ADA Considerations for Commercial Saunas (Compliance Guide)

If you’re installing a sauna in a commercial or public setting, accessibility is not optional—it’s a legal and operational requirement.

Hotels, gyms, spas, medical facilities, wellness centers, and multifamily properties frequently ask:

• Do saunas have to be ADA compliant?

• What does ADA compliance actually require for saunas?

• Can a sauna be ADA accessible without being fully ADA compliant?

• What design choices reduce liability and inspection risk?

The answer is nuanced.

This guide explains:

• When ADA applies to saunas

• What the ADA does (and does not) explicitly require

• Key design considerations for accessible commercial saunas

• Common compliance mistakes

• How to design saunas that are both functional and defensible

Important: This article is educational, not legal advice. Always consult an ADA specialist, architect, or local authority for final compliance decisions.

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Does the ADA Apply to Commercial Saunas?

The Short Answer

Yes—if the sauna is in a place of public accommodation or commercial facility.

ADA applies to:

• Hotels and resorts

• Gyms and fitness centers

• Spas and wellness centers

• Medical and physical therapy facilities

• Multifamily housing common areas

• Commercial recovery centers

If the sauna is:

• Open to the public

• Available to members, guests, or tenants

…it is generally subject to ADA requirements.

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Important Clarification: The ADA Does Not Provide Sauna-Specific Dimensions

The ADA Standards for Accessible Design do not include a sauna-specific section with exact bench heights or heater placements.

Instead, saunas fall under broader ADA categories:

• Accessible routes

• Doors and clearances

• Turning space

• Controls and operability

• Transfer accessibility

This means compliance is achieved through design intent and accommodation, not by following a single checklist.

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What ADA Compliance for Saunas Typically Focuses On

ADA compliance for commercial saunas usually addresses access, not performance.

Inspectors and consultants focus on:

• Can someone with a disability reach the sauna?

• Can they enter and exit safely?

• Can they use controls independently?

• Are barriers reasonably minimized?

The ADA does not require:

• Equal heat tolerance

• Equal bench height usage

• Identical experience for all users

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Key ADA Considerations for Commercial Saunas

1. Accessible Route to the Sauna

An ADA-compliant sauna must be reachable via an accessible route:

• No steps without ramps or lifts

• Proper hallway width

• Clear path from entry points

This applies to:

• Locker rooms

• Spa areas

• Pool decks

• Wellness suites

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2. Doorway Width & Thresholds

Typical requirements include:

• Minimum clear door width (usually 32 inches)

• Minimal or no threshold height

• Easy-to-operate door hardware

Heavy sauna doors are a common compliance issue if not designed carefully.

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3. Entry Clearance & Turning Space

Inside or immediately outside the sauna, there must be sufficient space for:

• Wheelchair maneuvering

• Safe entry and exit

• Transfer positioning

This often means:

• Additional clear floor space

• No obstructions near the door

• Thoughtful bench layout

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4. Bench Design & Transfer Accessibility

ADA does not require that all benches be wheelchair-height.

However, best practices include:

• At least one lower bench suitable for transfer

• Stable, non-slip bench surfaces

• Clear floor space adjacent to the bench

Many commercial saunas include multi-level benches, which allows accessibility without compromising traditional sauna design.

You can see examples of commercial-grade layouts with the Golden Designs Catalonia 8-person Infrared Sauna and the Golden Designs Toledo 6-Person Hybrid Indoor Sauna 

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5. Controls & Operability

Controls must be:

• Reachable from an accessible position

• Usable with one hand

• Operable without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting

This often means:

• External digital control panels

• Clearly labeled controls

• Logical placement near entry points

For heater systems, explore compatible options in our Commercial Sauna Heaters collection.

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6. Visual & Tactile Considerations

While not always required, many facilities include:

• High-contrast controls

• Clear signage

• Simple instructions

• Emergency shutoff visibility

These features reduce liability and improve usability for all guests.

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Infrared Saunas vs Traditional Saunas: ADA Considerations

Infrared Saunas

• Lower temperatures

• No steam or water

• Often easier to enter

• Lower physical strain

Because of this, infrared saunas are often:

• Easier to adapt for accessibility

• Preferred in medical or rehab settings

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Traditional Saunas

• Higher temperatures

• Steam and stones

• More physical demand

Traditional saunas can still be ADA-accessible, but require:

• More careful bench layout

• Clear signage

• Enhanced safety planning

For custom ADA-compliant traditional saunas click here

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What ADA Does Not Require for Saunas

Common misconceptions include:

• ADA does not require lowering sauna temperature

• ADA does not require removing upper benches

• ADA does not require heaters to be touch-accessible

• ADA does not require identical experiences for all users

The standard is reasonable access, not identical use.

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New Construction vs Existing Facilities

New Construction

• Must fully comply with ADA standards

• Higher scrutiny

• Fewer exceptions

Existing Facilities

• May qualify for “readily achievable” modifications

• Often evaluated on feasibility and cost

• Incremental improvements may be acceptable

This distinction matters greatly for retrofit projects.

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Common ADA Compliance Mistakes for Saunas

• No accessible route to the sauna

• Door too narrow or too heavy

• Controls mounted too high

• No lower bench or transfer space

• Blocking clearance with towel hooks or signage

• Assuming “wellness” exempts compliance (it does not)

Most issues are design oversights, not intentional violations.

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How to Design ADA-Conscious Commercial Saunas

Best practices include:

• Involving ADA consultants early

• Selecting modular or flexible sauna designs

• Using external control panels

• Providing multiple bench heights

• Designing for transfer, not full wheelchair use inside

For planning guidance, review our Learning Center and Custom Sauna Design Service (many principles apply to commercial installs as well).

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Liability, Risk, and Why ADA Matters Beyond Code

ADA compliance is not just about inspections—it’s about:

• Reducing legal exposure

• Protecting guests

• Creating inclusive spaces

• Avoiding costly retrofits

Well-designed saunas that consider accessibility from the start are:

• Easier to approve

• Easier to insure

• Easier to defend if complaints arise

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Final Thoughts: ADA Considerations for Commercial Saunas

ADA compliance for saunas is about access, safety, and reasonable accommodation—not forcing saunas to become something they’re not.

With thoughtful design:

• Commercial saunas can remain authentic

• Accessibility can be integrated seamlessly

• Compliance risks can be minimized

If you’re planning a commercial sauna and need help selecting heaters, layouts, or sauna types that align with ADA considerations, Haven of Heat can help guide the process from concept to installation.