Last updated 2026-07-09

What is Clearlight Sauna and who makes it?

Clearlight Saunas is a brand owned by Sauna Works Inc., based in the United States. For several years the brand sold under the Jacuzzi Infrared Saunas name after a licensing deal with Jacuzzi. Since around 2022 it has gone back to operating mainly as Clearlight Saunas. The company builds both far-infrared and full-spectrum infrared saunas, and it aims at health-focused home buyers who want a premium wood box with low-EMF heaters and a long warranty.

Watch the name. Clearlight Saunas is not the same as Clearlight Infrared, a separate smaller company. If you're shopping third-party resellers, confirm which entity you're dealing with. Clearlight Saunas (the Sauna Works brand) is the established one that makes the lifetime warranty claims.

Their biggest selling point is True Wave II heater technology, which pairs carbon and ceramic elements. Carbon panels put out even, low-temperature radiant heat across a wide surface. Ceramic rods add higher peak temperatures at a shorter wavelength. The pitch is that you get better coverage than pure ceramic (which runs hot in spots) and more intensity than pure carbon alone. Whether that combination actually beats a well-made carbon-only heater is genuinely debated, and no peer-reviewed study has compared heater types inside identical sauna cabins.

Want the basics first? The sauna article here explains what infrared saunas are and how they differ from traditional Finnish saunas. Read it before you spend $6,000 on a box.

What models does Clearlight make, and how do they compare?

Clearlight's lineup splits into three rough tiers. The Sanctuary series is the premium full-spectrum line. The Premier IS series is far-infrared and mid-range. The Sanctuary Outdoor series is built for exterior installation. There are also specialty units like the Clearlight Dome and a two-person Y cabin.

Here's how the main indoor models stack up as of mid-2026:

Prices move with promotions and authorized dealers, so treat these as ballpark figures. The gap between the IS series and the Sanctuary series is mostly the full-spectrum heaters, which add near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared wavelengths on top of far-infrared. If near-infrared matters to you, the Sanctuary series is the only way to get it in the Clearlight lineup.

For comparison, other home sauna options at similar price points include Sun Home Saunas, Finnmark, and Sunlighten, which we cover separately.

How low is the EMF in a Clearlight infrared sauna, and does it matter?

EMF marketing is everywhere in the infrared sauna business, and Clearlight leans into it harder than most. Their True Wave II heaters are advertised as producing near-zero EMF (electric and magnetic fields) and near-zero ELF (extremely low frequency fields). They publish third-party test reports showing readings under 1 milligauss (mG) for magnetic fields at the body's position inside the sauna.

Put that in context. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which sets the guidelines most countries reference, puts the general public exposure limit for 50/60 Hz magnetic fields at 2,000 mG (2 mT) ^[1]. The World Health Organization's International EMF Project has reviewed the evidence and found that ELF magnetic fields at levels found in typical homes have not been shown to cause adverse health effects in the general population ^[2]. The U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences describes ELF-EMF as a "possible" carcinogen under IARC classification, which is the lowest concern category and rests on weak epidemiological associations, not direct causation ^[3].

What does that mean for you? If you sit in a non-low-EMF infrared sauna, you're almost certainly still inside ICNIRP's safe limits. Clearlight's near-zero EMF claim is real in the sense that their heaters do test low. But the idea that this is a big health protection above baseline saunas has no clinical backing. I wouldn't let EMF numbers drive the decision. Buy on build quality, heater coverage, and warranty.

One honest caveat: nobody has good long-term data on daily infrared sauna use and EMF exposure from sauna heaters. The epidemiological data that exists is mostly about overhead power lines and occupational exposure, not 20-minute daily sauna sessions.

What wood is used in Clearlight saunas and why does it matter?

Clearlight uses either Canadian Western Red Cedar or Basswood across most of the lineup. Cedar is the traditional sauna wood for a reason. It's naturally antimicrobial, it resists warping from repeated heat-cool cycles, it smells great, and it looks warm. Basswood is hypoallergenic (some people react to cedar's natural oils), lighter in color, and a little cheaper to source.

The Premier IS series ships in Basswood by default. The Sanctuary series is Cedar by default, with Basswood available on request. For outdoor models, Cedar is the only sensible choice because it handles moisture and UV far better.

Why does wood choice matter beyond looks? Kiln-dried, tight-grained wood holds up to the repeated thermal stress of a sauna. Green or poorly dried wood warps and cracks over years of use. Clearlight says its wood is kiln-dried and finger-jointed for stability, which is standard practice among premium makers. If you're buying a cheaper sauna from an unknown brand, ask about the drying process and the wood source. That's where corners get cut.

