Imagine wrapping up a long day in Los Angeles traffic and stepping into your own private sanctuary: warm, quiet, rejuvenating.
For many homeowners across Southern California, that’s no longer a dream but a wellness routine. Home saunas are becoming a staple of stress relief and health optimization, blending seamlessly with the laid-back, health-forward lifestyle SoCal is known for.
The benefits?
They are countless. But getting the right home sauna, installed properly, aligned with your needs, and built to last, takes some thought. That’s where our helpful guide comes in!
Why Southern California Is Perfect for a Home Sauna
Southern California’s climate makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor infrared saunas.
With mild winters and over 280 sunny days per year, homeowners have the luxury of building outdoor spa areas without battling harsh weather extremes.
But it’s not just about weather, it’s also about mindset. This region thrives on wellness trends: cold plunges, Pilates, plant-based diets, and yes, far infrared saunas.
Combine that with the region’s love for aesthetic design and backyard upgrades, and you have the perfect setting for a sleek, modern sauna.
Types of Home Saunas: Steam and Infrared
When deciding on a home sauna, understanding the types is your first smart move.
Traditional Finnish Saunas
These use a high-temperature heating element, often paired with a heater or wood stove.
Stones on the heater radiate dry heat, and a splash of water creates humidity and a temporary rise in heat. It’s a time-tested method that encourages intense sweating and full-body detoxification.
Infrared Saunas
Instead of heating the air, infrared saunas warm your body directly using far infrared light. This makes them more energy-efficient and allows for longer sessions at lower temperatures, ideal for homes with kids, older adults, or tight spaces.
In 2025, we find that many of our home saunas are gaining traction for their minimalist design and remote control features.
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Where Should You Install Your Sauna?
Whether your sauna lives in your bathroom, garage, or backyard will impact size, cost, and features. Let’s break it down.
Indoor Sauna Setups
Ideal for homeowners who want privacy and easy year-round access. You’ll need proper ventilation, moisture barriers, and flooring that can handle residual heat and humidity.
Many choose spruce or red cedar interiors for durability and style.
Outdoor Sauna Installations
Perfect for SoCal patios and backyards. Barrel saunas and modern prefab kits look great alongside a swim spa or fire pit.
Just make sure your build accounts for power access, waterproofing, and HOA restrictions if applicable.
Heat Sources: Choosing the Right Heater
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to heat. Your choice will affect operating costs, experience, and even aesthetics.
| Heater Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Convenient, widely available, energy-efficient | May need a 220V line |
| Infrared Panels | Lower operating cost, ideal for indoor use | Limited humidity |
| Wood-Burning Stove | Traditional, rustic, no power needed | Requires chimney, not HOA-friendly |
| Hybrid (Electric + IR) | Full spectrum of heat, customizable | Higher upfront cost |
Bonus tip: Look for carbon or ceramic heating panels for even distribution and minimal electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure.
Sizing It Right: From Solo Sessions to Social Saunas
A sauna’s not just a box with heat – it’s a personal wellness space. Getting the right size makes a huge difference in your comfort and usage.
- 1-person saunas: Compact and space-saving. Great for bathrooms or small studios.
- 2-4 person models: Ideal for couples or families. Lifestyle Outdoor showrooms often carry these mid-size units in both infrared and hybrid models.
- 6+ person saunas: These are larger cabin-style units or barrel saunas made for socializing. Perfect for pairing with a hot tub in the backyard.
Consider head clearance, bench layout, and whether you want chromotherapy lighting or built-in Bluetooth and touchscreen controls.
How Much Does a Home Sauna Cost?
Pricing varies depending on the type, material, and brand, but knowing the range is helpful.
- Entry-level infrared sauna: $2,000 – $4,000
- Mid-range hybrid or traditional: $5,000 – $8,000
- Luxury outdoor sauna cabins: $9,000 – $15,000+
Factor in installation, potential electrical upgrades, and extras like light therapy, glass fronts, or high-grade heaters.
What Lifestyle Outdoor Offers
As a top-tier wellness destination in Southern California, Lifestyle Outdoor offers more than just products – we offer experiences. Customers can explore a wide selection of luxury home saunas.
You’ll also find hot tubs, cold plunge pools, and outdoor living furniture – ideal for building a complete backyard spa space.
And yes – customer service here isn’t a buzzword. Our team helps from selection to installation, with ongoing support and warranty guidance.
Our Saunas for Sale in Southern California
At Lifestyle Outdoor, we live and breathe excellence, which is evident in the sauna brands we carry. Let’s take a closer look at the sauna brands we have for sale: Jacuzzi® Saunas, Sun & Soul Saunas, and Tylo Saunas.
