It is a known fact that a sauna has some incredible benefits for health. The heat from a sauna, whether a traditional sauna or an infrared sauna, can change 0ne’s life when used correctly and in appropriate moderation.
The sauna offers stress relief, anxiety alleviation and is also known to improve blood circulation. People have also found that the improved circulation and detoxification experienced at the sauna improves skin and leaves it glowing.
Having said this, however, a sauna is not always the most accessible thing. If you do not have a personal sauna at home, you will need to go looking for a gym membership where you can use the sauna. Alternately, you may have to book a spa session for yourself at some fancy hotel.
Even if you install a sauna in your home, it is not the most inexpensive proposition. Besides, if you are not a homeowner or move often, it is not the most conducive thing to install a proper sauna at home.
What will you do with the unit in case you have to move? A proper sauna unit will be expensive as it is, most people do not want to spend even more money on moving it around.
In such situations, building a DIY near-infrared sauna can be one of the most useful things. A DIY sauna is simpler to make than one would think. If you are not ready to invest money in an infrared sauna or you do not have your own home to buy an infrared sauna for, a DIY sauna can give you the same benefits for a lot less maintenance and money.
It also allows one to test out a cheaper version of an infrared sauna before committing to a proper one. But how does one go about building an infrared sauna at home? With the right kind of guidance and instructions, you will be able to make your own near-infrared sauna tent at home using a heat lamp.
Our sauna course on building a DIY sauna at home for less than $200 can be a great supplement. But you may think you need more information before you sign up for the course. The following is a brief glimpse of what you will find in our robust sauna course:
Building a DIY Sauna
Even if one has had the idea to build a DIY sauna, one may not always be aware of the exact know-how or the tools one may need to build a sauna at home. You can look at various guides and tutorials online.
However, it can often be seen that online blog posts will give you a list of the parts you may need or give you a few basic tips on how to set up the sauna, but not adequate information about how to actually carry out the setup.
In our sauna course, we have tried our best to elaborate on the details as much as needed. The instructions in the course will be more than enough. However, that is something you can find even on a YouTube tutorial and manage.
What we will give you, though, is also extra information and tips on building the sauna on your own and the things you can use to make the sauna the most effective.
The following is a brief overview of the steps you can expect in our course:
Think of an Enclosure
An enclosure is one of the first things you will need to consider when building a DIY infrared sauna. There are a few ways you can get an enclosure. Either look for a pre-made structure, have a customized one made, or simply update a room or space you already have at home.
For a pre-made structure, you can simply look at privacy tents since it is difficult to find a pre-made sauna enclosure. These tents are easy to set up and take down, and work as simple canopies.
In most cases, you can keep the fabric that comes with the tent, but there are also foil insulation materials that you can buy online. The idea is to find a strong and sturdy frame, around which you can secure the appropriate fabric or foil insulation material.
This is the easiest option as compared to the custom-made ones or updating an existing room. A custom-made enclosure will simply be too expensive while finding an existing room that will make for an appropriate sauna enclosure can be quite difficult. Making some adjustments to a tent enclosure is, therefore, the best option.
Our sauna course will have many more details on where you can source enclosures and how you can adjust a pre-made enclosure to make it suitable for your DIY sauna.
Heat/Light Sources
The second thing to think about is to see what kind of heat or light source you are going to add to the sauna tent. You can look at infrared sauna heaters that will give you almost the same experience as a regular sauna. You can make your own lamps by adding an infrared bulb to it. There are also pre-made lamp options you can look at that may be easier to set up and manage.
You can also look at various light fixtures and add the bulb on your own to make infrared heat lamps. This will also allow you to control the angles of the light and gives you some more room to adjust the spacing of the bulbs.
If you are open to spending a little more money, you can also consider getting a sauna heater instead of making a heat lamp with bulbs. These heaters are easy to install and they often also come with digital controllers which allow you to adjust the temperature in the makeshift sauna room with ease.
The heating source is the most important thing about the sauna and we discuss it in far more detail in our sauna course so you do not have to go looking for information anywhere else.
Lamp Clamps
Once you have picked out the light and heat sources that you need for your sauna tent, it is important to pick out the right kind of lamp clamps to hold the lamps in place. This is important as you need a clamp that can not only accommodate the kind of bulb and wattage you have selected but should also be able to withstand the heat the light will emit.
It is advisable to get clamps rated for 250 W bulbs which also have ceramic sockets. There are more details and information regarding various lamp clamps in our sauna course.
Accessories
Once you have figured out the main enclosure and the heating source, you can also think of adding some accessories to your DIY sauna. This is an optional step but is something that will make your DIY sauna look more comfortable and plush.
Chair/Bench
A chair or a bench is one of the first things you can think about adding. You may be in the sauna for only 15-20 minutes, but even those few minutes should be comfortable. Besides, when you are sweating in the sauna it is best to be seated as standing on your feet may make you feel faint after some time. A camping-type chair is a good and inexpensive option to consider.
Sauna Thermometer and Hygrometer
A sauna thermometer is a useful thing to add to a DIY sauna because there are few other ways of checking what the temperature in the sauna is. In a store-bought sauna, you will find other ways of checking the temperature.
