Thinking of Starting a Sauna Business? Let's Talk!

[SarahBrincat]

Thinking about starting a sauna business?

There are several important areas to consider to ensure your operation is compliant, safe, and sustainable. This thread is a place to discuss these topics, share experiences and ask questions.

Health & Safety (H&S) Regulations

You’ll need to carry out a risk assessment for your site and make sure you’re meeting local Health and Safety requirements. Depending on your setup, you may need certificates for fire safety, ventilation, sanitation and/or other building-related standards. It’s best to check with your local authority for the exact requirements in your area.

Licences & Permits

Regulations vary by location, but some businesses will need specific permits - especially if you plan to offer additional services such as massage or spa treatments. Once you have a potential location in mind, contact your local planning office: many sauna operators discover they need planning permission before opening.

Equipment Standards

All sauna equipment should meet recognised safety standards, and regular maintenance and inspections are essential. This ensures both compliance and the long-term reliability of your setup.

Staff Training

If you plan to hire staff, make sure they receive appropriate training in areas such as first aid, hygiene and equipment operation. This is often a regulatory expectation as well as good business practice.

Customer Safety & Guidelines

You’ll need clear safety instructions for your users, including guidance on how long to stay in the sauna, safe cooling-off practices and contraindications for certain medical conditions.

Accessibility & Inclusivity

Consider how accessible your facility is for people with disabilities and/or limited mobility. While this can be challenging for mobile saunas, fixed locations can often accommodate inclusive design more easily.

Booking System

A reliable booking system makes life easier for both you and your customers. Popular options include Wix, Acuity, Wunderbook, and Periode, but choose what fits your workflow and scale.

Website & Online Presence

You’ll also need a website - ideally one that integrates with your booking system. Platforms like Squarespace are user-friendly, though hiring a professional web designer can save time and ensure a polished result.

Starting a sauna business involves a mix of regulatory, practical, and customer-focused considerations, and the exact requirements can vary widely. We recommend speaking with a local business advisor and/or legal professional to get tailored advice based on your location and business model.

Feel free to share your experiences, questions or useful resources below.

[annaburkitt]

Where to start_ Setting up as a sauna operator in the UK _ British Sauna Society.pdf (256.7 KB)

New BSS guidance document: Where to start? Setting up as a sauna operator in the UK

We’ve published a new British Sauna Society guidance document for people considering setting up as sauna operators in the UK, or those in the early stages of operating.

It’s a practical, non-prescriptive resource based on shared experience across the UK sauna sector, covering planning, permissions, land, saunas, insurance, staffing, and early-stage operations.

This is a living document. The sector is evolving, and we’ll review and update it regularly, with the intention of revisiting it on a six-monthly basis.

If you have insights or learning to contribute, please share them via content@britishsaunasociety.org.uk for consideration in future updates.

Alongside that, we actively encourage discussion here on Discourse. If you’re setting up, thinking about setting up, or already operating, we’d love to hear how you’re navigating it, what you’re learning, and what’s proving challenging or useful in practice.