If you’re considering adding a sauna to your home, you’re likely wondering about the difference between traditional and infrared saunas. Each type has unique benefits, and choosing the right one for your lifestyle and climate can make all the difference in your sauna experience. At Crystal Pools & Spas, we help Utah homeowners find the perfect sauna setup, and today we’re breaking down the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

Let’s explore the debate of traditional vs. infrared saunas in Salt Lake City and help you determine which sauna type is best for Utah’s climate and your personal wellness goals.

What is a Traditional Sauna?

Traditional saunas, often called Finnish saunas, use a heater to warm the air, which in turn warms your body. These saunas typically reach temperatures of 150–195°F and can be used dry or with added humidity from splashing water onto heated stones.

Key Benefits:

• Delivers intense heat that promotes heavy sweating
• Great for loosening muscles and relaxing joints
• Can be used with aromatherapy or steam

Ideal For: Those who enjoy a more classic spa experience with high heat and steam.

What is an Infrared Sauna?

Infrared saunas use infrared light waves to heat your body directly without warming the air around you. These saunas typically operate at lower temperatures of 120–150°F, but still encourage profuse sweating.

Key Benefits:

• More tolerable heat, great for longer sessions
• Heats the body more deeply, potentially improving circulation and detoxification
• More energy-efficient and quicker to heat up

Ideal For: Those who want a gentler heat experience with strong therapeutic benefits.

Traditional vs Infrared Sauna in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City’s climate is known for its cold winters and dry conditions, making both sauna types highly appealing. However, here are a few local considerations:

Traditional Sauna Pros in Utah:

• Ideal for cold winters when you want intense, ambient heat
• Adds a sense of luxury and a spa-like atmosphere
• Better for short, intense heat sessions

Infrared Sauna Pros in Utah:

• Lower heat works well during warmer months
• More energy-efficient, which is great for year-round use
• Better for homes with limited space or energy resources

Which Sauna Type is Best for Utah’s Climate?

When determining which sauna type is best for Utah’s climate, it comes down to how and when you plan to use it. If you love stepping into a cloud of heat during the winter months, a traditional sauna may feel more satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer daily use with therapeutic benefits like joint pain relief and detoxification, an infrared sauna might be your best bet.

Consider your preferences:

• Want quick, intense warmth? Go with traditional.
• Looking for a more consistent wellness routine? Choose infrared.

Let Crystal Pools & Spas Help You Decide

At Crystal Pools & Spas, we offer a wide variety of traditional and infrared saunas in Salt Lake City. Our expert team can walk you through the options and help you select the sauna that matches your lifestyle, space, and wellness goals.

Check out our full selection of saunas here or reach out via our contact page to speak with a sauna specialist.

Upgrade Your Home Wellness Today

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless warmth of a traditional sauna or the gentle, therapeutic benefits of an infrared sauna, adding one to your Salt Lake City home is a step toward better health, stress relief, and year-round comfort.

Visit Crystal Pools & Spas to explore your options and find the perfect sauna for your space.