We have a Sauna in our main floor bathroom. DH and I disagree on what type of sauna it is. I say steam, he says dry.

When they built the sauna they used part of one room and the closet. The floor has not be properly finished - it's still hardwood and there is no drain in the floor. This is why DH thinks it's a dry sauna, he doesn't like it when I put water on the rocks as he's afraid the water that drips down will rot the floor - I don't disagree, however, I don't like a dry sauna. I have been looking for a metal catch basin but I can't find anything the right size.

I would like DH to put in a tile floor with a drain, but we have other pressing projects right now. I can't use the sauna these days anyway because I'm pregnant and it's summer so who needs a sauna.

Does anyone know how you tell the difference between a wet and dry sauna. Here are some pictures that I thought might help.


Sauna Grill


Sauna Side - you can see how the water just drains off there is no lip on the bottom to catch it.


Sauna Rocks

By Jann on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 02:19 pm:

It's a dry sauna. But you put water on the rocks to add a little humidity to the room.

By Heaventree on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 03:19 pm:

Thanks for the info Jann, I called someone locally after I posted and he said it was a dry sauna and that we should probably not put any water on it as the electrial is not properly protected. I guess we remove the sauna as I'll never use a dry sauna.

Oh well.

By Jann on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 07:50 pm:

Why won't you use a dry sauna?

By Heaventree on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 09:07 pm:

It takes too long to sweat and I start to feel uncomfortable. I like the steam and how it goes right into your sinus and lungs instantly. I just feel like I'm baking in a dry sauna.

I spoke to DH this everning and we will consider some options. He said he doesn't think we'll ever use it. I would if it were steam, so I'll look into the cost of changing the unit. I guess it would be a shame to just tear it all out, however we would also have to tile the floor and put in a drain which is miminum in terms of cost it's just finding the time to do it.

Jann, do you have a sauna or use one regularly? Is it a dry sauna?

By Jann on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 10:04 pm:

Only at spas. I like each for different reasons, but probably lean more towards steam. Was just curious cause you seemed so definitive!

By Frasersmama on Friday, May 20, 2005 - 01:32 pm:

Just a thought, could you use the sauna dry, but use a spray bottle to mist water on yourself?