Last updated 2026-07-09

What exactly is the Clearlight Premier IS-2?

The Clearlight Premier IS-2 is Jacuzzi Saunas' (formerly Clearlight Saunas') entry point into the two-person category. "Premier" is the mid-tier line, sitting above the budget Essential models and below the flagship Sanctuary series. The IS-2 label means infrared sauna, two-person capacity.

The cabinet is built from Grade A Canadian Western Red Cedar or clear Canadian hemlock, depending on the year and regional run. Both woods handle heat cycling well, resist warping, and smell good. Hemlock is the more common finish in current North American stock. Cedar costs a bit more and some people find the aromatic oils irritating if they have sensitivities.

Far infrared (FIR) is the operating wavelength here. FIR sits roughly between 5.6 and 1,000 microns on the electromagnetic spectrum, well into the heat-radiation range that warms tissue rather than just air ^[1]. That is meaningfully different from a traditional Finnish sauna, which heats the air to 180-200°F and lets your body absorb that heat conductively. FIR cabins typically run 120-150°F air temp, which many people find easier to breathe in, while still producing a solid sweat.

This is a good place to get oriented on home sauna types before committing to any single unit.

What are the interior dimensions and how much space does it actually need?

The IS-2 interior is approximately 47 inches wide, 39 inches deep, and 75 inches tall. Exterior footprint runs about 53 inches wide by 45 inches deep. You need to add clearance: most installation guides suggest at least 2 to 3 inches on the sides and back for ventilation, and enough door-swing clearance in front.

For two adults, 47 by 39 is functional but not spacious. Two people sitting side-by-side on the bench fit. Two people leaning back and stretching out do not. If you plan to use it mostly with a partner and want room to move, the IS-3 or the Sanctuary two-person models are worth pricing out. The IS-2 is really best for one person who occasionally wants company, or two people who are comfortable being close.

The bench runs the full back wall and seats two with a small gap between them. Bench height is standard at around 18 inches. There is a floor-level bench section on some configurations, but not on all IS-2 units.

Electrical: the IS-2 runs on a standard 120V/20A dedicated circuit in the US. That is a major practical advantage over traditional saunas or larger FIR units that need 240V wiring. You need a dedicated 20A breaker, not a shared circuit. If your panel already has a spare 20A slot, installation is straightforward. If it does not, budget for an electrician.

How do the True Wave II heaters work and why does Clearlight emphasize them?

The IS-2 uses Clearlight's True Wave II heaters, which are a combination of carbon and ceramic elements. Carbon panels produce longer-wavelength far infrared more evenly across a large surface area. Ceramic produces more intense, shorter-wavelength output. The combination is Clearlight's answer to the tradeoff that exists in pure-carbon (even but mild) versus pure-ceramic (intense but uneven) designs.

The IS-2 has six heater panels: two on the back wall, two on the side walls, one at calf level in the front, and one beneath the bench. The calf and below-bench placement matters because most cheaper FIR saunas only heat from the back wall, leaving legs and feet largely outside the infrared field. Full-surround coverage is a genuine advantage for even heat distribution.

Peak output sits around 1,400 to 1,500 watts total. Heat-up time from cold to 120°F is typically 20 to 25 minutes, which is much faster than a traditional sauna.

One honest caveat: the marketing around "far" versus "mid" versus "near" infrared is often murkier than sellers admit. The wavelength boundaries are real, but the clinical differentiation between them at sauna temperatures is not as settled as the sales copy implies. The broader evidence base for infrared sauna use, including cardiovascular and relaxation effects, covers FIR saunas generally rather than specific heater configurations. A 2018 systematic review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found associations between FIR sauna use and improvements in arterial stiffness and heart rate variability, while noting most studies had small sample sizes ^[2].

What is the EMF situation and should you be concerned?

EMF (electromagnetic field) output is where Clearlight puts significant marketing effort, and it is worth separating the real from the puffery.

The IS-2 is rated at less than 3 milligauss (mG) at sitting position according to Clearlight's published specs. Some third-party testers have measured even lower, in the 1 to 2 mG range at body distance. For reference, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) sets a general public reference level of 2,000 mG (that is 2 Tesla exposure equivalents) for 50/60 Hz fields, so 3 mG is a small fraction of any established guideline ^[3].

