As mentioned in this video here, many country and lakeside saunas don’t have electricity.
In Finland and everywhere, many traditional saunas were built before electricity. Â Also, many saunas are built away from the main house, cabin, cottage. Â To the positive, this reality is what helps make the sauna building a true escape, a step back in time and towards simplicity.
There is a wind of change: solar and wind systems are becoming more affordable for the average bear.
Saunas that have been lit exclusively by candle or lantern may now, with the flick of a switch, be powered up like the LM in Apollo 13.
When building an outdoor sauna, spend the extra time and cash to wire the structure for lights and outlets.
A simple hot room light, a couple wall sconses in changing room, and an outdoor patio light is all is needed (the power of three). Â Oh, and put ’em all on dimmers. Â One can bring power into the structure by wiring an RV electrical plug (expensive) or a simple male plug tucked under the structure outside. Â The system can be tested and powered for sauna parties by running extension cord from nearest power source.
Run 12/2 wire from the outside plug under the bottom plate directly to a GFI outlet, then run power to lights and additional outlet(s). This keeps your entire system safe from power surges and accidents eg. when a drunken guest thinks your triple light switch is a sink.
When you step up to get the solar panel or wind turbine, your structure is wired and ready to go.
4 thoughts on “Outdoor saunas with and without electricity”
Hey Glenn, how much cash does one need to power their sauna with solar power?
Johnnyman: I got sticker shock when a Duluth, MN solar company quoted me $10k for Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This whole solar gig reminds me of Wirsbo radiant floor heating. 10 years ago, when I remodeled part of our house, I had to go through a plumbing wholesaler to buy the parts for a water heated radiant system – and it was pricey. Now, you can buy it all reasonably at Menards/Depot.
I am predict the same with solar. Those looking for minimal draw (a couple lights and some tunes) should be able to buy a reasonable priced off the shelf kit in a box with a one page sheet of instructions in English on one side and Spanish on the other. And, hook up a marine battery for those Lake Superior mid May days when it’s snowing.
Agree with Glenn. There are small kits w/batteries on the internet that will easily run a few light bulbs for a few hours at night that are between $200 – 300$. Here in the southwest, these are becoming popular for tool sheds and small buildings of the sort.
Wow, spendy. Perhaps a candle in a candle window will suffice!