Aqualine saunas are pleased to announce the arrival of the UK’s first lay down infrared saunas. With space for up to twelve bathers and two large 2.2m long benches the Lumina lay down infrared sauna is the pinnacle of infrared sauna design.

We’ve had many enquiries as to whether a lay down infrared sauna would ever be available and the solution is finally here.

With its modern European design the Lumina 12 Person lay down infrared sauna or LNA-012 for short comes with all the features you’ve come to expect from the SaunaMed brand and more. With two 2.2m benches there is plenty of room for you to lay flat and relax.

The design teams at Aqualine and SaunaMed have been hard at work to implement features that you won’t see anywhere else. One such feature is the ability to turn off the bottom set of heaters within the lay down infrared sauna if you are only using the top benches. This allows the infrared sauna to draw less power without affecting the bathing experience and therefore has lower running costs.

To view the full specification list of the lay down infrared sauna please visit the product information page using the following link.

http://www.aqualinesaunas.co.uk/saunamed-lumina-infrared-saunas/10-12-Person-Lumina-Hemlock-FAR-Infrared-Sauna.htm

As always if you have any questions you can contact us via email, twitter, Facebook or on the blog.

It’s seems a daunting task but it can be easier than you think to build your own sauna. With some basic carpentry skills, a bit of preparation and a little understanding you can be relaxing in your own home sauna in no time at all.

There are a few important decisions to be made before you begin so that you end up with the sauna that best fits your needs. One consideration is how much work you want to put into the building of your sauna. There are prefabricated sauna units that we deliver to your door and literally take only a few minutes to set up. You can also get pre-cut sauna kits that will take longer to construct but give you a more customisable finished product when finished. If you are really confident you can build the whole sauna from scratch once you’ve selected which wood you require.

The later method is not actually difficult as you might expect and the costs generally tend to go down considerably when you do most of the construction work yourself.

You also need to consider the location of your sauna; inside or outside and whether it will be attached to an existing structure or freestanding.

You will require the use of a shower to rinse off and this is easy to accommodate when indoors. If you want to construct a sauna outdoors then citing the unit near a lake or pond is ideal. Don’t forget along with a convenient way to rinse off it is nice to have an area to change into and out of sauna apparel. Benches for sitting on while removing clothes and hooks for hanging them are great features that are often overlooked.

The major decision is how to heat your sauna. Conventional saunas either use a wood-burning sauna stove, electric sauna heater or gas sauna heater. Any of these can be used dry or wet depending on whether you sprinkle water on the heated rocks or not. Before deciding which kind of stove you want you need to consider how you’re going to get fuel to your heater. Wood may be difficult to acquire in an urban environment whereas electric or gas may be impractical in more remote areas. Costs can vary greatly depending on the brand and type of stove you choose but Aqualine has the largest selection of heaters in the UK for you to choose from.

There are a few special concerns that distinguish building a sauna from other conventional frame construction the first of which is moisture. There needs to be a vapour barrier to keep the heat and steam from escaping and any electrical connections need to be protected from excessive moisture. Ventilation is also a necessity to keep the oxygen level up and if done right it will also help to evenly distribute the heat.

Building your own sauna is not an overwhelming task. If you can put together some basic framing and simple finished woodworking you are well on your way to building your own sauna that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Aqualine Saunas will soon be publishing a guide to building your own sauna so please check back for regular updates.

The simple answer to this question is no.

The difference between the two comes dow to wavelength and how they are absorbed by the body. The wavelength is the length of the waves from one point (for example the, the crest) on one wave to the same point on the next. Infrared waves are longer than ultraviolet waves – on average about a thousand times longer.

SaunaMed Infrared Saunas use deep infrared light to warm the sauna and your body whereas tanning beds use ultraviolet (UV) light to activate skin pigments and give you a tan. When it comes to UV light it’s improtant to remember UVA is the longest wavelength and the least dangerous. UVA is from 315 to 400 nanometers in wavelength and is considered the safest UV light.

UVB however is shorter in wavelength and can cause skin and tissue damage when excess exposure occurs.  Approximately 97 to 99 percent of natural sunlight reaching Earth is UVA. Tanning bed lamps that have more UVB can cause skin damage including burning and skin cancer.

