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What is a sauna?
A sauna is a room constructed of softwood with a single heater that is capable of reaching temperatures up to 200° Fahrenheit. The high temperatures produce a very dry environment with extremely low humidity. You can tolerate the heat because of the low humidity, and since the soft lumber does not absorb significant heat, you can sit in comfort.
What is the difference between a wet sauna and a dry sauna?
They are one and the same. When you enter the hot sauna, and before any water is sprinkled on the rocks, it is considered a dry sauna due to the dry heat and absence of humidity in the hot environment. The minute you generate steam by sprinkling water on the rocks, it is considered a wet sauna due to the humidity that quickly engulfs the room. Essentially it is a sauna room, and the wet or dry terminology relates to the level of humidity in the room.
How is a wet/dry sauna different than an infrared sauna?
By definition, a sauna is a room where water is used to generate steam, so technically the infrared experience is not a sauna at all even though the term “sauna” is applied by most throughout the industry. Infrared does not warm the room but instead penetrates the body with infrared rays. It does so at a low temperature and is helpful in relieving sore joints and muscles. The proper definition for the infrared experience is to refer to it as an “infrared therapy room.” The wet/dry sauna is a total body experience, providing joint and muscle relief as well as a host of other health benefits.
Why is a sauna considered good for your health?
An authentic sauna is designed to get hot, and the health benefits are generated due to the hot temperature in the sauna. As your body heats, your heart rate accelerates, leading to all the benefits of aerobic activity. Some of the many benefits include weight loss due to increased calorie burn, improved circulation, relief to sore muscles and joints, respiratory enhancement due to the moist steam, and detoxification due to intense perspiration. Additionally, it is a very relaxing and therapeutic experience that helps many people reduce stress and sleep better.
Will use of a sauna help me lose weight?
According to The North American Sauna Society, sauna use can burn up to 300 calories in a single session. Weight loss is due both to calorie burn from an elevated heart rate and water loss due to sweating. The addition of regular sauna use is a great compliment to a weight-loss program.
How long will the sauna take to heat up?
Heat-up time is based on ambient temperature, so the sauna will heat faster when the outside air is 50F when compared to, say, 20F. Also, the optimal sauna temperature varies by individual; some people like their sauna at 165F while others like it at 190F. However, as a rule of thumb, the sauna will heat to 165F in 30-40 minutes, and to 190F in less than 60 minutes.
What are the operational costs?
The costs of operating a wet/dry sauna are minimal for a couple of reasons. First, the unit operates on efficient 220 volt electrical power. Second, unlike a spa or other household appliance, it only runs when you want to use it. You heat up the sauna no more than an hour or so before you want to use it and then shut it off when you’re finished, usually twenty to thirty minutes later. The costs of operation are negligible under normal use.
Can the Greenbrier Valley Sauna go outdoors?
Absolutely, and unlike most saunas, all Greenbrier Valley Saunas are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Red Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, and the ball and socket design of the staves makes for a robust seal and solid structure for outdoor use. Our installation manual gives specific details on how to properly position and set the sauna in any setting.
What is included with the Greenbrier Valley Sauna?
Each Greenbrier Valley Sauna includes the Red Cedar sauna room with a tempered tinted glass door, a properly sized sauna heater, rocks for the heater, a wall light, a sauna water bucket, ladle and thermometer.
Why is Red Cedar such a good wood for sauna construction?
Red Cedar is the preferred lumber for saunas for several reasons. First, it is one of the few woods naturally resistant to rot, decay and mildew, and as such can readily be used for indoor or outdoor construction. Also, because it is a very soft wood, Red Cedar allows your body to be in comfortable contact with the wood even though the air in the sauna room is very hot. Unlike some cedar wood, Western Canadian Red Cedar carries no harmful toxins or respiratory discomfort. Finally, nothing compares to the sweet, fresh scent of Western Canadian Red Cedar. By the way, all of our lumber comes from managed forests, so you can be sure that there is not a negative effect on the environment!
What sort of ongoing maintenance is required?
From an operational standpoint, very little maintenance is required. Depending on the humidity and weather conditions in your area, you may need to tighten the bands or place additional filler staves in the sauna after a period of time, usually in the first few months. This is because any swelling and contraction of the wood will occur due to moisture absorption, and the desired effect is to have the wood "swell" or expand into the bands. You may want to periodically scrub the floor or benches of the sauna with a mild solution of water and baking soda, but other than that, simply enjoy your sauna!
What makes Greenbrier Valley Saunas so exceptional?
Greenbrier Valley Saunas are hand crafted by Almost Heaven Saunas in the U.S. by experienced professionals. They have been building saunas for nearly forty years, and their longevity underscores their commitment to quality and service. By using only high quality materials throughout, Almost Heaven Saunas is able to produce a sauna that will last a lifetime. Over the course of nearly four decades they have built literally thousands of saunas, which have been purchased by sauna enthusiasts throughout the world. With Almost Heaven Saunas you can be confident of an authentic sauna experience in a sauna built by a recognized leader in quality and craftsmanship.
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