How to Get a Sauna in Alaska: What to Know Before You Buy

If you’ve ever stepped out into the crisp Alaskan air and thought, “There’s got to be a better way to warm up and get well,” we’ve got three words for you: your own sauna.

Whether you live in the Anchorage bowl, on the Hillside, out in the MatSu, or down on the Kenai Peninsula, a sauna doesn’t just bring the heat — it brings year-round wellness right to your backyard. 

And yes, you can get one delivered wherever you live in the state. We can help you make it happen.

Why Saunas Are a Natural Fit for Alaska Life

Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, ease tension, or just take better care of yourself, a sauna can be one of the most powerful wellness tools you can add to your home. Especially in Alaska, where long winters and dark days can take a toll, having a space to sweat, relax, and restore makes a real difference.

From helping you recover after a ski trip in Girdwood to shaking off the mid-winter blues at your weekend cabin, a sauna brings warmth and wellness wherever you are. Whether it’s part of your daily routine in Anchorage or your go-to ritual after a long hike in the MatSu, saunas offer real health benefits:

• Boost circulation and reduce inflammation
• Support immune health during cold and flu season
• Soothe sore muscles and stiff joints after long workdays or adventures
• Improve sleep and regulate mood — goodbye, seasonal slump
• Create a mindful space to unplug from screens and stress

In places like the MatSu Valley and Kenai Peninsula, where winters stretch long and cold, a sauna is more than a luxury — it’s a home-based wellness solution.

What Kind of Sauna Should You Get?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Here’s what to consider:

Infrared vs. Traditional

• Infrared saunas heat your body directly, are energy-efficient, and heat up quickly and often plug right into an existing outlet. 
• Traditional saunas (wood-burning or electric) create steam and high ambient temps — the classic sauna experience. 

Indoor vs. Outdoor

• Indoor saunas are great if you want a wellness retreat within your home — especially popular in homes and condos where space is limited and convenience matters. These are typically traditional or infrared, and can be installed in bathrooms, basements, or spare rooms. 

  Want to think outside of the box? We can work with you to create custom sauna rooms for your home. 

• Outdoor saunas are ideal for cabins, backyard escapes, or remote properties. They’re designed to handle Alaska’s rugged climate and offer a quiet, immersive wellness experience surrounded by nature.
  
  Many outdoor models — including wood-fired saunas — don’t require electricity, making them perfect for off-grid living or weekend retreats. Wood-burning saunas offer a traditional, sensory-rich experience with that iconic crackling heat and pine-scented steam. They’re simple, reliable, and a favorite for Alaskans who want to keep things unplugged. 

Style & Size

From cozy 1-person infrared units to larger barrel or cabin-style saunas, you can choose what works for your space, climate, and family.

We help homeowners across Anchorage, Kenai, and the MatSu Valley find the right fit — even for off-grid setups.

Can You Really Get a Sauna in Alaska? Yes — and Here’s How

Here’s the good news: We have sauna clients throughout Alaska — and we’ve seen it all. From neighborhood homes in Anchorage to remote Kenai homesteads and boat-in or fly-in locations like Kodiak or Halibut Cove, our team knows how to navigate logistics and help you get your sauna up and running.

What to expect:

• Delivery & Setup: We handle all the planning, whether it’s driveway drop-off or full-service install coordination.
• Installation Support: We’ll walk you through what’s needed — base prep, electrical access, etc.
• Regional Expertise: We understand what holds up in Alaskan winters (and what doesn’t).

What to Look for in a Sauna Provider

Buying a sauna online from the Lower 48 may look cheaper — until you hit the shipping calculator or realize your warranty doesn’t cover Alaska.

Here’s what sets a local sauna partner apart:

• Alaska-based service and support
• Real people who understand Alaska weather and logistics (heck, we understand logistics for Fairbanks, Kodiak, and Southeast Alaska just as well as we do the Rail Belt — we’ve seen it all and we’ve done it all!)
• Trusted products with warranties that hold up here
• Access to other wellness products like hot tubs, swim spas, cold plunges, and more

At The Waterworks, we’re proud to help homeowners from Talkeetna to Homer invest in warmth, wellness, and worry-free installation.

What Does a Sauna Cost in Alaska?

Every sauna setup is different — and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re looking for a compact indoor unit, a hybrid system like the Tylö Kiruna, or a custom wood-fired sauna for your weekend cabin, we’ll help you find the right fit for your space, lifestyle, and budget.

And yes — it can be surprisingly affordable.

With flexible financing options available, you can get started for as low as $99/month (O.A.C.). [See financing details →]

When you work with The Waterworks, you’re not just buying a product — you’re getting:

• Delivery and installation support across Southcentral Alaska
• A local partner who understands climate and logistics
• Long-term service and guidance from a real team of Alaskans, not a faceless 800 number

Whether you’re ready to relax daily in your Anchorage home or want to make your Kenai cabin even cozier, we’ll help you bring the heat.

Tips Before You Buy

Regardless of if you’re in Anchorage, the MatSu, or down on the Kenai — or somewhere else in Alaska, here’s how to prep for a successful sauna project:

• Check your space: Indoor or outdoor? Covered area or exposed?
• Plan ahead: Spring and summer are great for installs — but we work year-round.
• Think long-term: A well-maintained sauna can last decades with the right care.
• Ask yourself: How will you use it? For post-workout recovery? Winter self-care? Quiet, phone-free evenings? Knowing your wellness goals will help you choose the right sauna style and setup. 

Sauna Season Never Ends When You Buy Local

At The Waterworks, we believe summer fun and personal wellness shouldn’t have an expiration date — and with a sauna, they don’t have to.

From Anchorage to the MatSu Valley, across the Kenai Peninsula, and throughout Southcentral Alaska, we’re here to help you create a wellness routine that lasts all year. A sauna isn’t just a heat source — it’s a space to care for your body, slow down, and feel your best, no matter what’s happening outside.

Ready to bring the heat home?

Visit our showrooms in Anchorage or Eagle River or call us today to talk sauna options. Our team is standing by.