Category: Sauna

  • How to Get a Sauna in Alaska: What to Know Before You Buy

    How to Get a Sauna in Alaska: What to Know Before You Buy

    If you’ve ever stepped out into the crisp Alaskan air and thought, “There’s got to be a better way to warm up and get well,” we’ve got three words for you: your own sauna.

    Whether you live in the Anchorage bowl, on the Hillside, out in the MatSu, or down on the Kenai Peninsula, a sauna doesn’t just bring the heat — it brings year-round wellness right to your backyard. 

    And yes, you can get one delivered wherever you live in the state. We can help you make it happen.

    Why Saunas Are a Natural Fit for Alaska Life

    Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, ease tension, or just take better care of yourself, a sauna can be one of the most powerful wellness tools you can add to your home. Especially in Alaska, where long winters and dark days can take a toll, having a space to sweat, relax, and restore makes a real difference.

    From helping you recover after a ski trip in Girdwood to shaking off the mid-winter blues at your weekend cabin, a sauna brings warmth and wellness wherever you are. Whether it’s part of your daily routine in Anchorage or your go-to ritual after a long hike in the MatSu, saunas offer real health benefits:

    • Boost circulation and reduce inflammation
    • Support immune health during cold and flu season
    • Soothe sore muscles and stiff joints after long workdays or adventures
    • Improve sleep and regulate mood — goodbye, seasonal slump
    • Create a mindful space to unplug from screens and stress

    In places like the MatSu Valley and Kenai Peninsula, where winters stretch long and cold, a sauna is more than a luxury — it’s a home-based wellness solution.

    What Kind of Sauna Should You Get?

    There’s no one-size-fits-all. Here’s what to consider:

    Infrared vs. Traditional

    • Infrared saunas heat your body directly, are energy-efficient, and heat up quickly and often plug right into an existing outlet. 
    • Traditional saunas (wood-burning or electric) create steam and high ambient temps — the classic sauna experience. 

    Indoor vs. Outdoor

    • Indoor saunas are great if you want a wellness retreat within your home — especially popular in homes and condos where space is limited and convenience matters. These are typically traditional or infrared, and can be installed in bathrooms, basements, or spare rooms. 

      Want to think outside of the box? We can work with you to create custom sauna rooms for your home. 

    • Outdoor saunas are ideal for cabins, backyard escapes, or remote properties. They’re designed to handle Alaska’s rugged climate and offer a quiet, immersive wellness experience surrounded by nature.

      Many outdoor models — including wood-fired saunas — don’t require electricity, making them perfect for off-grid living or weekend retreats. Wood-burning saunas offer a traditional, sensory-rich experience with that iconic crackling heat and pine-scented steam. They’re simple, reliable, and a favorite for Alaskans who want to keep things unplugged. 

    Style & Size

    From cozy 1-person infrared units to larger barrel or cabin-style saunas, you can choose what works for your space, climate, and family.

    We help homeowners across Anchorage, Kenai, and the MatSu Valley find the right fit — even for off-grid setups.

     

    Can You Really Get a Sauna in Alaska? Yes — and Here’s How

    Here’s the good news: We have sauna clients throughout Alaska — and we’ve seen it all. From neighborhood homes in Anchorage to remote Kenai homesteads and boat-in or fly-in locations like Kodiak or Halibut Cove, our team knows how to navigate logistics and help you get your sauna up and running.

    What to expect:

    • Delivery & Setup: We handle all the planning, whether it’s driveway drop-off or full-service install coordination.
    • Installation Support: We’ll walk you through what’s needed — base prep, electrical access, etc.
    • Regional Expertise: We understand what holds up in Alaskan winters (and what doesn’t).

    What to Look for in a Sauna Provider

    Buying a sauna online from the Lower 48 may look cheaper — until you hit the shipping calculator or realize your warranty doesn’t cover Alaska.

