📌 Quick Summary
People get really confused about whether they should go with Clearlight’s indoor Sanctuary models or spring for one of the Outdoor versions.
The short answer is that most people end up happier with the indoor models. They cost less, they’re easier to deal with, and you get more size options to pick from.
The Outdoor versions make sense when you literally don’t have the space inside your house, and you’ve got a good spot on a deck or patio.
But (and this is important) the outdoor models aren’t just regular saunas with some weatherproofing slapped on. They’re built different from the ground up with insulated walls, a roof cap, weather-resistant materials, and they come with a protective cover that you actually need to use if you want the warranty to stay valid.
The other thing people don’t realize is that the outdoor models cost more and need more maintenance. The warranty on the exterior is shorter too.
You’ve got to think about drainage, getting the ground level, running electrical out there, protecting it from weather, and making sure the delivery truck can actually get to where you want to put it.
Both types use Clearlight’s True Wave full-spectrum heaters plus regular far-infrared heaters. That’s not the main difference here.
For most people, the indoor Sanctuary is just a better value. The Outdoor models start making sense when saving that indoor space matters more to you than dealing with the extra cost and hassle.
🧾 Table of Contents
- Quick Summary
- What You Need to Know About Clearlight
- Breaking Down the Indoor Sanctuary Models
- What’s Different About the Outdoor Models
- Customer Service Feedback
- What These Actually Cost
- Side-by-Side Comparison
- The Good and Bad of Each Option
- FAQ
What You Need to Know About Clearlight
Clearlight started back in 1997 under Dr. Raleigh Duncan. They built their reputation on infrared sauna cabins using carbon and ceramic heating tech, then later developed their True Wave full-spectrum system.
They also partnered with Jacuzzi in 2017, which is why you see Jacuzzi-branded infrared saunas that are actually made by Clearlight under license.
The brand sits at the premium end of the home sauna market. That pricing reflects the cabin construction, low-EMF heater design, controls, audio features, warranty coverage, and their dealer network.
Clearlight sells several indoor Sanctuary models from compact one-person cabins to larger models for families. The Sanctuary Outdoor range focuses on two-person and five-person configurations now.
Here’s the key thing that trips people up. An indoor Sanctuary model and a Sanctuary Outdoor model are made for totally different environments.
You can’t just stick an indoor model outside.
The wood, electronics, and cabin construction aren’t designed to handle rain, snow, humidity, or major temperature swings.
Breaking Down the Indoor Sanctuary Models
The indoor range gives you way more flexibility with room size and electrical setup.
Clearlight’s Sanctuary Series is a premium full-spectrum infrared sauna line (near, mid, and far infrared) praised for its True Wave II heating technology, near-zero EMF levels (<1 mG), high build quality with non-toxic, eco-certified woods and tempered glass, lifetime residential warranty, and extras like chronotherapy, Bluetooth audio, and app controls.
The Sanctuary 1 is the smallest option. It measures about 43 by 48 by 77 inches, weighs around 425 pounds, and plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet (the same kind you use for pretty much everything else in your house).
It’s got two 500-watt full-spectrum heaters plus extra far-infrared heaters around the cabin.
The Sanctuary 3 is bigger if you want more room to stretch out or lie down. It measures roughly 71 by 48 by 77 inches and weighs about 580 pounds.
This one needs a 240-volt connection and pulls around 2,800 watts.
The larger Sanctuary models give you more seating and interior space, but they also eat up more floor space, need a wider path through your home, and require more electrical capacity. People focus on the outside measurements and completely forget to measure doorways, stair turns, elevators, gates, and hallway clearances.
That’s a mistake.
Indoor Sanctuary models typically include mahogany or basswood interior options, True Wave full-spectrum heaters, carbon and ceramic far-infrared heaters, low-EMF/ELF heater design, interior lighting and audio, digital controls, and optional app-based control depending on which model and hardware version you get.
The residential warranty is described as limited lifetime, but you need to read the actual warranty terms.
What’s Different About the Outdoor Models
The Sanctuary Outdoor 2 fits two adults. Current specs list the interior at around 50.5 inches wide, 47 inches deep, and 71.5 inches high.
With the roof cap added, the exterior footprint grows to about 73.75 by 67.5 by 83.5 inches.
The unit weighs roughly 765 pounds and needs a 240-volt electrical connection. It includes two 500-watt True Wave full-spectrum heaters on the front wall plus far-infrared heaters elsewhere in the cabin. It’s got a mahogany interior and weather-resistant exterior finish.
