A hot tub and sauna work brilliantly together: sauna first to heat up, a cold shower or plunge, then the hot tub to relax. With some planning, both fit in an average Irish garden for roughly €10,000–€20,000.
Planning a hot tub and sauna layout
- Keep them close: First, ideally under 5 metres apart, with a dry path between them.
- Share a base: Also, one concrete slab or a deck sized for both saves money on groundwork.
- Think about privacy: In addition, fencing or planting screens make a big difference on a terrace.
- Plan the electrics once: Finally, a hot tub and an electric sauna heater each usually need a dedicated circuit, so ask your electrician to quote for both together.
Hot tub and sauna budget
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Hard-shell hot tub | €4,500–€12,000 |
| Wood-fired hot tub | €5,000–€9,000 |
| Barrel sauna | €5,500–€9,000 |
| Infrared sauna | €2,500–€5,000 |
| Base, electrics and delivery | €1,500–€4,000 |
A simple garden spa routine
- Sauna for 10–15 minutes.
- Cold shower or cold plunge for 1–2 minutes.
- Hot tub for 15–20 minutes to relax.
- Repeat once if you like, then drink plenty of water.
For more on the hot and cold part, read our sauna and ice bath routine. The Finnish Sauna Society is also a good source on traditional sauna bathing.
Which combination suits you?
For a rustic look with no electrics, pair a wood-fired hot tub with a wood-burning barrel sauna. For convenience, pair an electric acrylic hot tub with an infrared sauna.
Frequently asked questions
Should you use a sauna or hot tub first?
Most people use the sauna first, cool off, then relax in the hot tub.
How much space do I need for a hot tub and sauna?
About 6 × 4 metres is enough for a 4-person hot tub, a barrel sauna and a path between them.
Can a your garden spa share one electrical supply?
Usually not. Each normally needs its own circuit from the fuse board. Your electrician will advise.
Is a your garden spa worth it?
If you will use them several times a week, yes. Many owners say they use them far more than they expected, especially in winter.
Price a your garden spa together
One quote, one delivery, anywhere in Ireland and NI.
