How to Store & Protect Your Outdoor Sauna During Winter

Winter doesn’t have to mean shutting down your outdoor sauna. With the right setup and a few smart protection strategies, your outdoor sauna can stay safe, efficient, and ready to use all season long – even in cold, wet, or snowy conditions.

Whether you already own a Clearlight outdoor infrared sauna or are considering buying one, winter protection comes down to three things: placement, protection, and build quality. Below, we’ll walk through how to protect your outdoor sauna during winter, what accessories actually make a difference, and why investing in a well-built sauna matters more than ever when the weather turns.

 

The Health Benefits of Using an Outdoor Sauna in Winter

 

Cold weather often leads to tighter muscles, reduced circulation, and higher stress levels, and the benefits of infrared sauna sessions can help counteract those seasonal effects.

The deep, penetrating heat of an infrared sauna supports circulation, helping warm the body from the inside out. Many people find winter sauna sessions help relieve muscle stiffness, support joint mobility, and promote faster recovery after cold-weather activities. Regular sauna use can also encourage relaxation and better sleep, which are often harder to come by during shorter, darker winter days.

There’s also a mental benefit. Stepping into a warm, quiet sauna after being outdoors in the cold creates a strong contrast that many people find grounding and restorative. With the right winter setup, your outdoor sauna can become a consistent part of your cold-weather wellness routine rather than something you pause until spring.

 

Why Winter Protection Matters for an Outdoor Sauna

 

An outdoor sauna is designed to live outside, but winter adds extra stress. Cold temperatures, moisture, snow buildup, and wind can all impact performance and longevity if your sauna isn’t properly protected.

Without winter protection, outdoor saunas can experience:

• Moisture intrusion that affects wood and electronics
• Reduced heating efficiency in extreme cold
• Cosmetic wear from snow, ice, and UV exposure
• Shortened lifespan due to repeated freeze-thaw cycles

The good news is that most of these issues are preventable. A few proactive steps can help protect your investment and keep your sauna working, and looking, its best all winter.

 

Where Should You Place an Outdoor Sauna for Winter?

 

Sauna placement plays a bigger role in winter protection than most people realize. Even the highest-quality outdoor infrared sauna benefits from thoughtful positioning.

Ideally, your outdoor sauna should be placed on a raised, level, well-drained surface such as concrete or a reinforced wooden foundation. This helps prevent standing water, ice buildup, and uneven settling during freeze-thaw cycles. If ice or snow is on the ground, avoid using salt near the door threshold or hardware, as salt can be corrosive over time. Use sand or non-corrosive traction products instead if needed.

If possible, choose a location that offers some natural wind protection, such as near a fence, wall, or landscaping feature. Clearlight’s outdoor saunas are rated up to 35 MPH of wind. Direct exposure to strong winter winds can increase heat loss and strain your sauna’s heating system.

While a well-crafted sauna can withstand winter weather, if your environment drops to below 40ºF regularly, it may negatively impact your outdoor sauna’s performance. You don’t need to fully enclose your outdoor infrared sauna, but minimizing direct exposure to harsh elements goes a long way in extending its lifespan and improving winter performance.

 

 

Should You Use a Sauna Cover in Winter?

 

Yes! Using a sauna cover is one of the most effective ways to protect an outdoor sauna during winter.

A high-quality sauna cover acts as a barrier against snow, rain, ice, and debris while also helping regulate temperature. Using a sauna cover is one of the most effective ways to protect an outdoor sauna during winter, as well as keeping your Clearlight warranty valid. Clearlight’s canvas sauna covers are made from marine-grade materials, including weather-resistant canvas sides and a waterproof vinyl roof designed to handle outdoor conditions year-round.

A properly fitted cover helps reduce moisture exposure, prevent cosmetic wear, and keep your sauna cleaner between sessions.

 

What Type of Sauna Cover Works Best for Cold Weather?