The practical reality: the low-EMF claim from Clearlight is credible in the sense that their heater shielding does measurably reduce field strength compared to cheaper carbon panels. Whether that difference in the milligauss range has any health significance is a separate question, and the honest answer is that the science does not currently establish harm at the levels produced by even unshielded sauna heaters. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes that "the scientific evidence for health effects from ELF-EMF is mostly inconsistent and unconvincing" ^[4].

So: the low-EMF spec is real, the shielding is real, and whether it matters to your health is genuinely uncertain. If you are anxious about EMF, the IS-2's numbers will reassure you. If you are not, it is a nice-to-have but probably not a purchase driver.

What does the IS-2 cost and is it worth the price?

The IS-2 retails between $4,000 and $5,000 depending on the dealer, current promotions, and whether cedar or hemlock is chosen. Clearlight does periodic sales that can take 10 to 15 percent off, and some authorized dealers offer financing.

For context, here is how the IS-2 sits relative to the broader market:

At $4,000 to $5,000 the IS-2 is a serious purchase. Is it worth it? Compared to budget FIR saunas, yes, the build quality, heater coverage, and warranty justify the gap. Compared to the Sanctuary line, you give up full-spectrum (near + mid + far) heaters and get a smaller interior, but you save $1,500 or more. Compared to a traditional outdoor wood-burning sauna, you get convenience and lower electrical cost but lose the higher temperatures and the cultural experience. That tradeoff is personal.

Running cost matters too. At 1,400 to 1,500 watts and a 45-minute session, you are looking at roughly 1.1 kWh per session. At the US average residential electricity rate of about 16 cents per kWh in 2024 ^[5], that is roughly 18 cents a session, or under $7 a month if you use it daily. That is a genuine advantage over commercial sauna memberships that often run $50 to $150 per month.

What health benefits does far infrared sauna use actually have evidence for?

I want to be straight with you here: the evidence for infrared sauna specifically is real but comes mostly from small, short-term trials. Here are the headline findings worth knowing.

Cardiovascular function: A 2012 randomized trial published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that far infrared sauna use (15 minutes daily, 5 days/week for 2 weeks) in patients with chronic heart failure improved endothelial function and reduced symptoms ^[6]. That is a clinical population, not healthy adults, and sample sizes were small.

Relaxation and autonomic function: Several studies have found that FIR sauna sessions reduce cortisol and shift heart rate variability toward parasympathetic activation. The best overview remains a 2020 review in Complementary Therapies in Medicine that surveyed 40 trials and found consistent short-term benefits for relaxation and mood, with limited data on long-term outcomes ^[7].

What the evidence does NOT yet establish: cancer prevention, major immune system changes, or significant detoxification beyond what normal sweating produces. Sweating does excrete small amounts of certain heavy metals and compounds, but the kidneys and liver handle the bulk of detoxification. Claims about infrared sauna "detox" go well beyond the published data.

If you are researching the broader picture before buying, the sauna benefits guide covers what the research actually shows across both traditional and infrared types.

A real risk: anyone with cardiovascular disease, hypotension, or who is pregnant should talk to a physician before regular sauna use. The American College of Cardiology notes that hemodynamic effects of sauna bathing are significant enough to require clinical caution in at-risk populations ^[6].

How does the IS-2 compare to the Clearlight Sanctuary 2?

The Sanctuary 2 is Clearlight's flagship two-person unit and costs roughly $1,500 to $2,000 more than the IS-2. The main differences:

Heaters: The Sanctuary 2 adds True Wave Full Spectrum heaters that include near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) alongside far infrared. NIR and MIR penetrate tissue differently and are associated with different biological effects in the literature, though the evidence separating their benefits at sauna-use doses is thin. If the full-spectrum argument matters to you, the Sanctuary is the upgrade path.

Construction: The Sanctuary 2 uses a rounded interior roof design, full-length glass door panel, and larger interior (roughly 56 by 39 inches versus 47 by 39 for the IS-2). That extra nine inches of width makes a real difference for two people.

Electrical: The Sanctuary 2 typically requires a 240V/20A circuit, which adds installation complexity and cost compared to the IS-2's 120V requirement.

For most people who want a two-person FIR sauna at home, the IS-2 is the better financial decision unless full-spectrum heaters are a non-negotiable. The Sanctuary's interior size advantage is worth something, but not $2,000 worth for most households.

What features come standard on the IS-2?

Clearlight includes several features that are legitimately useful rather than just marketing bullets:

Chromotherapy lighting: Color LED panels built into the ceiling and sometimes side walls. Color light therapy has limited but real evidence for mood effects ^[8]. It is a nice ambient feature. Whether it adds physiological benefit on top of the sauna session itself is uncertain.

