A ‘Sauna and Swim’

Soaking up the sauna’s heat, one more ladle-full of water on the hot rocks; one more blast of soothing steam over our backs. On cue, someone says, “OK; let’s go!” Out the sauna door, a quick jog to the water’s edge and a quick dive into the water. From 180 degrees to 70 degrees in ten seconds. The exhilarating feeling of a sauna followed by a swim is pure bliss-something most sauna enthusiasts look forward to, yet is misunderstood by those who have never tried it.

In short-a Finnish sauna followed by a cold water swim is an experience that ranks right up there with some of life’s greatest pleasures. It creates a sense of well-being which is impossible to describe; it must be experienced.

A sauna at the lake
There are 470,000 summer cottages in Finland with 99.9% of them having a sauna near the water. As noted on the website for the International Sauna Society, “Everyone’s best sauna is bound to be at the family’s own summer cottage.”

A sauna by the backyard pool
A sauna-by-the-lake may be ideal but a sauna-by-the-backyard-pool is also a real treat. A sauna can extend the backyard pool season by a good month on each end of summer-simply because it is so enjoyable taking a swim following a sauna.

A backyard sauna can also double as a pool house. Many outdoor saunas include a changing room; perhaps even a shower and toilet.
Thus, the sauna becomes a multi-use backyard amenity. The family can change into their swim suits there, can rinse off after they’re done swimming, and-of course, sauna and swim.

For more information, visit helosaunas.com.