The Sanctuary Outdoor 5 is way bigger and heavier. It uses four 500-watt full-spectrum heaters and fits up to five people.
One spec sheet lists the weight at about 1,050 pounds and the electrical demand at around 3,600 watts on a 240-volt supply.
The outdoor range comes with weather-resistant exterior construction, insulated walls, a roof cap with an overhang, a protective outdoor cover, full-spectrum and far-infrared heating, indoor-style controls and audio features, low-EMF/ELF design, and optional red-light therapy accessories on some listings.
Even with outdoor models, you still need to pick a smart location. Clearlight recommends a flat, level spot away from excessive rain and flooding.
The sauna needs to stay covered with the specified water-resistant cover when required by the warranty.
That’s not optional if you want coverage to stay valid.
The Full-Spectrum Thing Explained
Full-spectrum means the heater includes near-, mid-, and far-infrared wavelengths in the same system. Far-infrared heaters use a narrower portion of the infrared spectrum.
Clearlight’s True Wave full-spectrum heaters are halogen-based. The surrounding carbon and ceramic heaters provide far-infrared output.
Having “full spectrum” doesn’t automatically make one sauna a better buy. Heater placement, total wattage, cabin insulation, temperature control, usable seating, electrical setup, and how consistently you’ll actually use the thing matter just as much.
A compact indoor Sanctuary that fits your schedule and home layout might provide better real-world value than a larger outdoor model that makes you do extra prep work every time the weather changes.
How These Actually Perform
A real comparison needs more than just counting heaters. Here’s what actually matters.
Heat Distribution
Clearlight puts far-infrared heaters on the back, sides, lower-leg area, and floor in several models. Full-spectrum heaters go toward the front.
This layout creates heat from many directions instead of concentrating it all on one wall.
The outdoor cabins add insulation and weather-resistant construction because outside air temperatures affect heat-up time and heat retention. An outdoor sauna sitting in cold wind faces a tougher operating environment than an indoor cabin in a climate-controlled room. Don’t treat advertised temperatures as a performance guarantee. Actual results depend on outdoor temperature, wind, cover use, cabin placement, electrical installation, and how many times you open the door.
Electrical Requirements and Why They Matter
Electrical planning is one of the biggest differences between a cheap home sauna and a premium full-spectrum cabin.
The Sanctuary 1 uses a standard 120-volt outlet. Larger indoor Sanctuary models and both current Outdoor models require 240 volts.
An electrician needs to confirm the required circuit, breaker, receptacle, cable route, and local code requirements before delivery. Don’t assume that an existing dryer, hot tub, or workshop circuit can safely support the sauna.
The circuit has to match the sauna’s specifications and local regulations.
Also ask whether the quoted price includes electrical work. It usually doesn’t.
Installation Reality Check
Clearlight describes its cabins as modular, but modular doesn’t mean lightweight. Large glass panels and sauna sections can be awkward to move, especially through narrow hallways or around staircases.
Some customer reviews mention heavy panels, missing components, complicated assembly steps, and delivery delays. Other owners describe straightforward assembly and helpful assistance when a part or connection needed attention.
Outdoor delivery adds more challenges. The delivery vehicle needs access close to the installation site.
The route has to handle a 765-pound or heavier shipment.
The base must be flat and stable. The roof cap needs clearance.
The electrical connection must reach the sauna safely.
The cover has to be fitted and maintained. Rainwater must drain away from the cabin.
Measure the entire route before ordering. A sauna that fits the deck can still fail to reach the deck. Clearlight describes its cabins as modular, but modular doesn’t mean lightweight. Large glass panels and sauna sections can be awkward to move, especially through narrow hallways or around staircases.
Some customer reviews mention heavy panels, missing components, complicated assembly steps, and delivery delays. Other owners describe straightforward assembly and helpful assistance when a part or connection needed attention.
Outdoor delivery adds more challenges. The delivery vehicle needs access close to the installation site.
The route has to handle a 765-pound or heavier shipment.
The base must be flat and stable. The roof cap needs clearance.
The electrical connection must reach the sauna safely.
The cover has to be fitted and maintained. Rainwater must drain away from the cabin.
Measure the entire route before ordering. A sauna that fits the deck can still fail to reach the deck.
Safety and Materials
Indoor cabins are made for dry indoor spaces. Outdoor models have weather-resistant exterior materials, but they still need protection.
The outdoor warranty depends on following the company’s coverage and installation requirements.
The Outdoor 2’s exterior cabin carries a five-year warranty, while interior components receive longer residential coverage under the limited lifetime warranty terms. This distinction matters because outdoor exposure primarily threatens the exterior structure, finish, seals, and surrounding materials.
