Investing in a home sauna or hot tub isn’t just a splurge – it’s an investment in family connection and wellbeing. Artem and Elena launched Shym Saunas & Spas after building their own sauna when they missed the warmth and togetherness of Finnish sessions. Their mission is simple: create spaces where people can unplug and share meaningful moments.
In this guide, we explore the real cost of a home sauna, the financing and leasing options available in Australia, and how the Shym range compares with other brands.
What Does a Home Sauna Cost?
Home saunas range from portable infrared units to custom‑built cabins, and prices vary accordingly. Hipages notes that a home sauna in Australia typically costs $3,000–13,000+, with prefabricated infrared kits costing ~A$3,000–8,000 and traditional kits A$4,000–10,000. Custom‑built pavilions can exceed A$20,000. Understanding where your dream sauna sits in this range helps you choose the right financing approach.
Shym Saunas Pricing
Shym’s saunas and hot tubs are handmade from high‑grade spruce or Western Red Cedar and arrive as easy‑to‑assemble kits. Pricing depends on the size/capacity, timber type (e.g., Thermo Spruce/Termowood/Western Red Cedar), glazing/porch options, and heater configuration.
Below is the product-and-price list (AUD), organised by product category.
Quick price snapshot (AUD):
- Barrel saunas: ~$5,900 to $28,400 (size + timber + design options drive the range)
- Hot tubs: ~$4,500 to $9,600
- Sauna electric heaters: ~$500 to $4,379
- Sauna wood heaters: ~$1,750 to $4,500
- Hot-tub heaters: ~$900 to $2,100
I. Barrel Saunas
Shym offers two types of barrel saunas: square barrel and round barrel saunas.
Square Barrel Saunas
| Model | Capacity | Price (AUD) | Build details & key features |
| Leil® SERENITY ROUND CUBE DOUBLE | 3–7 people | $25,900–$28,400 | Thermo-treated Nordic spruce; ~40 mm log boards; 8 mm double-glazed windows/door; premium knotless aspen benches; premium bitumen-tile roof; compatible with electric or wood heater. |
| Leil® SERENITY ROUND CUBE RELAX | 4–10 people | $25,800 | Thermo-treated spruce build; 8 mm double-glazed windows/door; thick timber wall construction; supplied as a kit; designed for outdoor use (European-made). |
| Leil® SERENITY ROUND CUBE SINGLE | 3–10 people | $24,000–$26,900 | Thermo-treated Nordic spruce; ~40 mm log boards; 8 mm double-glazed windows/door; premium knotless aspen benches; premium bitumen-tile roof; compatible with electric or wood heater. |
| Leil® SERENITY ROUND CUBE MINI | 3–7 people | $20,900–$21,300 | Compact thermo-treated spruce outdoor sauna; thick timber walls; supplied as a kit; designed for smaller footprints while keeping a full-height sauna room. |
| UNION 220 | 3–6 people | $15,300 | Thermo-treated spruce; preassembled/flat-pack sauna kit; premium bitumen tiles; thick stave boards (approx. 42 mm); split-level benches (premium aspen); electric/wood heater compatible. |
| UNION 160 | 3–5 people | $12,100 | Thermo-treated spruce; premium bitumen-tile roof; thick stave-board construction; supplied as a kit; suited to compact outdoor installs. |
| Western Red Cedar Square Barrel Sauna | 4–8 people | $10,400–$11,700 | Western Red Cedar; ~3.85 cm wood thickness; full tempered-glass door; indoor/outdoor capable; electric or wood heater compatible; DIY assembly (approx. 8–10 hrs). |
| UNION 125 | 2–4 people | $10,400 | Thermo-treated spruce sauna kit; premium bitumen tiles; ~42 mm thick stave boards; split-level benches (premium aspen). |
| Carbonised Spruce Square Barrel Sauna | 4–8 people | $7,900–$9,000 | Carbonised spruce; ~3.85 cm wood thickness; 8 mm safety-glass door; indoor/outdoor capable; electric or wood heater compatible; DIY assembly (approx. 8–10 hrs). |
