Mobile Sauna User Guide

Before You Begin

Please ensure:

  • The sauna is parked on stable, level ground (we can help with this!)

  • The chimney area remains clear of branches or overhead obstructions

  • Children are supervised at all times

  • You have water available for hydration

  • Towels, sandals, and warm layers are nearby for cooldown periods outdoors

Wood-fired saunas take time and attention. The process is part of the experience.

Heating the Sauna

Starting the Fire

Your sauna may already be preheated depending on delivery setup.

To maintain or restart the fire:

  1. Open the stove airflow vents fully

  2. Place dry kindling and small pieces of firewood inside the stove

  3. Light the fire starter/kindling

  4. Gradually add larger pieces of seasoned firewood as the fire grows

  5. Keep the stove door closed once burning steadily

Avoid overloading the stove with too much wood at once.

Firewood Recommendations

Use only:

  • Dry, seasoned firewood

  • Untreated natural wood

Do NOT burn:

  • Wet wood

  • Painted or treated lumber

  • Trash or paper products

  • Driftwood with excessive salt exposure

Each rental includes approximately enough wood for 4 hours of sauna use.

Additional wood available for purchase or BYO-EW (Bring Your Own Extra Wood).

Sauna Temperature

Typical sauna temperatures range between:

  • 160°F–200°F

The sauna generally takes:

  • 45–60 minutes to fully heat depending on weather and fire management

Wood-fired heat naturally fluctuates throughout the session.

Creating Steam (Löyly)

Water may be poured onto the hot sauna stones using the wooden ladle provided.

To create steam:

  1. Fill the wooden ladle with water

  2. Slowly pour small amounts onto the rocks

  3. Allow the steam to circulate naturally

Optional eucalyptus oil may be added to water in small amounts.

Do not pour excessive amounts of water onto the stones at once.

Recommended Sauna Flow

Most people follow a simple cycle:

  • Heat 🔥

    • Sit in the sauna for approximately 10–20 minutes

  • Cool Down 🧊

    • Step outside, use the cold shower, cold plunge, or fresh air

  • Rest 😎

    • Hydrate, relax, and allow your body to recover

Repeat as desired.

There is no “correct” amount of time. Listen to your body.

Cold Plunge & Outdoor Shower

The outdoor cold shower and optional plunge tub are designed for cooldown between sauna rounds.

Cold exposure is optional. Even stepping outside into the cool Ketchikan air can be part of the experience.

Please enter cold water slowly and carefully.

Sauna Hats

Sauna hats help regulate heat exposure around the head and may allow for a more comfortable sauna session.

They are optional but encouraged, especially during hotter sessions.

Hydration

Sauna use causes sweating and fluid loss.

We strongly recommend:

  • Drinking water before, during, and after sauna use

  • Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption

  • Taking breaks between rounds

Safety Information

Do NOT use the sauna if you:

  • Feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unwell

  • Are heavily intoxicated

  • Have medical conditions worsened by heat exposure without physician guidance

Use caution if pregnant or if you have cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological conditions.

Exit the sauna immediately if you feel uncomfortable.

Fire Safety

  • Never leave the stove unattended for extended periods while actively burning

  • Keep combustible items away from the stove and chimney

  • Do not block ventilation

  • Do not dry clothing directly on or near the stove

  • Ensure the stove door remains securely closed during operation

End of Session

Before completion of your rental:

  • Stop adding wood approximately 30–45 minutes before shutdown or pickup

  • Allow the fire to burn down naturally

  • Remove trash and personal belongings

  • Leave provided accessories inside the sauna

  • Ensure doors are closed, lights are turned off, and the firebox is secured

Please do not dump water directly into the stove or attempt to rapidly extinguish hot coals.

Sauna Etiquette

  • Respect shared space and other guests

  • Shower or rinse before entering if possible

  • Towels are encouraged on benches

  • Keep glass containers outside the sauna

  • Relax, unplug, and enjoy the experience

Most Important Rule

The goal is simple:

Leave feeling better than when you arrived.