Not all sauna covers are the same, especially when winter temperatures drop.

Clearlight offers multiple cover options depending on climate and usage. For general winter protection, canvas sauna covers provide durable, weather-resistant shielding using marine-grade materials and secure attachments that hold up in moderately windy environments.

For colder climates, Clearlight also offers thermal covers designed to be used underneath a canvas cover. These thermal layers add insulation, helping your sauna heat up faster and maintain temperature more efficiently – but they are not meant to be used alone outdoors.

There are also all-in-one sauna covers that combine weather protection and insulation into a single system, offering a streamlined solution for winter use.

 

How Can You Improve Heat Retention in Winter?

 

Winter doesn’t mean your sauna has to work overtime. Improving heat retention makes sessions more comfortable and helps manage energy use.

Insulated covers play a major role here. Thermal layers reflect heat back into the sauna, reducing warm-up time and helping maintain consistent temperatures, even when it’s cold outside. Other small but effective strategies include:

• Keeping the sauna door closed between sessions
• Clearing snow from vents and door seals
• Allowing the sauna to preheat slightly longer in extreme cold

Clearlight outdoor saunas are designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures, but adding insulation support during winter helps them perform even more efficiently.

 

Can You Use an Outdoor Sauna All Winter?

 

In most cases, yes. A well-built outdoor sauna is meant to be enjoyed year-round.

Clearlight outdoor saunas are constructed with premium materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and weather-ready designs that support consistent use in cold conditions. When paired with proper placement and protective covers, many owners continue regular sauna sessions throughout winter without issue.

That said, if your area experiences extreme weather, it’s smart to visually inspect your sauna periodically. Check for snow buildup, ensure covers are secure, and confirm that vents and doors remain unobstructed.

 

Why Build Quality Matters More in Winter

 

When winter arrives, you quickly see the difference between a basic outdoor sauna and one built to withstand the elements year-round. A high-quality outdoor sauna is not just about looks. It’s about durability, insulation, and materials that fight moisture, cold, and temperature swings over time. Clearlight’s outdoor saunas are engineered with several weather-ready features that make winter protection easier and more effective than with generic or poorly built models.

Clearlight outdoor infrared saunas are constructed with engineered wood exteriors and mahogany interiors that resist the freezing, thawing, and moisture cycles outdoor environments deliver. Thick double-pane glass windows and doors plus fully insulated double-wall construction lock heat in and keep cold out, reducing strain on the heating system and improving efficiency in winter conditions.

But build quality isn’t just about wood and glass. Clearlight’s True Wave™ Full Spectrum infrared heaters deliver consistent near, mid, and far infrared heat with industry-leading low EMF and ELF levels, ensuring both comfort and safety even on cold days. That means the heat penetrates deeply and efficiently, helping your sauna warm up quickly and stay warm longer without overworking the system.

On top of materials and heating tech, Clearlight infrared outdoor saunas come with features that make winter use more practical: a 36-hour programmable timer (so your sauna can preheat on a schedule), a powerful full-spectrum control system that you can operate remotely via smartphone, and an outdoor cover designed specifically for these models.

Finally, Clearlight backs this craftsmanship with one of the strongest warranties in the industry – a limited lifetime warranty on components and a multi-year warranty on the cabin itself – offering peace of mind that your winter investment is protected.

 

 

Practical Winter Sauna Tips for Safety, Comfort, and Performance

 

A few small adjustments can make a big difference when using your outdoor sauna in winter. These simple, practical habits help improve safety, protect your sauna, and make each session more comfortable.