The DuraWave™ 100% pure EMR Neutral™ FAR infrared ceramic heaters produced by SaunaMed emit no UV radiaton therefore there is no danger of UV exposure. The only real danger of using an infrared sauna, like any is that of dehydration.  Make sure your body is hydrated before you enter any sauna and that there is a supply of fresh water inside if you need it.

You can view the range of saunas from Aqualine here.

Aqualine Saunas is pleased to announce new partnerships with Scandia and Effegibi. Both of these manufacturers are renowned for supplying top quality saunas, steam rooms, heaters and accessories. Below is a little information on each of the brands.

Scandia

Scandia saunas, steam rooms and equipment are all manufactured in the US. As a leading sauna brand in the US it can be found in many of Americas leading health clubs and wellness centres such as LA Fitness and Golds Gym.

At Scandia, the adherence to their corporate mission …”to improve the quality of life and health through innovation”…identifies a clear sense of purpose for the more than 200 Scandia associates and business partners around the world.

Continued success springs from a clear sense of purpose and a corporate culture which promotes:
*Leaning on Technology, combining tradition with technology to create new products, new markets and new niches within existing markets.

*Maintaining a single high standard of quality in all products and services to ensure all customers and Scandia partners benefit from the Scandia relationship.

*Continually reinvesting Scandia’s earnings in greater efficiencies in production and operations. These principles have been powerful in driving the long-term success and character of Scandia. Scandia attracts and pursues partners who share the same principles, therefore assuring that every end customer is given the highest quality products and service.

The Importance of Craftsmanship

Scandia’s accomplishments are also the direct result of a dedicated workforce of energetic, creative, service-minded individuals. Scandia is progressive while understanding the importance of artistry and craftsmanship. Pride of work and attention to detail is evident in everything they do.

Effegibi

Effegibi, a leading company in the production and sale of Finnish saunas and Turkish baths, for your home, is synonymous of quality, tradition, design and innovation for saunas and Turkish baths aimed at contemporary well-being for domestic use. Effegibi, which has been producing Finnish saunas and hammams since 1987, is a leading company in Italy in the sales of home saunas. Effegibi produces: design saunas and hammams for Turkish baths to help you enjoy the well being typical of Finnish saunas in the intimacy of your home.

If you’d like to order a Effegibi sauna or steam bath please contact us for prices.

We will be adding all the products to our site over the coming months so be sure to check back regularly and see what’s new.

I can’t quite believe how quickly time flies! It feels like only yesterday that we were all eagerly anticipating 2011.

Before we all head off for a well deserved break, we want to say a massive thank you to all of our customers for your support throughout the past year.

It has been a busy but enthralling year here at Aqualine. We’ve seen the launch of the new Lumina and Signature infrared sauna range by SaunaMed and expanded our partnerships with manufactures such as Harvia, Scandia and Effegibi.

The next 12 months are going to see some exciting changes and additions to world of saunas and as always we’ll work tirelessly here at Aqualine to bring these new products to you.

Acting on customer feedback has always been part of our ethos as we strive to bring you the best products and value for money.

We value all your contributions and we really do appreciate the effort many of you go to, be it writing reviews or supplying images and videos of your new saunas and steam rooms.

As it’s Christmas, our team will be taking some time off so we’ll be away from the office until Wednesday 28th December. If you do have any queries in the mean time please drop us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible on our return.

So until then, have a very merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you again in the New Year.

The world of steam rooms can be a confusing place with so many options to choose from and not much information on the benefits of this particular therapy.

The benefits of the steam room have been known for hundreds of years with millions of people increasing their sense of well being and improving their overall health with the use of steam.

Steam rooms are commonly found in gyms, health clubs and spas but more recently people are beginning to install them in their homes. Thanks to the innovative specialists at SaunaMed you can now have your own personal steam enclosure at an affordable price.

Packed with additional features such as an aromatherapy tray, coloured lighting system and FM radio with speaker you can take your home relaxation to the next level.

So what about the benefits of a steam room or shower and the effects it has on the body?

A steam room induces hyperthermia, a condition in which your body’s core temperature rises above 37.2°C. This is akin to having a fever. As a virus can only survive within a very narrow temperature range the use of steam room will either kill the virus or stunt its multiplication.

