Frequently asked
questions.

The general rule is 2 feet of bench space per person, and that is the comfortable end of every range we publish. On that basis a 4x4 indoor room seats 2-3 and a 5x7 seats 4-6, with the top of each range being a tighter shoulder-to-shoulder maximum rather than a relaxed fit. For outdoor barrel saunas, capacity is determined by diameter and length. We recommend sizing up by one person from your typical use if you regularly have guests.

Outdoor saunas are built with weatherproof materials, cedar or thermowood exteriors, EPDM roofing, and reinforced structural framing, designed to handle snow loads, UV exposure, and temperature swings from -40C to +40C. Indoor saunas use lighter construction since they are protected from the elements. All Thermatov outdoor models are rated for Canadian climates year-round.

Neither is objectively better, they suit different needs. Barrel saunas heat up 30% faster due to the cylindrical convection loop, have a smaller footprint, and are easier to install on uneven ground. Cabin saunas offer more headroom, greater capacity, the option of a changing room, and feel more like a traditional Finnish sauna. If speed and simplicity are priorities, go barrel. If you want maximum space and a classic experience, go cabin.

The standard rule is 1 kW per 45-50 cubic feet of sauna space (Length x Width x Height in feet). Add 25% for outdoor or uninsulated saunas. Add 1 kW per 10 square feet of glass. Our 6 kW heater covers most 2-4 person residential saunas up to 300 cubic feet. Our 9 kW commercial heater handles larger structures and high-traffic use up to 450 cubic feet.

Yes. Customers can visit Thermatov at 135 Ormont Drive in North York to buy products or collect an order. Contact us to confirm which products are available to view and to arrange pickup. We also offer detailed video walkthroughs, 3D renders, and a 60-second configurator that gives you a personalised recommendation with pricing. You can book a call with our team for help choosing the right sauna.

Thermatov offers financing across its full range - from complete saunas and cold plunges to individual heaters, stones, and accessories - through three trusted providers: Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay. You can spread the cost into fixed monthly payments instead of paying up front, and you choose your provider right at checkout for a fast decision. Affirm handles larger purchases with monthly plans up to $30,000 for qualified applicants, while Klarna and Afterpay split smaller orders into a few scheduled payments, so the option scales to whatever you are buying. Approval, interest rates, and repayment terms are set by the provider and are subject to eligibility and a credit check, so not all applicants qualify. Visit our Financing page to see how it works.

Barrel saunas can sit on gravel, compacted paver base, or a treated wood deck with minimal preparation. Cabin and pod saunas require a level concrete pad or reinforced deck, we recommend a minimum 4-inch concrete slab. The ground must be level within 1/4 inch across the footprint. We include detailed foundation guidelines with every order.

All Thermatov saunas use 240V electric heaters and require a dedicated circuit installed by a licensed electrician. The 6 kW heater draws approximately 25 amps and requires a 30-amp breaker. The 9 kW heater requires a 40-50 amp circuit. We recommend hiring an electrician before ordering so the circuit is ready on delivery day. We can provide the exact electrical spec sheet for your model.

Yes. We deliver nationwide across Canada, and professional assembly is available from $1,200, in and around Canada's major cities, generally within about an hour's drive of a metro centre. Somewhere quieter? Tell us where you are and we will find out what is possible, because we assemble in more places than we can list. Assembly covers foundation preparation review, the full build, electrical coordination and a walk-through of your sauna, and most are completed in a single day. It is arranged after your order, not charged at checkout, and electrical work always goes to a licensed electrician.

Our barrel saunas can be assembled by two people in 4-6 hours using included hardware and illustrated instructions. Pod and cabin saunas take 8-12 hours for two people. No specialist tools are required beyond basic hand tools. All panels are pre-cut and labelled. If you get stuck, our support team offers remote assembly assistance via video call.

Yes, provided the deck is structurally rated for the load. Barrel saunas weigh between 600-900 lbs fully assembled. Cabin and pod saunas can exceed 1,500 lbs. Most standard residential decks built to code can support a barrel sauna but may require reinforcement for larger models. We recommend having your deck assessed by a contractor if you are unsure.