Jacuzzi® Saunas
Jacuzzi® Saunas blend wellness innovation with premium craftsmanship, delivering a high-performance infrared sauna experience rooted in the brand’s longstanding reputation for hydrotherapy and home wellness.
These saunas are designed for luxury and functionality, offering features like low EMF carbon fiber heating panels, full-spectrum infrared technology, ergonomic seating, and touch-screen controls.
Whether for detoxification, relaxation, or muscle recovery, Jacuzzi® Saunas provide a refined and restorative at-home wellness experience.
Sun & Soul Saunas
Sun & Soul Saunas are designed with accessibility and everyday wellness in mind.
These infrared saunas feature a modern aesthetic, user-friendly controls, and efficient carbon heating elements to deliver consistent warmth and therapeutic benefits.
With a focus on simplicity, comfort, and affordability, Sun & Soul makes it easier for individuals and families to incorporate regular sauna use into their wellness routines.
Tylo Saunas
Tylo, a leading sauna and steam brand from Sweden, is known for combining Scandinavian design with state-of-the-art technology.
Their sauna systems, ranging from traditional to infrared, are engineered with precision and elegance. Tylo emphasizes energy efficiency, fast heating times, and intelligent control systems.
With a strong heritage in thermal wellness, Tylo offers customizable sauna solutions for both home and commercial environments, reflecting its commitment to quality, innovation, and design excellence.
Visit One of Our Showrooms Near You
We make it easy to shop for home saunas in Southern California, at each of our SoCal showrooms:
- Culver City
- Sherman Oaks
- Thousand Oaks
- Pasadena
- Ventura
Each location offers showroom models, consultations, and design ideas to fit your home and lifestyle.
What You Need to Know About Permits in SoCal
Installing a sauna in Southern California might require a few permits, depending on your city and setup.
- Indoor installs: May require electrical work permits if upgrading your panel.
- Outdoor builds: Larger backyard saunas could trigger building code reviews. Placement near fences or water features also matters.
- HOA rules: Always check with your neighborhood association if applicable.
When in doubt, ask our showroom staff -they’ve helped customers across L.A., Ventura County, and the San Fernando Valley with similar questions.
Installing and Maintaining Your Home Sauna
Ready to build your wellness retreat?
- Installation: Most saunas arrive in prefab kits. Professional installation is available and recommended for outdoor or hybrid setups.
- Ventilation: Vital for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Maintenance: Wipe benches weekly, check heaters monthly, and clean glass regularly. If you use a sauna blanket or dome, sanitize after each use.
Don’t forget to stock up on towels, essential oils, and water-resistant thermometers.
How Saunas Support Your Health
Let’s not skip the best part: what it does for your body.
- Lower stress & blood pressure: Heat prompts relaxation and improves circulation.
- Supports recovery: Great after exercise or intense cardio days.
- Detoxification: Regular sweating clears toxins and boosts skin clarity.
- Light therapy & chromotherapy: Helps improve mood, sleep, and hormonal balance.
No matter the home sauna you own, it’s a full-body reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a sauna session usually last?
Most sessions run between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the heat type. Infrared heaters allow for longer sessions since the temperature is lower.
Do I need a special electrical line for my sauna?
In most cases, yes. Electric and infrared saunas often require a dedicated 220V line. Your installer or Lifestyle Outdoor rep can help you set this up.
Is infrared better than traditional for health benefits?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Infrared penetrates deeper into the muscles, while Finnish saunas provide a more intense sweat and boost humidity levels.
What’s the lifespan of a home sauna?
With proper care, your home sauna can last 10–20 years.
Can I combine my home sauna with a hot tub or plunge?
Absolutely. In fact, many customers create heat-cold therapy circuits by combining their home sauna with a cold plunge or swim spa.
Final Thoughts: Your Wellness Journey Starts at Home
Adding a home sauna isn’t just about relaxation; it’s a powerful investment in your daily health, stress relief, and recovery.
Whether you’re drawn to the clean heat of a Tylö infrared cabin, the full-spectrum therapy of a Jacuzzi® Sauna, or the modern efficiency of a Sun & Soul model, there’s a perfect fit waiting for you. And in Southern California, where indoor-outdoor living is a way of life, there’s no better time or place to bring that wellness routine home.
Ready to turn up the heat? Explore all infrared saunas, visit one of our SoCal showrooms, or call us today to speak with a sauna specialist.
Wellness starts with the right space – let’s build yours together.