Round Barrel Saunas
| Model | Capacity | Price (AUD) | Build details & key features |
| SUMMIT Thermo Spruce Barrel Sauna | 4–6 people | $15,090 | Thermo-treated spruce; ~42 mm staves; supplied as a kit; European-made; designed for outdoor barrel-sauna heat retention and weather durability. |
| Cedar Barrel Sauna + Panoramic Glass + Porch | 4 people | $12,200 | Western Red Cedar; panoramic glass front + porch; ~3.85 cm wood thickness; substantial unit weight; tempered-glass door. |
| Cedar Barrel Sauna + Panoramic Glass | 4 people | $10,300 | Western Red Cedar; panoramic glass front (no porch); ~3.85 cm wood thickness; tempered-glass door. |
| UNITY (EU) Thermo Spruce Barrel Sauna | 3–5 people | $9,800 | Thermo-treated spruce; ~3.85 cm wood thickness; 8 mm glass door & window panes; designed for electric-heater setups; kit assembly typically 5–10 hrs. |
| Cedar Barrel Sauna with Front Porch | 4 people | $9,100 | Western Red Cedar; front porch; 8 mm tempered glass; ~3.85 cm wood thickness; kit assembly typically 5–10 hrs. |
| Western Red Cedar Barrel Sauna | 2–4 people | $7,000–$8,400 | Western Red Cedar; classic barrel profile; tempered-glass door; ~3.85 cm wood thickness; suitable for indoor/outdoor installs. |
| COVE Carbonised Spruce Barrel Sauna with Porch | 4 people | $6,900 | Carbonised spruce; front porch; 8 mm glass doors; ~3.85 cm wood thickness; kit assembly typically 5–7 hrs. |
| UNITY Spruce or Cedar Barrel Sauna | 3–5 people | $6,600–$8,300 | Spruce or cedar options (by listing); ~3.85 cm wood thickness; kit assembly typically 5–10 hrs; designed for electric-heater compatibility. |
| White Spruce Barrel Sauna | 2–4 people | $5,900–$6,700 | White spruce; compact barrel design; tempered-glass door; kit-style assembly for indoor/outdoor use. |
II. Hot Tubs
| Model | Capacity | Price (AUD) | Build details & key features |
| Outdoor Cedar Hot Tub + Electric Heater (Complete Kit) | Size/volume varies by option | $7,700–$9,600 | Cedar construction; electric heater; pump + filtration system; cover included; DIY/kit-style assembly. |
| Outdoor Cedar Hot Tub + External Firewood Heater + Pump/Filtration | Size/volume varies by option | $7,200–$8,400 | Cedar wooden tub; external wood-fired heater; pump + filtration system; cover included; DIY/kit-style assembly with instructions. |
| Roundabout Stainless Hot Tub (Cedar-lined) | 2–6 people | $6,100–$9,300 | Stainless-steel body (approx. 1.5 mm; firebox ~2.0 mm); lined with premium Western Red Cedar; integrated wood-fired heating + flue; volume varies by diameter. |
| Cedar or Thermowood Hot Tub + Internal Firewood Heater + Cover | Size/volume varies by option | $5,300–$8,700 | Cedar or thermowood tub options; internal wood-fired heater built from ~2 mm stainless steel; cover included; built for outdoor use. |
| Cedar or Thermowood Hot Tub + External Firewood Heater + Cover | Size/volume varies by option | $5,200–$9,100 | Cedar or thermowood tub options; external wood-fired heater; cover included; DIY-friendly assembly; thick timber staves (approx. 3.85 cm referenced across Shym hot-tub construction). |
| Cube Stainless Hot Tub (American Alder-lined) | 1–2 people | $4,500 | Stainless-steel body (approx. 1.5 mm; firebox ~2.0 mm); lined with premium American Alder; compact volume capacity (~560 L); external drain valve. |
III. Heaters
Shym Saunas offers both electric and firewood heaters for saunas as well as heaters for hot tubs.:
Electric Heaters for Sauna
| Model | Capacity | Price (AUD) | Build details & key features |