An infrared sauna, especially, may have a digital controller that allows you to adjust the temperature with ease. However, a DIY sauna in a tent with a heat lamp will not have such a provision until you add a thermometer to this set up.
Since you are doing everything at home and do not have the help of an electrician, nor any customer care helpline you can call, the safety of the sauna and the various parameters are up to you to adjust.
If the sauna gets too hot or humid, that can also have some detrimental effects. With a thermometer and hygrometer, you will be able to control these factors.
The good thing is that you can get two-in-one sauna thermometers and hygrometers in the market at very affordable prices.
Power Strip
When you have figured out all the lights you want to use, you need to find a place to plug everything in. A power strip with a surge protector is one of the safest options and will allow you to plug in multiple lamps at once for a 360-degree effect.
Pick a strip that has a long power cord so that you have enough room to maneuver. The sauna course will also present you with other options for plugging the lamps in along with all the safety measures you should take.
Eye Protection
Near-infrared lights can be quite bright, so you certainly want to avoid looking at them directly. Though you will be spending only 15 to 20 minutes in the sauna, that time alone can be enough for your eyes to feel strained.
It is not as if near-infrared light is particularly harmful or more damaging than any other kind of bright light, but just to err on the side of caution you may want to get some kind of eye protection for yourself. The glasses do not need to be fancy or expensive. You can simply invest in a simple pair of tanning goggles that should do the trick.
Entertainment
For a lot of people, the idea of a sauna is to relieve the stress of a long workday and relax. Even if you are sitting in the sauna for only a few minutes, you can use that time to listen to your favorite podcast or simply listen to some familiar tunes. This is usually an added factor in regular saunas, but how do you replicate this in a DIY sauna?
You can simply bring your speakers into the sauna tent since it is an infrared sauna. Alternately, if you are worried about the effect of heat on your music devices, you can also place the speaker right outside the tent and keep the controller in your hand.
This is an entirely optional step, however, and is only a way to elevate the experience of the sauna. But the functionality of the sauna will not be compromised if you do not add a radio or MP3 player to your DIY sauna tent.
Near Infrared vs Far Infrared vs Full Spectrum
While the above section dealt with the main things you require to build a sauna, the sauna course will have detailed instructions about how to go about building it along with some extra tips you are unlikely to find anywhere else on the internet.
But before you buy the course, you may want to know about the various kinds of infrared rays and which you may find most beneficial for your DIY sauna. The course we have built is for a near-infrared sauna, but the following is a brief low-down on the various kinds of infrared wavelengths and saunas available.
Near-Infrared Saunas
Let’s begin with near-infrared (NIR) saunas. Near-infrared wavelengths are ones that are able to penetrate the body most thoroughly. This is ideal for a small sauna tent as you can make the most of the infrared.
Near-infrared wavelengths are useful for detox, healing wounds and for boosting the immune system. They are also incredible at providing immediate pain relief and topical healing.
The spectrum of natural sunlight also comprises near-infrared so human beings are most commonly exposed to it in everyday life.
Far-Infrared Saunas
Far-infrared (FIR) saunas have a longer wavelength and provide great benefits for detoxification and improving blood circulation. Far-infrared saunas also heat the body up from within which causes one to sweat profusely.
This is where the detox benefits of far-infrared saunas lie. The kind of sweating one may experience in a traditional wet-dry sauna, a far-infrared sauna can replicate to some extent.
Full-Spectrum Saunas
A full-spectrum infrared sauna emits near-, mid- and far-infrared wavelengths. The degree of each wavelength can be adjusted in such a sauna. This is the kind of sauna that provides holistic benefits, but it is certainly an expensive affair and is difficult to replicate in a DIY sauna tent.
Pros and Cons of a DIY Near-Infrared Sauna Tent
Before you decide whether you want to get our sauna course or not, you may want to measure the pros and cons of a DIY near-infrared sauna. If you are not looking to make a near-infrared sauna tent at all, then why would you be inclined to consider our course? But the following list of pros and cons should help you make a decision:
Pros
- There is a general perception that far-infrared saunas are more efficient than near-infrared saunas. But this is an industry myth that is perpetuated by sauna companies trying to sell their products. Near-infrared saunas offer immediate relief from pain and improve circulation.
- A far-infrared sauna at any market will cost anywhere between $1,000 and 5,000. But you can have a near-infrared sauna built at home for less than $300.
- If you are living in a rented apartment or do not want to commit to a proper infrared sauna unit, a DIY sauna tent is something you can dismantle just as easily as you assembled it.
- A DIY sauna tent is ideal for someone who likes to enjoy frequent sauna sessions but does not have the budget to get an expensive gym membership or even a professional sauna unit in their home.
- Some people simply opt for a sauna blanket or a mylar heat blanket that offers good insulation. However, a sauna tent is able to trap heat even better and offer the body 360-degree heat. A sauna tent is also more conducive to sweating as compared to any other heating options.
