What to know

First time going to the sauna? Wondering about sauna etiquette? Enjoy these infotainment videos or scroll for our sauna etiquette, guidelines, and FAQs.

How to prepare for sauna

Sauna etiquette

Sauna Etiquette & Guidance 

Outside the sauna

  1. Hydrate before, during and after a sauna session. You might feel “hungover” if you don’t. 

  2. Always wear shoes outside the sauna, both for your safety and so you don’t track dirt into the sauna.

  3. No saved seats anywhere. Please do not claim spaces with your belongings. 

  4. Always rinse off before entering the cold plunge. You can use the pool skimmer to clean the water. 

  5. Always cool down between rounds in the sauna. In warmer weather, that means a cold shower or cold plunge. In colder weather, just standing in the cold air does the trick.

  6. No phones anywhere. Taking photos is especially frowned upon and may result in your being asked to leave. Taking photos of another guest will result in a ban.

  7. Wear appropriate clothing (towel, wrap, robe, bathing suit bottom) outside of the sauna—public pool attire—and when entering Ascend to use the facilities—must wear a top/short inside Ascend.

  8. Please take care not to track water into Ascend.


Inside the sauna

  1. Remove all body odors, perfumes, colognes, hair sprays, scented oils and lotions, etc. before visiting the sauna. Sauna magnifies scent, and your smells can disrupt the experience of others. 

  2. There is no dress code inside the sauna.

  3. Always sit on a towel, so you don’t leave a puddle for the next guest. Always take your towel with you when you leave. 

  4. No footwear, water bottles, or other objects inside the sauna. (just the towel)

  5. Be courteous toward you neighbors: 

    • Share space on the benches

    • Gentle voices inside the sauna

    • No loud noises, athletic breathing or movements. Stretching is OK so long as there is space and it doesn’t become a distraction for other guests. The sauna is for relaxation, not for training or productivity. 

  6. Respect the peaceful nature of the sauna. It’s nice to hear the roar of the fire.

  7. Always ask the room before creating steam (even during silent sessions), and especially when adding essential oils—some patrons may have allergies to certain essential oils. This gives everyone a chance to negotiate the shared experience.

  8. When adding essential oils, less is more. More than a few drops will create an unpleasant experience inside the sauna. 

  9. Always close the door completely to prevent the loss of steam. 

  10. Don’t be a hero. There’s no “correct” amount of time to stay in a sauna: listen to your body’s needs. If it doesn’t feel good, it’s time to step outside. 

  11. A person exiting the sauna has the right of way.


Sexual conduct

  1. Just another reminder that Bad Sauna is a desexualized space. Any violation of that spirit will result in your being asked to leave or banned. This includes staring, commenting on someone’s body, asking someone out, physical contact of a sexual nature (even with consent), etc. Please help us to maintain a special space. Don’t be a jag.

FAQs

    1. 2 towels - one towel to sit on (so you don’t leave a puddle of sweat for the next person) and one towel for drying off

    2. Water bottle

    3. Flip-flips/slides/crocs

    4. Sauna wear - dress for comfort. Breathable and natural fiber textiles are ideal. Bathing suits, wraps, and towels are all good sauna wear.

    5. Snacks - sauna works up an appetite! You may find you like to have snacks on hand to nosh between rounds. Many people crave fruit or salty foods after sauna.

    1. Hydration is key to having a great sauna experience - before, during, and after.

    2. Shower - scents are intensified in the sauna, so we ask that you please remove all sunscreen, deodorants, body lotions, hair sprays, colognes, body oder, etc. etc. before arriving.

    3. Remove metal jewelry, as it may heat up and become uncomfortable

    4. Avoid arriving on a full stomach. It’s best to eat something light, such as a banana or a protein bar before beginning a sauna session.

  • During our summer residency at Aspinwall RiverTrail Park, “public pool attire” is required inside and outside the sauna.

  • During our summer residency at the Aspinwall RiverTrail Park, the age requirement for the sauna is 16+.

  • Sauna is well tolerated by most healthy adults and children, however it’s always best to consult your doctor before entering a sauna for the first time, especially if you have issues with uncontrolled blood pressure or have recently had complications from heart disease. Keep in mind that sauna can elevate your heart rate much like during physical activity.

  • There is large and growing body of research supporting the claim that sauna isn’t just a good way to relax, but has many health benefits besides. A 2018 study states: “Emerging evidence suggests that beyond its use for pleasure, sauna bathing may be linked to several health benefits, which include reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive diseases; nonvascular conditions such pulmonary diseases; mortality; as well as amelioration of conditions such as arthritis, headache, and flu.” As always, it’s best to consult your doctor or a health professional to determine what activities are best for you.

  • Bad Sauna is a de-sexualized space. Please refrain from contact of a sexual nature when visiting. Unwanted sexual attention is especially unwelcome in our space and will result in your being asked to leave. This includes staring, lewd comments, and non-consensual physical contact. If you’re wondering whether some behavior crosses the line or not, better to avoid. If you experience unwanted sexual attention, or if someone else’s behavior makes you uncomfortable, please alert a staff member and we will resolve the situation immediately. Thanks for your respect of our space and our guests.

  • Bad Sauna tickets are non-refundable, but may be exchanged for a credit to a future session if canceled at least 24 hours before the original session begins. To obtain a credit please contact Bad Sauna: the fastest way to get a response is to DM the Instagram page (@bad.sauna); the second fastest response is via email (badsaunapgh@gmail.com).

  • Bad Sauna may cancel a session for a number of reasons, most commonly inclement weather. When that happens, an email will be sent to anyone who has already purchased a ticket explaining the cancellation and their account will be credited for a future session. Credit is applied automatically when they next book. We do not offer refunds in these cases.