| Harvia Spirit WiFi black (CX110CXW) | 6.0–9.0 kW (5–14 m³) | $4,176–$4,379 | Black steel body; WiFi/app control + integrated digital panel; ~60 kg stone capacity (model-dependent). |
| Harvia Virta HL | For 5–18 m³ sauna rooms (by model) | $2,896–$3,861 | Heavy-duty build for frequent use; large stone capacity (50–70 kg by model); modern, service-friendly design. |
| Harvia Cilindro PC XE + Xenio (Black) | 6.8–9.0 kW (6–14 m³) | $2,250–$2,300 | Tower-style heater; high stone capacity (up to ~90 kg); includes Xenio control unit; designed for soft, even steam. |
| Harvia Spirit WiFi black (CX1704XW) | 6.0–9.0 kW (sauna size varies) | $1,980–$2,200 | Black painted steel; streamlined Scandinavian design; compatible with Harvia control setups (WiFi variants available). |
| Harvia Cilindro PC (Black Steel) | 6.6–9.0 kW (5–14 m³) | $950–$1,050 | Tower heater; compatible with external Harvia control units; designed for strong steam with a large stone basket. |
| LD tower series 9 kW (Digital External Controller) | 9.0 kW (8–13 m³) | $880 | Tower heater design; large stone capacity (approx. 80–90 kg); digital external controller for temperature/time settings. |
| Harvia The Wall (Black) | 6–9 kW (4–12 m³) | $860–$2,050 | Wall-mounted, space-saving profile; quick, even heating; holds ~20 kg sauna stones (model dependent). |
| Harvia Cilindro PC (Steel) | 6.6–9.0 kW (5–14 m³) | $780–$980 | Stainless/steel finish; high stone capacity (up to ~80 kg); flexible installation options. |
| Harvia VEGA (Internal Controller) | 4.5 kW (3–6 m³) | $600–$790 | Stainless steel exterior; built-in thermostat/timer controls; compact heater footprint for smaller sauna rooms. |
| CA series (Digital Controller) | 4.5–9.0 kW | $500–$680 | Stainless steel body; integrated digital control panel (CON 7); multiple power options for small-to-mid saunas. |
Firewood Heaters for Sauna
| Model | Capacity | Price (AUD) | Build details & key features |
| Harvia Legend 150 + Flue Kit + Stones (16 kW) | 16 kW (15–28 m³) | $4,500 | Complete kit (includes flue system + stones); robust heat output for medium-to-large sauna rooms. |
| Harvia M3 + Flue Kit (16.5 kW) | 16.5 kW (6–13 m³) | $3,400 | Traditional Finnish-style heater; includes flue kit; ~30 kg stone capacity. |
| Cozy 12 SW (Sleek Curved) | ~11.5 kW (6–13 m³) | $2,760–$3,000 | TÜV-tested clean burn; up to ~120 kg stones; curved body design; efficient three-stage combustion. |
| Cozy 12 OG (Elegant Cylindrical) | ~11.5 kW (6–13 m³) | $2,720–$2,940 | Cylindrical body; TÜV-tested clean burn; up to ~120 kg stones; internal/external variants. |
| Cozy 12 Quattro | ~11.5 kW (6–13 m³) | $2,700–$2,900 | Internal/external versions; three-stage combustion air system; up to ~120 kg stone capacity for gentle steam. |
| CAGE + Flue Kit | 15–25 kW (8–25 m³) | $2,600–$3,100 | Open “cage” stone basket; 3 mm-thick cast iron walls; stone capacity up to ~90 kg (15 kW) or ~140 kg (25 kW). |
| Cozy 12 O | ~11.5 kW (6–13 m³) | $2,260–$2,480 | Designed for mild, long-lasting heat; classic water-on-stone steam; internal/external variants available. |
| SHYM2 Round + Flue Kit | 15 kW (8–18 m³) | $2,090–$2,190 | Round model; cast iron firebox with stainless convection panels; typical stone capacity ~30–35 kg; complete flue kit. |
| SHYM2 + Flue Kit | 15 kW (8–18 m³) | $1,990–$2,090 | High heat output for mid-size sauna rooms; accommodates ~30–35 kg stones; compact footprint with flue kit included. |
| SHYM (External only) + Flue Kit | 15 kW (8–18 m³) | $1,750 | External-only firewood loading; cast iron firebox (~3 mm) with stainless convection panels; suited to medium sauna rooms. |
Heaters for Hot Tubs
| Model | Capacity | Price (AUD) | Build details & key features |
