Can You Put an Infrared Sauna Outside? A Complete Guide

Whether you’re listening to birds in the early morning or rain tapping on the roof at night, there’s something uniquely serene about using your infrared sauna outdoors. I had mine outside for years, and I can confidently say: it’s a different experience entirely — more peaceful, less distracting, and far more immersive.

But can you actually put your infrared sauna outside? Yes — but only if you do it right.

Outdoor Infrared Saunas vs Indoor Models

Not all saunas are made equal. And not all saunas are made for the outdoors.

An outdoor infrared sauna needs to be more than just waterproof. In cold climates, it also needs to be insulated and equipped with higher wattage heaters to perform reliably in freezing temperatures. A good outdoor sauna is designed from the ground up to withstand the elements: rain, snow, wind — and most critically, the sun.

It’s not the rain or snow that usually damages outdoor saunas — it’s the sun.

UV rays fade the wood, crack the panels, and eventually allow water intrusion. A heavy-duty canvas cover is essential to prevent long-term damage.

What to Consider Before Installing Your Sauna Outdoors

There are four major considerations before setting up your infrared sauna outside:

1. Warranty restrictions

2. Electrical access and plug compatibility

3. Heater type and wattage

4. Weatherproofing and water management

Let’s break those down.

Warranty Considerations

Most saunas come with a lifetime warranty — but not if you put them outside. Read the fine print.

Don’t void your warranty by accident.

Many infrared sauna warranties are void if the unit is stored outside. At SaunaCloud, we continue to honor our warranty as long as you use our included canvas cover.

If you want a sauna specifically made for the outdoors, we recommend our Sanctuary Outdoor Series, which includes a five-year warranty on all outdoor components and a lifetime warranty on the internal electronics.

Electrical Requirements for Outdoor Use

Most infrared saunas require either a 120-volt or 240-volt plug. Here’s what to watch out for:

• 120-volt saunas typically use three-prong outlets (horizontal and vertical).

• 240-volt saunas are usually found in larger models and require professional installation.

Check your plug before purchase.

Many U.S. homes don’t have outdoor 120- or 240-volt outlets by default. Plan for installation or modification if needed.

Heater Performance in Cold Weather

If it freezes where you live, carbon heaters probably won’t cut it. Carbon panels simply don’t get hot enough to defrost the sauna efficiently.

Cold weather requires serious heat.

We recommend saunas with at least two halogen heaters (350 watts each) for winter use — or better yet, our Sanctuary Outdoor line with four 500-watt full spectrum heaters.

Water, Snow, and Sun Protection

Covers aren’t optional. A well-fitted canvas cover will:

• Insulate your sauna for faster heat-up times

• Protect against water intrusion

• Block damaging UV rays

A canvas cover is your sauna’s first line of defense.

Choose a lighter color like beige or taupe to reflect sunlight and prevent heat absorption.

Also, if your region gets snow, remove any accumulation from the roof regularly. Pooling water or ice can warp wood, damage electronics, and lead to mold.

Raise your sauna off the ground if flooding is a risk.

Use cinderblocks or a platform to prevent water damage during heavy storms or thaw.

Power Supply Location Matters

If your sauna has its power supply in the roof, you need extra protection against water.

• Roof-mounted power supplies can be vulnerable to snowmelt and rain.

• Cord length is shorter (usually 6 feet), so plan your outlet location accordingly.

Protect roof-based power components.

Rain slides off, but snow builds up — and then melts downward. Be proactive with insulation and sealing.

Structural and Space Requirements

Most infrared saunas weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds and take up at least a 4’ x 4’ footprint.

Check your deck or patio load-bearing capacity.

Ensure your surface can support the weight — and allow for water runoff around the base.

Do Not Put a Pure Carbon Sauna Outside

We cannot stress this enough: carbon panel heaters are not strong enough to heat your sauna outdoors in cold conditions.

Carbon heaters = not for outdoor use.

Their surface temperature is too low (140°F) to warm a frozen sauna. Halogen or full-spectrum heaters are essential for winter performance.

Your Best Bet: The Atlas Outdoor Line

Our Atlas Outdoor Series is built for outdoor life:

• Composite wood exterior (like Trex) to prevent leaks and UV damage

• Heavy 1,000 lb. frame to withstand wind and weather

• (2) 500-watt full spectrum heaters to quickly warm up, even in freezing temps

Purpose-built for the outdoors.

If you’re serious about outdoor infrared therapy, this is the sauna to own.

Final Thoughts

Using your sauna outdoors is one of life’s quiet luxuries. But it comes with some responsibility. Protect your investment — and your experience — by choosing the right model, using the proper electrical setup, and keeping your sauna covered and elevated.

Infrared sauna therapy isn’t just for indoors.

Done right, outdoor use adds serenity, immersion, and joy to every session.

For help finding the right model for your space and climate, reach out to SaunaCloud. We’re here to help you enjoy the best infrared experience — wherever you choose to place it.