Upgrading to a Barrel Sauna

[Nichka]

I'm ready to swap my infrared sauna for an electric one, and Costco's barrel sauna caught my eye, I mean, there a tons of great reviews and I'm not up for a custom build right now. But why all the hate? Rain leakage? That's fixable. Is there something I'm missing here?

 

[vandaleur90]

Those barrel saunas are good. but yeah, that rain leaks though. They don't come with a roof kit, so water can sneak in. My brother has one and he needed to tighten the bands often after a few months. Are you planning to keep it outdoors all year?

 

[SteamMcQueen]

I'm ready to swap my infrared sauna for an electric one, and Costco's barrel sauna caught my eye, I mean, there a tons of great reviews and I'm not up for a custom build right now. But why all the hate? Rain leakage? That's fixable. Is there something I'm missing here?

Yeah, the Costco barrel is pretty popular for its ease and rain leakage is really a common complaint with barrel saunas in general.
I think it's due to the wood expansion-contraction.
A friend was considering to get one too but she didn't like the additional step of getting a roof kit.

 

[Nichka]

Those barrel saunas are good. but yeah, that rain leaks though. They don't come with a roof kit, so water can sneak in. My brother has one and he needed to tighten the bands often after a few months. Are you planning to keep it outdoors all year?

If rain is the main issue, why don't manufacturers just include a basic roof kit by default? Seems shady to sell outdoor saunas without weatherproofing when they know the problem exists

 

[Nichka]

Yeah, the Costco barrel is pretty popular for its ease and rain leakage is really a common complaint with barrel saunas in general.
I think it's due to the wood expansion-contraction.
A friend was considering to get one too but she didn't like the additional step of getting a roof kit.

If wood expansion is a known issue, why hasn't the industry standardized integrated roofing or sealing options, should buyers really be stuck solving design flaws on a product meant for relaxation?