| Winnerwell Wood Burn SS Hot Tub & Pool Heater | L/XL heater sizes | $1,790–$2,100 | Stainless steel wood-fired water heater; designed to circulate water via the thermosiphon principle (no pump required). |
| Shym Saunas Internal SS Hot Tub/Pool Water Heater | Internal heater | $1,600 | Internal wood-fired heater; ~2 mm stainless-steel body; heat-exchange focused design for efficiency. |
| CY10 Wood Burning SS Hot Tub & Pool Water Heater | External heater | $900 | Stainless steel wood-fired water heater; thermosiphon circulation; commonly referenced with 304 stainless materials (heater/flue) in Shym installs. |
Where Shym Sits in the Market
Shym Saunas spans mid-range to premium, with entry models starting in the mid-thousands and premium European-built options rising into the high-twenties. For comparison, Spa World currently lists infrared saunas from $4,990 (Sun & Soul SUN100) up to $19,490 (Vortex Elementa 6-person outdoor sauna), while Jacuzzi® infrared saunas are listed at $10,990–$14,990. Alpine Saunas advertises sauna deals from $1,895 up to $21,995, depending on type and size.
Important Disclaimer: Prices are shown in AUD and were compiled on 20 Dec 2025. Where a price range is shown, it typically reflects different sizes, materials, layouts (e.g., porch/panoramic glass), or package configurations. Product inclusions can differ by model and variant—always confirm what’s included (heater, stones, controller, flue kit, cover, pump/filtration, accessories) on the exact product page before purchasing. Delivery, site prep, installation, electrical connection, and chimney/flue compliance work (for wood-fired units) are additional unless a listing explicitly includes them.
Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Build Your Own Sauna?
Financing Options: Spreading the Cost
1. Vendor payment plans (BNPL / instalment finance)
Many sauna brands partner with buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) or instalment-finance providers. These options let you get the sauna now and repay over time, but the real cost depends on fees, promo periods, and what happens if you don’t clear the balance by the end of the interest-free term.
Examples of vendor-linked finance in Australia (terms can change):
| Brand | Finance provider | Interest-free option | Fees you should check | Key conditions / notes |
| Clearlight Saunas | Handypay (OurMoneyMarket) | 12-month interest-free option (also offers longer-term options that may charge interest based on credit score) | Once-off establishment fee; no ongoing monthly, exit, or early-repayment fees | Up to 100% of purchase price may be available; eligibility includes being 18+, having Australian residency/valid visa, and receiving employment income |
| Sun Stream Saunas | Zip | Up to 24 months interest-free (promo term) | Monthly account fee (commonly $9.95); establishment fee may apply | Minimum monthly repayments apply; if the purchase isn’t paid off within the interest-free period, any remaining balance is charged interest at Zip’s standard variable rate (rate is published with an “as at” date and may change) |
| Kiva Wellness | Humm (and also offers HandyPay as an alternative) | Up to 24 months at 0% APR with Humm | Any provider fees disclosed at checkout; deposit requirement may apply | Commonly advertised as requiring a 20% deposit and limited to eligible purchases up to a specified total (e.g., $10,000); terms are selected at checkout |
Tips when comparing BNPL/instalment plans
- Confirm the “all-in” cost: add up establishment fees + monthly account fees + any other charges, not just the headline “interest-free” label.