As your body temperature increases your body’s 2 millions sweat glands begin to perspire. Perspiration is one of only 4 ways your body has of riding toxins that build up inside you. A typical steam room session will see your body lose up to 30% of its toxins. As recent medical studies show that most modern day cancers are caused by poor diet and the industrial chemicals, a steam room is a very beneficial addition to the home.

Another effect of the steam is an increased heart rate along with increased blood flow to the capillaries. This helps to rejuvenate the skin as the amount of oxygen and beneficial vitamins received are increased.

For most people who suffer with asthma and allergies a steam room is very beneficial. The inhalation of the heated, moist air opens airways and increases moisture production which reduces respiratory resistance.

Essential oils can also be added to the steam water when using a SaunaMed steam room. Oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint are very beneficial for inhibiting bacterial growth while relieving congestion in the sinuses and upper respiratory system.

Finally and perhaps the most important benefit to help offset the effects of modern living is the stress reduction and muscle relaxation that is achieved by using a steam room. The heat produced causes the muscles to relax, allowing blood vessels to soften and expand. The blood can then bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles which help the body and mind to fully relax.

Aqualine stock a full range of steam rooms from all the leading steam room manufactures so head over to Steam Rooms and take a look.

The FIA (Fitness Industry Association) is the trade body which represents every reputable organisation in the health and fitness industry. They currently represent over 2800 operators in the public and private sectors, as well as 250 supplier organisations. These organisations have to adhere to the FIA Code of Practice.

The FIA have recognised that infrared saunas can be used as part of healthy lifestyle and here at Aqualine Saunas we’re delighted to be FIA approved.

A 30 minute sauna session can burn up to 300 calories and any of the Aqualine infrared saunas will provide this benefit.

You can easily produce up to half a litre of sweat during a 30 minute infrared session. This is the equivalent of 300 Kcal, and all you have to do is sit and relax.

Anyone being used to the heat in a sauna could easily burn 600 to 800 Kcal and you will lose weight much easier than in a traditional sauna.

However it’s not recommended that you use the sauna as a sole fitness tool. It’s important that you work your muscular and cardiovascular systems to maintain a good base level of fitness.

The FIA has an excellent website to help you locate FIA approved members. And why not see how healthy you are by completing a questionnaire here.

If you want to know more on the many health benefits infrared saunas can offer head over to our FAQ section or contact us via email with any of the questions you may have.

Home saunas

Home Saunas can be installed in your home, an out building or they can be a complete stand-alone unit.

Do You Want an Indoor or Outdoor Sauna?

If you have enough room inside your home, you can assemble an infrared sauna indoors. Maybe you have an extra room that’s being used as a home gym? An infrared sauna will make an excellent addition to your family gym. If you are fortunate enough to have a very large bathroom with some extra space consider installing a sauna. In or around a bathing/showering area would be a logical choice because you must rinse off in a shower after exiting the sauna. If you have no space inside or prefer the outdoors, consider adding a home sauna specifically designed for outdoor use. Keep in mind that outdoor saunas are treated and constructed in a different manner to an indoor infrared sauna. If you wish to an infrared sauna outside it needs to be placed in an out building such as a garage, cabin or any other garden shelter that would protect the sauna from the elements.

If you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to set up an infrared sauna in your home, opt for a flat-pack sauna. This type of home sauna arrives in panel form with detailed instructions, so you can easily assemble it yourself. To install the sauna, you’ll simply piece the sides together using slots, install the roof and bench. These saunas are manufactured in various sizes and shapes to fit your tastes and room size requirements. Aqualine Saunas offers two different types of wood cedar and hemlock. Cedar wood is often preferable because it is durable, resistant to decay, aromatic and can withstand harsh weather conditions (this is why most outside saunas are cedar). Cedar wood is also pleasing to the eye, providing added beauty for your home.

Opting for a pre-built outdoor sauna does limit your choice somewhat in terms of design although your choice of wood is greater. The units come flat packed and are self assembled, but construction is a little more difficult than that of an infrared sauna. You also have the option of selecting a wood burning stove for that authentic sauna experience.

Your final option is to build your own home sauna using materials from various manufacturers. This affords you the greatest freedom as you can make your home sauna any shape and use any type of wood. It’s likely to be an expensive venture though and you have to ensure that you’re a confident DIY-er if you don’t want to employ a carpenter. You can even source stand alone infrared sauna heaters if you don’t want a traditional steam sauna. These come at a premium however and need to be perfectly placed if you want to get the most from your home sauna experience.