 

• Place a rubber mat or textured deck tiles outside the door to prevent slipping. Skip fabric mats, which tend to freeze.
• Keep a dry towel near the entrance so you can dry your feet before stepping out onto cold surfaces.
• Use a boot tray outside the door to keep snow and water from being tracked into the sauna.
• Allow a little extra time for preheating on very cold days, and try not to open the door repeatedly once the sauna is warm.
• Brush snow off the roof, door, and vents before turning the sauna on, and avoid using salt near the threshold or hardware. Sand or non-corrosive traction products work better.
• Avoid opening the sauna door repeatedly during use, as this allows heat to escape quickly and extends heating time.
• Bring a robe, warm socks, or slides into the sauna with you so they’re toasty when you step out.
• Have water or warm herbal tea ready afterward to stay hydrated, and take a few calm breaths before heading back inside to let your body adjust.
• Add winter-friendly essential oils like cedarwood, fir, sweet orange, or cinnamon to create a warm, seasonal sauna experience.

 

These small winter habits help protect your sauna, reduce wear on components, and create a safer, more enjoyable sauna experience all season long.

 

Winter Outdoor Sauna FAQs

 

Can an outdoor sauna stay outside all winter?

Yes. A well-built outdoor sauna is designed to stay outside year-round, including winter. High-quality outdoor saunas made with durable wood, reliable heaters, and weather-resistant construction can handle cold temperatures when properly placed and protected. Using a fitted sauna cover and ensuring good drainage around the base helps reduce winter wear and extend the sauna’s lifespan.

 

Do you need a sauna cover in winter?

While it’s recommended to keep your outdoor sauna covered year-round, a sauna cover is especially needed during winter. A cover protects your outdoor sauna from snow, rain, ice, and debris, and helps reduce moisture exposure. In colder climates, using an insulated or thermal layer beneath a weather-resistant canvas cover can also improve heat retention and efficiency during winter sessions.

 

Can snow damage an outdoor sauna?

Snow itself usually isn’t a problem, but prolonged moisture and heavy buildup can cause issues over time. Allowing snow to sit on the roof or around the base may increase moisture exposure and strain exterior materials. Brushing off heavy snow and using a waterproof sauna cover helps prevent long-term damage during winter.

 

Will an outdoor sauna take longer to heat up in winter?

In cold weather, outdoor saunas may take slightly longer to preheat, especially in freezing temperatures. Insulated sauna covers and proper placement out of direct wind help reduce heat loss, and adding a full-spectrum heater that fits on your sauna door can help speed up heating. Many outdoor sauna owners find that once the sauna reaches temperature, it maintains heat well – even in winter conditions.

 

Is it safe to use an outdoor sauna in freezing temperatures?

Yes, it’s generally safe to use an outdoor sauna in freezing temperatures as long as the sauna is designed for outdoor use and properly maintained. Always make sure the door seals properly, vents are clear, and electrical components are protected from moisture. Listening to your body and staying hydrated is especially important during cold-weather sauna sessions.

 

Should you unplug or turn off your outdoor sauna during winter?

If you plan to use your sauna regularly during winter, it can remain plugged in and operational. If the sauna won’t be used for an extended period, turning it off and ensuring it’s fully dry before covering is a smart precaution. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for winter use and electrical safety.

 

What’s the best surface for an outdoor sauna in winter?

A solid, level surface with good drainage is ideal. Concrete pads, pavers, or reinforced decks work well and help prevent standing water and ice buildup. Avoid placing your outdoor sauna directly on soil or grass, as winter moisture and freeze-thaw cycles can cause shifting or uneven settling.

 

A Little Protection Goes a Long Way

 

Protecting your outdoor sauna during winter doesn’t require complicated steps. With smart placement, a properly fitted sauna cover, and a high-quality sauna built for outdoor use, winter can be one of the best seasons to enjoy your sauna.

Whether you’re maintaining an existing Clearlight Sanctuary 2 Outdoor Infrared Sauna or Clearlight Sanctuary 5 Outdoor Infrared Sauna or researching options before buying, planning for winter protection upfront helps ensure years of reliable performance, comfort, and peace of mind.

If you’re investing in an outdoor sauna, think beyond the first season. The right design and the right protection make all the difference when winter arrives.