- Check what happens after the promo ends: if a balance remains, interest can apply at the provider’s standard variable rate.
- Don’t rely on minimum repayments: minimums may not clear the balance inside the interest-free window—work out what repayment amount will.
- Check eligibility and limits: age/residency/income requirements, credit checks, maximum finance amounts, and any deposit rules can apply.
- Read the cancellation/returns fine print: understand what happens to the finance contract if you return the sauna or change your order.
2. Personal loans and home-improvement loans
If you’d rather avoid BNPL providers, consider a personal loan from your bank or credit union. Secured loans (e.g., against a vehicle) often offer lower rates than unsecured loans, but defaulting puts your asset at risk. A home-improvement loan or redraw facility on your mortgage can also help finance a sauna; however, extending mortgage debt can mean paying interest over a longer period. Compare interest rates, comparison rates, early-repayment rules, and any establishment fees.
3. Credit card with 0% intro rates
Some credit cards offer a 0% balance-transfer rate or 0% purchase rate for an introductory period. This can be a cost-effective way to spread payments—if you clear the balance before the promo ends. Factor in annual fees, any balance-transfer fees, and the ongoing purchase/interest rate that applies after the intro period.
4. Home equity (drawdown/line-of-credit)
Homeowners may use equity through a redraw facility, line of credit, or cash-out refinance. These can have lower rates because they’re secured against your property, but borrowing against your home increases risk. If repayments become unmanageable, you could lose equity or face serious financial consequences. Consider professional financial advice before proceeding.
5. Leasing or renting a sauna
Not ready for a big purchase? Renting lets you try a sauna with lower upfront commitment.
Rent A Sauna (Australia) pricing (weekly):
| Sauna model | 1-month minimum term | 3-month minimum term | 6-month minimum term | Delivery/installation | End-of-lease options |
| Core 1-person | $99/week | $79/week | $59/week | Free delivery + installation (selected major cities) | Option to buy at end of lease |
| Core 2-person | $119/week | $99/week | $89/week | Free delivery + installation (selected major cities) | Option to buy at end of lease |
| Core 3-person | $139/week | $119/week | $99/week | Free delivery + installation (selected major cities) | Option to buy at end of lease |
Renting is useful if you want to trial sauna ownership before buying, need a temporary setup, or prefer predictable weekly costs. When renting/leasing, check who handles maintenance, what happens if you move house, whether upgrades are possible, and exactly what’s included in delivery/installation.
Also Read: Best‑Selling Saunas on Major Australian E‑Commerce Platforms
Comparing Shym Saunas With Other Brands
Shym Saunas spans a wider slice of the traditional sauna market than many recovery retailers in Australia: from entry-level spruce/cedar barrels through to European-made thermo-treated spruce (Termowood) outdoor builds with panoramic glass and larger capacities.
Pricing note: The typical price ranges in AUD below are based on publicly listed Australian product pages (including sale pricing where shown). Real totals can change with delivery, installation, electrical work, and accessories (e.g., controller upgrades, chimney/flue kits, stones).
