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Unlock the full potential of sauna ownership with our comprehensive selection of expert resources. Browse detailed articles on Almost Heaven products, maintenance best practices, health benefits, and sauna tradition — all curated to deepen your knowledge and optimize your home wellness routine.

All Your Sauna Questions Answered

Why is My Barrel Door Not Closing? - How To

Why is My Barrel Door Not Closing? - How To

Barrel saunas are constructed from natural, untreated cedar, which expands and contracts with changing weather conditions. This movement is especially noticeable during the first year after assembly and can cause the sauna to settle unevenly. One common issue is the barrel leaning forward, which prevents the ends from staying perfectly upright in their original level position. This slight shift puts strain on the door frame, potentially causing the door to rub against the frame or not seal properly. How to Check If Your Barrel Needs Adjustment You can quickly test for an uneven barrel by: Placing a level vertically against the barrel ends. Checking if the bubble indicates that the barrel is leaning. If misalignment is detected, push the barrel back into position. Need a Visual Guide? Adjusting the barrel can sometimes be difficult to visualize, so we’ve created a helpful video to walk you through the process. Watch it here: Adjustment Video Additional Fix: Adjusting the Door Magnets If the barrel is level but the door is still not sealing properly, try: Loosening the door frame magnets slightly to improve the seal. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help! 

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The In's and Out's of Sauna Upgrades

The In's and Out's of Sauna Upgrades

  We have quite a few sauna options to choose from with various heater types as well. For best performance and in a commercial setting especially, bigger is better! A few things to consider would be how you will allow your guests to use the heater and the ease of use for your guests as well. See below for some key features.      Operation time -  All traditional heaters currently in the US will only output heat for 1 hour at a time. However, there is no harm in restarting the 1 hour consecutively. Ease of operation -  We have two types of heaters; dial and digitally controlled. Dial controls do not offer an exact timeline or full visibility like a digitally controlled heater does. With the digital control located outside of the sauna room, the goal temperature is set, then the heater reaches and maintains that temperature very accurately. The dial control on the other hand can be set between minimum and maximum and there is no display with a temperature reading.  Heat Level -  All traditional heaters will reach a minimum of 170F. A higher kilowatt size will offer a quicker heat up time and various models may reach higher temperatures than others. Heater models to choose from -  We have 6 main heater models in the US including the KIP, KIP Digital, The Wall, Spirit, Virta, and Virta Combi. Between these models, the Spirit, Virta and Virta Combi will be the highest performers offering the highest temperature range, stone capacity, and heat up time while offering digital controls as standard.      Sauna size for your selected heater model.   KIP Dials (good) or KIP Digital (better) - Will fit all sauna models 1-8 person size and come in 4.5kW-8kW. The Wall Dials (better) - Will fit all sauna models 1-8 person size and come in 6kW and 8kW. Spirit Digital (best) - Will fit all sauna models 1-8 person size and come in 6kW and 8kW. Virta Digital (best) - Can be paired with all 4+ person models and comes in 6-10.5kW. Virta Combi (best) - The "Combi" Virta is a steam generating feature that offers a traditional sauna as well as a steam room and can be paired with all 4+ person models and comes in 8-10.5kW.    What are the electrical requirements?  See our downloads & manuals page Here for all heater models including electrical specifications based on model and kilowatt size. All traditional heaters will require a hardwired connection to 240V and between 30-60amp breaker sizes.      Water use for a wet/dry sauna -  All traditional heaters come with stones when purchased with your sauna kit and can be used to create steam within the sauna. In a commercial setting, it is imperative that your guests are educated on proper application for an electric heater.  Water should be added when the stones have reached a minimum of 160F and in quantity of no more than 1 ladle or 1/4 cup at a time. Visit our heater health blog Here with more information on heater health

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Add an Outdoor Rinse to your Routine!

Add an Outdoor Rinse to your Routine!