Research suggests that 4-7 sessions per week provide the greatest cardiovascular and longevity benefits. Even 2-3 sessions per week show measurable improvements in blood pressure, stress hormones, and sleep quality. Most users settle into a daily or near-daily routine within a few weeks of ownership. There is no medical ceiling on daily use for healthy adults.

Traditional Finnish saunas run between 80-100C (176-212F). Beginners often start at 70-80C and work up over time. The WHO and most research protocols use 80-90C as the standard. Humidity matters too, adding water to the rocks (loyly) raises the perceived temperature significantly. Start with 10-15 minute sessions and build to 20-30 minutes as you acclimatise.

Sauna is safe for most healthy adults. Those with cardiovascular conditions, low blood pressure, or pregnancy should consult a physician before use. Avoid sauna if you are ill, have been drinking alcohol, or are taking medications that affect thermoregulation. Children under 12 should use lower temperatures and shorter sessions under adult supervision.

Contrast therapy alternates between heat (sauna) and cold (cold plunge or shower). A typical protocol is 15-20 minutes in the sauna at 85-90C, followed by 2-3 minutes in cold water at 10-15C, with 5-10 minutes of rest between cycles. Most users complete 2-3 cycles per session. The contrast drives powerful cardiovascular adaptation, dopamine release, and muscle recovery, especially effective post-training.

There is no fixed rule, but most practitioners recommend 15-30 minutes of rest after intense training before entering the sauna. This allows your heart rate to return toward baseline and reduces the cardiovascular load. That said, post-workout sauna use, even immediately after, is common and generally safe for healthy adults. Hydrate before every session.

After each session, leave the door open for 15-30 minutes to air out and dry the interior. Wipe down benches with a damp cloth weekly. Deep clean with a mild sauna-specific cleaner monthly, avoid harsh chemicals that can damage cedar. Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper once a year to refresh the wood surface. Never seal or varnish the interior wood as it needs to breathe.

The interior should never be sealed. The exterior cedar can be left natural, it will silver gracefully over time, or treated with a UV-resistant exterior oil (not varnish) every 1-2 years to preserve the original colour. Thermowood exteriors require no treatment whatsoever due to their heat-modification process, which makes them dimensionally stable and naturally resistant to moisture and decay.

Inspect rocks annually and replace any that are cracked or crumbling. Cracked rocks can shatter when water is added. Most sauna rocks last 3-5 years with regular use. Replace the full load every 3-5 years for consistent steam performance. Use only purpose-made sauna rocks, never use river stones or random rocks as they can explode under heat.

First check that the door is fully sealed and the vent is in the correct position. Verify the heater is set to the correct power level and that the rocks are not blocking airflow. If the heater is running but temperature is not rising, the door gasket may need replacing. For electric heater issues, check the circuit breaker first. Contact our support team if the issue persists, heaters are covered under warranty.

Sauna freight is $1,600 per sauna to every Canadian address, including remote areas and territories. Saunas are in stock and built to order, with dispatch in 3-5 weeks followed by 5-7 business days in transit. We process orders Monday-Friday with a noon Eastern (Toronto) cutoff; orders placed after noon or on weekends start processing the next business day. All saunas ship via LTL freight on a pallet, you will receive a tracking number and the carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery window.

All Thermatov saunas come with a 5-year limited craftsmanship warranty on the wood frame and panels, and a 2-year warranty on controls, glass, and hardware. Sauna heaters are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty (HUUM, Harvia, and others), not a separate Thermatov warranty. Warranty claims on Thermatov-covered components are handled directly by our team, no third parties. We ship replacement parts at no cost for warranty-covered issues.

Inspect all panels and components before signing the delivery receipt. If you notice damage, note it on the bill of lading before the driver leaves, this is critical for the claims process. Take photos of all damage and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will ship replacement parts immediately at no cost. Do not discard any damaged parts or packaging until the claim is resolved.