Adding an outdoor infrared sauna to your home might sound like a simple backyard upgrade—but it’s one of the most technical and high-stakes decisions you can make when investing in wellness equipment. Unlike indoor saunas, outdoor units face temperature fluctuations, moisture, UV exposure, and complex electrical challenges.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors you must consider before choosing an infrared sauna for outdoor installation. From electrical safety to long-term durability, we’ll cover the risks and the features that separate a good sauna from one that will rot, short-circuit, or become a daily headache.
Toward the end, we’ll introduce the most trusted outdoor infrared saunas on the market today—including premium models from Golden Designs and Medical Saunas.
Why Outdoor Infrared Saunas Require Special Consideration
🧯 Outdoor Conditions Can Ruin an Indoor-Grade Sauna
Many infrared saunas advertised as “outdoor” are simply modified indoor units with minimal weatherproofing. But in real-world conditions, that’s not enough. Moisture can infiltrate seams, warp wood, and corrode the electronics.
Key dangers include:
- 🛠️ Water Damage: Rain, condensation, and snowmelt seep into paneling and cause mold, delamination, or electrical shorts
- 🌡️ Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme heat and cold can crack wood and compromise insulation
- ☀️ UV Damage: Sunlight breaks down unprotected finishes, leading to fading, dryness, and eventual splintering
⚡ Electrical Requirements Are NOT Plug-and-Play
Outdoor infrared saunas almost always require:
- 240V hardwired electrical connection
- Dedicated GFCI breaker for safety
- Weather-rated conduit, junction boxes, and waterproof outlets
Many buyers underestimate the cost and complexity of hiring a licensed electrician to run a dedicated line to their outdoor sauna pad. Improper installs are dangerous, void warranties, and can pose fire risks.
🧱 Structural Engineering Matters More Outside
An outdoor infrared sauna must:
- Use treated, kiln-dried wood like Thermowood, Canadian Hemlock, or Red Cedar
- Feature sealed joints and tempered glass
- Include an insulated base and ceiling to retain heat efficiently
- Have a sloped roof to prevent water pooling
What to Look for in an Outdoor Infrared Sauna
✅ Weatherproof Design
- Fully insulated walls, roof, and floor
- Treated wood or weather-sealed finish
- Rubberized seals on door and window
- Exterior LED lighting (rated for moisture)
✅ Electrical Safety
- 240V / 20-30 AMP dedicated circuit
- GFCI breaker installed by a licensed electrician
- ETL/UL listed sauna components
✅ Heating System
- Full Spectrum infrared (near, mid, and far infrared)
- Low EMF panels tested under 3 mG
- Distributed heat source on side, back, and front walls
✅ Comfort and Performance
- Chromotherapy lighting
- Ergonomic seating and backrests
- Digital interior/exterior control panel
- Bluetooth or AUX stereo
Common Mistakes That Lead to Sauna Failure
- Buying an indoor model and putting it outside under a tarp
- Skipping professional electrical setup
- Ignoring waterproofing and venting needs
- Failing to check EMF safety in real-world use
- Choosing an off-brand with no support or parts access
The Best Brand for Outdoor Infrared Saunas: Golden Designs
After evaluating dozens of outdoor-ready infrared models, Golden Designs stands out as the most trusted and well-constructed option for home use.
🔹 Why Golden Designs?
- Specializes in low EMF, full-spectrum infrared therapy
- Uses Canadian Hemlock with marine-grade hardware
- Known for superior insulation, weather resistance, and support
- ETL/UL-listed heaters, control panels, and electrical components
🔹 Best Outdoor Models from Golden Designs:
1. Golden Designs Visby
- 3-Person capacity
- Full spectrum infrared
- Exterior accent lighting
- Dual control panels
2. Golden Designs Nora
- 2-Person compact model
- Ideal for patios or small yards
- Elegant tempered glass door and window
3. Golden Designs St. Moritz
- Larger 4-person model with wraparound seating
- Enhanced chromotherapy and Bluetooth stereo
🔹 Bonus: Medical Saunas Hybrid Models
For those who want steam + infrared capability, Medical Saunas offers hybrid outdoor-ready models that combine:
- Full spectrum carbon panels
- Harvia or similar electric steam heaters
- Ultra low EMF + ergonomic design
Perfect for users with advanced recovery needs or colder climates.
Final Thoughts
Buying an outdoor infrared sauna is not just a purchase—it’s an infrastructure project. Between the electrical complexity, weatherproofing, and structural durability, getting it wrong could mean serious frustration, wasted money, or even a safety hazard.
The safest option? Choose a purpose-built outdoor unit from a proven brand like Golden Designs. With tested materials, smart engineering, and a focus on low EMF performance, their models (Visby, Nora, St. Moritz) are the gold standard in backyard wellness.
And for those looking for both infrared and steam therapy, Medical Saunas’ hybrid units offer unmatched versatility.
