If you’ve been considering adding a sauna to your home, you’ve likely come across three main types: traditional, infrared, and hybrid saunas.
While all three provide relaxation and wellness benefits, they operate very differently—and choosing the right one depends on your goals, preferences, and lifestyle. Let’s break it down 👇
traditional saunas
How They Work
Traditional saunas use a heater to warm rocks, which then heat the surrounding air. Water can be poured over the rocks to create steam, increasing humidity.
Key Features
- High temperatures: 150°F – 195°F
- Heated air warms your body externally
- Option for dry or steam heat
Benefits
- Deep, intense sweating
- Classic sauna experience
- Great for muscle recovery and circulation
- Social/traditional feel
Considerations
- Takes longer to heat up
- Can feel too hot for some users
- Higher energy usage
👉 Best for: People who love the authentic, high-heat sauna experience
Infrared saunas
How They Work
Infrared saunas use infrared light panels to heat your body directly instead of heating the air around you.
Key Features
- Lower temperatures: 120°F – 140°F
- Penetrates deeper into muscles and tissues
- Quick heat-up time
Benefits
- More comfortable, less intense heat
- May support muscle recovery and relaxation
- Energy efficient
- Ideal for longer sessions
Considerations
- No steam or traditional sauna feel
- Different type of heat (some prefer classic heat)
👉 Best for: Wellness-focused users who prefer a gentler, longer session
Hybrid saunas
How They Work
Hybrid saunas combine both infrared panels and a traditional heater, allowing you to choose your experience—or use both at once.
Key Features
- Adjustable temperature and heating style
- Combines ambient heat + infrared penetration
- Maximum flexibility
Benefits
- Customizable sessions
- Appeals to multiple users in a household
- Combines therapeutic + traditional benefits
- Future-proof investment
Considerations
- Higher upfront cost
- Slightly more complex setup
👉 Best for: Homeowners who want versatility and long-term value
🆚 Quick Comparison
| Feature | Traditional | Infrared | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | High (150–195°F) | Low (120–140°F) | Adjustable |
| Heat Type | Air + Steam | Direct (light waves) | Both |
| Heat-Up Time | Slower | Fast | Moderate |
| Experience | Intense | Gentle | Customizable |
| Energy Use | Higher | Lower | Moderate |
đź’ˇ Which Sauna is Right for You?
- Choose traditional if you want the classic, high-heat sauna experience
- Choose infrared if you prefer a comfortable, wellness-focused session
- Choose hybrid if you want flexibility and the best of both worlds
🏡 Bring the Sauna Experience Home
At 605 Pool & Spa, we offer a variety of sauna options to fit your space and lifestyle—from compact infrared units to premium hybrid systems.
Whether you’re looking to relax, recover, or create your own at-home wellness retreat, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.
👉 Stop into our showroom or contact us to learn more!