Customer Service Feedback
Clearlight gets both strong and negative service feedback.
Positive reviews mention helpful staff, prompt replacement parts, good communication during sales, and successful resolution of heater or control problems.
Some owners report that the company supplied replacement hardware after app or power-supply issues.
The recurring complaints involve the Sauna Connect app, delayed responses, long waits for technical repairs, missing parts, and difficulties with installation. The iOS app has received particularly poor user feedback, with complaints about connection failures, slow commands, account setup, and unreliable remote starting.
Some users report that changing hardware or switching to a newer 5GHz app resolved their connection problems.
This creates a practical buying rule. Treat the app as a bonus instead of a central reason to buy the sauna.
The physical control panel should be the feature you depend on.
Remote preheating can be convenient, but app reliability seems inconsistent across users, devices, Wi-Fi networks, and hardware generations.
What These Actually Cost
Current listed prices vary by seller, finish, promotions, location, and delivery charges.
One current listing places the Sanctuary Outdoor 2 at approximately $8,599 on sale, compared with a regular price around $9,399. The Outdoor 5 is listed around $9,699 on sale, with a regular price near $10,499.
Indoor Sanctuary pricing generally begins lower for the one-person model. One dealer lists the Sanctuary 1 at approximately $6,899 on sale and the Sanctuary 3 from about $7,699, with prices changing according to wood finish and promotions.
These figures exclude possible costs for electrical installation, delivery surcharges, stairs or difficult access, assembly assistance, a suitable outdoor base, replacement covers, repairs outside warranty conditions, and local taxes.
The value calculation depends on use. Commercial infrared sauna sessions can get expensive when used regularly, so home ownership might make financial sense for someone who expects frequent sessions over several years.
Occasional users might find that the purchase price, electricity, maintenance, and installation costs outweigh the convenience.
The outdoor premium mainly pays for weather-ready construction and the ability to place the sauna outside. It doesn’t necessarily provide a more effective heating experience than the equivalent indoor Sanctuary model.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Clearlight Saunas – Doctor & Wellness Experts Approved
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the better value: indoor Sanctuary or Sanctuary Outdoor?
For most people, the indoor Sanctuary. It costs less, comes in more sizes (1, 2, 3, and 5 person), and is easier to install and maintain. The Outdoor models make sense when you have no indoor space but do have a good deck or patio spot.
Can I put an indoor Sanctuary sauna outside?
No. Indoor models aren’t built to handle rain, snow, humidity, or big temperature swings. Outdoor models have insulated walls, a roof cap, and weather-resistant materials designed for those conditions.
Do the indoor and outdoor models use different heaters?
No. Both use Clearlight’s True Wave full-spectrum heaters (near, mid, and far infrared) plus carbon and ceramic far-infrared heaters. The outdoor premium pays for weather-ready construction, not better heating.
What electrical setup do these saunas need?
The Sanctuary 1 plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet. Larger indoor models and both Outdoor models (2 and 5) require a 240-volt connection. Have an electrician confirm the circuit, breaker, and local code requirements before delivery, and don’t assume an existing dryer or hot tub circuit will work. Electrical work usually isn’t included in the quoted price.
How much do they cost?
Listed prices vary by seller and promotion. Examples include about $6,899 for the Sanctuary 1, about $7,699 for the Sanctuary 3, about $8,599 for the Outdoor 2, and about $9,699 for the Outdoor 5. These figures exclude electrical work, delivery surcharges, an outdoor base, assembly help, and taxes.
What does the warranty cover?
Indoor models carry a limited lifetime residential warranty. For outdoor models, the Outdoor 2’s exterior cabin has a five-year warranty, while interior components get the longer limited lifetime coverage. Outdoor warranty coverage depends on using the protective cover and following installation requirements, so read the actual terms.
What should I know before installing an outdoor model?
You need a flat, level, stable base, good drainage, roof cap clearance, a safe electrical run, and delivery access close to the site for a unit weighing 765 to 1,050 pounds. Measure the entire delivery route first, since a sauna that fits your deck can still fail to reach it.
How reliable is the Sauna Connect app?
Feedback is mixed. Owners report connection failures and slow commands, especially on iOS, though some fixed problems by changing hardware or using the newer 5GHz app. Treat the app as a bonus and rely on the physical control panel.
Is a sauna with a larger heater count automatically better?
No. Heater placement, total wattage, insulation, seating, electrical setup, and how often you’ll actually use it matter just as much. A compact indoor model that fits your routine can be a better buy than a larger outdoor unit.
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