Top 5 Tips to Maintain Your Outdoor Sauna and Cold Plunge

Having an outdoor sauna and cold plunge in London is a dream come true for many. However, to keep both working well, you need to give them a bit of regular love and care. The good news? It’s not complicated! With a few smart habits, you can keep your outdoor wellness space clean, fresh, and ready anytime you need it.
Here are five tips to help you out.
1. Keep the Moisture of Outdoor Sauna and Cold Plunge in London
Moisture is the silent troublemaker when it comes to outdoor saunas. Even if you’re not using your sauna every day, dampness can creep in and lead to mildew or damage the wood over time.
So here’s what you can do:
- Use a hygrometer: This little tool helps you track humidity inside your sauna. If it’s too high for too long, you’ll know it’s time to air it out.
- Leave the door open occasionally: After each session, let fresh air flow through the sauna to completely dry it out.
- Place cedar blocks inside: These naturally absorb moisture and add a pleasant scent to the air as well.
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2. Cold Plunge? Think Clean Water First
The cold plunge might seem low-maintenance since it’s just water, but that’s not the full story. In reality, clean water is super important to avoid skin irritation, algae, and that unpleasant smell no one wants to discuss. To stay ahead of those issues, try using a simple water testing kit once a week. It only takes a few minutes and quickly tells you if the pH or chlorine levels are off, so you can fix small problems before they turn into bigger ones.
If you’re not sure how to keep the water fresh, try this combo:
- UV sanitizer: This helps kill bacteria without using lots of chemicals.
- Natural enzyme cleaner: Breaks down body oils and prevents water from becoming cloudy.
- Manual skim every few days: Leaves and bugs don’t belong in your plunge. A quick skim makes a big difference.
Keep in mind: if you’re using your plunge daily, changing the water every two to three weeks helps it stay super fresh.
3. Don’t Forget About the Wood! It Needs Nourishment Too
The outdoor sauna and cold plunge tubs are made from cedar, hemlock, or spruce. These types of wood look great, but over time, the sun, steam, and water can dry them out or make them turn grey. A simple way to keep them looking their best is to treat the wood with a sauna-safe oil twice a year. That helps bring back the warm color and stops the wood from cracking. Just make sure to use an oil made for sauna wood, so you don’t end up with odd smells or unwanted chemicals. When it comes to cleaning, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals. All you need is a soft brush or sponge and a mixture of baking soda and warm water to keep it in great shape for years to come.
4. Watch for Seasonal Shifts
If you live somewhere with major seasonal changes, you’ll want to keep an eye on how your outdoor sauna and cold plunge in London respond throughout the year.
Let’s break it down:
Winter:
- Snow and ice start to pile up around the base of your sauna. That extra weight can affect the foundation. So keep paths clear and sweep off the roof after snowstorms.
- For your plunge, make sure to winterize it properly if you’re not using it. A frozen tub can crack, and that’s a headache you don’t want!
Summer:
- The heat can dry out the wood fast. That’s when your sauna oil comes in handy.
- Algae grows faster in warm water, so your plunge needs more frequent cleanings or water changes in the summer.
5. Build a Quick Weekly Routine, So Nothing Gets Out of Hand
Always remember that if you wait until something breaks or smells off, it’s already a bigger job. That’s why setting up a simple weekly routine can make everything easier. You don’t have to do everything in one go, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. However, staying consistent helps keep your outdoor sauna and cold plunge looking and feeling like new.
A five-minute checklist to run through every week:
- Check sauna humidity and air it out
- Clean the benches and floors with a damp cloth
- Skim and test the plunge water
- Rinse off any filters or pumps
- Look over seals and hinges for signs of wear
The Little Habits That Keep It Going
Caring for your outdoor sauna and cold plunge in London allows you to stay ahead of repairs with small, easy habits. When you keep the wood happy, the water clean, and moisture balanced, your wellness space will always be ready for you. The maintenance can become part of the experience. Think of it as a few quiet moments to check in, breathe deep, and appreciate what you’ve built!Contact Longevity Lounge for further guidance.