Premium Outdoor Sauna

Elma L outdoor sauna – large glass front and three bench options

The Bloomcabin Elma L combines a generous glass front with a bright thermo-aspen interior and seats up to four people. With external dimensions of approximately 222 cm wide, 218 cm deep and 242 cm high, it sits between a compact one- or two-person sauna and a larger sauna house. It suits households that sauna together regularly or couples wanting more freedom of movement. Three bench options offer different seating directions and reclining possibilities.

This guide helps you coordinate size, specification, location and technical preparation. Explore further shapes and sizes in the Bloomcabin sauna range.

What distinguishes the Elma L

The Elma L's main features cover capacity, external dimensions, bench design and construction materials.

Thermo-aspen inside, thermo-spruce outside and clear glass at the front

The thermo-aspen interior lining gives the Elma L a bright, tranquil character. LED strips behind the backrest provide indirect light without interrupting the uncluttered interior. By day, the glass front makes the room feel open and spacious. In the evening, indirect lighting highlights the timber surfaces and improves orientation without becoming a dominant light source.

The Elma L is clad externally in thermo-spruce. Available surface finishes let you coordinate the sauna with the house façade, terrace and garden design. Natural-looking timber blends discreetly into its surroundings, while darker versions can create stronger contrast. Assess the choice across the full visible exterior and under the lighting conditions at the installation site. Paving, timber decks, walls and adjacent materials also affect the overall impression.

The rectangular structure uses 60 mm CLT construction. Doors and windows are made from 8 mm clear glass; black anodised profiles visually frame the transparent surfaces.

Clarify foundation, weight and electrical connection before assembly

The Elma L weighs approximately 1,265 kg without the heater. The base must carry this weight evenly and permanently. A surface that appears level is not automatically sufficiently load-bearing. This is especially relevant for existing terraces, filled ground and raised platforms. If unsure, have the supporting structure, sub-base and load transfer assessed for suitability. The foundation must also enable level, dimensionally accurate assembly so later settlement does not distort the structure.

Technical data specifies a three-phase 400 V, 50 Hz supply. Before foundation work, confirm the cable route and handover point at the intended connection area so later wiring does not cross walkways or exposed exterior surfaces. Use a registered local electrical contractor to verify equipment compatibility and protection, complete the connection, inspection and testing, and address any applicable Certificate of Compliance documentation. Follow the manufacturer documentation, selected specification and technical and local requirements for the site.

Include the sauna surroundings in location planning. Leave enough space outside the door for arriving, putting down towels or robes and cooling down. If you may later add an outdoor shower, plunge pool, lounging area or pergola, include cable routes, drainage and paths in the first site plan. Later additions can then be made without blocking sauna access or maintenance areas.

Check early which building, boundary, electrical and, where relevant, fire-safety requirements apply to your property. Municipal requirements vary by location and project. For Cape Town projects, confirm the approval route with the City and District Planning Office; elsewhere consult your own municipality. Further planning guidance is available in planning advice for your Bloomcabin sauna.

Who is the Elma L designed for?

Suitable use depends on usual occupancy, preferred seating posture and how the Elma L integrates with the outdoor area.

Elma L or Elma S – compare your real space requirements

The Elma S is especially suitable when one or two people usually sauna and the smallest possible footprint is essential. It suits locations where extra space would restrict paths or other parts of the garden.

In direct comparison, the Elma L is the better choice if the more compact Elma S is insufficient for usual occupancy or the desired seating arrangement. The foundation, access and site layout must be able to accommodate the larger version sensibly.

Both models belong to the same product family in design terms. The deciding factors are therefore usual number of users, available footprint and desired bench layout. Mark out both model footprints at the site as a trial. This shows which version leaves sufficient room for paths, neighbouring garden features and assembly.

Plan access, cooling-down space and year-round use

Plan the route between house and sauna as part of everyday use. It should be direct, well lit and safe underfoot in wet weather. Avoid unnecessary steps, loose surfaces and narrow sections. Provide a separate cooling-down area that does not obstruct the doorway. During cold or wet periods, keep the route clear of leaves, dirt and any ice; in warmer or drier periods, prevent furniture and planting from narrowing access.

After each sauna session, remove textiles and visible dirt, and allow the interior to ventilate and dry completely. Check that the door and glass surfaces close freely and look for any changes to timber, seals or fixings. A brief inspection after every use helps identify changes early.

For ventilation, drying and care, follow the guidance for your selected version . Keep it readily available for regular maintenance.

Straight bench, corner bench or ergonomic version?

The straight bench reinforces the clean, orderly interior design. Everyone faces the same main direction, while the open floor area remains easy to oversee. This option works particularly well when only a few people usually sit side by side or when a linear design is the priority. Before ordering, check the illustration of the selected version to ensure the bench position and layout meet your expectations.

With the corner bench, seats are arranged along two sides of the room. This makes users face each other more directly, which can be pleasant during shared sauna sessions. The corner shape also affects how easily people sit down, stand up and pass one another. Alongside user numbers, consider whether children, adults of different heights or people with different seating habits will sauna together regularly.

The ergonomic version is designed for a more supported, relaxed posture. It is an option where comfortable reclining matters more than a neutral flat seat. However, comfort depends on height, preferred posture and the duration of a sauna session. Compare the product illustration and included scope of the specific version rather than deciding from its name alone.

Choose the bench version before completing the order. Where users have different preferences, prioritise the most frequent use case and the posture of those who will use the sauna regularly.