Aqualine stock a range of home and commercial saunas that may suit your needs so please browse our website for inspiration. You can always ask us if you are unsure, with no obligation to purchase.

Much like anything that is used – be it a car or a living room — a sauna needs cleaning from time to time. Not only for the look of the sauna, but for health reasons also. An unclean sauna can be very dangerous to the health of those who are using it. Because of the high heat conditions of the sauna, it can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Making sure that you keep your sauna clean will help to lower the amount of these harmful germs.

Benches and walls can collect the same amount of debris as floors, as you spend most of your time seated and leaning against a wall or lying down in saunas. When these areas are being cleaned, a mild detergent and water solution should be used. Harsh chemicals can damage the wood and should not be used. When cleaning a sauna, pay special attention to the areas most frequently touched: controls and switches, door handles, and benches. Make sure you wipe away all soap residue, but do not use too much water, which can damage the sauna’s wood.

It is a good habit to use a disinfecting spray periodically. This spray should be used on a more frequent basis than when you are cleaning the sauna. For example, you might only clean the sauna once a month or so. However, you should spray disinfectant at least once a week, if you use the sauna that often.

You can mop the floor with a mild soap or detergent depending on the material that is used on the floor. Mop the floor in a way that is similar to what you would do for other floors.

Avoid the urge to use a hose to spray the sauna as this will often cause more damage than good.

Athletes today enjoy greater technological advances that they can apply to their training and recovery programs than ever before. Research and medicine have evolved greatly, and athletes who take advantage of the best and latest tools, products and systems can see great returns in terms of their body and their performance. One such tool which has seen a huge increase in usage is the infrared sauna. Infrared saunas provide range of benefits, and most importantly, can significantly reduce injury recovery times.

Injury recovery times can vary greatly, depending of course on the type of injury sustained. A pulled muscle might take a few days to heal, while a torn muscle or ligament can take months. This of course removes the athlete from action, and limits their effectiveness and capability. Any method that can effectively reduce healing time should be carefully examined and utilised, and that’s what infrared saunas for athletes are all about.

In the past, the options for dealing with injuries were pretty limited. Typically you can treat the symptoms of the injury such as pain, but recovery time wasn’t cut whatsoever. Surgical procedures could be performed for bad injuries, and those come with their own long rehabilitation programs. Physical therapy can also be performed, but that’s an ongoing process, and one which cannot always be effectively applied.

The solution is to go back to something more natural and basic. When in doubt, a natural mode of healing and recovery is always preferable, and that’s what infrared saunas for athletes can do. It has been well documented that radiant heat is an excellent means for treating injuries ranging from sprains and strains to pulls, tears, muscle spasms and more.

So what makes radiant heat so effective, and how is it different from other kinds of heat?
Infrared saunas utilise that special form of heat transfer known as radiant heat or radiation, mentioned above. When being heated through radiation, the surrounding air doesn’t have to get hotter for the user to get hot. Instead, infrared or radiant heat directly heats the body. The heat therefore doesn’t just come into contact with the outside of the body; it actually penetrates the body’s tissues.

Joints, muscles, tissues and everything else actually receives this radiant heat directly. What this does is increases the flow of both oxygen and blood to the body or targeted area. It also relieves tension and relaxes the muscles, reducing soreness on nerves and in muscle spasms, and allows the body to heal itself more efficiently. The body will feel instantly better, but more importantly will be able to heal itself much more rapidly, efficiently and successfully.

All of this provides the body with great and profound therapeutic benefits. It’s not all conjecture either, it’s backed by some of the leading researchers in the fields of sports medicine. One expert in the field, Dr. Jeffrey Spencer, who has a Master’s in Sports Science from the University of Southern California, notes that infrared saunas for athletes increases blood flow to muscles, delivers more concentrated oxygen to the muscles and in turn creates more energy and capacity for the body to heal itself.
If you’re an athlete today, it’s time to catch up with the latest treatments so that you can perform at your best and recover more successfully, and in less time.

Infrared saunas are going to be a big feature at the London 2012 Olympic Games. This article http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/8404631/London-2012-Olympics-Oscar-Pistorius-reveals-how-he-has-changed-body-to-make-Games-qualifying-time.html from The Telegraph details how a sauna has helped Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius improve his fitness and performance is preparation for the competition.