Not all saunas are created equal. If you’re trying to decide between a traditional sauna and a modern infrared sauna, count yourself as the rule, not the exception.
In all honesty, both offer several wellness benefits, but they work very differently. And depending on your space, lifestyle, and health goals, one might be a much better fit for your home.
At The Hot Tub Factory, we believe in offering the best solution for daily wellness. That’s why we exclusively carry Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas. These models are packed with advanced features, easy to install, and built for long-term use.
Let’s break down the key differences between traditional and infrared saunas and explain why we only recommend one of them.
How each sauna type heats your body
Traditional Saunas
Traditional saunas use a wood-burning stove, electric heater, or gas system to raise the temperature in the room. You sit in the hot air, and your body heats up from the outside in. Most traditional saunas operate at temperatures between 150 and 195 degrees.
They take time to warm up and usually need special ventilation to manage steam and humidity.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas use light waves that gently penetrate your skin to raise your core temperature from within. The air temperature stays lower (usually between 120 and 140 degrees), but the body still works up a deep, healthy sweat.
Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas use full-spectrum heating, which means they combine near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths. This creates a balanced experience that targets your muscles, joints, and overall well-being more effectively.
Benefits you get from each type of sauna
Traditional Saunas
- Boost circulation
- Promote sweating and temporary detox
- Offer a classic high-heat, spa-style experience
Infrared Saunas
- Relieve sore muscles and joint stiffness
- Improve mood and lowers stress
- Support recovery after workouts
- Comfortable for daily use thanks to lower heat
- Enhance wellness with red light and color therapy
Jacuzzi® infrared models also include:
- Therapeutic red light therapy
- High-output chromotherapy lighting
- Built-in LED reading lights
Each session feels like your own personal wellness escape.
How does the installation and maintenance compare?
Traditional sauna setup
- Requires more space
- Often needs professional installation
- Uses more energy over time
- Needs ventilation and regular upkeep
Infrared sauna setup
- Compact design fits into most homes
- Simple plug-and-play models available
- Lower energy use
- Easier to clean and maintain
Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas are built to last, with:
- Mahogany cabinetry
- Tempered glass panels
- Replaceable wood floors
- Heavy-duty hardware
They combine beauty and function in a way that works for everyday life.
Quick side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Traditional Sauna | Infrared Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Method | Heats the air | Heats the body directly |
| Typical Temperature | 150–195°F | 120–140°F |
| Preheat Time | 30+ minutes | 10-15 Minutes |
| Ventilation Required | Yes | No |
| Setup | Complex | Plug-and-Play in most cases |
| Energy Efficiency | Low | High |
| Extra Wellness Feature | None | Red light Therapy, Chromotherapy |
Why The Hot Tub Factory only offers infrared saunas
We’ve compared both options and it’s clear which one works better for most people at home.
Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas offer a more comfortable, efficient, and therapeutic experience. They’re easier to install, better for regular use, and come with wellness-focused features that traditional models just don’t include.
That’s why we’ve chosen to carry only infrared saunas at The Hot Tub Factory. We want our customers to get the most out of their investment, and we know Jacuzzi® delivers exactly that.
Want to take your home wellness setup even further?
Pair your infrared sauna with a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub for the ultimate spa experience at home. While the sauna delivers dry heat and light therapy, the hot tub adds soothing hydrotherapy with warm water and massaging jets.
Together, they offer complete relaxation and recovery right in your backyard or basement. We carry a full range of Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs to fit every lifestyle and space.
Browse our hot tubs or contact us for help designing your personal home spa.
Quick recap: Why we recommend infrared saunas
- Comfortable temperatures for longer sessions
- Easy installation in nearly any home
- Built-in wellness features like red light and chromotherapy
- Lower energy use and easier upkeep
- Full-spectrum infrared for deeper therapeutic results
