As the temperatures of the Pennsylvania winter take their deepest dive, at Goodall Pools & Spas we have two words for you: barrel sauna. What is a barrel sauna? It’s a freestanding sauna room that looks like a giant, wooden barrel turned on its side. Among other things, it’s a great way to sweat away the chill and winter blues, but the benefits don’t stop there.
What is a Barrel Sauna?
A barrel sauna uses steam to induce sweating in its users. It’s one of the most popular styles of saunas today, offering both traditional Finnish-style heat and convenience. They’re typically 4-6 feet in diameter and 5-7 feet tall, making them easy to install indoors or outdoors. Thermory® Saunas, like the kind we carry at our Mechanicsburg store, are more than seven feet in diameter and have an interior of almost 250 cubic feet.
The barrel shape is designed to maximize the heat retention inside the sauna room while still allowing for full access to the interior benches and flooring. This design also traps condensation inside its walls creating moisture levels similar to those found in a traditional steam room. The barrel shape has become popular due to its efficiency in providing intense temperatures without taking up too much space.
How Does a Barrel Sauna Work?
In a barrel sauna, the heat source raises the temperature of stones gathered in a metal receptacle in the sauna’s back wall. When water is applied to these hot stones, it boils off into steam. As more steam is created, it rises up through channels built into the barrel interior, releasing hot moisture throughout the sauna room.
The amount of steam created can be adjusted by modifying the amount of water poured over the hot stones. This helps users adjust the level of humidity for their desired comfort level. It also ensures that you get all the relaxation and health benefits associated with a sauna.
What Are Barrel Saunas Made From?
Barrel saunas are usually made with high-performing softwood (e.g., northern white cedar or western red cedar). These woods have a high resistance to rot and decay while also offering a pleasant aroma when heated.
Thermory Saunas are made from Nordic spruce. No wood cutting is required as all the components come premeasured in a kit.
What Are Some Health Benefits of Barrel Saunas?
The barrel sauna offers many health benefits that can be enjoyed by both regular users and occasional visitors alike. During a barrel sauna session, the body’s core temperature rises which helps relax muscles and relieve tension. Additionally, barrel saunas are thought to stimulate circulation while providing relief from aches, pains, and respiratory ailments such as sinus congestion.
Beyond physical health benefits, barrel saunas offer psychological benefits as well. The warmth of the steam creates an environment conducive to relaxation and introspection. As your body decompresses, the “feel good” chemicals serotonin and dopamine are released in your brain. This contributes to boosted mood, reduced stress, and better sleep.
Where Did Barrel Saunas Originate?
The barrel sauna originated in Finland, the birthplace of modern sauna culture. Finnish barrel saunas were traditionally constructed from logs and heated with a wood-burning stove using stones to create steam. This traditional method continues to be used today, though barrel saunas are now also available as electric versions for more convenience.
Roll Out the Barrel Sauna!
With a variety of wellness benefits and a touch of traditional European elegance, barrel saunas make an exquisite addition to your private oasis. Contact us or visit the Goodall Pools & Spas Mechanicsburg store today. Our staff will be happy to help you roll out a new kind of barrel this year that will put you on the path to a new you!