FAQ's   AN OUTDOOR SHOWER HAS MANY APPLICATIONS A Rinse outdoor shower has many practical applications.  As long as you can bring a garden hose to the shower, it can be installed nearly anywhere.  It is the perfect addition to your cottage, allowing the kids to rinse off the sand after a day at the beach.  Use it poolside to rinse off the chlorine after swimming.  It is the perfect "cool down" after an invigorating sauna session.  Use the Rinse shower any place where an outdoor rinse would be convenient. Where can I place the shower? The shower can be placed on any firm and level surface.  This could include concrete, pavers, wood deck, ceramic tile, etc.  It is not recommended to place the shower on the bare ground.   Do I need to anchor the shower in place? It depends on the setting.  If there are strong winds then you may want to anchor with the included brackets.  You could also consider the optional floor section which allows you to anchor the floor to the surface and the shower to the floor section.   How do I hook bring water to the shower? A standard garden hose will be connected to one of the fittings on the back of the shower.  Simply turn on the faucet and your shower is ready to use.   What is involved in bringing hot water to the shower? Your plumber will install hot and cold water lines from the source and plumb them to the rear of the shower using standard faucet hookups.   I live in a northern climate.  What about freezing? If the water in the shower fittings freezes it will damage the shower.  If there is fear of freezing it is best to drain the shower after using by removing the garden hose and turning the shower faucet open to let all water drain out.   Can I easily move the shower? Yes, one person can easily move the shower.   What is the warranty for Outdoor Showers? One year on all parts that fail.  Simply report the broken part to us and we will send a replacement.  Natural weathering of wood is not covered.   Will the wood withstand the elements? Yes.  The wood will turn gray over time due to the effects of UV, but this in no way damages the wood or performance of the shower.  It is suggested to paint or stain the pine version as it does not have natural weather resistance.    Can I stain the shower? Certainly.  If you wish to have the shower retain its color or if you want to match the shower to some other wood around your home, simply use a UV inhibited stain of your choice.   How is the shower shipped to me? The shower will ship to you via UPS in a single box.   Do I need the optional floor section? You do not need it, but if you would like to have a wood floor then it is a nice feature.    Will the salt air affect my shower? No, the metal is all stainless steel and is designed to withstand all climates.   I live in a windy area.  How can I best secure the shower? Either with the angle braces that come with your shower or with the optional floor section.    

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Maximize the Benefits of your Sauna Session

Maximize the Benefits of your Sauna Session

Let us help you maximize your sauna benefits. Here are six tips on how to do it.

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How to Winterize Your Sauna

How to Winterize Your Sauna

Tips on how to prepare your indoor and outdoor sauna for the winter months.  Winter is right around the corner. For some of us, it’s already here! Whether you enjoy an outdoor barrel or cabin sauna, or stay inside with an indoor sauna, it’s important to maintain your sauna. With proper attention and a little bit of TLC, you can keep your sauna looking and working perfectly all year long.  How to winterize your indoor sauna?  The good news is that because indoor saunas don’t need protection from the elements, they won’t require much winter maintenance. The changing season is just a good reminder to do some basic TLC. Here are a few ways to keep your indoor sauna looking and feeling like new: Periodically sweep and vacuum any loose dirt or dust from the interior of your sauna  Use a mild solution of baking soda and water to lightly scrub benches and other surfaces, then rinse. Adding a few drops of lemon essential oil can act as a natural disinfectant and add a pleasant aroma to the cleaning process. Tough stains on benches? Use a fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand down trouble spots Mop the floor or wipe with a damp cloth periodically  Sauna heaters require little maintenance, but make sure to check your sauna stones for splitting and cracks every so often. How to winterize your outdoor sauna? At Almost Heaven Saunas, only the highest quality materials are used to make up our sauna kits. Barrel and cabin saunas are designed using Nordic Spruce, Red Cedar, or Hemlock Fir. These durable lumbers are naturally insulating and can withstand a variety of elements: sun exposure, wind, rain, snow, and anything else winter might throw at them. However, there are still a few ways you can help to expand the life of your sauna. Here’s how:  Periodically sweep and vacuum any loose dirt, dust, tracked-in leaves from the interior of your sauna  Use a mild solution of baking soda and water to lightly scrub benches and other surfaces, then rinse. Adding a few drops of lemon essential oil can act as a natural disinfectant and add a pleasant aroma to the cleaning process.  Tough stains on benches? Use a fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand down trouble spots Mop the floor or wipe with a damp cloth periodically  Sauna heaters require little maintenance, but make sure to check your sauna stones for splitting and cracks every so often. Check sauna staves. Make sure the exterior of your barrel is tightly sealed and staves are snug. Tighten any loose fitting staves, or add an extra stave if needed.  Add an attractive UV- resistant rain jacket to help repel water and snow from the top of the sauna. https://almostheaven.com/collections/sauna-accessories/products/barrel-sauna-rain-jacket Note: Sauna rain jackets do not pair with wood-burning saunas with chimneys.  The best way to maintain your sauna is by using it on a regular basis. Relax, enjoy, and don’t hesitate to call or email us with any questions you might have about winterizing your sauna!

