ᐅ Tips for a Basement Sauna & Tips for a Basement Home Gym?

Created on: 19 Jan 2022 10:23
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Elias_dee
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Elias_dee
19 Jan 2022 10:23
Hello friends,

We are currently planning a single-family house and want to create a large "recreation" area in the basement next to the utility room and technical room, where people will enjoy spending time.

We have planned a large room with a whirlpool/sauna and a small fitness studio. I wanted to ask here if anyone who has done this before might have tips on what works well and what you definitely should or should not do?

Here is what I have gathered so far:

Sauna:
- A 2-person wooden sauna is planned → Requires a high-voltage power supply
- A bathtub/whirlpool is planned → Needs water supply and drainage, possibly a lift station; is that always necessary?
- Underfloor heating is a MUST (no one wants a cold wellness basement) and of course at least one window/light well, preferably two, to allow air to circulate and prevent dampness
- I will consider a network connection for a Sonos speaker or similar for relaxing music
- As much tiling as possible is preferred
- Does anyone have further tips or information?

Fitness studio:
- A small setup with short and long dumbbells, weight bench, one cardio machine (stepper or treadmill), mats, and wall mirrors is planned
- I’m unsure here: tiles or laminate? I plan to cover the entire floor with a protective mat anyway, but which option is more resistant if a heavy weight accidentally falls? Could tiles break?
- We also plan to have a window here, as it might get stuffy during workouts 😀

I would really appreciate any tips and DO’s and DON’Ts!

Best regards
Elias
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Zubi123
19 Jan 2022 10:34
Also, consider the ceiling height in the basement. When using a treadmill or stepper, you quickly need an extra 30-50cm (12-20 inches) of height… you don’t want to hit your head. It’s better to plan for a ceiling height of 2.40 to 2.50 meters (7 ft 10 in to 8 ft 2 in) right from the start.
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Elias_dee
19 Jan 2022 10:35
Zubi123 schrieb:

Also, remember to consider the ceiling height in the basement. When using a treadmill or stepper, you quickly need an additional 30–50cm (12–20 inches) of clearance… you definitely don’t want to hit your head.
So it’s better to plan for ceiling heights of 2.40/2.50 meters (7 ft 10 in / 8 ft 2 in) right from the start.

That’s really great advice, which I hadn’t thought of before. Thanks!
rick201819 Jan 2022 11:39
Ceiling height at least 280cm (110 inches). If you plan to do activities like jump roping, it should be even higher.
Power outlets and network connections should be installed in the floor. Strong ventilation system and air conditioning are necessary.
There is a big difference between a bathtub and a whirlpool. In the latter case, a dehumidification system is also needed.
Can you provide the dimensions of the room?
Tiles and heavy weights don’t go well together. Definitely use rubberized flooring. Floor protection mats can interfere somewhat with underfloor heating.
A ventilation system is absolutely essential.
How is the access to this room? Ground level, elevator, wide or double doors, etc.?
If you ever need to move a 500kg (1100 lbs) cross-trainer, regular doors won’t be sufficient. Stairs are out of the question as well.
face2619 Jan 2022 11:43
Here are some spontaneous thoughts:

- A sewage lifting station is not always absolutely necessary but usually required. It depends on the situation, such as the height of the sewer connection and so on.

- I would definitely plan for ventilation, preferably a central system that also includes the basement, because saunas, whirlpools, fitness rooms, and basements are all places where you want to avoid moisture buildup but fresh air does not come in naturally.

- The most important do is probably to consider the budget carefully, and the biggest don’t is to forget to include it in the planning. 😀 Of course, you can do everything cheaply, but if you want to do it properly, it gets quite complex... 😎
Tolentino19 Jan 2022 11:46
Plan a floor drain for easier cleaning (available in discreet and stylish designs).