Saunas are small rooms wherein rocks are placed to absorb and radiate heat. Water is added to the rocks to generate steam, which causes sweat and allows toxins to leave the body. It has seats where you can sit and enjoy the hot steam. Hot tubs are tubs filled with warm water where two or more can sit for some time. Sauna and hot tubs are used for entertainment, relaxation and therapy.

If you too are wondering about what to buy, a hot tub or a sauna, we offer some pointers that can help you decide:

1. Comparative cost and features of sauna vs. hot tub
A sauna of the size 5×7 ft that can accommodate four people can cost between $3,900 and $6,200, including installation charges. A hot tub sized 5x6x2.5 cu. ft. can cost between $4,000 and $8,500 including installation.

• Installation
  Hot tubs can be placed on flat surfaces to withstand the tub’s weight and water. It needs additional plumbing and electrical work. The sauna has to be built from the foundation and needs electrical work for heater controls. The walls need insulation and additional cedar paneling to cover the insulation. You also have to add a heater, seats and rocks to generate steam and make it functional. It involves multiple processes and can be expensive.
• Aesthetics
  While saunas are enclosed structures, they may not add to aesthetics. Hot tubs can be installed anywhere in the house, in the deck, yard or indoors and can help improve the house’s ambiance.
• Luxury Features
  You can fit a hot tub with music systems, cabinets, designer lighting, etc. The steam from the sauna could hide everything, so saunas are plain and simple.
• Massage
  There is no provision for massage in a sauna. Hot tubs can be customized with hydro jets to direct the jets to a part of the body that aches.

2. Health Benefits of Saunas and Hot Tubs
Both sauna and hot tubs allow you to relax and help you sleep better. Hot tubs provide relief from body pain, helps relieve muscle soreness, and are ideal for people with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Sauna and Hot Tub Maintenance 
If the sauna is installed well, there is less likelihood of leaks or wood damage. All you need is to clean and dry it regularly to prevent any molds or musty smells. In a hot tub, water quality should be checked frequently to prevent any contamination. Spa filters must be cleaned frequently. You have to drain and refill water every two months. You have to aerate the hot tub to prevent the formation of molds.

4. Drawbacks of Hot Tubs and Saunas?
The cons of a hot tub are that it can consume more energy and is high-maintenance. It is not recommended for young children and pregnant women. The cons of a sauna are it needs a lot of space and is not ideal for small homes. Installation for the sauna is complex and expensive.