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Benefits of Wood Fired Soak Tubs

Benefits of Wood Fired Soak Tubs

There’s nothing quite like the soothing embrace of warm water or the refreshing shock of a cold plunge—especially when it's powered by nature. Our wood-fired soak tubs offer an unparalleled experience, free from the need for electricity, gas, pumps, or filtration systems. Just fill the tub with water, add wood to the firebox, and in a few hours, your tub is ready to use. Meet Our Signature Soak Tubs The Sindri The Serenity The Kirami The Legend Whether you're looking for a warm, relaxing soak or an invigorating cold plunge, these tubs deliver both with ease. The Benefits of Hot Tubs Soaking in warm water isn’t just relaxing—it can offer real health benefits that improve both body and mind. 1. Stress Relief Warm water soothes the nervous system, helping to melt away daily stress. A soak in a hot tub encourages relaxation, lowers cortisol levels, and promotes an overall sense of well-being. 2. Muscle Relaxation & Joint Relief Heat naturally relaxes muscles, making it a great remedy for post-workout recovery, tension relief, and even chronic pain. Additionally, water reduces pressure on joints, improving flexibility and mobility. 3. Improved Sleep Struggling with restless nights? A hot tub routine can help. The warmth relaxes your body, eases aches and pains, and signals to your brain that it's time to wind down, promoting deeper, more restful sleep. The Power of Cold Plunging Looking for a challenge? Try cold water immersion, also known as a cold plunge. This ancient practice has been used for centuries to boost circulation, recovery, and mental resilience. What is a Cold Plunge? A cold plunge involves briefly submerging yourself in cold water (typically 50°F or below). It’s a form of cold therapy that has gained popularity in recent years, from ice baths to outdoor winter swims. The Benefits of Cold Plunging Boosts Circulation – Cold water causes blood vessels to constrict and then expand, improving overall circulation and blood flow. Reduces Inflammation – Many athletes use cold therapy to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after intense workouts. Releases Endorphins – That post-plunge rush? It’s real! Cold exposure stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Strengthens Mental Resilience – If you can handle even a few seconds in icy water, you’ll walk away feeling accomplished, energized, and more mentally strong. Improves Alertness & Focus – The shock of cold water wakes up your system, enhancing energy levels and mental clarity. Is Cold Plunging Right for You? Cold plunging isn't for everyone, and it’s important to start slow and listen to your body. Always check with your doctor before incorporating it into your routine, especially if you have any medical conditions. Potential benefits from using a soak tub vary from person to person. Much depends on your overall health and the ways you choose to use your soak tub.    Ready to Experience the Best of Both Worlds? Whether you prefer a hot soak to unwind or a cold plunge to invigorate, our wood-fired soak tubs offer the flexibility to enjoy both—all while staying completely off-grid. Have questions? We’re here to help! Contact us at 888.355.3050.