| Category | Shym Saunas – what you get (consistent with the pricing tables above) | Comparable brands in Australia – examples & typical advertised price range (AUD) | What to watch when comparing |
| Traditional barrel saunas (round) | 2–6 person barrels across white spruce / carbonised spruce / Western Red Cedar / thermo spruce, with options like panoramic glass and front porch. $5,900–$15,090 (varies by timber, glass, porch, and “made in Europe” models). | Examples (AU listings): Svala 1-person barrel $7,399; Revel Aurora 2-person barrel $8,499; Alpine 4–6 person barrel $8,995; Harmone “Icon XL” thermowood barrel $13,490; Heavenly Saunas barrels listed $9,990–$16,500.Typical advertised range: ~$7,400–$16,500. | Barrel size labels vary: some “4-person” barrels are tight for 4 adults. Compare internal bench length, door/glass configuration, heater spec, and what’s included (base, roof shingles, rocks, cover). |
| Square-barrel / cube-style outdoor saunas | Bigger footprints and higher capacities (typically 2–10 person), from carbonised spruce & cedar square barrels through to European thermo-treated spruce (Termowood) lines. $7,900–$28,400 (options/variants can move the price). | Examples (AU listings): Nova 4-person outdoor cabin $10,499; Svala “Equinox” mini cube $10,999; SDS Australia lists a premium “Auroom Mira Large” outdoor sauna at $31,900.Typical advertised range: ~$9,000–$32,000+ depending on build tier. | This category is where timber treatment and wall/roof design matter most. Ask about timber type (thermowood vs standard), weatherproofing, and whether you’re getting a kit, a panel-build, or a factory-built unit. |
| Hot tubs (wood-fired / electric; cedar/thermowood; stainless-lined options) | 1–6 person hot tubs in cedar or thermowood, including internal/external firewood heaters, plus stainless-steel tubs lined with timber depending on model. $4,500–$9,600 (heater type + inclusions like pump/filtration/cover). | Examples (AU listings): Alpine “Kensington” wood-fired hot tub shown at $9,995; Stoked Stainless 1.9m wood-fired hot tub $23,900.Typical advertised range: ~$10,000–$24,000 for stainless/cedar wood-fired tubs on AU sites. | Confirm whether the tub is stainless-lined, what insulation is used, and what’s included (cover/steps/filter). Also check site access and install requirements (some arrive assembled). |
| Electric sauna heaters | A broad spread of Harvia electric heaters and controls, roughly $500–$4,379 depending on series (Vega/The Wall/Cilindro/Virta/Spirit WiFi) and whether an external control unit is bundled. | Examples (AU listings): Harvia Vega BC 9kW $795 (promo); Harvia Cilindro PC E from $944.90; HUUM Drop from $1,038.95 (Wi-Fi package pricing shown at $3,426.97).Typical advertised range: ~$800–$3,400+ before installation. | Compare by kW sizing, stone volume, and control type (built-in vs external vs Wi-Fi). Installation costs can be meaningful—factor in electrical supply/upgrade needs. |
| Wood-burning sauna heaters | Wood stoves from budget-to-premium, typically $1,750–$4,500, with some listings including flue kit and/or stones (a big driver of total cost). | Examples (AU listings): Harvia M3 $941 and Narvi Kuru 14 $1,495; HUUM Hive Flow $3,586; “heater + chimney” bundles can exceed $5,000 (e.g., Harvia M3 SL heater package).Typical advertised range: ~$900–$3,600 (heater-only) or $5,000+ (bundles). | Always check what’s included: some listings are heater-only, others include chimney sections, flue kit, stones, and safety clearances guidance. Local compliance and install requirements vary by state/council. |
| Hot-tub water heaters (stand-alone) | Stand-alone stainless hot-tub/pool water heaters roughly $900–$2,100 (size + brand dependent). | Winnerwell L-sized hot-tub/pool water heater listed around $1,849 by AU outdoor retailers.Typical advertised range: ~$1,800–$2,100. | Confirm L vs XL sizing, plumbing compatibility, and whether additional fittings/hoses are required. |
Quick Takeaways
- Many AU listings for smaller barrels/cubes/cabins cluster around ~$7k–$11k, while premium outdoor builds can extend into the $20k–$30k+ bracket.
- For heaters, the biggest price swings come from controls (built-in vs external vs Wi-Fi) and bundles (chimney kits/stones).
- When comparing quotes, ask every brand the same three questions: (1) what’s included, (2) what needs licensed installation, and (3) what warranty/support looks like in Australia.
Also Read: Sauna Packages with Warranty & Customer Support
Final Thoughts
Investing in a sauna or hot tub is about more than money – it’s about carving out time to unwind, breathe and restore with loved ones. Shym Saunas & Spas believes that by investing in wellness equipment, you’re investing in moments that matter.When considering financing or leasing, weigh the total cost, explore interest‑free options, and remember that the right choice will support your wellbeing for years to come. Live in the moments that matter and let Shym help you build a sanctuary of smiles, connection and wellness.
