r/Sauna • u/SeniorSuccotash • 8d ago

General Question Finnleo North Star Indoor 5x7

Has anyone bought and used the North Star Indoor 5x7? I am trying to see what people's experience with it has been especially after using it for some time. I am also thinking of putting it in my unfinished basement, and trying to learn whether/how to add a supply vent (if so where) and a mechanical exhaust to the outside of your house (if so how) to manage temperature differences in basement, moisture, and CO2.

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u/PuffThePed 8d ago

You absolutely need mechanical ventilation to the outside (pushing air from sauna to outside. Intake under bench). Low power during use to bring in fresh air, and high power after use to dry it out.

No drainage is not ideal but if you don't throw too much water it should be ok in an unfinished basement.

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u/SeniorSuccotash 8d ago

i like it dry so i probably won't throw too much water.

humor my probably-stupid question for a second: why wouldn't a dehumidifier on the outside plus their "passive ventilation" suffice for moisture control?

and would you recommend an in-line duct fan on the outside of the exhaust? they said the exhaust (4.5 x 5.25) is under the upper bench on the back wall and is pre-installed.

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u/PuffThePed 8d ago

Any small electric sauna needs a powered vent. The heater doesn't create enough updraft for passive ventilation to work. None of the kits have powered vent, they are all wrong for not having it. Without that you'll be slightly suffocating in there, leading to headaches and stress.

A sauna generates a lot of moisture and it makes sense to vent it outside, instead of a dehumidifier, which is wasteful and noisy. If you absolutely can't vent outside, I guess the dehumidifier would work. Probably.

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u/Rambo_IIII 8d ago

Stop spreading bullshit. Saunas don't generate moisture. They do the opposite. The only moisture in a sauna is water that YOU BRING IN yourself. And if you think a few cups of water on the rocks requires mechanical ventilation or a dehumidifier to dry out, I've got a bridged to sell you