    Here’s what sets a local sauna partner apart:

    • Alaska-based service and support
    • Real people who understand Alaska weather and logistics (heck, we understand logistics for Fairbanks, Kodiak, and Southeast Alaska just as well as we do the Rail Belt — we’ve seen it all and we’ve done it all!)
    • Trusted products with warranties that hold up here
    • Access to other wellness products like hot tubs, swim spas, cold plunges, and more

    At The Waterworks, we’re proud to help homeowners from Talkeetna to Homer invest in warmth, wellness, and worry-free installation.

    What Does a Sauna Cost in Alaska?

    Every sauna setup is different — and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re looking for a compact indoor unit, a hybrid system like the Tylö Kiruna, or a custom wood-fired sauna for your weekend cabin, we’ll help you find the right fit for your space, lifestyle, and budget.

    And yes — it can be surprisingly affordable.

    With flexible financing options available, you can get started for as low as $99/month (O.A.C.). [See financing details →]

    When you work with The Waterworks, you’re not just buying a product — you’re getting:

    • Delivery and installation support across Southcentral Alaska
    • A local partner who understands climate and logistics
    • Long-term service and guidance from a real team of Alaskans, not a faceless 800 number

    Whether you’re ready to relax daily in your Anchorage home or want to make your Kenai cabin even cozier, we’ll help you bring the heat.

    Tips Before You Buy

    Regardless of if you’re in Anchorage, the MatSu, or down on the Kenai — or somewhere else in Alaska, here’s how to prep for a successful sauna project:

    • Check your space: Indoor or outdoor? Covered area or exposed?
    • Plan ahead: Spring and summer are great for installs — but we work year-round.
    • Think long-term: A well-maintained sauna can last decades with the right care.
    • Ask yourself: How will you use it? For post-workout recovery? Winter self-care? Quiet, phone-free evenings? Knowing your wellness goals will help you choose the right sauna style and setup. 

    Sauna Season Never Ends When You Buy Local

    At The Waterworks, we believe summer fun and personal wellness shouldn’t have an expiration date — and with a sauna, they don’t have to.

    From Anchorage to the MatSu Valley, across the Kenai Peninsula, and throughout Southcentral Alaska, we’re here to help you create a wellness routine that lasts all year. A sauna isn’t just a heat source — it’s a space to care for your body, slow down, and feel your best, no matter what’s happening outside.

    Ready to bring the heat home?

    Visit our showrooms in Anchorage or Eagle River or call us today to talk sauna options. Our team is standing by.

  • Transform Your Vacation Rental into a Spa-Like Retreat With an Easy-to-Maintain Sauna

    Transform Your Vacation Rental into a Spa-Like Retreat With an Easy-to-Maintain Sauna

    Fact: luxury amenities make your Alaska vacation rental stand out. And standing out is a good thing! When your property shines, you’ll be able to book more higher-paying guests for longer stays. One easy way to make your vacation rental pop? Install a sauna, and give your guests a steamy wellness oasis….right on your own property.

    Embrace the Ultimate Nordic Spa Experience

    Saunas deliver the high-end look and pampering feel that will turn your rental property into a relaxing vacation destination. With a wide variety of options and designs, saunas instantly create a clean, modern alpine spa feel for your visitors. But, it’s not just the look that is important. Saunas also provide the soothing escape that your guests are seeking while on vacation.  

    There’s no doubt about it: saunas appeal to all types of vacationers. If your guests are planning the perfect Alaska getaway and want to hike, ski, or fish (or something else entirely), saunas provide the perfect way to restore sore muscles after a long day of activity. 

    And, if your guests simply want to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with loved ones, saunas offer the perfect solution. There’s nothing like a good sweat to clear the mind and purify the body. 

    Panoramic View Cedar Barrel Saunas give your vacation rental guests a sauna with a view. With a round barrel shape and ana tinted dome window, you can capture Alaska's finest views while improving your health.
    Panoramic View Cedar Barrel Saunas give your vacation rental guests a sauna with a view. With a round barrel shape and ana tinted dome window, you can capture Alaska’s finest views while improving your health.

    All of this–the pampering, the relaxing, the rejuvenation for your guests–it’s all within your reach. How? We offer a full range of indoor and outdoor sauna options that your guests are sure to love. And, our financing options make this luxurious amenity affordable with a return on investment that will keep giving for years. For less than the cost of a few nights’ rentals, you can get a soothing steam oasis that attracts high-paying guests and keeps them coming back for more. 