FAQs About Sauna Financing
You can pay upfront or spread the cost via several common options in Australia. Some sauna retailers offer partner finance / “buy now, pay later”-style plans. For example, Clearlight’s HandyPay option includes a 12-month interest-free term and advertises no monthly account, exit, or early-repayment fees, but it also notes a once-off establishment fee that’s built into (and split across) the loan term.
Sun Stream promotes Zip Money with up to 24 months interest-free, and discloses a $9.95 monthly account fee plus a possible one-off establishment fee; it also states any remaining balance after the interest-free period is charged at Zip’s standard variable rate (25.9% p.a. shown “as at 1 Dec 2022”, subject to change).
Alternatively, you can use a personal/home-improvement loan, a credit card with a 0% introductory rate (if available), or (for homeowners) home-equity lending. Each option has different rates, fees, and eligibility—compare total costs and read the lender/plan terms carefully.
Yes—but the details vary by provider and retailer. Clearlight’s HandyPay plan offers an interest-free option over 12 months (with a once-off establishment fee disclosed on the page).
Sun Stream promotes Zip Money with up to 24 months interest-free, plus a $9.95 monthly account fee, and interest may apply on any unpaid balance after the interest-free period.
Kiva Wellness states it offers 0% APR financing up to 24 months with Humm, noting eligibility conditions (e.g., up to $10,000 after a 20% deposit on the product FAQ shown).
Approvals, credit checks, fees, and limits apply across these products—always check the current plan terms before relying on “interest-free” claims.
Yes. Rent A Sauna advertises free delivery and installation with tiered weekly pricing based on minimum term. For its Core 1-person sauna, it lists $99/week (1-month minimum), $79/week (3-month minimum), and $59/week (6-month minimum), and it states there’s an option to buy at the end of the lease.
Renting can make sense if you want to “try before you buy” or need a short-term wellness setup without a large upfront purchase.
Shym Saunas spans a wide price range depending on whether you’re looking at entry-level barrel saunas or premium European thermo-treated outdoor models. Based on Shym’s current pricing, barrel saunas start around the mid-$5k AUD range and extend into the mid-$15k range, with premium cube/square-barrel models higher.
For context, Australian retailers like Spa World list infrared cabin saunas (a different sauna category from traditional heated barrel/cube saunas) from brands such as Vortex Prestige™ and Jacuzzi®; their pages show “was” prices like $6,990–$9,490 (Vortex Prestige range) and $10,990–$14,990 (Jacuzzi infrared range), with sale pricing sometimes lower.
Feature-wise, the comparison isn’t always apples-to-apples: infrared cabins focus on infrared heaters and indoor installation, while Shym’s range includes traditional outdoor timber saunas with electric or wood-fired heating options (model-dependent) and wood-fired hot tub options for off-grid-style heating.
1. Total cost of ownership:
Besides the purchase price, factor in installation, electrical work (if needed), running costs (electricity or firewood), maintenance, and any site prep. hipages estimates typical sauna assembly at $1,000–$2,000, plus site preparation $500–$1,000 and electrical work $500–$1,000 as common add-ons.
2. Interest and fees:
Check the full cost of credit—monthly fees, establishment fees, and what happens after any “interest-free” period (if applicable).
3. Loan term and repayment frequency:
Shorter terms can reduce total interest but raise repayments. Choose a repayment schedule you can consistently meet.
4. Credit score and eligibility:
Eligibility varies by lender/plan. For example, Clearlight’s HandyPay page lists requirements such as being 18+, having appropriate residency/visa status, and receiving employment income.
5. Your wellness goals and space:
Choose the sauna type (infrared vs traditional heater-based), capacity, and placement (indoor vs outdoor) that fits your household and available space. If unsure, renting first can help you validate size and usage before committing.
