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The sauna master taps the roof of the yard sauna in Ehta's production hall in Perho. Retirement days are approaching, and unnecessary fussing has been left to the younger ones. The sauna master has plenty of time to share his thoughts on what aspects in a sauna determine the steam experience.
The sauna master's rule no. 1: Enough heat
– The most important thing, of course, is that the heater has enough löyly in it. If the heater doesn't have enough power or isn't hot enough, you'll sweat all right, but it'll be the sweat of agony.
On the other hand, the sauna master warns against heating the heater for too long before bathing. Scorching-hot benches and heat stored in the walls spoil the sauna experience.
– The sauna has to be big enough and the heater the right size.
The sauna master has learned to trust Harvia heaters, because their design helps the sauna heat up even in winter. Air circulates well through the heater and the sauna warms up throughout, even in cold weather. Last summer the sauna master tried a heater of another brand, but it only lasted a few sessions.
– The missus didn't want to go and freeze in the sauna, so that heater had to go. I put a Harvia in its place.
The sauna master's rule no. 2: Enough oxygen
The sauna master likes to bathe long and leisurely. That isn't possible if the sauna runs out of oxygen halfway through. The ventilation has to be in order. In a wood-heated sauna, what matters is replacement air, and there must be enough of it available.
A small vent isn't enough. You need several vents or, for example, a gap left between the floor and the wall, like the one found in Ehta saunas. According to the sauna master, it's also good for a sauna to have a window that opens.
– You can sit in the sauna for several hours if you open the window a crack now and then.
