Saunas FAQ
What’s the difference between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna?
Traditional saunas heat the air around you using a heater and stones, while infrared saunas use infrared panels to heat your body directly. Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures and are typically more energy-efficient. For more details, refer to:
What is the difference between an outdoor sauna and an indoor sauna?
Outdoor saunas are built to withstand the elements. They're weather-resistant, usually made from thicker wood or treated materials to provide better heat insulation, and are perfect for gardens, patios, or poolside setups. They often come with an insulated roof or cover to protect them from direct sunlight and rain but are designed to stay outside year-round.
Indoor saunas, on the other hand, are designed for use in temperature-controlled environments like a bathroom, spare room, or gym area. They usually have lighter construction, require less insulation as they operate in room temperature, and don’t need weatherproofing.
In the Middle East, can I use an indoor sauna outdoors?
Considering it doesn’t rain often and the weather is always warm in the Middle East, you can get away with thinner wood and less insulation of indoor saunas but it is recommended to:
- It’s well-protected from direct sun and rain (a roof or pergola is ideal)
- The ground is level and dry
- Electrical connections are safe and sheltered
Which category do TECKWAVE saunas fall under?
TECKWAVE saunas are designed for different environments depending on the model:
- and ThermoElite Arc are built specifically for outdoor use. They’re made with thicker, treated wood and come with protective roof shingles, offering full weather resistance—even in harsh conditions.
- UrbanRetreat and UrbanGlow, like all other boxed shape saunas on the market, are intended for indoor use, but they can also be used outdoors if placed under a roof or pergola.
Summary:
Choose a ThermoElite model for full outdoor exposure. If you have a covered space like a patio or pergola, Urban models can work well there too.
Why are the ThermoElite Barrel and ThermoElite Arc more expensive than the UrbanRetreat traditional sauna?
The higher price comes down to the materials, build quality, and outdoor durability.
The ThermoElite Barrel and ThermoElite Arc are designed specifically for outdoor use, which means they’re built with much thicker wood and are treated for sun, moisture, and weather resistance. They’re also generally larger in size and require more craftsmanship due to their curved design.
In contrast, the UrbanRetreat is designed for indoor or covered outdoor use and doesn’t require the same level of weatherproofing or material thickness—making it more affordable.
What are the electrical requirements for saunas?
For infrared saunas, a standard wall plug is usually sufficient.
For traditional saunas, it depends on the power of the heater:
- up to 3.5 kW can typically be connected to existing power lines.
- above 3.5 kW, a separate dedicated cable must be brought from the main electrical board for proper connection and safety.
Always follow local electrical codes and consult a qualified electrician if you're unsure.
How long does it take for the sauna to heat up?
Traditional saunas take 30–45 minutes to reach 70–90°C. Infrared saunas heat up in about 10–15 minutes and operate at around 50–60°C.
How do I clean the sauna?
Wipe down benches and walls with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals. You can use mild natural cleaners like vinegar or baking soda.
Is it safe to leave the sauna running when I'm not home?
No. Always turn off the sauna after use. Never leave it unattended while heating.
Do I need to ventilate the room if it's an indoor sauna?
Yes, ensure proper air circulation to prevent humidity build-up and prolong the life of your sauna.
Is there a warranty on TECKWAVE saunas?
Except for consumables such as bulbs, all TECKWAVE saunas come with a standard 1-year warranty.
Do TECKWAVE infrared saunas include red light therapy?
Yes! Our infrared saunas include red light therapy panels, which help promote skin regeneration, muscle recovery, and collagen production.
What’s the difference between red light therapy and infrared?
Infrared heats your body from the inside out. Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to promote healing and cell function without significant heat.
Is there any EMF exposure in infrared saunas?
All TECKWAVE saunas are built to meet low EMF standards and are safe for regular use.
Do I need a professional to install the sauna?
The box-shaped saunas, such as UrbanRetreat and UrbanGlow, are designed in an IKEA-style format—meaning they’re easy to assemble by following the included instructions. Typically, two people are enough to complete the installation in a few hours.
The ThermoElite models are more complex to install. In addition to the larger size and curved structure, they usually require a dedicated electrical cable for the heater, which must be installed by a qualified electrician.
In both cases, TECKWAVE offers professional installation services across the UAE for your convenience.
How do you control the temperature in traditional saunas?
Traditional sauna heaters come with an adjustable thermostat to set the base temperature. However, the real control over the heat intensity and how it feels on your skin comes from how much and how often you pour water over the hot stones.
Adding water increases the humidity, which makes the heat feel much more intense and transfers it to your body more effectively. It's this balance between dry heat and steam that gives you full control over your sauna experience.