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Saunas are a luxury I never thought I’d indulge in regularly, let alone an outdoor infrared sauna. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to place an order to experience the Clearlight Outdoor Infrared Sauna. A good friend of mine, Craig, hooked me up with their outdoor collection for a full month. For 4 weeks, I used this sauna 5 days a week, 20 minutes per session, right in the heart of Melbourne. Craig, if you’re reading this—massive shoutout to you, mate.
Now, I’ve used infrared saunas before, but I had high expectations for this one. Outdoor, infrared, packed with fancy features—this isn’t your average steam box at the gym. So, here’s what I thought after a good month of testing.
Things to Consider Before Buying Clearlight®
Yup, I know that feeling. If you don’t want to read my lengthy feedback, here’s what you should be thinking about when you’re about to buy Clearlight® Sauna’s Outdoor Sauna: both for 2 and 5-person models.
What I Loved About It
- The full spectrum heaters provide consistent and even heat.
- Low EMF/ELF levels ensure safer sessions.
- The sauna is controlled easily through a smartphone app or digital touchpad.
- The reversible bench adds comfort and flexibility during sessions.
- Medical-grade chromotherapy enhances the overall experience with certified benefits.
What to Think About
- The sauna is not fully weatherproof, so it requires a cover or proper shelter.
- The AUX cord option feels outdated and may not hold up in a humid environment.
- Installation requires a solid, flat surface and careful planning.
- The sauna has a high price point, and you need to get a quote for the exact cost.
- It’s more suited for regular sauna users rather than beginners.
An Honest Review of Clearlight® Sanctuary Outdoor Saunas
Clearlight® Sanctuary Outdoor Sauna
With free shipping and financing options. Comes with a comprehensive warranty with lifetime coverage for interior components.
Available in 2 and 5-person models.
My Honest First Impressions
When I first laid eyes on the Clearlight Outdoor Infrared Sauna, I couldn’t help but admire its sleek design. The charcoal Cedartec exterior has a rugged, yet classy look that fits perfectly in any backyard. It doesn’t scream “luxury” in a flashy way, but more like an understated elegance that blends in with nature. Although I didn’t handle the setup myself, it’s clear that this sauna was built for easy installation. Watching the setup unfold made me realize the attention to detail, from the tempered safety glass door to the reversible bench, which seemed like a clever little feature.
Now, let me be honest, I wasn’t expecting a lot from the “reversible bench” idea at first. I thought it was more of a gimmick than anything else. But the moment I tried both sides (yes, I had to), I was surprised by how much of a difference it made. One side had a contoured shape that was perfect for those long, lazy sessions where you just want to melt into the heat. The other side was flat—ideal for days when I wanted to sit up straight and maybe even get a little stretch in while I was at it. Who knew a bench could have personality, right?
Speaking of personality, the interior of this sauna is just as impressive as the exterior. The hypoallergenic Western Red Cedar not only looks good but gives off this warm, earthy scent every time the heaters kick in. It’s like you’re stepping into a mini forest every time you open the door. Honestly, it’s a small thing, but it adds to the whole experience.
Now, let’s talk about the tech. The built-in Bluetooth and smart device charging cabinet were unexpected perks. I mean, who doesn’t want to queue up their favorite playlist while they sweat out the day’s stress? The sound system is surprisingly crisp, too. You could easily connect your phone via Bluetooth or AUX and get that immersive experience. It felt like I was having my own private sauna concert—minus the crowd, of course.
The overall build of the sauna is solid, and you can tell that it’s made to withstand outdoor elements. It’s splash-resistant, though I’d recommend keeping that Clearlight® Water Resistant Sauna Cover on whenever you’re not using it. Melbourne weather can be pretty unpredictable, and the last thing you’d want is to mess up such a premium piece of equipment because of a little rain.
Even though I didn’t do the heavy lifting for the installation, from what I observed, the setup seemed pretty straightforward, as long as you follow the guidelines. Having a flat surface is key, and you’ll want to make sure you’ve got access to the power point for the occasional hard reset. Also, give yourself enough clearance—around 5 cm on the sides and 30 cm above the roof, just as they recommend.
