Buying Guide

Sauna vs Hot Tub: Which Is Better for Your Garden?

A direct comparison of outdoor saunas and hot tubs — covering health benefits, running costs, maintenance, space requirements, and long-term value.

By Wellness One Lifestyle · Published 2026-08-02 · Updated 2026-08-02

Sauna vs Hot Tub: The Complete Comparison

Both outdoor saunas and hot tubs are popular garden wellness investments. The right choice depends on your priorities, space, and how you plan to use the product.

Health Benefits

Saunas have a stronger evidence base for cardiovascular health, muscle recovery, and longevity. The cardiovascular response to sauna use is similar to moderate aerobic exercise. Hot tubs offer hydrotherapy benefits — warm water immersion reduces muscle tension, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation — but the evidence for cardiovascular benefit is less robust.

Running Costs

A well-insulated sauna is significantly cheaper to run than a hot tub. A Wellness One sauna with 100mm SIP insulation costs approximately £1–3 per session to heat (depending on model size and ambient temperature). A hot tub typically costs £50–£100 per month to run continuously, as the water must be maintained at temperature 24/7.

Maintenance

Hot tubs require regular water chemistry management — pH balancing, sanitiser dosing, filter cleaning, and periodic water changes. This is a significant ongoing commitment. Saunas require minimal maintenance — occasional cleaning and periodic treatment of the wood interior.

Space Requirements

Wellness One saunas start from 1.35 × 1.35m (Lifestyle 2) and scale up to 6.0 × 2.8m (Connect 10). Hot tubs typically require 2.5 × 2.5m minimum footprint plus access space.

The Best of Both Worlds

Many Wellness One customers choose a Connect model — a modular outdoor wellness building that combines a sauna with an optional shower, changing room, or ice bath area. The Connect range is designed for customers who want the complete outdoor wellness experience.