your house, and do not cover more than 50% of your garden. If you live in a conservation area, listed building, or your garden is particularly small, it is worth checking with your local planning authority before ordering. A quick phone call to your council's planning department will confirm whether you need approval - it usually takes five minutes.
How much does it cost to run a sauna?
An infrared sauna typically costs between GBP 0.30 and GBP 0.60 per session, depending on your energy tariff and the size of the unit. A traditional electric sauna costs slightly more per session (GBP 0.50 to GBP 1.50) because it draws more power and takes longer to heat up. Even with daily use, most home saunas cost under GBP 20 per month to run. For context on the wider benefits that justify the running cost, our guide covers 5 science-backed benefits of sauna after workouts
Can I put a sauna indoors?
Yes, many of our saunas are designed specifically for indoor use. You need adequate ventilation, a waterproof floor surface, and enough clearance around the unit (typically 5-10cm on each side). Infrared saunas are especially well-suited to indoor installation because they run at lower temperatures and produce less moisture than traditional saunas. A spare room, garage, or large bathroom can all work - just make sure the ceiling height accommodates the unit and that there is a suitable power supply nearby.
How long should a sauna session be?
For beginners, start with 10-15 minutes and build up over a few weeks. Experienced users typically session for 20-45 minutes depending on the temperature and their tolerance. I personally use an infrared sauna at 65C for 45 minutes as part of my daily protocol, but I built up to that gradually. The key is to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and step out if you feel lightheaded. Consistency matters more than duration - regular shorter sessions deliver better results than occasional long ones.
What's contrast therapy and should I combine sauna with cold water?
Contrast therapy means alternating between heat (sauna) and cold (ice bath or cold shower) in a single session. The research suggests this combination amplifies the benefits of each - the heat dilates blood vessels and the cold constricts them, creating a pump effect that reduces inflammation and accelerates recovery. A typical protocol is 15-20 minutes in the sauna followed by 2-3 minutes of cold immersion, repeated 2-3 times. If you are interested in building a contrast therapy setup at home, browse our ice bath and cold plunge collection alongside our saunas.