Bluetooth audio: A two-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Sound quality is functional, not audiophile. It works for podcasts or music during a 30-minute session.

Digital control panel: Inside and outside controls with temperature and timer settings. Preheat from outside the cabin so the unit is ready when you are.

Audio-visual outputs: A couple of IS-2 configurations include tablet holders and auxiliary audio inputs. These vary by year and dealer stock.

The unit does not come with a steam generator, which means you can not add steam to the infrared session the way some competitors allow. If steam is something you want, that is a genuine gap. The sauna vs steam room breakdown covers why some people find that combination valuable.

Warranty: Clearlight offers a lifetime warranty on the heaters and electronics for the original owner, and a limited warranty on wood and other components. Read the fine print on what the lifetime warranty actually covers; labor costs for heater replacement are not always included.

What does installation actually involve?

The IS-2 ships in panels and assembles without tools in 30 to 45 minutes according to Clearlight. In practice, having two people makes assembly easier. The panels click and screw together. You do not need to be handy, but you need to be comfortable following instructions carefully.

Floor requirements: The unit sits on any flat, level interior surface. Hardwood, tile, concrete, or carpet all work. It does not need to be bolted down.

Electrical: You need a dedicated 120V/20A GFCI circuit nearby. If your home is older and your panel is at capacity, factor in an electrician visit. Electrical permit requirements vary by municipality. In most US jurisdictions, adding a dedicated circuit requires a permit and inspection. Your local building department can confirm this.

Ventilation: FIR saunas do not produce steam or combustion gases, so you do not need an exhaust vent the way a steam room does. A door gap or small passive vent in the room is usually sufficient.

Location options are flexible: spare bedroom, basement, garage, or enclosed porch all work. The unit is not rated for fully outdoor exposure. If you want an outdoor setup, you need a covered structure. For comparison on what outdoor-specific options look like, the outdoor sauna guide covers that category separately.

Weight is approximately 350 to 400 pounds fully assembled. Getting it through a doorway in sections is usually manageable; confirm your door widths before delivery.

How does the IS-2 compare to other two-person infrared saunas on the market?

The two-person FIR sauna market has exploded since around 2020. Here is an honest competitive landscape:

Sunlighten mPulse Believe: Sunlighten's closest direct competitor. Also runs full-spectrum heaters, similar price range, and arguably better app integration and telemetry. Sunlighten's heater configuration has been studied more independently than Clearlight's. If you want the most researched full-spectrum option, Sunlighten is worth a direct comparison.

HigherDose two-person unit: Popular with the wellness crowd, attractive design, but thinner walls and less heater coverage than the IS-2. The brand marketing runs ahead of the product specifications.

Dynamic and Radiant Saunas: Budget brands at $1,500 to $2,500. Carbon-only heaters, thinner wood panels, shorter warranties. Fine for casual use, not for daily use over a decade.

Almost Heaven and other traditional two-person options: If you prefer an electric traditional sauna over infrared, these are in a similar price band and offer higher temperatures. The sauna experience is meaningfully different; check the broader sauna overview to understand which session type matches your goals.

The IS-2 holds its own against most mid-range competitors on build quality and heater completeness. It loses to Sunlighten on full-spectrum output and app features. It wins on price versus the Sanctuary line and on warranty length versus nearly everyone.

What should you check before buying from any IS-2 dealer?

Clearlight operates through authorized dealers and direct-to-consumer online sales. A few things to confirm before you buy:

Authorized dealer status: Warranty claims go through Clearlight, but the purchase goes through the dealer. Buying from an unauthorized reseller may void the warranty. Clearlight maintains a dealer list on their website.

Shipping terms: Most IS-2 units ship freight, not small parcel. Understand whether "white glove" delivery (inside the door, panel placement) is included or costs extra. Standard freight drops the pallet at the curb. That is a meaningful difference for a 400-pound unit.

Return policy: Saunas are essentially non-returnable once assembled. Understand the dealer's policy completely before you pay. Clearlight's own return window is typically 30 days unassembled.

Promotion authenticity: Clearlight runs a lot of sales. Some are genuinely time-limited; others cycle continuously. Do not let urgency messaging push you into a faster decision than you need. If a price is available today, it will likely be available or close to it in a few weeks.

