Sauna 'Planning Stage' FAQ's
Click here for your own FREE 'HOW-TO-DO-IT' DOWNLOAD! (0.32Mb)(Please see our fully detailed and FREE 'How-to-do-it' download - click here for your copy)
WHAT ABOUT THE SAUNA FLOOR?
Any easily cleaned and water-resistant surface is fine; e.g. ceramic tiles; or a 'kitchen type' vinyl is good - they come in nice tile prints, too - for example, see the one we've used in all our 'stock size' sauna photos, we bought it at a local department store.(As heat always rises, the sauna floor doesn't get hot)
DOES THE FLOOR NEED DRAINAGE?
No, not at home, though 'nice to have' if starting a new build, or an extension?
It is a good idea in commercial service, where cleaning loads are so much higher.
IS ANY SPECIAL VENTILATION NEEDED?
In short - no, it isn't.
For a domestic Sauna installation, the Sauna itself will usually ventilate itself from and back into the room in which it stands.
That room should be treated as regards ventilation as if it were a bathroom - usually, an opening window is all that's needed.
Just as with a bathroom, any more sophisticated ventilation arrangements such as extractor fans, etc are 'nice to have'.
Remember, a standard Sauna Stove delivers totally dry heat - the only water involved is that which is applied by the bather.
Thus a normal hot shower running in a bathroom may well produce more 'steam' than your Sauna...
WHAT'S THE CORRECT STOVE SIZE?
Stove size in kilowatts (kW) is directly related to the Sauna-room's volume - assuming it has been correctly built and insulated.
To determine 'volume', measure the width, depth and height of sauna room (in metres) and multiply them together.
e.g. A sauna of 2.2m wide x 1.75m deep x 2.1m high = just over 8 cu.m.
For Saunas up to about 10 cubic metres the general rule is appx 1kW per cu.m.
(Add appx 1.2 cu.m for each all-glass door, or any large window)
Thus our 8 cu.m room would best be heated by an 8.0kW stove.
To verify this rough calculation (and for larger sauna rooms) see the 'full details' pages for our stoves, where the suggested sauna volumes are shown for each model.
In general, select a stove that is working in the bottom part of its range, not at the top end of its capacity. Too small a stove will be the cause of annoyance; however note that there is also no point in 'over-powering' the sauna!
In our 8 cu.m example, an 8.0kW Scandia stove is recommended for saunas from 7 to 13 cu.m - thus 8.0kW an excellent choice.
Note that Stoves over 8kW usually require a 3-phase electrical supply; thus we suggest to keep the volume of domestic (home) saunas to no more than appx 10-12 cu.m
Need help? Please call 01722 746050 or use our 'Contact Us' on-line enquiry form - we'll be happy to advise!
WHAT ELECTRICAL SUPPLY IS NEEDED?
See the individual Stove details - usually a dedicated supply is used, much the same as for an electric shower or cooker. The Installation manual may be downloaded from the details page for every one of our Stoves and Control Panels - click here to see them all
To calculate Amps:
Divide Watts (e.g. 6000 for 6kw stove) by Volts (usually 230)
Thus Amps for 6kW Stove = appx 26
We very strongly recommend that you use the services of a properly qualified professional electrician, meeting all the new Government Regulations including the new 'Part P' requirements - your electrician will know what this means.
Always refer to your professional electrician for all electrical supply/wiring/fusing advice; the electrical regulations don't allow us to give any such advice over the phone.
WHAT'S THE LIKELY RUNNING COST?
Far less than most people imagine!
The most popular size of stove is 6kW - this type cannot consume more than 60 pence worth of electricity per hour (at typical 2007 household rates) - even if you left the door wide open!
Because all our Stoves are thermostatic (and we trust you will close the door...) something like 45p per hour would be more normal. Thus if we pre-heat for an hour, and bathe for another hour, it's only likely to cost around 90 pence... one of life's little bargains!
It's true - a really good long sauna session for four people costs less than one half-pint of beer (and four straws...) at your local pub!
For more FAQ’s , click here
More products in ESSENTIAL INFORMATION »
4 Related products:
© 2024 SaunaShop.com - text and images from this website may not re-used without prior consent.