Organising shared sauna sessions

When several people use the Elma L, keep the area directly in front of the door clear of shoes, textiles and other items. Set up a dedicated shelf or storage point nearby without narrowing the entrance or exit. Garden furniture, planters and sauna accessories should also stay out of the door swing and walking area. A clear access zone is more practical day to day than a densely decorated space.

During shared use, keep personal items in the designated storage area and outside the movement zone, while ensuring everyone can reach the exit. Arrange seating so anyone wishing to leave earlier can do so without forcing others to move unnecessarily. The bench geometry and operating guidance provide the framework.

Where possible, divide the outdoor area into arrival, cooling-down and resting zones. This keeps splash water and stored items out of the direct access route. If a shower or pool is nearby, drain water so the doorway and foundation do not remain permanently wet.

Coordinate views and privacy with the glass front

The transparent front makes a careful assessment of sightlines worthwhile. Stand at the proposed location and look in both directions: what will sauna users see, and from which paths, windows or neighbouring areas is the interior visible? Repeat the check from approximately seated height. A location that feels private while standing may allow unexpected views from a lower perspective.

Planting and suitable privacy screens can reduce side views, but must not obstruct access or care of exterior surfaces. Consider a plant's eventual size and seasonal leaf loss. Also inspect the location after dark, since a lit interior can be more visible from outside. Exterior lighting should make the route visible without creating distracting reflections in the glass front.

Coordinate the view, privacy screening and access side before the foundation is prepared. Mark the building corners and the line of the glass front on the property. This gives a far more realistic impression of the final orientation before work begins.

Leave sufficient room for assembly, inspection and care

External dimensions describe only the structure, not the total space requirement. During assembly, components must be transported to the site and handled there. After installation, exterior surfaces, connections and the transition to the ground should remain accessible. Do not place the sauna so tightly between fences, walls, buildings or established planting that side access becomes nearly impossible.

Adequate maintenance access makes it easier to inspect exterior timber, glass, seal areas, fixings and water drainage. These areas should not permanently disappear behind decoration, dense growth or stored items. Allow for the eventual space needed by nearby plants and avoid locations where leaves and moisture can collect directly against the structure.

Reserve access permanently as a walking and service route, rather than using it to store bins, bicycles, garden equipment or seasonal furniture.

Check the delivery route and assembly area before ordering

Walk the complete route from the property entrance to the planned location. Note garden gates, bends, steps, slopes, low passages, overhanging branches and delicate ground finishes. Even a wide entrance will not help if the final section has a narrow side passage or lawn that cannot bear loads. Keep photos and relevant measurements ready for discussion with the delivery or assembly partner.

By the agreed assembly date, the foundation and electrical plan must be prepared accordingly. Remove stored materials, garden furniture and vegetation from the work area. The area around the installation site must also suit assembly; soft ground or unsuitable temporary coverings can make the work difficult. Clarify in advance who will check the completed foundation level before assembly.

Record in writing who arranges delivery onto the property, assembles the sauna and completes the electrical connection. It should also be clear which preparatory work you must finish in good time. Ask whether packaging or transport aids will need temporary storage on the property. A clear sequence prevents delays between foundation work, assembly and electrical connection.

Record the selected version and scope of supply clearly

Before submitting the order, compare the selected bench layout and surface finish with your site plan. Use unambiguous descriptions and retain the order confirmation. If several people or contractors are involved, everyone should work from the same current plan. This prevents older sketches or changed preferences from being used accidentally.

Check each item and service included with the ordered version, and identify what is not included or must be planned separately. This is especially important when coordinating the sauna, heater, electrical connection and planned outdoor additions. For construction preparation, rely not only on product images but on documentation for the configuration actually selected.

Keep order documents, the site sketch, foundation information, electrical plan and contact details for involved contractors together. This ensures all parties use the same information for questions. Assembly, operating and care instructions should remain easily accessible after installation.

Direct rain and splash water away from the structure

The base must drain water so persistent standing water does not form beneath or directly beside the sauna. Consider not only ordinary rainfall, but water that may flow from adjoining areas, roof surfaces or higher ground towards the location. Even with a dry foundation surface, moisture can collect in a hollow beside it. Drainage must therefore suit the soil, slope and property conditions.

Test drainage paths practically after completion. Water should not run towards the entrance, onto the main path or into places where it may freeze during cold conditions. Remove leaves, soil and plant debris before they affect open drains. Plan dedicated drainage for an outdoor shower, as it produces water more frequently and in greater concentration than rainfall.

Do not later pile soil, gravel or decoration directly against the underside of the sauna. After garden work, check that the intended ground level and ventilation at the base remain intact. Have the causes of settlement, washout or standing water clarified before the base or structure is affected.

Organise regular care by component

Divide regular inspection into the interior, glass surfaces, external shell, access route and base. Inside, focus on cleanliness and visible changes to timber. At the glass, inspect dirt and adjoining sealing elements. Outside, watch for deposits, mechanical damage and areas that remain wet unusually long. Also check the path, base and water drainage. Dated notes help identify changes over time.

Use only cleaning and care products expressly suitable for each material. Unsuitable coatings or cleaners must not reach timber, glass or sealing elements. Work on electrical components is not part of normal cleaning and must be left to the responsible professionals. Intervals and procedures follow the assembly, operating and care guidance for the chosen version.

FAQ – Bloomcabin Elma L