Thinking about investing in an outdoor infrared sauna setup but feeling a little overwhelmed by the logistics? You’re not alone—and I hear this all the time from clients and podcast listeners who love the idea of a backyard sauna but aren’t sure if it’ll work with their space, climate, or lifestyle.

The good news? Outdoor infrared saunas are more accessible (and weather-resistant!) than most people realize. You don’t need a contractor, you don’t need to live in a warm climate, and you definitely don’t need to stress about daily upkeep.

In this post, I’m answering the most common questions I get about outdoor sauna setups—especially if you live in a place with real winters (hi, fellow Midwesterners). If you’ve been wondering whether this wellness upgrade is right for your home, you’re in the right place.

What should you set your outdoor infrared sauna on?

This is the first thing I always get asked, and for good reason. You want your sauna to be stable, level, and safe—and not sinking into your backyard like a cheap lawn chair after a rainstorm.

The best foundation for your outdoor infrared sauna setup is something solid and flat. Here are your best options:

• Concrete slab – This is the gold standard. It’s durable, level, and weatherproof.
• Paver patio – Also a great option, especially if you already have one in place.
• Deck or balcony – Yes, you can place a sauna on a deck—as long as it’s structurally sound and can support the weight (more on that in a sec).
• Gravel or crushed stone – If you’re doing a DIY install, a properly leveled gravel base can work, but it must be compacted and framed out to avoid sinking or shifting.

The key here is stability. Your sauna is an investment—give it a solid foundation and it’ll return the love for years to come.

Pro Tip:

If you’re placing your sauna on a deck, double-check the weight capacity (especially if you’re going with a larger model). Also, don’t forget to consider the added weight of people inside. Most saunas are totally deck-safe, but it never hurts to be sure.

What kind of wiring does an outdoor infrared sauna require?

Wiring is one of those things that sounds complicated… until it’s not. And spoiler: it’s usually not. But it’s still important to get it right from the start, especially when placing your infrared sauna outdoors.

Here’s the scoop:

Most outdoor infrared saunas require a dedicated 240-volt 15 or 20 amp outlet. That’s different from your average household outlet, which is a 120-volt 15 amp outlet. So if you’re planning for an outdoor setup, you’ll likely need to have an electrician install a dedicated line that can handle the sauna’s power draw.

It doesn’t require any special kind of outdoor plug—just a weather-rated outdoor outlet and protection from the elements. If your sauna will be totally exposed, plan to use a weatherproof outlet cover or even mount the outlet inside a waterproof enclosure.

If you’re in a new build or remodeling stage, it’s the perfect time to plan ahead. But even if not, this is a manageable upgrade—no need to stress.

Pro Tip:

Avoid using extension cords or plug splitters. Your sauna needs a dedicated line so it can run efficiently and safely without overloading your circuit.
If you’re not sure what your setup requires, reach out—I’m always happy to talk you through it.

What materials are outdoor saunas made of?

This is a biggie—especially when you’re putting your sauna outside year-round. You want something that looks beautiful, feels luxurious, and actually lasts through rain, snow, wind, and heat.

The outdoor infrared saunas are made with CedarTec™ composite on the outside and raw mahogany planks on the inside—and this combo is a beautiful game changer.

CedarTec™ is a durable composite material that mimics the look of real wood but stands up to the harshest elements. It doesn’t rot, warp, crack, or fade like traditional wood might when exposed to the weather. It’s low-maintenance and built to last, even in harsh climates.

Then on the interior, you’ve got mahogany—a premium hardwood that’s smooth, gorgeous, and perfect for the warm, inviting sauna environment. It has a light, earthy/woodsy aroma to it for those who love the wood ambiance plus it’s naturally resistant to moisture and wear. It also doesn’t splinter or off-gas like cheaper alternatives sometimes do.

The Clearlight Outdoor saunas are absolutely built for the outdoors. They’re not just an indoor sauna being repurposed—they’re designed from the ground up to live outside and perform year-round.

Bonus Q: Can you use an indoor sauna outside, and what about using outdoor saunas in cold weather?

Alright, first things first: can you just put an indoor sauna outside? Short answer—no, you should not. That’s a hard pass, especially since we offer a sauna designed to be outside. Indoor saunas aren’t built for the elements, critters, dust, etc and you’ll run into all kinds of issues if you try. If you want to enjoy your sauna outdoors, maybe next to your pool or in a backyard wellness space, you need an outdoor infrared sauna setup designed specifically for that.

Now, about using outdoor saunas in the cold:

The spec sheet says these saunas can handle temps as low as 20°F. But honestly, over the years, I’ve found that anything below 40°F tends to get frustrating. Why? Because it takes forever to heat up, and maintaining your ideal temperature is a battle with the cold air.

Here’s a little tip:

Whenever you can, put the sauna’s weatherproof cover on while it’s preheating. It’s not a fancy thermal blanket or anything, but it adds an extra barrier that helps protect your sauna and traps some of that precious heat.

Every setup is different; if your sauna is tucked against your home or under a covered porch, that helps with the cold. If it’s out in the open yard, it’s a different story. So feel free to give me a call anytime; we can talk through your space, your setup, and what will work best for you.

Final thoughts on outdoor infrared sauna setups

An outdoor infrared sauna setup is one of the most powerful ways to support your detox, recovery, and relaxation goals—without needing to overhaul your home or spend thousands on renovations. Outdoor saunas have been exploding in popularity lately because people love creating wellness retreats outside their homes. It’s a fantastic way to extend your living space and your self-care ritual.

As long as you choose a high-quality model, install it on a level surface, and follow a few simple maintenance tips, you’ll be soaking up those infrared rays year-round, no matter what the weather’s doing.

Want help choosing the right outdoor sauna?

You can browse my favorite indoor and outdoor infrared saunas at https://jenhellerlifestyle.com/infrared-saunas.

If you’re still unsure which outdoor infrared sauna setup is right for you, or if the wiring, weather, or placement feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Contact me, and let’s talk it through. I’m here to help make the process easy and aligned with your wellness goals.

Resources:

• Take a peek at my Jen Recommends list to see more of my favorite products.
• Grab my FREE Home Wellness Checklist here for more tips.
• Let us know what you think, leave a review on Apple.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services. The statements and views expressed are not medical advice and are not meant to replace the advice of your medical doctor. This podcast, including Jen Heller and her guests, disclaims any responsibility and any adverse effects you may experience from the specific use of the information contained herein. The opinions of guests are their own and this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for the statements made by guests. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you have a medical condition, consult your licensed physician.