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6 Reasons to Consider Buying an Infrared Sauna

6 Reasons to Consider Buying an Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas are gaining popularity, and for good reason. They offer a wide range of health benefits, from improving heart health and relieving pain to enhancing sleep quality and boosting immunity. Research continues to show that regular sauna sessions can significantly improve well-being and may even contribute to a longer, healthier life. What Is an Infrared Sauna? At first glance, an infrared sauna might look like a traditional one, but the way it generates heat is completely different. Instead of using a wood-burning or electric heater to warm the air, an infrared sauna uses extra-wide carbon fiber heating panels to emit radiant heat. A traditional sauna heats the room to about 195°F, warming your body from the outside in. In contrast, an infrared sauna operates at a more comfortable 115°–135°F while penetrating deeper into the body, raising your core temperature and inducing a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level. The Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas 1. Heart Health Like traditional saunas, infrared saunas are excellent for cardiovascular health. As your body heats up, your heart rate increases, blood pressure lowers, and inflammation decreases. Infrared heat promotes cardiovascular conditioning similar to moderate to intense aerobic exercise, such as walking or jogging. The heat causes your blood vessels to expand, improving circulation and allowing more oxygen to reach your muscles. This effect strengthens the heart and improves overall circulation. A 2015 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that frequent sauna use is associated with a lower risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), fatal coronary heart disease (CHD), fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD), and all-cause mortality. The takeaway? Consistency is key! 2. Pain Relief If you’ve ever stepped into an infrared sauna, you’ve likely felt the immediate relief it provides. The deep-penetrating heat relaxes muscles, eases tension, and soothes aching joints. By increasing blood circulation and oxygen flow, infrared heat helps speed up muscle recovery and reduce inflammation. But it’s not just physical pain that an infrared sauna can help with. Studies have shown that regular sauna use can also help reduce symptoms of depression and anger, promoting emotional well-being. 3. Better Sleep Struggling with sleep? An infrared sauna session might be just what you need. The heat relaxes both your mind and body, helping to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and preparing you for a deeper, more restful sleep. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, sauna sessions can help regulate your body's natural sleep cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. 4. Stronger Immune System Regular infrared sauna use can help boost your immune system by mimicking the effects of a fever. When your body temperature rises, it triggers the production of white blood cells—your body's natural defense against bacteria and viruses. This process helps your body build immunity against common illnesses like colds and the flu. A consistent sauna routine can strengthen your immune response, keeping you healthier year-round. 5. Relaxation and Stress Relief In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to relax is essential for mental and physical well-being. Infrared saunas promote deep relaxation by balancing your body’s stress hormones and increasing endorphin levels. Whether you use your sauna time to unplug from technology, meditate, or connect with a friend, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and more at peace. 6. Muscle Recovery & Injury Prevention If you work out regularly, have a physically demanding job, or experience muscle stiffness, an infrared sauna can be an excellent tool for recovery. The heat helps relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and speed up the healing process of damaged tissues. Heat also triggers the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers—helping to reduce discomfort and improve overall recovery time. Final Thoughts Infrared saunas offer a powerful, natural way to enhance your overall health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to improve heart health, reduce pain, sleep better, or simply de-stress, making sauna sessions a regular part of your routine can be a game-changer. If you haven’t tried an infrared sauna yet, now might be the perfect time to start. Your body—and mind—will thank you!

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Top 3 Ways Saunas Can Help Relieve Stress