Care about off-gassing? Some cheaper sauna makers use formaldehyde-containing adhesives or MDF panels in their construction. Clearlight states its interiors are free of those materials. That isn't independently verified on every unit, but it's a fair question to ask any manufacturer before you buy.

What does the Clearlight lifetime warranty actually cover?

Clearlight advertises a "lifetime warranty" on its saunas. It sounds impressive, and it has real limits you should read before buying.

The lifetime warranty covers the cabin (wood structure) and the True Wave II heaters for the lifetime of the original purchaser. The electronics (control panel, audio system, lighting) typically carry a shorter warranty, often 5 years. Accessories and consumables are shorter still.

The warranty is non-transferable. Sell the sauna, and the buyer gets no coverage from Clearlight. That matters if you plan to move or resell. A $7,000 sauna with no warranty transfer has lower resale value than you might expect. A comparable sauna with a transferable warranty is worth more on the secondary market.

Claims typically require original proof of purchase, photos of the issue, and a return authorization. Clearlight's customer service reputation on this is mixed in owner forums. Plenty of people report smooth replacements for heater failures. Others report slow responses. That's normal for a mid-to-premium brand. I wouldn't count on any warranty claim being effortless.

Here's the takeaway. The lifetime warranty on heaters and structure is genuinely valuable and above average for the industry. Just know the electronics coverage is not lifetime, and the non-transferable clause hits resale.

Does the research support infrared sauna health benefits?

The honest answer: the research is promising for cardiovascular function and relaxation, thin in other areas, and not strong enough to make medical promises.

The most-cited work on sauna and cardiovascular health comes from Finnish longitudinal studies. A 2018 paper in BMC Medicine following 1,688 middle-aged Finnish men found that sauna bathing frequency was inversely associated with fatal cardiovascular disease events, with frequent users (4 to 7 times per week) showing lower risk than infrequent users ^[4]. That study used traditional Finnish saunas at high heat (around 80 degrees C), not infrared saunas. So how well it applies to a Clearlight session at 55 degrees C is genuinely unclear.

Infrared-specific evidence exists but is smaller. A study published in JACC: Heart Failure found improvements in exercise tolerance and quality of life in heart failure patients using infrared sauna therapy compared to controls, though it was a small randomized trial (n=149) ^[5]. The researchers concluded, "Waon therapy (infrared sauna) significantly improved clinical symptoms, cardiac function, and vascular endothelial function in patients with chronic heart failure." That's a specific patient population, not healthy adults.

For muscle recovery and soreness, the evidence is thinner. A few small trials suggest heat therapy (including infrared) may reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), but the sample sizes are small and the protocols vary enough that firm conclusions are hard. Nobody should buy a $7,000 sauna mainly for DOMS reduction.

Mental health effects are being studied actively. A 2021 review in Psychosomatic Medicine reported associations between regular sauna bathing and lower depression risk in observational data, while calling for more controlled trials ^[6].

Want the full picture across sauna types? The sauna benefits article goes deeper on the research.

One thing to know: the FDA does not approve infrared saunas for treating any medical condition ^[8]. Claims about detoxification, cancer treatment, or weight loss are not supported by the level of evidence required for medical claims. Treat them with the skepticism they deserve.

How does Clearlight compare to Sun Home, Sunlighten, and other competitors?

Four brands come up over and over when someone is serious about spending $5,000+ on an infrared sauna: Clearlight, Sun Home, Sunlighten, and Health Mate. Here's an honest comparison.

Clearlight vs. Sunlighten is the most common comparison. Sunlighten's mPulse series uses programmable full-spectrum heaters and a digital control system that lets you tune wavelength targets during a session. That's a genuinely different feature if you want near-infrared specifically (for photobiomodulation research, such as it is). Clearlight's full-spectrum Sanctuary models have the wavelength range but not the same programmability at the same price point.

On value, Sun Home Saunas undercuts Clearlight with comparable wood and heater specs. I'd say Clearlight's warranty history and track record edge out Sun Home slightly for buyers who plan to keep the unit 10+ years. Sun Home is still a reasonable pick if you want to spend less.

Health Mate's Tecoloy heaters work differently from carbon panels. They heat faster and run hotter, which some users prefer. If you're used to a traditional high-heat sauna and want an infrared unit that mimics that intensity better, Health Mate is worth a look.

Want a much lower price point? Portable sauna options run $200 to $800, though they're a completely different experience.

How much does a Clearlight infrared sauna cost to run?

Operating cost is easy to underestimate. A Clearlight IS-2 (2-person, far-infrared) draws roughly 1,600 to 1,750 watts. Run it for one hour, and that's about 1.6 to 1.75 kilowatt-hours (kWh).

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the average residential electricity price in the United States in 2024 was about 16.2 cents per kWh ^[7]. At that rate, a one-hour session costs about 26 to 28 cents. Daily use for a year runs roughly $95 to $102 at the national average.

Live in California, Hawaii, or another high-rate state? Your rate might be 30 to 40 cents per kWh ^[10], pushing annual electricity cost to $175 to $230 for daily use. That's still modest next to the price of the unit, but worth knowing.

The Sanctuary full-spectrum models draw more power, up to 2,000 to 2,400 watts for larger units, because they run near-infrared emitters on top of the far-infrared panels. Bigger cabins add electrical load too. A 4-person Sanctuary 4 running at full power for an hour could use 2.4 kWh, or about 39 cents at the national average.

Installation cost is separate. Most Clearlight models need a dedicated 15 or 20 amp 120V circuit, which a licensed electrician can usually run for $150 to $500 depending on how far the panel is. Some larger models require a 240V circuit, which runs $200 to $800 installed. Factor this in before your first session.

What installation do you need for a Clearlight sauna at home?

Most Clearlight 1-3 person models arrive as pre-cut panels that two people can assemble in 30 to 60 minutes without tools beyond a mallet. The method is tongue-and-groove: panels lock together, the roof sits on top, the heaters are pre-wired, and you plug the control panel cable into the harness. No special tools, no contractor for the assembly itself.

What you do need:

Floor surface: Clearlight recommends a flat, level floor. Carpet works but isn't ideal because it holds moisture. Tile, hardwood, concrete, or vinyl plank all work fine. The unit is freestanding, so no wall anchors or floor fasteners are needed.

Clearance: Leave at least 3 to 4 inches of clearance from walls on all sides for airflow and to avoid heat buildup against nearby surfaces. Check your local building code, but most jurisdictions don't require a permit for a plug-in indoor sauna.

Electrical: The 1- and 2-person models typically use a standard 15A/120V circuit. 3-person and larger units often need a dedicated 20A/120V circuit. The 4-person Sanctuary 4 may require 240V. Clearlight's product spec sheets list the exact requirement for each model. Verify it before ordering. Hiring an electrician to install a dedicated circuit before delivery is the right move, not after.

Door clearance: The doors on most models swing outward. Measure the room carefully. A 2-person unit with outward-swinging doors in a small bathroom can be a problem.

Outdoor installation (Sanctuary Outdoor series): These need weatherproofing, a covered location or canopy overhead, and a GFCI-protected outdoor circuit. Check local codes, which vary a lot by municipality.

Is Clearlight worth the price, or should you buy something else?

Here's my honest take after looking at the alternatives carefully.

Budget under $3,500? Don't buy a Clearlight. Look at Sun Home Saunas or a budget-friendly 1-person far-infrared unit from a reputable source. The quality difference doesn't justify the stretch.

Budget $4,000 to $6,500 and you want a solid far-infrared sauna with a real warranty and good wood? The Clearlight Premier IS-2 or IS-3 is a legitimate choice. Not the only choice, but a defensible one with a track record.

Want full-spectrum specifically (near, mid, and far infrared)? The Clearlight Sanctuary series and Sunlighten's mPulse series are the two serious options in this price range. Sunlighten's programmability is better. Clearlight's warranty language is arguably more straightforward.

Want the highest-heat, most traditional sauna experience? Neither Clearlight nor any other infrared sauna replicates a Finnish 80 to 90 degree C steam sauna. Infrared saunas run 45 to 65 degrees C typically. If you want the authentic experience that the Finnish cardiovascular studies used, look at a traditional electric or wood-burning sauna. The sauna vs steam room article compares heat modalities in more detail.

SweatDecks carries a curated selection of home sauna units including infrared models, for buyers who want pre-vetted options without sorting through every brand claim themselves.

One waste-of-money warning: don't pay extra for built-in chromotherapy (color lights) or Bluetooth audio if you won't use them. These features add to the price and do nothing to the heat or infrared output. A good $6,000 sauna with no speakers beats a cheaper unit with bad speakers every time.

For recovery contrast work, a cold plunge or ice bath paired with your sauna sessions adds another layer. The research on contrast therapy (heat then cold) is genuinely interesting and better established than some of the infrared-specific claims.

How do you maintain a Clearlight sauna and make it last?

Clearlight saunas don't need much maintenance, but a few habits will extend the life of the wood and heaters a lot.

After each session, leave the door open for 20 to 30 minutes to let moisture out. Wipe down the bench with a dry or lightly damp cloth. Don't use chemical cleaners on the interior wood. If you want to sanitize occasionally, a diluted white vinegar solution (1:10 ratio) on the bench surface is generally safe and won't strip the wood.

For the floor, a removable wooden floor mat or a towel catches most sweat. Wash the towel after every use. Cedar and basswood are naturally antimicrobial, but they're still porous and will absorb oils and sweat over time.

The exterior cleans up with a slightly damp cloth. Don't pressure-wash it or let water sit on the exterior for outdoor models.

Heaters: if a panel stops producing heat, the most common cause is a loose connection at the harness. Check the wiring before you assume the heater failed. Clearlight's warranty covers heater replacement, so if a panel genuinely fails outside of a connection issue, contact them directly with photos.

Control panels sometimes need firmware updates or reset cycles if they get unresponsive. That's common to all sauna brands with digital controls and usually clears up by cycling the breaker.

At a practical level, a well-maintained Clearlight sauna should last 15 to 25 years without structural issues. The heaters have a shorter life expectancy, roughly 10 to 15 years of regular use, but Clearlight's lifetime warranty means they'll replace failed heaters under the original owner's name.

Frequently asked questions

Is Clearlight the same as Jacuzzi Infrared Saunas?

Yes, for a period. Clearlight Saunas (made by Sauna Works Inc.) licensed the Jacuzzi brand name for its infrared line and sold units as Jacuzzi Infrared Saunas. Since around 2022, they have phased back to the Clearlight Saunas name. The underlying product, heaters, and warranty structure come from the same company. If you're comparing a Jacuzzi Infrared Sauna to a Clearlight, they're the same manufacturer.

What is a True Wave II heater and is it better than regular carbon panels?

True Wave II is Clearlight's proprietary heater design, combining carbon fiber panels (even, gentle far-infrared heat) with ceramic rods (more intensity and shorter wavelengths). The idea is better coverage and a slightly broader infrared output than either element alone. Whether it meaningfully beats a well-engineered pure carbon heater in practice has not been tested in a peer-reviewed head-to-head study. It's a reasonable design, but the marketing is louder than the evidence.

How long should a session in a Clearlight infrared sauna be?

Most research protocols run 15 to 30 minutes per session at 45 to 60 degrees C. Clearlight's own recommendations suggest starting at 10 to 15 minutes and building to 30 to 45 minutes as tolerance improves. Healthy adults can usually tolerate longer sessions, but there's no established evidence that sessions over 30 to 40 minutes give meaningfully greater benefit. Hydrate before and after, and exit if you feel dizzy. Consult a physician if you have cardiovascular conditions.

Can I use a Clearlight sauna every day?

Daily use appears safe for healthy adults based on observational data, including the Finnish cohort studies that showed the most protective associations at 4 to 7 sessions per week. From a hardware angle, Clearlight saunas are designed for daily use, and the heaters and wood should handle frequent cycling. Let the unit air out after each session and wipe the benches. No peer-reviewed study has tested daily infrared sauna use long-term, so this is partly inference from traditional sauna data.

Does a Clearlight sauna really detoxify your body?

Sweating during a session excretes trace amounts of some compounds, including small quantities of heavy metals. But the kidneys and liver are the body's main detoxification organs, and sweat is a minor pathway. There is no strong clinical evidence that infrared sauna use produces medically meaningful detoxification beyond what normal renal and hepatic function provides. Be skeptical of detox claims from any sauna brand. The heat and relaxation benefits are real; the detox framing is mostly marketing.

What is the difference between far-infrared and full-spectrum in a Clearlight sauna?

Far-infrared (FIR) wavelengths, roughly 5.6 to 1000 micrometers, are the range most associated with the deep tissue heating effect of infrared saunas. Full-spectrum adds near-infrared (NIR, 0.76 to 1.4 micrometers) and mid-infrared (MIR, 1.4 to 5.6 micrometers). NIR has its own research body around photobiomodulation and skin effects, though much of that research uses targeted devices, not sauna-format NIR emitters. Clearlight's Premier IS series is FIR only. The Sanctuary series is full-spectrum, and it costs more.

Does Clearlight's warranty transfer to a new owner if I sell it?

No. Clearlight's lifetime warranty is non-transferable and covers only the original purchaser. A new owner gets no warranty protection from Clearlight. That materially affects resale value, because a second buyer takes on all repair risk. If you're buying used, price accordingly and inspect the heaters carefully. Some competitors offer transferable warranties, which is worth factoring in if resale is a possibility for you.

