Setting Up Your SaunaPodUpdated 2 days ago

Both SaunaPod models are portable and require no tools or permanent installation. This guide covers everything you need to get from unboxing to your first session.

Infrared models are best used indoors. Steam models can be used indoors or outdoors with weather protection.

Before you begin

Choose your location before assembling.

• Surface — flat, level, and stable
• Infrared — indoor use strongly recommended; the panels line the interior walls, so handle with care and never fold or crease the panel areas
• Steam — indoors or outdoors, with weather protection if outside
• Power — position within reach of a power point for the control panel (Infrared) or steam generator (Steam)

Installation videos

Using your SaunaPod in cold conditions

Your SaunaPod heats best in a normal indoor environment. The colder the surrounding air, the longer your pod takes to reach temperature and the harder it works to hold it. This is the single most common question we get from customers in cooler climates or during winter.

Recommended room temperature

For best performance, set up in a room at normal indoor temperature around 18–24°C (64–75°F). The colder the space, the longer your pod takes to heat and the harder it works to hold temperature. In rooms below 59°F (15°C), allow up to 40 minutes to pre-heat.

If your space is cold

• Use indoors with the room heating on. The simplest fix warming the room first means your pod spends its energy heating you, not fighting the cold air around it. Turn your heating on 15–20 minutes before you start pre-heating the pod.
• Add insulation underneath. Place a yoga mat, foam mat, or thick rug under the pod. Cold transfers up through hard or outdoor flooring (tiles, concrete, decking) and pulls heat from the base.
• Move away from cold draughts. Position the pod away from open doors, windows, and vents. Even a warm room loses heat fast if there's a draught moving across the pod.
• Allow extra pre-heat time. In colder conditions, give it the full 40 minutes before your session rather than the standard 10–15.
• Keep it zipped during pre-heat. Don't open the pod to check on it. Every time you unzip, you release built-up heat and reset your progress.

Outdoor and unheated spaces

The Steam model can be used outdoors with weather protection, but performance will always be stronger in a warm, sheltered space. If you're using either model in a garage, shed, or other unheated area during winter, expect longer heat-up times and consider a small space heater to lift the ambient temperature first.

Unboxing and assembly

Both models:

1. Remove from packaging and unfold the pod on a flat surface.
2. Open the front zip fully and insert the folding chair inside.
3. Sit on the chair before zipping closed, threading your arms through the openings.

Infrared specific: Indoor use is strongly recommended. The infrared panels line the interior walls. Handle with care and do not fold or crease the panel areas during setup or storage.

Steam specific: Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, with weather protection outdoors.

Before your first session

SaunaPod Infrared:

• Plug in and connect the control panel.
• Set your target temperature. A recommended starting range is 104–122°F (40–50°C).
• Allow 10–15 minutes to pre-heat before entering. Pre-heating is important as far-infrared therapy works best when the panels are fully warm.
• In rooms below 59°F (15°C), allow up to 40 minutes.

SaunaPod Steam:

• Fill the steam generator to the MAX line with clean water. Distilled or filtered water is recommended to reduce mineral buildup. Ensure the lid is hand tight.
• Do not overfill.
• Connect the steam hose from the generator to the pod inlet.
• Plug in, power on, and set your desired temperature.
• Allow 5–10 minutes for steam to build inside the pod before beginning your session.

During your session

• Keep your head outside the pod at all times.
• Hydrate well before and after every session.
• Infrared: wear minimal clothing for maximum skin exposure to the panels. Sit upright on the chair.
• Steam: do not add essential oils or additives directly to the steam generator. Use only the small circular dispenser inside the tent for essential oils.

Recommended session lengths:

After your session

Both models:

• Power off and unplug after each use.
• Open the pod and allow it to air out for 15–20 minutes before closing for storage.
• Wipe any moisture from the interior with a dry cloth.

Steam specific:

• Allow the generator to cool fully before handling or storing.
• Empty any remaining water from the generator after each use. Water left in the generator between sessions can cause mineral buildup and reduce the unit's lifespan.

Step-by-step setup — SaunaPod Infrared

Step 1 — Unpack and unfold

Remove the pod from its packaging and unfold on a flat surface. Take care not to crease the infrared panels lining the interior walls.

Step 2 — Insert the chair

Open the front zip fully and place the folding chair inside.

Step 3 — Get seated

Sit on the chair before zipping closed, threading your arms through the openings.

Step 4 — Power on and set temperature

Plug in and connect the control panel. Set your target temperature; a recommended starting range is 104–122°F (40–50°C).

Step 5 — Pre-heat

Allow 10–15 minutes to pre-heat before entering. Pre-heating matters because far-infrared therapy works best when the panels are fully warm. In rooms below 59°F (15°C), allow up to 40 minutes.

Step-by-step setup — SaunaPod Steam

Step 1 — Unpack and unfold

Remove the pod from its packaging and unfold on a flat surface.

Step 2 — Insert the chair

Open the front zip fully and place the folding chair inside.

Step 3 — Fill the steam generator

Fill the generator to the MAX line with clean water. Distilled or filtered water is recommended to reduce mineral buildup. Ensure the lid is hand tight, and do not overfill.

Step 4 — Connect the hose

Connect the steam hose from the generator to the pod inlet.

Step 5 — Power on and set temperature

Plug in, power on, and set your desired temperature.

Step 6 — Build steam

Allow 5–10 minutes for steam to build inside the pod. Once seated, sit on the chair and zip closed, threading your arms through the openings before your session begins.

Zipper care

The zipper is one of the most used parts of your SaunaPod and worth looking after properly. Here's what we recommend:

• Open and close the zipper slowly and smoothly. Rushing it is the most common cause of it coming off track.
• Never force a stiff zipper. If you feel resistance, stop and check for fabric caught in the teeth before continuing.
• Keep the zipper teeth clean. Lint, dust, and debris can cause stiffness over time. Wipe the teeth with a dry cloth regularly.
• Apply a small amount of zipper lubricant or a beeswax-based product to the teeth occasionally to keep movement smooth. Do not use oil-based lubricants as these can damage the fabric.
• When storing the pod, leave the zipper partially open rather than fully closed. This reduces tension on the teeth during storage.
• After steam sessions, allow the pod to air out fully before zipping closed. Closing the zipper while the fabric is damp or hot can cause stiffness over time.

If the zipper comes off track, do not continue to force it. Please contact our support team so we can troubleshoot with you.