    The Waterworks: Sauna Experts

    At the Waterworks, we’ve been helping Alaskans unplug, relax, and rejuvenate since 1976. We’re specialists in designing the perfect backyard basecamp with hot tubs, saunas, and swim spas, and we’re ready to deliver and install the right sauna for you. 

    Choose from steam and dry heat sauna options for your vacation rental, whether you’re lakeside, riverfront, or in the mountains. We can even deliver the perfect sauna to your remote, fly-in location! And because saunas can last 20 years or more with minimal upkeep, it’s easy to offer this amenity to your guests.

    Here’s a rundown of saunas that are sure to heat up your guest list, fast:

    Traditional Indoor Sauna: A Steamy Wellness Haven

    Create pure relaxation inside your vacation rental by installing a traditional sauna, a wood-lined room perfect for pampering. A traditional sauna creates hot, steamy air to provide your guests with a rejuvenating escape without leaving the house.

    Our indoor saunas can be built virtually anywhere inside your vacation rental. So turn your master bedroom into a European spa escape with a cozy sauna for two, or give your home gym the complete treatment with a steamy sauna perfect for relaxing those muscles pre- or post- workout. We have whatever you need to create the ultimate indoor relaxation station.

    The Vita Sauna. A sauna room loaded with luxury—perfect for a vacation rental with limited space without limiting the features.
    The warm, cozy look of pure luxury with Finnleo Vita Sauna.

     

    Indoor Infrared: Dry Heat Relaxation

    Give your guests the gift of relaxation with dry heat through an infrared sauna. In this type of sauna, dry heat warms the body directly through infrared light. Even though the heating method is slightly different from that of a traditional sauna, the result is the same: rejuvenation provided by a good sweat.

    If you have limited space indoors, no problem. Pre-built saunas provide the perfect relaxation experience for one or two guests. Or, if you want to create a larger indoor infrared retreat, there are roomier options with extended seating.  

    Finnleo has expanded its portable I/S offering by adding a 5 person IS565 InfraSauna. The IS565 (62″ x 74″ x 80″) is large enough to seat up to 5 adults, or two adults lying down, making it perfect for any vacation rental.
    Ahhh….. full body heat relaxation for the whole family with the Finnleo Hallmark IS565.

     

    Traditional Electric Outdoor: A Backyard Retreat

    Picture this: your self-contained panoramic barrel sauna positioned at the end of a boardwalk to create a dramatic, intimate destination. Outdoor saunas perfectly complement your pool or lakeside property—your guests will be able to indulge in a good sweat before or after a cool swim nearby. Nothing is more refreshing.

    On a deck, patio, or other well-suited backyard location, saunas encourage socialization with others as well as providing a personal retreat. We can install your sauna for you, or you can even do it yourself with one of our  DIY sauna kits that we’ll deliver on a pallet. 

    Not sure where to put your outdoor sauna for maximum enjoyment? Contact us for a free backyard consultation.

    The Georgian Cabin Sauna, part of the Canadian Timber Collection, is handcrafted by Leisurecraft from Eastern White Cedar that is lighter in colour and has tight knots in the wood.
    Imagine adding this private Canadian timber Georigian cabin-style sauna to your vacation rental property.

    Rest Assured: Your Sauna is Secure

    Worried about hot tub poaching when your vacation rental isn’t occupied? Vacation rental owners in destination and resort communities like Girdwood often deal with headaches like this. However, saunas are less likely to have uninvited guests. Why not? Because saunas are either secure inside your vacation rental or can be easily secured outside. 

    Adding a sauna to your short-term rental property can be profitable, affordable, and safe. The hardest part is deciding what model to buy. And that’s where our team comes in.

    Start Heating Up Your Reservations Today

    At the Waterworks, we’re relaxation experts who love talking wellness. Contact us to schedule a one-on-one shopping experience. Together, we’ll find the right sauna investment for your vacation rental property.