Indoor or outdoor sauna for commercial wellness facilities: Which investment really pays off?
Hotel operators, public swimming pools, and fitness studios often face the question of whether to invest in an indoor or outdoor sauna. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, which need to be carefully weighed to make an informed decision.
This blog article explores the various aspects of indoor and outdoor saunas in commercial wellness facilities and helps you determine which investment offers the best return.
Advantages of an indoor sauna
1. Short distances for guests
An indoor sauna offers the advantage that guests do not have to travel far from their rooms, changing rooms, or fitness area to enjoy a sauna session. Guests can also get there without going outside. This increases comfort and visitor satisfaction, which can have a positive impact on customer loyalty.
2. Simpler internal infrastructure
Integrating the sauna into the existing wellness area makes cleaning and maintenance easier to organize. Staff can work more efficiently because all the facilities are close together.
3. Adjoining relaxation room
Another advantage is the relaxation room, which is often directly adjoining. After a sauna session, guests can move straight into the relaxation area without having to walk far. This promotes relaxation and well-being.
Disadvantages of an indoor sauna
1. Limited space
A major challenge with indoor saunas is the often limited space available in an existing building. Integrating a sauna requires careful planning to ensure there is enough room for all the facilities without overcrowding the wellness area.
2. Closure of the existing wellness area during renovation work
Installing an indoor sauna may mean that the existing wellness area has to close during renovation work. This can lead to lost revenue and inconvenience for guests.
3. Standard offering
Indoor saunas are now standard in hotels, fitness studios, and public swimming pools. As a result, your wellness area may not stand out sufficiently from the competition.
4. Extensive interior construction
An indoor sauna often involves extensive interior construction. This includes not only the sauna cabin itself, but also the construction of the wet area and relaxation room.
Advantages of an outdoor sauna
1. No closure of the existing area
A major advantage of an outdoor sauna is that the existing wellness area can remain open during construction. This minimizes disruption to business operations and the associated loss of revenue.
2. A unique offering
Outdoor saunas are not yet as common and therefore offer an opportunity to stand out from the competition. This unique service can attract new guests and delight existing ones.
3. Quick installation
Installing an outdoor sauna is generally quicker than installing an indoor sauna that requires extensive interior construction. This means the new facility can open sooner and start generating revenue sooner.
4. An inviting relaxation area in harmony with nature
The area around an outdoor sauna can be designed in any style, from simple and natural to extraordinary. Budget also plays a part here. However, nature offers a wide range of options for creating a relaxation area with ways to cool off, from a plunge tub to a natural swimming pond.
Disadvantages of an outdoor sauna
1. Outdoor space required
An outdoor sauna requires a sufficiently large outdoor area. This can be particularly challenging in urban areas or on properties with limited space.
2. Weather-dependent landscaping
Although installing our outdoor saunas is not weather-dependent, as we deliver and assemble the sauna in modules, weather and cold seasons can still disrupt plans for landscaping the outdoor area. Various landscaping tasks can only be completed in above-freezing temperatures or dry weather. 
Conclusion
The decision between an indoor and outdoor sauna for commercial wellness facilities depends largely on the specific circumstances and priorities.
Indoor saunas offer short distances and easy integration into existing infrastructure, but often involve space constraints and extensive renovation work. They are ideal for facilities with limited outdoor space and operators looking to standardize their offerings.
Outdoor saunas allow operations to continue during construction and provide a unique offering, but require sufficient outdoor space, and installation is weather-dependent. They are especially suitable for wellness facilities looking to stand out from the competition with exclusive and distinctive offerings.
Ultimately, the choice of sauna type should be based on a thorough analysis of your needs, available space, and strategic goals.
We would be happy to help you choose the right option based on the conditions at your location. Throughout the process, we can support you as a full-service provider and bring your wellness project to life - whether indoors or outdoors.