- Finally, a word for our sauna course—most free blogs and YouTube tutorials give you an overview of how to set up a DIY sauna tent. However, our course will give you a step-by-step lowdown on how to build a sauna tent in your home with ample advice and caveats.
Cons
- It must be said that a DIY sauna is not an exact replacement for a low-EMF and low-VOC wooden sauna. It still provides the basic benefits of an infrared sauna and is easy to use.
- A DIY sauna is largely safe to use. However, you will have to take even more precautions when it comes to safety as there is no electrician or customer care facility that you can contact in case something untoward were to happen.
- It can be difficult to find accessories and materials specifically for a sauna. You will have to be careful about the kind of fabric you get for the tent, it may also be difficult to find accessories like an appropriate sauna bench or chair.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to building a DIY near-infrared sauna tent, there are of course several questions one may have. A DIY project may be exciting but often you may find yourself halfway through a project and feel frustrated or hit a dead end.
Therefore, it is best to get all the questions out of the way before you get started. The following are some of the frequently asked questions about DIY near-infrared sauna tents. The sauna course tries to answer these as well as many more questions:
Is the DIY Sauna Tent Better Than a Sauna Blanket?
Sauna blankets are popular choices among people looking to enjoy the benefits of a sauna at home. They are convenient and can provide immediate relief from pain and soreness.
However, the amount of sweat generated in a sauna blanket is not as much as an infrared sauna can provide. The benefits of an infrared sauna, however, will only come with an enclosed structure like a tent. Therefore, we would say a DIY sauna tent is better than a sauna blanket.
How to Build a Cheap Sauna?
Our sauna course is focused on building a DIY sauna tent for $200. Everything that we include in our set of instructions and guide has been added keeping in mind the cost.
Whether it is the tent, the fabric around the tent, light and various accessories—our attempt has been to include items that will be cost effective but will also provide you with the best heat possible.
What Health Issues Can a Sauna Tent Help With?
A sauna tent can offer many of the benefits that a proper infrared unit can offer. A near-infrared light penetrates the body deeply and offers immediate pain relief. The sweating caused by the infrared light is also useful for improving circulation, which in turn helps in cases of low blood pressure.
Infrared sauna heat can also be beneficial for the skin and makes one glow thanks to the improved blood circulation. A sauna tent is able to cause better insulation than a simple sauna blanket.
What Materials Can Be Used in a Sauna?
When you are building a DIY sauna tent, there are some limitations regarding what kind of materials you can use in a sauna. You cannot go all out with lavish accessories but at the same time, you also need something that does not get damaged due to heat. Organic, low-VOC materials are the best option for a DIY sauna tent.
What’s the Best but Cheap Portable Sauna Tent?
One of the most frequent questions is about cheap portable sauna tents. If you can find a portable infrared sauna tent that also fits your budget, there is nothing like it. However, finding a cheap portable infrared sauna tent is not always easy.
If you find an inexpensive one, you will certainly have to compromise on appropriate EMF levels, while some may have rubber elements that emit harmful gasses. Instead of compromising on quality or cost, building an infrared sauna tent is a far better option.
It gives you the comfort of an infrared sauna tent at a price you like. This sauna course will give you all the information you need.
Something to Keep in Mind
Before we conclude, there is one thing that must be said. This DIY near-infrared sauna tent guide has relevant information for anyone who is looking to recreate the comforts of an infrared sauna in their home. However, if you are someone who is looking for their sauna tent to be completely perfect and without any rough edges, a DIY sauna tent may not be for you.
If you think that you can find incredibly low-EMF levels in such a sauna tent or expect that even certain parts of such a set up can be independently tested, that is unlikely. A DIY sauna tent is not going to meet market standards and is certainly not going to be the perfect replacement for a professional infrared sauna unit.
But if you are someone who is happy with something makeshift that is not perfect but offers more than enough functionality, this DIY sauna tent guide is made of you.
So, assess what parts of the sauna experience you are okay with compromising so you know what to expect with a DIY sauna tent. Keeping this important factor in mind, you should consider building a DIY infrared sauna tent and using our step-by-step guide to do so.
Final Thoughts
It cannot be denied that a sauna offers some incredible benefits for one’s health. Infrared saunas, especially, offer intense heat from within and allows the body to sweat toxins out.
Infrared saunas also do not heat the air around the person but heat the body directly. This makes it safe to use around the house as well since it only heats the person who is exposed to the infrared wavelengths and not the whole room. It is also easier to run an infrared sauna as compared to a traditional wet-dry sauna.
The points that have been discussed above are some of the crucial things you will need to know when you make your DIY sauna tent. While the process of building such a tent is quite flexible, there are still certain things you cannot use interchangeably.
For starters, you need an enclosure that will keep the heat inside and maintain insulation. You also cannot mess around with the heating or lighting source too much as this is the core element of building a DIY sauna tent.
What we have provided above is a general overview of how you can go about building a DIY near-infrared sauna tent and what the general questions and concerns surrounding that may be. This is only a glimpse of what our sauna course has to offer.
The complete course will offer answers to several other questions and will also go the distance to offer further advice and tips. If you have read all the discussions so far, the course is something you will certainly find helpful and you should consider signing up for it.