If you’ve been longing for a relaxing spa-like center in your home, a hot tub or sauna could change the game. While both installations promise soothing comfort, they do so in unique ways—so how do you know which one will work best for you?
Welcome to the sauna vs hot tub showdown, where the competition is tranquilizing, and the real victor is you.
Sauna Overview
Enter the first contestant to the arena—the sauna
Green building specialist Anni Oviir recounts the sauna’s journey from the beginning, tracking its origination to Northern Europe near 2,000 B.C. That’s not decades of relaxation; that’s millennia.
Since ancient times, saunas have become a staple in many cultures, with the enclosed space being a perfect spot for meditation and rejuvenation.
Sauna Benefits
While saunas don’t offer the same immersive features as hot tubs, they still provide users with delightful health benefits. The dry heat of saunas can help immensely with the following:
- Stress relief – Many cultures view saunas as a place to unwind and release stress through heat therapy. Psychotherapist Paul Hokemeyer explains how sitting in saunas for a set amount of time quiets the mind and allows us time to reconnect with our bodies. Outdoor saunas can also help you feel more relaxed as you are intertwined with nature.
- Hair and skin – Many insist that saunas work wonders for their hair and skin. The hot, dry air with steam causes our bodies to sweat and dispel toxins. As a result, you may experience cleaner, fresher skin and reduced buildup in your hair.
- Improved sleep – Once it’s time for bed, the body naturally cools to prepare for sleep. Get a headstart on your rest with a sauna session before bed, reaping the sauna health benefits. After stepping out of a sauna, the gradual decline in body temperature as you cool down can trigger feelings of sleepiness.
Sauna Disadvantages
Like hot tubs, sauna bathing has its share of disadvantages. For example, while electric saunas are generally low-maintenance, they may require more energy than hot tubs.
In addition, saunas, with their dry heat can potentially affect your health if used for long bouts of time. Be sure to stay cognizant of heat exposure and hydration levels, as saunas may cause dehydration and overheating.
That said, sauna use isn’t inherently harmful, but you should take all the necessary precautions before undertaking a sauna session.
Hot Tub Overview
The sauna vs hot tub debate isn’t over yet. In fact, the second opponent is a seasoned champ.
Hot tubs have been around since the 1950s when Candido Jacuzzi created a hydrotherapy treatment for his son’s arthritis, providing pain relief. The success of his experimentation was instantly clear, with even The New York Times honoring the late inventor of this modern marvel in 1986.
Today, hot tubs continue to bring pain relief to those experiencing discomfort and provide a soothing escape—one for the whole family to enjoy.
Hot Tub Benefits
In addition to their constant entertainment value, hot tubs offer excellent health benefits. Indulge in a warm, bubbly bath to experience the following hot tub benefits:
- Muscle relaxation – The warm water of a hot tub can help loosen tight and sore muscles. If you’re feeling particularly stiff with a lot of muscle tension, you can opt for a hot tub with additional hydrotherapy features and massage jets.
- Ache relief – Hot tubs come highly recommended to those struggling with joint and muscle pain, including muscle soreness. Whether your pain derives from a laborious job or achy joints, a hot tub can alleviate discomfort and soothe the senses.
- Improved cardiovascular health – Soaking in warm water can improve heart rate, circulation, blood flow, and overall cardiovascular health. With increased blood flow, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump oxygen around your body, allowing for a happier, healthier you.
Hot Tub Disadvantages
Before hopping on the hot tub train, consider any potential trouble spots. While hot tubs, with their high temperature, boast many benefits, they’re not suited for everyone.
You shouldn’t use a hot tub if you:
- Are pregnant
- Faint easily
- Overheat easily
- Don’t have access to proper drainage
Hot Tub vs Sauna: Who’s The Winner?
The battle of sauna vs hot tub benefits has come to an end, but it appears there’s no clear winner. When evenly pitted against one another, it’s the individual experience that matters most.
Both hot tubs and saunas offer incredible health benefits and soothing atmospheres. In the end, the victor should fit into your lifestyle with ease. To that end, consider the following:
- How many people will it need to fit?
- Which is most cost-effective for my needs?
- Do I have the proper space for it?
- Cost (for example, how much is a hot tub?)
The One, Clear Winner? ALEKO
Friendly competition aside, a sauna or hot tub could be a lovely addition to your home. Whether you’re seeking an escape from external stress or contemplating a therapeutic space, either installment could make a significant difference in your well-being.
Here at ALEKO, we don’t pick favorites. We know how important it feels to make your outdoor space feel like your own. To that end, we believe there’s only one clear winner—your happiness.
Browse our collection of hot tubs and saunas for sale and feel like the champion of your arena.
Sources:
New York Times. Candidi Jacuzzi, 83, Is Dead; Inventor of Whirlpool Bath. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/10/obituaries/candido-jacuzzi-83-is-dead-inventor-of-whirpool-bath.html
NCBI. Passive heat therapy improves endothelial function, arterial stiffness and blood pressure in sedentary humans. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5023696/
Medium. Here’s Why The History of the Sauna is Deeper Than You Might Think. https://medium.com/estoniansaunas/heres-why-the-history-of-the-sauna-is-deeper-than-you-might-think-d8e5127a8232
U.S. News. 5 Reasons to Hop in a Sauna ASAP. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2018-01-26/5-reasons-to-hop-in-a-sauna-asap
