Hot vs Cold Magnesium Pools on the Gold Coast: Which Temperature Supports Your Wellness Goals?

Looking to try a sauna in Brisbane but not sure which type suits your wellness goals? From the deep heat of infrared saunas to the high temperatures of traditional dry saunas, both options offer incredible benefits but they work in different ways. 

This guide explains the key differences between the two, so you can choose the right sauna experience for your body, lifestyle, and goals.

What’s the Difference Between Infrared and Traditional Saunas?

Before you book a session, it helps to understand how these saunas work.

Traditional Sauna

A traditional sauna uses steam or heated stones to raise the air temperature around you. The heat causes you to sweat, encouraging detoxification and deep relaxation.

• Temperature: 70–100°C
• Humidity: High (if steam is used)
• Heating Method: Heats the air, which then heats your body
• Sweat Level: Heavy and immediate

Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas use infrared light waves to heat your body directly without warming the surrounding air as much. The result is a gentler heat that penetrates deeper into tissues.

• Temperature: 45–60°C
• Humidity: Low (dry heat)
• Heating Method: Infrared light heats the body directly
• Sweat Level: Slower onset, but deep and cleansing

Benefits of Traditional Saunas

Brisbane’s climate can make intense heat less appealing, but for those who love a classic sauna experience, traditional saunas still offer incredible benefits:

• Rapid sweating to support detoxification
  Traditional saunas use dry heat to quickly raise your core temperature, triggering a deep sweat that can help flush out toxins through the skin. This natural detox process supports liver and kidney function and can leave you feeling lighter and more energised after each session.
• Muscle relaxation after physical activity
  The intense heat of a traditional sauna helps ease muscle tension, reduce stiffness, and promote faster recovery after exercise. It encourages blood flow to sore areas, helping relieve aches and pains while improving flexibility ideal for athletes or anyone with an active lifestyle.
• Improved circulation and cardiovascular health
  Regular sauna use stimulates your heart rate and blood vessels, mimicking the effects of moderate exercise. This temporary increase in circulation can support overall cardiovascular function, lower blood pressure, and help maintain healthy blood flow throughout the body.
• Traditional ritual-like atmosphere
  There’s something grounding about stepping into a traditional sauna. The warm, wood-panelled space and consistent heat create a calming ritual that’s been practised for centuries. It’s a mindful way to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with your body and breath.
• Great for social or group wellness sessions
  Unlike more solitary therapies, traditional saunas are perfect for shared experiences. Whether you’re catching up with friends or winding down with a partner, the communal environment makes it easy to connect, relax, and enjoy wellness as a social ritual.

Benefits of Infrared Saunas

If you’re seeking a more modern, gentle, and therapeutic heat experience, infrared saunas might be ideal:

• Penetrates deep into muscles and joints, aiding recovery
  Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared light to warm the body directly. This deeper heat penetration helps target muscles, joints, and connective tissues making it a powerful tool for post-workout recovery or chronic pain relief.
• More tolerable for people sensitive to high heat
  Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures (typically between 45–60°C), making them more comfortable for those who struggle with the intense heat of traditional saunas. You can stay in longer without feeling overwhelmed, allowing your body to ease into the benefits gradually.
• Can help with inflammation and chronic pain
  The deep, gentle heat from infrared therapy can help reduce inflammation in the body. This makes it especially useful for people with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or old injuries, as it supports circulation and encourages healing in affected areas.
• Promotes skin health and improves circulation
  Sweating from infrared sauna use helps cleanse pores and can promote clearer, healthier skin over time. Improved circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface, giving you a refreshed, post-sauna glow.
• Can be used for shorter periods with similar benefits
  Infrared sauna sessions don’t require a huge time commitment. Even just 20–30 minutes can provide noticeable benefits, making it an ideal wellness option for people with busy schedules who want results without spending hours at the bathhouse.

Which Sauna Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your decision: