SweatDecks Blog

Welcome to the SweatDecks wellness journal. Our team of credentialed experts -- including sports medicine physicians, exercise scientists, and master builders -- covers everything from cold plunge protocols and sauna health benefits to installation guides and product comparisons. Whether you're researching your first home sauna or optimizing a contrast therapy routine, you'll find science-backed answers here.

Endurance athlete resting on a wooden sauna bench after a training run

Jul 11, 2026
by SweatDecks

Endurance training sauna add-on protocol: the complete guide

Add post-run sauna sessions to your training and studies show plasma volume can rise 3.5 to 4.5% in 10 days. Here's exactly how to do it safely.

Read: Endurance training sauna add-on protocol: the complete guide

Freestanding cold plunge tub on a second floor wood deck with visible framing below

Jul 11, 2026
by SweatDecks

Cold plunge tub on a second floor deck: structural requirements explained

A filled cold plunge tub weighs 50 to 100 lbs/sq ft. Here's exactly what your second floor deck needs to support one safely, with real load numbers.

Read: Cold plunge tub on a second floor deck: structural requirements explained

Cedar barrel sauna on a wooden backyard deck with framing visible below

Jul 10, 2026
by SweatDecks

Sauna on a deck: load bearing requirements explained

Most decks are built for 40 to 60 psf. A barrel sauna can hit 100+ psf. Here's exactly what you need to check before installing a sauna on your deck.

Read: Sauna on a deck: load bearing requirements explained