Sauna Features
Full Spectrum Heaters
First, the True Wave® Full Spectrum Heaters. These are designed to provide near, mid, and far infrared heat, which covers a broad spectrum of therapeutic benefits. I’ve tried saunas with far infrared before, and while the full spectrum adds more depth to the experience, it’s not a drastic change you’d immediately notice. The heaters are positioned to ensure consistent warmth—front, back, sides, and under the bench—so you’re not dealing with cold spots during a session.
True Wave® Carbon/Ceramic Far-infrared Heaters
The True Wave® Carbon/Ceramic Far-infrared Heaters are designed with low EMF (Electromagnetic Field) and ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) emissions, which means they produce significantly lower levels of radiation compared to standard infrared heaters. Specifically, these heaters produce less than 1 milligauss of EMF when you’re seated near them, which is well below the threshold typically considered harmful. For those who are cautious about potential long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields, this is a reassuring feature. While some people may be more sensitive to EMF, for others, it might not be a top concern.
Technological Features
The Digital Touchpad Control is straightforward to use, making it easy to adjust temperature settings or set a timer. The Smartphone App Control is a convenient addition, especially if you’re the type who likes to have everything at your fingertips. While I didn’t need to rely on it heavily, it’s nice to have that option for preheating or checking in on settings without having to walk over to the sauna.
Speakers and Connectivity
Now, onto the Bluetooth/AUX Connectivity and Built-in Stereo Speakers. The Bluetooth worked as expected, but the AUX cord option took me by surprise. I’m not the biggest fan of AUX cords, especially in a sauna environment where heat and humidity could be problematic. I chose not to test it, out of concern that the humidity might damage the cord. However, for those who prefer wired connections, it’s an option. As for the speakers, they’re functional—not mind-blowing, but they get the job done for casual listening during a session.
Unexpected Feature: Reversible Bench
One feature I appreciated more than I expected was the reversible bench. It’s a nice touch that adds to the overall experience. You can choose between a contoured surface for when you want to relax into the heat or a flat surface if you prefer sitting up straighter. It may not seem like a big deal on paper, but in practice, it’s a thoughtful addition that enhances comfort.
Medical Grade Chromotherapy
The Medical Grade Chromotherapy is another highlight for me. With 96 LEDs and 12 colors, the sauna offers a variety of light options to create different atmospheres. What I liked most, though, is that Clearlight Sauna has third-party certifications to back up the medical-grade claim. You see a lot of knockoffs claiming to offer chromotherapy, but few brands, Clearlight included, can prove their legitimacy. It’s a feature that feels more than just cosmetic and adds to the overall wellness aspect of the sauna.
Charging Cabinet
Lastly, the Built-in Smart Device Charging Cabinet is a convenient feature, especially if you want to keep your devices charged and safe while using the sauna. Whether or not you actually need to charge your phone during a short session is up to you, but it’s nice to have that option.
My Actual Experience
After using the Clearlight Outdoor Infrared Sauna for 4 weeks, five days a week, I can say the overall experience was enjoyable, but not without a few quirks. Let’s start with the heat distribution. Thanks to the 360° infrared heating, I felt the warmth spread pretty evenly throughout the session. I didn’t have any moments where I felt one part of my body was too hot while another was left out in the cold. The heat was constant and comforting—nothing too overwhelming, but enough to make you sweat without feeling like you’re in a furnace.
The chromotherapy definitely added to the atmosphere. As I mentioned earlier, I appreciated the fact that Clearlight backs its claims with third-party certifications. I played around with different colors, and while I’m not entirely sold on the science behind mood changes from light, I did find that certain colors like blue helped me relax more, while red gave the space a bit of an energizing vibe. It’s a subtle touch, but it added an extra layer of experience to my sessions. Plus, it’s one of those features that makes the sauna feel less like a basic sweat box and more like a personalized wellness retreat.
And as I said earlier, the Bluetooth functionality was solid, and while I didn’t mess with the AUX cord (because let’s face it, sweat and wires don’t mix), the speakers were decent. I wasn’t expecting a concert hall experience, but for background music or a podcast during a 20-minute sweat, it worked fine. It’s not going to blow you away, but it doesn’t need to.
The ergonomic backrest helped with that too. I’m someone who tends to slouch, especially after long hours at a desk, so having that extra support made the sessions more comfortable. It wasn’t like sitting on a cloud, but it helped keep my posture in check while letting me relax.
