Sauna clocks are used to keep track of the time and duration spent inside the sauna.  Because of the high heat and moisture inside the sauna, ordinary clocks and wristwatches that use batteries are useless. They can malfunction and cease from working after being exposed to the sauna for a time. This is the reason why sauna clocks are recommended for use in saunas. 

Time limit

There is no limit to how long you can spend time in the sauna.  However, health precautions have to be made for those with heart problems or high blood pressure. If you have a weak heart or lungs, you must consult with your physician first on how long you can stay in the sauna or if you can use the sauna at all. The time you spend inside the sauna depends on how much you can take.  Most people undergo sauna rituals every day, every other day, or every other week.  They use sauna clocks to time their stay to be consistent to the duration they think is best and most healthy for them. They also use it to follow their physician's recommendations. Saunas are known to cause over-drying of the skin and dehydration. These are the reasons why using sauna clocks are important when bathing in the sauna.

Types of sauna clocks

Traditionally, sauna bathers use sand timers as sauna clocks because they are resistant to moisture and heat and are reliable and effective in counting the time. Sand timers as sauna clocks are available in 15 to 30 minute durations. They can simply be turned upside down to continue counting a longer duration.  Sand timers used as sauna clocks are shaped like an hourglass but are smaller in size.  They have frames that are lined similar to a ruler where the time passed is indicated. Contemporary sauna clocks are multipurpose electronic devices that are also used as a control panel for the temperature inside the sauna, an automatic shut-off system, and a time-delay system. Sand timer sauna clocks are usually used for precut saunas, while electronic sauna clocks are used for prefabricated saunas. 

Prefabricated saunas

Prefabricated saunas are constructed box-rooms that can be transferred and installed anywhere in the home. Each unit already includes everything you need in a sauna. Prefabricated saunas use an electric device for control panels. The sauna clock is part of the electronic device. They are slightly more expensive than precut saunas.   

Precut saunas

Precut saunas are also called sauna kits. They come with a manual, so you can assemble it by yourself as soon as you get it. The precut materials consist of the wood panels you need to make a whole sauna room and the steamer and stones you need to produce heat and heat up the room. A sand timer sauna clock can be included in the kit or sold separately.

Vendors

Some of the more popular vendors of prefabricated and precut saunas include Finlandia Sauna, Springs Sauna, Nordic Sauna  which is a maker of prebuilt saunas since 1963, Abisco, and Sound Cedar.