Pop Up Sauna Hire: Frequently Asked Questions
Where can the sauna be used?
The sauna itself needs a 1.8 x 1.8 metre space, however, it also needs to be a minimum distance of 0.60 metres from buildings, branches, trees and fences on all sides. Therefore, the minimum space required is 3 x 3 metres. The sauna can be carried through a narrow alleyway and is therefore perfect for use in places which other saunas cannot reach!
Is the tent sauna safe?
If used correctly, yes. It is important that everyone using the sauna is made aware that the stove and stovepipe are extremely hot and should not be touched. A fireguard is provided as a barrier, but it’s possible to reach over or around it.
Normal tents have fire retardant chemicals that would be released at the temperatures the sauna operates at. The sauna tent has been specially constructed to withstand these temperatures without the use of chemicals.
How do I prepare?
It’s best to shower before using the sauna, the sauna session will make you sweat and it’s much pleasanter if you are clean beforehand. Take a towel to sit on and keep hydrated.
How long should I stay in the sauna?
Most people find that around 15 minutes in the sauna is enough before going outside to cool down. It is not recommended that you stay in the sauna for more than 20 minutes at a time. Pay attention to how you are feeling, do not stay in the sauna if you’re feeling uncomfortable. Cooling down can take the form of standing outside, a cold shower or, if you’re brave enough, plunging into an ice bath.
When not to use the sauna?
If there are extreme weather conditions, if you are under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs.
Is the sauna insured?
Yes, the sauna has public liability insurance of £2,000,000
Is the sauna hygienic?
Yes, the high temperatures in the sauna help to sterilise the tent, in addition, users are asked to sit on a towel. The sauna is cleaned between rentals.
Is wood provided?
Yes, for private hire we will provide enough wood (5kg) to run the sauna for an hour each day, if you think you’ll need more let us know, this can be provided at additional cost or you can use your own kiln dried wood.
More info about the pop up sauna
How do I operate the stove?
Always use the heat resistant gloves when operating the stove.
While the stove is being used, the rectangular air vent at the bottom of the tent should be kept open (this is next to the stove and allows fresh air to be drawn in to aid combustion inside the stove). Keeping this open will allow a flow of air directly to the stove from the outside, closing it will pull in cold air through the doors and result in lower temperatures.
When starting the stove, the air flow vent on the stove door should also be kept fully open. The fire should be lit at the back of the stove.
Start the fire with firelighters and kindling, keep the stove door slightly open. Once the kindling is burning nicely add 1-2 pieces of hardwood (all provided), allow this to catch (usually around 2 minutes before it gets going) and then close the stove door. Leave the door shut for 15 minutes to allow the fire to really get going, then add more wood if necessary. Do not worry if the stove glows red, it’s perfectly normal, however, you may find that the sauna becomes too hot.
The ideal temperature is between 82ºC and 93ºC.
TO LOWER TEMPERATURE
You can regulate the temperature downwards either by turning down the air intake on the stove door or by unzipping the tent doors.
TO RAISE TEMPERATURE
To increase the heat, close the window flaps and / or add more wood to the stove.
HUMIDITY
Once the sauna rocks are hot you can increase the humidity in the sauna by pouring water onto the sauna rocks, this will instantly make the sauna feel hotter although the actual temperature will remain the same. Use the ladle to pour water carefully onto the rocks and do not do this too often, repeatedly doing this will have the effect of lowering the stove temperature. You can add essential oils to the water, if you do this, put drops of oil onto the water in the ladle rather than directly onto the rocks.
At the start of your sauna test if the rocks are hot enough by pouring a few drops on to them. If the water instantly turns to steam, you know they are at the right temperature.