One thing I noticed about the sauna, especially after multiple sessions, was how easy it was to maintain a consistent temperature. I was able to set it to my preferred heat level and didn’t have to fiddle with the controls once I was inside. The digital touchpad and smartphone app were both simple to use, though after a while, I stopped checking the app because once it was heated, I just went in and enjoyed the session.
After 4 weeks of using the sauna, I have to say that it’s a comfortable experience, but not without some minor adjustments here and there. The heat, the chromotherapy, and the ergonomic seating all came together nicely to create a well-rounded sauna session.
Installation and Maintenance
Now, although I didn’t install the Clearlight Outdoor Infrared Sauna myself, I had a good look at the process, and I’ll say this: it’s definitely something you’ll want to do with a few helping hands. The sauna comes in several parts, and while it’s designed to be fairly straightforward, it’s still a large piece of equipment.
Having a flat and level surface to place it on is really import—whether that’s a concrete slab, a deck, or something else that provides solid support. Installing it on grass or any soft surface is a no-go, as it could compromise the structure over time.
One thing I liked was that Clearlight provides a Water Resistant Sauna Cover with every purchase. Considering that the sauna is splash-resistant but not fully weatherproof, using the cover is important to ensure durability and to maintain the warranty. Melbourne weather can be unpredictable, so having that extra layer of protection gave me peace of mind when I wasn’t using it. If you choose to not use the cover, you’ll definitely need to place the sauna under a weatherproof structure to protect it from the elements.
Maintenance during my 4-week trial was minimal, which is exactly how I like it. The interior, made from Eco Certified Grade “A” Hypoallergenic Western Red Cedar, held up well against the heat and moisture. The wood has that pleasant, natural scent every time the sauna heats up, and it’s easy to wipe down after use. Keeping the tempered safety glass door clean was simple too—just a quick wipe, and you’re good to go. The double-wall tongue and groove construction seemed to do a good job of insulating the heat while also being sturdy enough to feel secure.
Now, about the roof cap system—this is where installation can get a bit tricky. You need to allow enough clearance, around 30 cm above the roof and 5 cm on the sides, for proper ventilation and access to the electrics if needed. Ensuring easy access to the power point is also important, especially for hard resets. It’s not the kind of thing you want to cram into a small, tight space since that could make future maintenance a headache.
In terms of ongoing upkeep, using the sauna cover regularly and ensuring proper drainage around the base are key. If you place the sauna on a deck, the gaps between the slats should allow any moisture to escape easily. If you’re using a concrete surface, make sure there’s adequate drainage to avoid water pooling underneath.
The sauna also comes with an anchoring kit, which can be a lifesaver if you live in an area prone to high winds. It secures the roof and provides extra stability in unpredictable weather conditions, which is especially useful for outdoor saunas.
All in all, maintenance is pretty low-key, and as long as you take care of the basics—like using the sauna cover and keeping it clean—the Clearlight Outdoor Infrared Sauna should hold up well over time. It’s built to last, but like anything exposed to the elements, a little attention goes a long way.
Clearlight® Sanctuary Outdoor Sauna: Pros and Cons
After spending 4 weeks using the Clearlight Outdoor Infrared Sauna, it’s clear that it comes with a lot of positives, but like anything, it also has its drawbacks.
Let’s break it down into much simpler, digestible takeaways.
Pros:
Full Spectrum Heaters: The True Wave® Full Spectrum Heaters provide a well-rounded heat experience. The combination of near, mid, and far infrared ensures you’re getting a range of benefits, from deep muscle relaxation to general detox. The heat distribution is even, thanks to the 360° heater placement, which was one of the stronger points of the sauna.
Low EMF/ELF Levels: Knowing that the carbon/ceramic heaters keep EMF/ELF exposure to a minimum is a reassuring feature. While it might not be a top priority for everyone, it’s good to see Clearlight taking steps to address it.
Smart Controls: The digital touchpad and smartphone app make adjusting settings super easy. Preheating the sauna with the app was handy on days I didn’t want to wait around, and once the sauna was heated, it maintained temperature well.
Reversible Bench: Surprisingly, the reversible bench added a lot to the overall experience. The choice between a contoured and flat surface is subtle but noticeable. It gives you options depending on how you’re feeling during the session, and I found myself switching between the two quite a bit.
