There’s something magical about sitting in a sauna outdoors. For years, I had my own sauna set up outside, and it was an experience that connected me deeply with nature. Imagine this: you’re soaking in the warmth, and just as the heat wraps around you, the rain starts drizzling softly, or a gentle breeze rustles the leaves around you. You can hear birds chirping or the wind blowing, creating an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate indoors. Those sessions made me feel completely removed from life’s distractions, and I miss those days. Having my sauna in the garage now? It just doesn’t have the same charm.

But, while the idea of putting your sauna outside sounds great, there are a few things to consider before making the move.

Choosing the Right Sauna for Outdoor Use

Not all saunas are made to withstand the elements, so this decision largely depends on the type of sauna you have. If you live in an area with harsh weather—whether it’s freezing cold or scorching hot—your sauna needs to be designed for the outdoors. Outdoor saunas are specifically built with added insulation and more powerful heaters to reach optimal temperatures, even in cold climates.

The biggest red flag? If a sauna requires a **cover** to stay protected, it’s not truly built for outdoor use. This is a telltale sign that, over time, that sauna is going to leak. No sauna company would sell a unit requiring a cover unless they know it can’t handle the elements on its own. You shouldn’t have to add layers of protection just to prevent damage from rain, sun, or snow. When I hear companies advising buyers to use covers, I immediately think of my own experience watching my parents’ outdoor sauna slowly get destroyed by the sun. The wood faded, cracked, and eventually began leaking because it just wasn’t designed for long-term exposure to the sun and weather.

The True Enemy: The Sun

You might assume that rain or snow is the most damaging element to a sauna, but surprisingly, it’s the **sun** that can do the most harm. Over time, the UV rays from the sun can cause the wood to fade, crack, and weaken, eventually leading to leaks. The more your sauna is exposed, the more likely you’ll face issues with the exterior.

A sauna built specifically for outdoor use, however, should be able to withstand this exposure without the need for constant protection. At **SaunaCloud**, our outdoor saunas are designed with durable materials that can handle the sun’s harsh UV rays and changing weather patterns, so you don’t have to worry about constantly covering and uncovering it.

Don’t Let Weather Void Your Warranty

If you’re considering putting your sauna outside, **always check your warranty**. Many sauna companies will void your warranty if the sauna is stored outdoors, even if you’re using a protective cover. This is another reason why it’s essential to invest in a sauna truly built for the outdoors—one that doesn’t need extra protection and can withstand the elements.

At SaunaCloud, we offer outdoor saunas with warranties that cover outdoor storage, but only if the sauna is specifically designed for outdoor use. If a sauna requires a canvas cover just to keep the rain or sun off, it’s a sign it wasn’t built to last in outdoor conditions, and you risk voiding the warranty by using it outside.

How to Prepare Your Outdoor Sauna for Cold Weather

If you live in colder climates, your outdoor sauna needs to be equipped with **high-wattage heaters** that can overcome freezing temperatures. I’ve seen saunas with weak carbon heaters struggle to reach the right temperatures when the weather drops. You want powerful heaters, like halogen, that can warm the space quickly, even in freezing conditions.

And don’t forget the **power setup**. Most outdoor saunas require a 240-volt outlet, so make sure your space is equipped with the proper electrical connections before you set it up.

Final Thoughts

Putting your sauna outdoors can be an incredibly rewarding experience, connecting you with nature while providing the health benefits of infrared heat. However, it’s crucial to ensure that your sauna is truly built for outdoor use. If it requires a cover to stay protected, that’s a warning sign that it may not last, and you could face issues with leaks and damage over time.

At SaunaCloud, we’ve designed outdoor saunas specifically to handle the elements—no covers required. They’re built to last and backed by warranties that guarantee their durability, even when exposed to harsh weather.

If you’re ready to take your sauna experience outside or want to learn more about our outdoor models, reach out. We’re here to help you make the most of your sauna, wherever you decide to place it.

Warm regards,
Christopher Kiggins
Owner, SaunaCloud