SweatDecks carries infrared sauna options and can help match you to the right unit for your space and budget if you want a second opinion from someone who handles these products regularly.

Finally, think about pairing. Many buyers find that adding a cold plunge to a home sauna setup creates a contrast therapy protocol that they actually use more consistently than either alone. The logistics of pairing do not require a dedicated plunge pool; an ice bath tub or cold shower produces the same physiological shift.

What do buyers commonly wish they had known before purchasing the IS-2?

Based on consistent patterns in public reviews across Amazon, Reddit's r/sauna community, and sauna-focused forums, a few recurring themes come up from IS-2 owners:

The 120V requirement is a genuine selling point that gets underappreciated. Buyers who previously balked at 240V saunas find that the standard circuit setup removes a big practical obstacle.

The two-person capacity is tighter than expected. Most owners end up using it solo the majority of the time, which is fine, but people who bought it specifically for couples use sometimes wish they had sized up.

The Bluetooth speaker system disappoints audiophiles. It works, but it is not worth weighing heavily in the purchase decision.

The smell of new wood is stronger than people expect for the first few sessions. Hemlock has a light, pleasant smell that dissipates. Cedar is more aromatic and takes longer to mellow.

The lifetime heater warranty has real value. Several long-term owners mention heater replacements at 5 to 7 years of daily use, and having those covered without cost was meaningful.

Preheat time of 20 to 25 minutes makes spontaneous use slightly inconvenient. Building a routine around it, such as starting it before a workout or before dinner, solves this practically.

Frequently asked questions

What are the exact interior dimensions of the Clearlight Premier IS-2?

The IS-2 interior is approximately 47 inches wide, 39 inches deep, and 75 inches tall. The exterior footprint is about 53 by 45 inches. Two adults fit on the bench, but it is a close fit. If you want comfortable two-person use with room to move, the IS-3 or the Sanctuary 2 with its 56-inch interior width is the better choice.

Does the Clearlight Premier IS-2 need a special electrical outlet?

It runs on a standard 120V/20A dedicated circuit, which is a meaningful advantage over larger saunas that need 240V wiring. You do need a dedicated 20A breaker, not a shared circuit. If your panel has a spare 20A slot, a licensed electrician can add a GFCI outlet nearby for a few hundred dollars. Most US municipalities require an electrical permit for new dedicated circuits.

How long does it take to heat up the IS-2?

From a cold start, the IS-2 typically reaches 120°F in 20 to 25 minutes. The digital control panel lets you start preheat remotely so the unit is ready when you arrive. At roughly 1,400 to 1,500 watts total heater output, it is faster than most traditional electric saunas and comparable to other mid-range FIR models.

Is the Clearlight Premier IS-2 EMF-safe?

Clearlight rates the IS-2 at under 3 milligauss at sitting position, which is a small fraction of the ICNIRP's general public reference level of 2,000 mG for 50/60 Hz fields. Third-party measurements generally confirm low readings. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes that current scientific evidence for health effects from ELF-EMF is mostly inconsistent. The low-EMF spec is real; whether it matters to health is genuinely uncertain.

What wood is the IS-2 made from?

Current production typically uses Grade A clear Canadian hemlock. Some configurations and older production runs used Canadian Western Red Cedar. Both woods handle heat cycling well and resist warping. Cedar is more aromatic and costs a bit more. Some people with sensitivities to aromatic oils prefer hemlock. Neither wood choice affects heater performance or warranty coverage.

Can I put the IS-2 outdoors?

No, the IS-2 is not rated for outdoor exposure. It needs to be in a covered, climate-controlled interior space such as a bedroom, basement, or enclosed garage. If you want a sauna on a deck or patio, you need a unit specifically designed for outdoor placement. The outdoor sauna category uses different materials and construction to handle moisture and temperature variation.

How much does it cost to run the IS-2 per session?

At 1,400 to 1,500 watts and a 45-minute session, you use roughly 1.1 kWh. At the US average residential electricity rate of about 16 cents per kWh in 2024, that is approximately 18 cents per session. Daily use for a month costs under $7 in electricity, well below what a commercial sauna membership costs.

What warranty does the Clearlight Premier IS-2 come with?

Clearlight offers a lifetime warranty on the True Wave II heaters and electronics for the original owner. Wood and other cabinet components have a more limited warranty. The lifetime heater warranty is genuinely valuable: some long-term owners have used it to cover replacements at 5 to 7 years of daily use. Read the fine print on whether labor costs for warranty repairs are included, as that varies.

