Spa equipment supplier, Dalesauna, has developed the Rohol Sauna which uses new infrared technology that consumes more than 30 per cent less energy than conventional saunas.

Dalesauna will soon be trialling the technology in one of Fitness First’s London clubs, with the gym club chain expressing interest in the heat system's energy saving potential. This follows the YTL-developed Gainsborough Bath Spa, which has taken on board this low cost heating option by installing a Dalesauna infrared sauna in their thermal suite.

The Rohol Sauna uses 350W infrared heaters which measure 600mm high by 150mm wide and are positioned so visitors sit with their back to them or against modern veneered panels.

One heater is required per user, so the total number depends on the size of the sauna, however, some 500W heaters can be installed in front of users.

Dalesauna claim that a combination of these heaters in a four person sauna would still consume around half the energy of a traditional sauna of the same size, whose heater requires a minimum of 6,000W.

Heat produced by infrared light is a safe form of non-ionising radiation, which means it is unable to alter molecules it comes into contact with – unlike ultraviolet light which is damaging.

“Infrared saunas are extremely safe. There's no traditional heating source, which removes the risk of fire that could otherwise occur when a combustible material comes into contact with the heater. Infrared is also entirely safe for humans," said sales director of Dalesauna, Gerard McCarthy.

Invisible to the human eye, infrared rays don’t need to travel through air or water to cause molecules they strike to oscillate, which makes us feel warm.

The physiological benefits of this technology are akin to those felt after exercise such as detoxification through sweat production, pain relief and a strengthened immune system.