Can You Put an Infrared Sauna Outside? A 2025 Guide
How to Choose, Protect, and Power Your Sauna for Year-Round Outdoor Use
There’s something magical about sitting in a sauna outdoors. For years, I had my personal sauna set up outside, surrounded by nature. Imagine this: you’re soaking in deep, radiant warmth while rain begins to drizzle or a gentle breeze rustles the trees. Birds chirp in the distance, the air feels fresh, and you’re completely disconnected from life’s distractions.
That experience — heat, fresh air, and stillness — was transformative. Having my sauna in a garage now just isn’t the same. But before setting yours outside, there are a few crucial things to understand about outdoor infrared sauna design, insulation, and weather resistance.
Choosing the Right Sauna for Outdoor Use
Not all saunas are made to handle the elements. Whether you live where winters freeze pipes or summers reach triple digits, your sauna must be engineered for outdoor performance — with added insulation, moisture barriers, and high-wattage infrared heaters capable of maintaining temperature even in cold air.
Important sign of quality:
If a sauna needs a cover to survive outside, it’s not a true outdoor sauna.
Any manufacturer that recommends a protective cover is signaling that the product can’t handle direct sun or moisture on its own. Over time, those saunas leak, crack, and deteriorate. I’ve seen it firsthand — my parents’ “outdoor” sauna faded, warped, and began leaking after a few seasons because it wasn’t UV-protected.
At SaunaCloud, our outdoor infrared saunas are built differently: thick Canadian cedar, reinforced insulation, and heaters calibrated to withstand constant temperature changes — no covers required.
The Real Threat Isn’t Rain — It’s the Sun
Many people assume that rain or snow causes the most damage. In reality, UV exposure from the sun does far more harm to wood than moisture ever could. Direct sunlight gradually breaks down the lignin in wood, causing fading, cracking, and eventual leaks.
A properly designed outdoor sauna uses UV-resistant coatings, heat-tolerant adhesives, and vented architecture that prevent warping or separation over time.
SaunaCloud Outdoor Advantage:
Each unit is designed to resist sun bleaching and expansion-contraction stress, so you never have to drag a tarp or canvas cover over it.
Don’t Let Weather Void Your Warranty
One of the biggest mistakes sauna buyers make is assuming that all warranties cover outdoor use. In reality, most indoor saunas lose their warranty the moment they’re exposed to weather, even under a cover.
Always read the fine print:
If the company requires you to use a cover, it’s not rated for outdoor storage.
If they exclude UV or humidity damage, it’s an indoor unit — not a true outdoor build.
At SaunaCloud, we specifically warranty outdoor units for outdoor placement — because they’re designed to live there. No disclaimers, no loopholes, and no fine print.
How to Prepare an Outdoor Infrared Sauna for Cold Weather
If you live in a cold region, heater power and electrical setup are key to consistent sauna performance.
Heater Requirements
Weak carbon heaters often struggle to maintain heat once the temperature drops below freezing. You need high-output infrared panels or halogen elements capable of fast, even heating.
Power Setup
Most outdoor saunas require a dedicated 240-volt circuit. Always have a licensed electrician confirm the wiring and breaker capacity before installation. Proper power delivery not only ensures efficiency but also protects your warranty and prevents overheating of components.
Weatherproofing
Check for:
Fully sealed cedar joints
Moisture-resistant electrical boxes
Insulated floor and ceiling panels
Proper drainage beneath the sauna base
Final Thoughts: Build for the Outdoors, Not Around It
Placing your infrared sauna outdoors is one of the most rewarding wellness choices you can make — the blend of nature, heat, and solitude is unmatched. But only if your sauna is built to withstand the environment, not shielded from it.
If a model requires a cover to survive, that’s a warning sign. Over time, exposure will cause leaks, fading, and safety risks.
SaunaCloud Outdoor Saunas are built for nature:
Weatherproof cedar, UV-resistant coatings, durable infrared heaters, and warranties that protect outdoor use — all without needing a cover.
If you’re ready to move your sauna outdoors or want to explore our fully weather-rated models, contact us today. We’ll help you design an outdoor infrared sauna that’s as durable as it is beautiful — and reconnect you with the peace of nature, right from your own backyard.