Top 3 Ways Saunas Can Help Relieve Stress

Stress is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s work deadlines, family responsibilities, or the general hustle of daily life, we all experience moments of overwhelm. Finding effective ways to de-stress is essential for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being. If you already have a sauna routine, you’re ahead of the game—reaping the many benefits that come with sauna bathing. But if you haven’t started yet, it might be exactly what you need to reset and recharge. Here are three powerful ways sauna bathing can help relieve everyday stress and support long-term wellness. 1. Improved Mental Health Sauna bathing isn’t just a luxury—it’s a scientifically backed way to boost mental well-being. Studies show that full-body heat exposure can enhance mood, alleviate symptoms of depression, and promote overall relaxation. Here’s why: Heat exposure stimulates the release of serotonin, the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Many antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels, but sauna bathing offers a natural way to elevate this mood-boosting chemical. Both traditional and infrared saunas have been shown to provide these benefits, making sauna sessions a valuable tool for mental health. Expert Insight: An article from U.S. News Health highlights the profound mental health benefits of sauna bathing. According to New York City-based psychotherapist Paul Hokemeyer: “The greatest mental health benefit of a sauna is the act of just sitting still for a defined period. In this time, we connect with our bodies intensely and intimately. The heat of the sauna quiets the mind by bringing our awareness into the immediacy of the moment and away from the chaos of the outside world. For anyone who suffers from a mood disorder such as anxiety and depression, it’s a wonderful way to self-soothe and change the emotional and cognitive state in a relatively short period.” Translation? A sauna session is like a reset button for your mind, helping you step away from stress and into a calmer, more centered state. 2. Stronger Immune System Stress and sickness often go hand in hand. When we’re run down, our immune system weakens, making us more susceptible to colds, infections, and general fatigue. Fortunately, regular sauna bathing can help strengthen immune function and support overall health. Here’s how it works: Increased Core Temperature: Sauna heat mimics the effects of a mild fever, triggering your body to produce more white blood cells—your immune system’s first line of defense. Cortisol Regulation: While cortisol is often associated with stress, moderate increases from heat exposure can actually help regulate inflammation and immune response. Respiratory Relief: For those dealing with allergies or respiratory issues, the steam from a traditional sauna can help clear congestion and ease breathing discomfort. By making sauna sessions part of your routine, you’re not just reducing stress—you’re also giving your immune system the boost it needs to keep you feeling your best. 3. Deep Relaxation & Stress Relief One of the most immediate benefits of sauna bathing is pure relaxation. The heat works in several ways to help your body and mind unwind: Muscle Relaxation: As your muscles warm up, tension melts away, improving circulation and easing soreness. Endorphin Release: The heat stimulates the production of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers and mood boosters. A Sanctuary from Stress: A sauna provides a quiet, uncluttered, and welcoming space to step away from distractions and reset. The Sauna as a Mini Escape Think of your sauna time as a mini vacation—an opportunity to disconnect, recharge, and restore balance. Even if you’re just stepping from one room in your home to another, entering a sauna creates a shift in perspective. In the sauna, there are no emails to check, no to-do lists to tackle—just a warm, calming environment where you can breathe, reflect, and let go of the stress of the day. Final Thoughts Incorporating sauna sessions into your routine can be a game-changer for stress management, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to boost your mood, strengthen your immune system, or simply unwind, sauna bathing offers a natural and effective solution. So, if you haven’t started yet, now might be the perfect time to turn your sauna into your personal stress-relief sanctuary. Your mind and body will thank you.

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A Deep Dive into the Health Benefits of Sauna

A Deep Dive into the Health Benefits of Sauna

The sauna can be beneficial for cardiovascular health, Alzheimer's, dementia, mental health, releasing heavy metals and toxins, and overall fitness.  Rhonda Patrick, cardiovascular health, Alzheimer's, dementia, benefits

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Instruction Videos

Build Your Own Barrel Sauna with Ease

How to Build a Barrel Sauna

Watch step-by-step instructions for assembling the Watoga 6x5 barrel sauna. While this guide simplifies the process, be sure to consult your manual for complete details. A licensed electrician must hardwire the heater.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Building the Bridgeport Sauna

How to Build a Bridgeport Indoor Sauna

Follow this detailed guide to assemble your Bridgeport indoor sauna with confidence. DIY-friendly, with clear instructions to help you every step of the way.

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Assemble Your Rainelle Indoor Sauna Like a Pro

How to Build a Rainelle Indoor Sauna

Get a full walkthrough of how to build the Rainelle indoor sauna. Simple, clear, and designed for DIY installation.

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How to Assemble the BlackWater Cube Sauna

How to Build a BlackWater Cube Outdoor Sauna

Follow this guide to build the modern and sleek BlackWater Cube outdoor sauna. A step-by-step breakdown makes assembly easier than ever.

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Manuals & Guides

Access all technical documentation for your Almost Heaven products in one central hub. Find the user manuals, installation guides, and detailed specifications you need for any sauna, Harvia heater, hot tub, cold plunge, shower or accessory in our comprehensive resource library.

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Got questions?

Get expert answers about our saunas, wellness practices and more.

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