How does far infrared compare to a traditional sauna?

Traditional Finnish saunas run 170 to 200°F and heat the body primarily through hot air. Far infrared saunas run 120 to 150°F and use infrared radiation to warm tissue more directly. FIR cabins are easier to breathe in for most people and heat up faster. Both produce sweating and cardiovascular effects. Traditional saunas have a larger long-term evidence base; FIR studies are growing but mostly short-term and small.

Can I use the IS-2 for contrast therapy with a cold plunge?

Yes, and many buyers set up exactly this combination. Heat the body in the sauna for 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer to a cold plunge or ice bath for 2 to 5 minutes, then return to the sauna. This cycle is called contrast therapy. The cold plunge benefits page covers the physiological rationale. The IS-2's fast preheat and low running cost make it practical for repeated daily cycles.

Is the IS-2 hard to assemble?

Clearlight states 30 to 45 minutes with no tools required. In practice two people make it easier. Panels click and screw together with included hardware. Most owners with basic DIY comfort complete it without professional help. The main logistical challenge is getting the freight-delivered panels into the installation space, since the unit weighs 350 to 400 pounds in total.

What is the difference between the Clearlight Premier and Clearlight Sanctuary lines?

The Premier IS-2 uses far infrared (True Wave II carbon/ceramic) heaters and runs on 120V. The Sanctuary 2 adds full-spectrum heaters (near, mid, and far infrared), has a wider interior (roughly 56 vs 47 inches), and requires a 240V circuit. The Sanctuary 2 typically costs $1,500 to $2,000 more. If full-spectrum output and a roomier interior matter enough to justify the price gap and 240V wiring, the Sanctuary is the upgrade.

Are there any health risks from using the IS-2 regularly?

For healthy adults, regular moderate sauna use has a good safety profile. Risks increase for people with cardiovascular disease, hypotension, or during pregnancy. The American College of Cardiology notes that sauna bathing produces significant hemodynamic effects that warrant caution in at-risk populations. Stay hydrated, limit sessions to 15 to 30 minutes when starting, and exit if you feel dizzy or nauseated. Consult a physician if you have existing health conditions.

Does the IS-2 include chromotherapy and what does it actually do?

Yes, chromotherapy LED lighting comes standard. Color light is built into the ceiling and sometimes side panels. There is limited but real evidence that specific light wavelengths can influence mood and circadian signals. Whether chromotherapy adds meaningful physiological benefit on top of the infrared session itself is not established. Most buyers treat it as a pleasant ambient feature rather than a therapeutic tool.

Sources

1. NASA Technical Reports Server, Infrared Radiation and the Electromagnetic Spectrum: Far infrared radiation occupies roughly 5.6 to 1,000 microns on the electromagnetic spectrum
2. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, 'Infrared Sauna in Patients with Cardiovascular Risk Factors': 2018 systematic review found associations between FIR sauna use and improvements in arterial stiffness and heart rate variability, noting small sample sizes across most studies
3. International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), Guidelines for ELF Fields: ICNIRP sets a general public reference level of 2,000 mG (milligauss) for 50/60 Hz electromagnetic fields
4. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Electric and Magnetic Fields: NIEHS states that scientific evidence for health effects from ELF-EMF is mostly inconsistent and unconvincing
5. U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Retail Electricity Prices 2024: US average residential electricity rate was approximately 16 cents per kWh in 2024
6. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2012, Kihara et al., 'Repeated Sauna Therapy in Chronic Heart Failure': 15-minute daily far infrared sauna sessions for 2 weeks improved endothelial function and reduced symptoms in chronic heart failure patients; hemodynamic effects of sauna bathing are significant enough to require clinical caution in at-risk populations
7. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2020, Hussain and Cohen, 'Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing': 2020 review of 40 trials found consistent short-term benefits of sauna use for relaxation and mood, with limited data on long-term outcomes
8. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, 'Chromotherapy: A Science of Light': Color light therapy (chromotherapy) has limited but real evidence for mood effects from specific wavelengths of light
9. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Home Electrical Safety: Dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances should use GFCI protection; local permits are typically required for new dedicated circuit additions
10. American College of Cardiology, CardioSmart, Sauna Bathing and Cardiovascular Health: The American College of Cardiology notes that hemodynamic effects of sauna bathing are significant enough to require clinical caution in at-risk populations including those with heart disease or hypotension