Medical Grade Chromotherapy: This was another feature I genuinely liked. With so many knockoffs on the market claiming to offer chromotherapy, it’s refreshing to see Clearlight actually back it up with third-party certifications. The different colors added a nice ambiance, and while I’m not sure about any drastic mood changes, it definitely enhanced the overall vibe.
Minimal Maintenance: From what I experienced, keeping this sauna clean and well-maintained doesn’t require much effort. The Western Red Cedar interior holds up well to the heat and humidity, and the water-resistant cover does its job in keeping the sauna protected when not in use.
Cons:
Not Fully Weatherproof: While the sauna is splash-resistant, it’s not fully weatherproof, which could be an issue depending on your location. The provided Clearlight® Water Resistant Sauna Cover is a must for outdoor setups, and you’ll need to ensure proper shelter if you choose not to use the cover. It would be more convenient if the unit itself could withstand harsher outdoor conditions without needing extra protection.
AUX Cord Option: I’m not a fan of having an AUX cord inside a sauna. With all the heat and humidity, it feels like an outdated feature, and I’m not sure how durable it would be over time. It’s not a major flaw, but in 2024, Bluetooth is really all you need.
Setup Can Be Complicated: While I didn’t personally handle the setup, it’s clear that installing the sauna requires some careful planning. You need a solid surface, proper ventilation space, and access to power points for hard resets. For some people, this might feel like a bit of a project, and it’s not something you can just slap together on your own without help.
Price Point: This is where it gets tricky. The price for a Clearlight Outdoor Infrared Sauna is usually hefty, and I can’t promise an exact figure since you have to get a quote directly from them. That said, it’s an investment, no doubt. While the cost might be prohibitive for some, the quality and features make it worth considering if you’re serious about long-term use.
What I Think of Its Price Value
Let’s be real—the Clearlight Outdoor Infrared Sauna is not a cheap purchase. The price is usually on the higher side, and as I mentioned earlier, you won’t find an exact number plastered on their website. You’ll have to request a quote directly from Clearlight. This isn’t unusual for high-end products, but it does mean you’re looking at an investment. That said, for those who plan to use it regularly and care about the quality of their sauna experience, it’s a serious contender.
What you’re paying for here is a mix of advanced technology, thoughtful design, and premium materials. The full spectrum heaters, low EMF/ELF levels, and medical-grade chromotherapy aren’t features you find in every sauna. Plus, the solid construction—double wall tongue and groove, tempered safety glass, and hypoallergenic Western Red Cedar interior—makes this sauna feel like it’s built to last. You’re not just getting a glorified hot box; you’re investing in a wellness tool that’s designed to provide therapeutic benefits over the long term.
On top of that, Clearlight backs their saunas with a strong warranty. The interior components come with a lifetime warranty, which is about as good as it gets. For the exterior cabin, you’re covered for 5 years, and the Clearlight® Waterproof Sauna Cover also comes with a 5-year warranty. However, for the warranty to remain valid, you’ll need to make sure your sauna is protected at all times—either by using the provided cover or by housing the sauna under some form of weatherproof shelter. This isn’t a major inconvenience, but it’s something to keep in mind when considering long-term care.
In terms of value for money, I’d say it really depends on how much you plan to use it. If you’re someone who’s going to use the sauna multiple times a week and wants those extra wellness features like chromotherapy and low EMF exposure, then the investment could be worth every penny.
On the other hand, if you’re more of a casual sauna user, there might be more affordable options out there that would suit your needs without all the bells and whistles.
My Final Thoughts on Clearlight® Outdoor Saunas
Editor’s Rate:
It’s an amazing investment for enthusiasts, but not quite for beginners. If you’re serious about your sauna sessions and looking for something packed with advanced features, the Clearlight Outdoor Infrared Sauna is worth every penny. The full spectrum heaters, low EMF/ELF technology, medical-grade chromotherapy, and robust build make it stand out as a top-tier option for anyone who wants to invest in their long-term wellness.
However, if you’re new to infrared saunas or just want something simple to dip your toes into the experience, this model might feel like overkill. The price is hefty, and while it’s a fantastic piece of equipment, it’s really designed for those who plan to use it regularly and take full advantage of all the features.
In short, this sauna delivers on quality and performance, but it’s best suited for people who know they’re in it for the long haul. For casual users, a less expensive option could do the job just fine, but for enthusiasts, this is an investment that pays off in comfort, functionality, and long-term durability.