How does a Clearlight infrared sauna compare to a traditional Finnish sauna for health benefits?

The strongest health evidence, including the Finnish cohort study linking sauna use to lower cardiovascular mortality, used traditional high-heat saunas at roughly 80 degrees C with steam. Infrared saunas run 45 to 65 degrees C typically and produce heat differently. It's plausible that infrared delivers similar benefits through similar core temperature elevation, but the specific infrared evidence comes from smaller, shorter studies. Traditional sauna has the longer and larger evidence base. Both are legitimate; the research is just unequal.

What size Clearlight sauna should I buy for two people?

The IS-2 or Sanctuary 2 (2-person models) fit two people side by side on a bench but feel cozy. If you want room to lie down, stretch out, or hold yoga poses during a session, the 3-person (IS-3 or Sanctuary 3) is a better fit for two regular users. The 3-person units also give you bench space to position heaters closer to specific body areas. Measure your space: a Sanctuary 3 is typically around 60 inches wide by 47 inches deep.

Can I put a Clearlight sauna outdoors?

The standard Premier IS and Sanctuary indoor series are not rated for outdoor use. Clearlight makes a dedicated Sanctuary Outdoor series built with thicker cedar and weatherproof components. Put an indoor unit outside and you void the warranty and risk moisture intrusion, wood rot, and electrical hazards. Outdoor installation also requires a weatherproof electrical circuit with GFCI protection. Check your local municipality's permitting requirements for accessory structures before installing outdoors.

How long does it take a Clearlight sauna to heat up?

Most Clearlight models reach target temperature (around 50 to 60 degrees C depending on the model and room temperature) in 20 to 35 minutes. Full-spectrum Sanctuary models with near-infrared heaters warm up slightly faster in some configurations because the ceramic elements reach intensity quickly. Clearlight's reserve heat function lets you pre-program start times, so the unit is warm when you arrive. In a cold garage or basement in winter, add 10 to 15 minutes to the estimate.

Are Clearlight saunas safe for people with heart conditions?

Sauna use affects heart rate and blood pressure, so anyone with a diagnosed cardiovascular condition should consult their cardiologist before using any sauna, infrared or traditional. Some studies have looked at sauna use in heart failure patients with positive findings, but these were supervised clinical protocols, not home use. The American Heart Association has not issued a formal endorsement of home infrared sauna use for cardiac patients. For healthy adults without known conditions, the available evidence suggests sauna use at moderate temperature is safe.

Where can I buy a Clearlight sauna and are there authorized dealers?

Clearlight Saunas sells directly through its website and through authorized dealers. Buying through an authorized dealer protects your warranty and ensures you're getting an authentic unit. Unauthorized resellers on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace may be selling units with no remaining warranty coverage, especially given the non-transferable policy. Always ask for original purchase documentation when buying used. Prices don't generally vary much between direct and dealer sales for this brand.

Sources

1. ICNIRP, Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (2020): ICNIRP general public exposure limit for 50/60 Hz magnetic fields is 2,000 mG (2 mT)
2. World Health Organization, International EMF Project: ELF magnetic fields at typical home environment levels have not been shown to cause adverse health effects in the general population
3. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Electric and Magnetic Fields: NIEHS characterizes ELF-EMF as a possible carcinogen under IARC Group 2B, the lowest concern category
4. BMC Medicine, Laukkanen et al. (2018), Sauna bathing and cardiovascular disease events: Frequent sauna bathing (4-7 times per week) was inversely associated with fatal cardiovascular disease events in a cohort of 1,688 middle-aged Finnish men
5. JACC: Heart Failure, Tei et al., Waon therapy in chronic heart failure: Waon therapy (infrared sauna) significantly improved clinical symptoms, cardiac function, and vascular endothelial function in patients with chronic heart failure
6. Psychosomatic Medicine, review on sauna bathing and mental health (2021): A 2021 review reported associations between regular sauna bathing and lower depression risk in observational data, while calling for more controlled trials
7. U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, 2024 average residential retail price: Average U.S. residential electricity price in 2024 was approximately 16.2 cents per kWh
8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Updates: FDA does not approve infrared saunas for treating any medical condition
9. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), IARC Monographs Volume 80, Non-Ionizing Radiation Part 1: IARC classified ELF magnetic fields as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic), based on limited and weak epidemiological evidence
10. U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Electricity Profiles: California and Hawaii have residential electricity rates of approximately 30-40 cents per kWh, substantially above the national average