Question 1

What is hot-cold contrast therapy?

Accepted Answer

A thermotherapy tradition that has been practiced for thousands of years in Nordic countries. The traditional protocol is:
(a) 10-15 mins in the sauna (70-100 deg C or 160-212 deg F)
(b) 1 – 3 minutes submerged in the cold plunge
(c) Rest and repeat as many times as you like (typically one hour)
*See health benefits for more information

Question 2

Where are your products built?

Accepted Answer

Everything we sell is manufactured by Dundalk Leisurecraft at their lumber mill in Dundalk, ON in the Bruce Peninsula. We believe in supporting local businesses and also know this helps to ensure the best quality end product.

Question 3

What are your products made out of?

Accepted Answer

Everything we sell is made from 100% pure Canadian cedar - either Eastern White or Western Red. Eastern White is sourced from Ontario and the Western Red is shipped in from Western Canada. Most products can be manufactured with either cedar type, and most are also available in either a knotty or clear finish. Regardless of cedar choice, all lumber is select tight knot and put through a robust kiln drying process to prevent warping or cracking and to also ensure the wood is dimensionally stable. You won't find better lumber anywhere!

Question 4

Will my sauna need a permit?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, no. Saunas are considered detached accessory structures and, if kept smaller than 108 square feet, don't require a permit. That said, regulations vary by location and we can work with you to navigate this process if need be.

Question 5

When will my sauna / cold plunge be ready?

Accepted Answer

You can expect to receive your sauna 4-6 weeks.

Question 6

If I go with an electric heater, will my electricity bills increase significantly?

Accepted Answer

From our experience, no, the increase isn't typically noticeable. The increased cost of electricity from an air conditioner is far higher than a sauna.

Question 7

Can I get fold up benches in any sauna?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. If you think there's a possibility you'll use your sauna as a recovery tool for things like stretching and yoga, then our recommendation would be to consider fold-up benches.

Question 8

What's the difference between infrared and traditional saunas?

Accepted Answer

Traditional saunas provide the authentic Finnish sauna experience, heating the air to 150-195°F using heated rocks. This time-tested method creates that classic hot, steamy environment that sauna enthusiasts have enjoyed for centuries.
 
Infrared saunas use infrared light to directly warm your body at lower temperatures of 110-140°F.
 
While both claim to offer health benefits, most modern research citing the health benefits of sauna use are based on the high temperatures associated with the traditional sauna method. For this reason, along with the fact we've been disappointed in the quality and durability of most infrared saunas - and the fact that infrared saunas don't work outside (don't get hot enough) - we don't currently offer infrared options.

Question 9

What type of land prep do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Not that much. You definitely need a flat space, but, depending on what type of sauna / cold tub you're choosing, what that space is made of, is your decision. If you want professional guidance on how to get your space ready, let's talk.

Question 10

Do all saunas come in pre-assembled kits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All saunas are manufactured in Dundalk, ON and loaded into a robust, user-friendly crate for shipping & assembly. This reduces delivery & installation costs. Our cold & hot tubs, because they are much smaller, are pre-assembled and arrive ready for use.

Question 11

Can I pickup my sauna or cold plunge myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, self-pickup from Leisurecraft can be arranged. Just be aware of the dimensions to know what truck or trailer will be appropriate. These crates are obviously quite big and heavy. If you don't have an appropriate vehicle, any potential cost savings can disappear quickly if you're dealing with a truck rental.

Question 12

Are the DIY kits difficult to build?

Accepted Answer

No. They come with instructions and are intuitive to build. The only tools you’ll need are a power drill and hammer. Depending on your experience, time, and how many people are building it, it could be built over a day or weekend. That said, know that you'll be working with the highest quality materials - some of which can be quite heavy. So, if you’re building yourself, we suggest you enjoy this type of work.

Question 13

Do you offer delivery and installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a turnkey solution to getting your sauna setup. From land preparation, to delivery and installation, to connecting you with an electrician if need be, if you want us to do this, we have you covered.

Question 14

How far will you ship?

Accepted Answer

We offer to ship our products throughout North America. Standard shipping rates apply. Please be sure to review or Shipping Policy upon checkout. Contact us for more details.

Question 15

What should I do before using my sauna for the first time?

Accepted Answer

Here's our suggestions:
​
(1) Clean the inside of the sauna room - sweep & perhaps even rinse down with a water / vinegar (1:1 ratio) mixture. Let the sauna room air dry.
(2) Soak your sauna rocks to rinse them and then let them dry.
(3) Load your heater with rocks as per the instructions for your heater install
(4) Fire up the sauna and let it run for 2-3 hours to burn off any residual manufacturing oils, etc. You can leave the door open to increase ventilation. After 45 mins of initial startup, you can apply water to the rocks and let it steam as if you were in normal sauna use.

Question 16

Do I need to stain or seal my sauna?

Accepted Answer

No. This comes down to personal preference. Cedar has a natural resin that prevents the wood from rotting. That said, UV and weather will fade the colouring of the wood over time. If you want to preserve the natural colouring of your cedar, then a stain or seal may be a good option for you. Just know that, like a deck or any other outdoor wood structures, once you seal once, you're likely doing it every year. REMINDER: never, ever, stain or seal the interior of your sauna room!

Question 17

What are the ongoing maintenance requirements and cost of a sauna?

Accepted Answer

Very few. Unlike a hot tub, no ongoing chemicals or filters are required. Over a long time, the sauna rocks will need replacing, but that's rare and based on usage. As for cleaning, light sweeping and rinsing with a water / vinegar solution is all that's required.

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