Saunas and steam rooms are a haven of healing heat, relaxation and rejuvenation, but just as we discussed in a previous post on the benefits of professional pool maintenance, regular sauna and steam room maintenance and inspections are also essential in preserving their functionality, efficiency and safety.
General maintenance can be carried out with a reasonable understanding of cleaning and inspecting a sauna or steam room and its equipment, however commercial saunas and steam rooms require more frequent maintenance and servicing due to higher usage, performance standards and stricter health & safety considerations. Where complex repairs or safety-critical components are involved, professional maintenance can make a major difference to the longevity and performance of your facilities.
In this post we delve into why maintaining these wellness facilities is key to longevity and best practices to maximise your investment and ensure a better experience for you and your guests.
Here’s why it matters…
Neglecting this responsibility can lead to significant consequences, including unhealthy and unsanitary conditions, equipment working harder than it should, excessive wear and tear and shorter lifespan, frequent breakdowns, structural issues, downtime, costly repairs, increased energy costs, and even legal repercussions.
Safety is Paramount
Saunas and steam rooms can pose potential health risks for users and quickly become unsafe if not properly maintained. Bacterial growth, moisture, dirt, mould, charred wood, or faulty equipment can all create health risks. Well-maintained equipment and wellness rooms complying with relevant safety standards will give you peace of mind that you’re providing a safe environment and a positive guest experience.
Safeguarding Your Investment and Reputation
Investing in sauna or a steam room is a significant financial commitment. Preventative care extends the lifespan of equipment, reduces downtime and the need for expensive repairs or replacement, and protects the overall investment. Consistent upkeep also demonstrates a commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. And a well-managed wellness space can attract a loyal customer base and establish a positive and lasting impression in the minds of your customers.
Sustainability Through Operational Efficiency
Maintaining equipment ensures it operates more efficiently and consumes less energy. This not only reduces stress on the system and prolongs its life but decreases operational costs, lowers emissions and lessens environmental impact.
Key Considerations and Best Practises in Sauna and Steam Room Maintenance
Saunas, steam rooms and all associated equipment should be inspected, serviced and maintained on a regular basis and as part of a planned programme of maintenance. Below, we’ve outlined some common aspects to look out for and what the underlying causes of maintenance problems could be.
Regular Cleaning Routine
Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of dirt and bacteria, ensuring a healthier environment. It’s good practice to clean down everything daily. Wiping down the surfaces to dry water droplets from the walls, benches, and floor will prevent wood damage and mould. And cleaning and clearing out any debris from the grates’ drains will prevent blockages and stop excess water from pooling.
Wood Care
The wood in your sauna should be regularly inspected for cracks, warping, or signs of deterioration (don’t forget about the door and hinges too). Never use a high-pressure cleaner or a water hose for cleaning as the wood is sensitive to moisture. Instead, use a specialised cleaner made for saunas and steam rooms to wipe the surfaces down and remove any build-up of sweat and bacteria. This is especially important in commercial saunas where higher number of users can increase the risk of contamination.
Check too for signs of charring. Characterised by a blackened appearance, this is a sign that the wood has been exposed to prolonged high heat and humidity. This typically occurs due to improper ventilation and a subsequent build-up of heat and moisture which is trapped with nowhere to go. It’s crucial to understand the risks of charred wood in saunas and once a sauna shows signs of charring it’s time to replace it.
Tile Care
Due to the high temperature and humidity, steam rooms are fully tiled with waterproof epoxy-based tile adhesives and grouts. And tiled floors are a practical and hygienic choice for both sauna and steam room installations. This reduces contaminants and prevents bacteria from penetrating the surfaces and layers of the floor where they can cause damage to the substrate and produce bad smells. The tiled seats, walls and floor of a steam room and the tiled floor in a sauna can still harbour bacteria if not cleaned properly, so wiping down these surfaces after use is an essential part of the maintenance as it will prevent potential problems before they occur. It’s also vital to check for cracks in the tiles to prevent them cutting feet and to stop water from getting behind the tiles. These should be repaired or replaced right away.
Ventilation Maintenance
Proper ventilation is essential for any sauna and steam room build to extract excess moisture, maintain fresh air circulation and prevent the build-up of heat and humidity. And it’s important the ventilation system and any small air gaps under the sauna or steam room doors serving as an air intake remain clear of obstructions to enable efficient airflow. Ventilation fans and filters should also be cleaned or replaced regularly to ensure optimal air quality.
Check Seals
Saunas and steam rooms are dependent on airtight seals to function effectively and to maintain optimal humidity and temperature levels. Regularly inspect the doors, windows and other openings for leaks as well as the magnetic closures on the doors to ensure they close tightly and form a proper seal, and that there’s no corrosion or pitting from moisture.
Monitor Temperature and Humidity Levels
Temperature and humidity are two critical factors that determine the sauna and steam room experience. Finding the right balance is key to relaxation and health benefits. Monitoring temperature and humidity on a regular basis will ensure optimal conditions and thermometer and hygrometer tools are essential for monitoring heat and humidity levels (moisture in the air). Inaccurate temperature or humidity levels can lead to discomfort or health risks, so it’s essential to clean, test and calibrate the temperature probes and humidity controls in your sauna or steam room on a regular basis.
Inspect Heating Elements
Saunas and steam rooms rely on heating elements to create the desired temperature. Accurate settings ensure safety, compliance, and energy efficiency. Heating elements should be examined regularly for any signs of damage or wear and to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Sauna Heater Maintenance – Whether it’s an electric sauna heater, infrared heater or a wood-burning stove, regular maintenance is key to both safety and performance. It’s also important to check over the wiring components, the time and temperature control systems, the chimney and flue connections. Damaged rocks can also pose a safety hazard so should be inspected for cracks or signs of wear as well.
Steam Generator Maintenance – Proper maintenance ensures efficient steam production and extends the generator’s lifespan. It is vital to clean and descale the steam generator to prevent it getting clogged with mineral deposits, especially if you are in a hard water area. Additionally, check the vents and steam outlets to ensure they are clean and clear to allow for proper steam generation and airflow.
Test Safety Devices
Sauna and a steam room safety devices and control systems should be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) guidelines. Automatic fire detection, manual fire alarms and any fire suppression systems should be regularly inspected, tested, serviced, and maintained, using recognised listed and approved companies, that are acceptable to Insurers.
Topline – Your Trusted Partner for Professional Sauna and Steam Room Maintenance
Topline Pools and Wellness has built a solid reputation not just for designing and building exceptional saunas and steam rooms but for delivering an industry-leading maintenance offering to our clients. We are a reliable and trusted maintenance partner for hotels, leisure centres, health clubs and holiday parks nationwide who rely on continuous operation and the smooth running of their wellness facilities. We understand the significance of a safe, healthy, efficient and guest-ready sauna and steam room experience. Our experienced service engineers are skilled in identifying and addressing any issues that may be overlooked during routine maintenance before they develop into costly problems. Our tailored planned and reactive maintenance service solutions ensuring the long-term reliability, optimal performance and safety of your sauna and steam room. Get in touch to find out how we can help with your sauna and steam room maintenance, repairs and refurbishments.
