Saunas FAQ
What's included — do I need to buy the heater separately?
No. Outdoor saunas come with the PrairieFire™ 9kW electric heater, sauna stones, exterior smart control panel, 8mm tempered glass door, dimmable LED light, aluminum bucket, bamboo ladle, cedar thermometer, 2 robe hooks, HDPE support cradles, cement and ground anchors, and all assembly hardware.
What electrical setup is required before installation?
Outdoor saunas require a dedicated 240V/50A hardwired circuit installed by a licensed electrician before the sauna can be used. Outdoor saunas must be hardwired; while indoor models may use GFCI outlets, GFCI is not recommended outdoors due to moisture. A GFCI breaker is typically required. We recommend consulting a licensed electrician early in your planning process.
Does the sauna require a foundation or deck? Can I place it on gravel or concrete?
Yes, our outdoor models can either be anchored to a concrete pad or staked to the ground. Anchors for both concrete and ground stakes, as well as HDPE support cradles, are included in each outdoor sauna kit. Ensure any chosen surface is firm and level and can support the weight of the sauna and its users (1,000+ lbs). If planning to place your sauna on a deck, please purchase the correct anchor hardware from your local hardware store and reach out to a local contractor or structural engineer to evaluate your plans to ensure it meets International Residential Code (IRC) requirements as well as local codes specific to your area.
What are the shipping and delivery details?
Orders of in-stock units ship from our warehouse within 1–3 days of ordering and arrive within 7–17 days from the order date. Please review your order confirmation and order tracking emails for additional details.
How long does it take to heat up and what is the maximum temperature?
Outdoor saunas with a 9kW heater reach 170–185°F in about 20–30 minutes under mild conditions, while indoor saunas heat up faster. Outdoor saunas can reach a maximum temperature of up to 194°F, and indoor infrared saunas have a max temperature of 150°F. The 9kW PrairieFire™ heater is rated for up to 462 cubic feet and reaches 194°F.
Can I use this as a steam sauna (wet sauna)?
Yes. Outdoor saunas are rated for both wet and dry (traditional) use. Pour water over the included sauna stones to create steam.
What app controls the sauna? Can it run the lights?
The Tuya Smart app lets you control temperature, schedule sessions, and more — all from your smartphone. At this time, the app will not control the LED lights. The LED lights are on their own 120V connection (separate from the 240V connection required for the heater) and come with a remote for operation.
Is there an interior control panel or timer inside the sauna?
For outdoor saunas, the smart control panel is located on the exterior of the sauna, which displays the timer and allows remote access via the Wi-Fi app. Indoor saunas display the countdown timer both inside and outside, as the smart control panel is accessible from both inside and outside the unit.
What is the warranty and how do I make a claim?
Outdoor saunas are covered by a 5-year comprehensive warranty covering every part and component. If you believe you have a warranty claim, please reach out to us through our Customer Service page.
Do the saunas need to be stained, sealed, or painted?
Outdoor saunas should have the exterior only stained and sealed. If you choose to paint the exterior, you MUST use a water-based product (like a water-based stain) that breathes, handles heat, and resists UV and weather. Water-based acrylics run the risk of blistering or bubbling as heat and moisture are pushed out. Do not use oil-based or moisture-trapping paints (oil-based stains, polyurethane, shellac, marine spar varnish, elastomeric coatings, glossy film-forming sealers) as these will trap moisture, cause rot, increase mold risk, and trap vapor and fumes.
What is the energy use and average cost to run the heater?
Energy use depends on how often the sauna is used and how long the heater runs at full power versus cycling to maintain heat. Electricity cost per hour = Power (9kW) × electricity rate ($/kWh). At the US average rate of $0.13/kWh × 9 = $1.17 per hour. For example, 30 minutes to heat up plus 30 minutes of use = 1 hour (9kWh) per session. If used 2–3 times per week, expect 70–110kWh per month. In real-world usage, the heater will not run continuously for the full hour, as it cycles to maintain the set temperature.
Where are the saunas and heaters made?
Saunas are designed in Kansas and manufactured in Vietnam or China under strict quality control. The PrairieFire™ heaters are custom-designed and engineered in Kansas and manufactured to specification by trusted partners in China, with all performance criteria, materials, safety systems, and quality controls validated by US engineers.
Is the sauna ETL Certified?
Yes. Our outdoor saunas are ETL Certified for residential outdoor use.
How is the sauna insulated and does it have an R-value?
Yes, the estimated R-value is between 1.4 and 1.8. Indoor infrared saunas are insulated by air and solid kiln-dried cedar. Outdoor saunas are insulated by 30mm solid kiln-dried cedar. No synthetic or manmade insulation materials are used in either.
Can I order the sauna without a heater or use a wood-burning stove?
No. Saunas come as shown with electric heaters. Using a wood stove is not recommended and is outside of the design specifications. Use of a third-party heater or wood-burning stove will void the manufacturer’s warranty.