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Sauna FAQs

Straight answers on choosing, paying for, receiving and setting up your home sauna. Can't find yours? Email hello@phoebe-wellness.com and we'll help.

Choosing a sauna

What's the difference between an infrared and a traditional sauna?

Infrared saunas use heating panels that warm your body directly. They're ready to use quickly, and smaller models run on standard household power, which makes them an easy fit for a bedroom, gym or basement.

Traditional saunas use an electric or wood-burning heater to heat the room and a pile of stones. Ladle water on the stones and you get a burst of steam, which Finns call löyly. This is the classic sauna experience.

Hybrid saunas combine both, so you can choose infrared or traditional heat for each session.

What do Low EMF, Ultra Low EMF and full spectrum mean?

EMF (electromagnetic field) is given off by any electric heating element. Infrared sauna makers measure it so you can compare models. Our Low EMF saunas measure about 5–10 mG close to the panels, Ultra Low EMF about 3–5 mG and Near Zero EMF under 2–3 mG. Each sauna's specifications list its exact figure.

Most infrared saunas use far-infrared panels. Full spectrum models add near-infrared elements as well.

Can I put an indoor sauna outside?

No. Indoor saunas are built for climate-controlled rooms and aren't designed to handle rain, snow or big temperature swings. For a deck, patio or garden, choose a model listed as Outdoor. These are built with roofing and timber made for the weather.

What size heater does a traditional sauna need?

It depends on the size of the room, and glass, stone or tile walls need extra power. Every traditional sauna page lists the recommended heater size. Building your own? Email us your room dimensions and we'll do the math.

Power and setup

Do I need an electrician?

It depends on the sauna. As a guide:

  • 1–2 person infrared saunas usually plug into a standard 120V household outlet. An outlet that isn't shared with other appliances is recommended.
  • Larger infrared saunas usually need a dedicated 120V/20A circuit, installed by an electrician.
  • Traditional electric heaters need a dedicated 240V circuit (208V 3-phase for commercial use), wired by a licensed electrician.
  • Wood-burning stoves need no wiring, but they do need a chimney and safe clearances. Follow the manual and your local codes.

The exact requirement is in each product's specifications. If you need an electrician, book them early so your sauna isn't waiting on the wiring.

How hard is it to assemble?

Indoor infrared saunas arrive as pre-built wall, floor and roof panels that clip or buckle together. With two people and a few basic tools, most go together in an afternoon.

Outdoor saunas are bigger projects. SaunaLife's Garden Series, for example, is designed for two people to assemble in about two days. Panels are heavy, so plan on a helper either way. Manuals, and assembly videos where available, are on the product pages.

Paying

Can I pay with my HSA or FSA?

Many of our saunas are HSA/FSA eligible through Truemed. Look for "HSA/FSA eligible" on the product page. At checkout, choose Truemed – Pay with HSA/FSA and complete a short online health survey. If you qualify, you pay with your HSA or FSA funds. How HSA/FSA payment works

Truemed is for qualified customers. HSA/FSA tax savings vary. Learn more at truemed.com/disclosures.

Do you offer financing?

Yes, through Affirm. Choose Affirm at checkout to see your monthly payment options, including 0% APR plans for eligible customers. You'll see your exact terms before you commit.

Shipping and delivery

How much is shipping?

Most of our saunas ship free anywhere in the continental US, freight delivery included. A few models have a delivery charge set by the manufacturer. Where that applies, it's shown clearly in your cart before you check out, so there are no surprises.

For Alaska or Hawaii, email us for a quote before ordering.

Where does my sauna ship from, and how long does it take?

Your sauna ships directly from the manufacturer's US warehouse. We process orders within 1–2 business days, and each product page shows an estimated arrival window. Lead times vary by brand. You'll get tracking details by email as soon as it ships.

What happens on delivery day?

Most saunas travel by freight truck and are delivered curbside. The driver uses a liftgate to set the crate down at the end of your driveway; they can't bring it inside or into your yard.

Some larger outdoor saunas arrive on a flatbed truck instead. These need to be unloaded on arrival, usually with a forklift or a few helpers, so we'll let you know ahead of time and talk you through what's needed.

Either way, the carrier calls 24–48 hours ahead to book a delivery window, and an adult needs to be there to sign.

Before you sign, check the packaging. If you see any damage, write it on the delivery receipt, take photos and email us within 48 hours. Full shipping and delivery policy

Warranty and returns

What warranty comes with my sauna?

Every sauna comes with its manufacturer's warranty. Coverage varies by brand and by part, and the details are on each product page. Have a question about what's covered? We're happy to help, before or after you buy.

Can I return a sauna?

It depends on the brand. Most accept returns of new, unused items within 30 days, with a return authorization from us first. Freight costs come out of the refund, and some brands charge a restocking fee. Used or installed items can't be returned, and some custom-built saunas can't be returned at all.

Please read the Refund and Returns Policy for your brand before you order.

Still have a question?

We're real people and we know our saunas. Call us 7 days a week, 8am–6pm EST, or email or live chat any time and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.