Hot tips for sauna safety

Sauna use has expanded from a niche practice to a mainstay for at-home wellness. According to SpaRetailer, more than 1.5 million U.S. households now own saunas, with adoption growing at a steady clip of about 5% annually. Saunas come in many options, with compact, modular, and outdoor units available for residences.

The rising demand for home saunas can be attributed to a broader wellness-at-home trend. More individuals, couples, and families are stepping into the heat for relaxation and detoxification, as well as to improve cardiovascular health.

But can a home sauna cause a fire or pose other hazards? Yes—especially if a sauna is installed improperly or used unsafely. For wellness where you dwell, follow the tips below for safe, comfortable operation of your home sauna.

By following key best practices when installing a home sauna, you’ll reduce home sauna risks and make your sauna ready for years of safe use.

• Use reputable, experienced contractors for installation and maintenance.
• Engage licensed electricians for wiring to ensure code compliance and the use of critical electrical protections, such as a dedicated circuit breaker.
• When installing an outdoor sauna, ensure adequate clearance between the sauna and your home.
• Keep your sauna well-maintained and clean.
• Make sure your sauna’s emergency shut-off features work properly.
• Confirm that your home’s fire detection system is fully operational.
• Have your home sauna professionally deactivated if it’s not being used; for example, if you purchase a home with an existing sauna that you don’t intend to use.

When you begin any new wellness or fitness routine—including using a sauna—check with your doctor first. Talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you have, such as pregnancy, heart disease, low blood pressure, and a history of fainting, and about any medications you’re taking that affect hydration or blood pressure.

In addition, by using common sense and adhering to the following guidelines, you’ll help prevent accidents and injuries when using your home sauna.

• Always follow manufacturer instructions.
• Check the interior of your sauna before operating—especially to make sure that towels or other items haven’t been left near the heater.
• For sauna fire prevention, keep combustible materials away from the sauna.
• Be smart about smart controls; remote start capabilities may undermine the safe use of your sauna.
• Post instructions for safe sauna use near your sauna; consider using the checklist below.
   

Family sauna safety checklist

Before you start

• Confirm the sauna is clean, dry, and working properly.
• Place a non-slip mat outside the sauna.
• Set a timer before starting. Depending on the sauna’s temperature and a user’s experience, a safe session can last from 5 to 20 minutes.
• Keep water available.
• Require an adult to be present when children are using the sauna.
• Instruct everyone to exit quickly if they feel unwell.
• Keep a first aid kit nearby.
   

While using your sauna

• Never leave children unattended in or near the sauna.
• Keep sessions short, especially for beginners.
• Watch for signs of overheating, including dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion, headache, or rapid heartbeat.
• Anyone feeling unwell while using the sauna should leave the sauna immediately.
• Do not use alcohol before or during sauna use.
• Do not use the sauna if anyone is sick, dehydrated, or overly tired.
• Make sure the door can be opened easily from the inside.
• Keep children and combustibles away from the heater and hot surfaces.
   

After your sauna session

• Cool down gradually; it’s safer than taking a cold plunge.
• Drink water after the session.
• Make sure everyone exits safely.
• Turn off the sauna and confirm it’s fully shut down.
• Make sure no combustibles are left in or near the sauna.