Inca uk ltd

Why Inca UK ?

Some of the things that make us different

Sauna Cabin materials    

We only use natural timbers from sustainable sources for both our Infrared sauna and traditional sauna cabins.

For the interior of the sauna cabin we prefer to use Spruce from Northern Europe, equally suited for use in either traditional or infrared sauna cabins as it can withstand the high temperatures associated with traditional saunas whilst resisting staining, discoloration and odour absorption. This timber species also offers other desirable properties including being naturally low in resin and knots whilst unlike redwood being largely free of terpenes (naturally occurring oils which give the timber a distinctive smell e.g. pinene and camphor). Spruce is an ideal choice both inside for its light colour and gentle aroma and also outside as it can be finished to match its location. 

If desired, we are please to offer alternative materials such as hemlock (Tsuga) which is a knot free alternative to spruce but which can be darker in colour. Kindly note that hemlock timber is not toxic and is unrelated to the poisonous herb of the same common name.

We are also happy to supply benches in obeche timber - also from sustainable sources - particularly for use in commercial saunas as this hardwood timber is knot free, remains cooler to touch and will not splinter.

We do not recommend applying any treatment to the interior of the cabin as this could impair the detoxification effect of using the infrared sauna as 'gassing' can occur. The exterior of the cabin however can be treated as appropriate for its intended site.

Construction method 

Our bespoke sauna cabins are all constructed using close fitting tongue and groove panels 'secret nailed' to provide twin walls with a central insulating cavity. The tongue and groove boards are available either with a flat or log lap profile each being a  class leading thickness of 20mm (up to twice that of competitors).

Other producers typically employ significantly lighter gauge materials or even single panels which therefore cannot offer the same levels of sauna cabin stability or thermal insulation. 

By using double skin construction this means that the inside and outside of the sauna cabin can be made of totally different materials or simply have different colours/textures to suit the desired place of use. For instance the outer skin could be made in materials suitable for painting or tiling or to match an existing decor. 

Assembly method

There are a number of sauna models available on the market which boast they can be assembled in less than one hour. It is also possible to disassemble them in a few minutes for potential relocation. This is because they are delivered as a flat pack item composed of thin panels which the customer is then expected to assemble themselves using the small external latches provided. 

Inca UK sauna cabins are delivered and installed by our own specialists. On site installation - including commissioning and testing - is typically completed in a couple of hours with the result being a totally stable stand alone structure designed to be enjoyed for many years.

All our sauna cabins are designed to offer generous seat depth and legroom.

In this two seater model there is clearly enough room to stretch out

Heater types

There is much written on this subject regarding both the type of heater and what power rating, operating temperature and wavelengths are best suited for use in infrared saunas.

Some of these parameters are dictated by the laws of physics - although you would not think so reading most articles. In reality there is no single ideal wavelength either to be transmitted or absorbed, moreover all the different heater element types emit a range of wavelengths not a single wavelength or frequency.

Rod type heaters generally produce shorter wavelengths (Near and Medium Infrared) and have higher operating temperatures (typ. 800^oC~2400^oC).

Carbon panel heaters are relatively new. They promise a great deal, however the large surface area may not provide the best results as Infrared waves travel in straight lines and therefore much of what is produced can be 'lost' into the cabin. The larger surface area also often means that the output can equally targeted at the head as it is to the rest of the body.

On balance we still prefer to use the robust ceramic panel heaters because of their performance, reliability, high efficiency (96%) and small physical size which allows them to be positioned appropriately within the cabin. With this combination we are able to provide the right amount of energy to precisely the desired areas.

Rarely mentioned is the value of high quality reflectors used in conjunction with the heater elements. Clearly the more efficient these are the more effective is the infrared output. We use surgical grade polished stainless steel for both the reflector and the protective guard to ensure optimum efficiency and hygiene over many years use.

Control panel

Many suppliers highlight their inclusion of a 'high tech' appearance control panel offering both timed usage and temperature control - typically fitted to the outside of the sauna cabin. 

At Inca UK the sauna control panel is designed specifically to operate reliably in this environment over many years, i.e. repeated usage with relatively high currents and elevated ambient temperatures. All controls are designed to be used with mains power and are offered for either internal or external mounting.

We include an on/off switch that controls the cabin heaters with separate switching for the cabin lighting. In addition a variable power control is used to provide regulation within the cabin rather than a temperature setting function which is meaningless for radiant heat energy (with Infrared heating 80% of the energy heating the user directly with only 20% heating the air around you).

Please note that for commercial sauna applications it is possible to specify a dedicated coin/timed operation control - please talk to us for further details.

Doors

We offer a range of both half and fully glazed doors. Glazed panels can also be included as required. Please note that for the infrared cabins we normally use 28mm double glazing where possible for the improved thermal insulation and hence reduced running costs.

Therapies

Included as standard within all our cabins is a general purpose reading light(s). We use the latest power saving high power LED lamps as standard.

Available as an option is a chromatherapy unit again using the latest power saving high power LED lamps which can enhance the experience.

Red - Promotes energy/stimulation

Orange - Promotes pleasure/enthusiasm. May be useful in easing digestive disorders

Yellow - Sensory stimulant: digestive and lymphatic systems

Green - Calming/ antiseptic and antibacterial properties

Blue - Promotes communication and knowledge. Eliminates toxins

Other optional therapies include; ioniser, aromatherapy, sound (for listening to relaxation music or your favourite music)

Sizes

Although we offer a number of 'standard' sized cabins we are always willing to discuss any special requirements you may have.

As the manufacturer we can custom build to your requirements including;

- alteration to size/number/position of windows

- altering the number/position of heater elements

- infrared sauna outdoor model

- customising other options e.g. HDTV, upgraded audio, lighting  etc. etc.

This image is of a five seater corner unit fitted into the end of a room

 with a coombed ceiling which has then been 'boxed' in. 

Spares

In the highly unlikely event of any component failing, we maintain an inventory of parts at our production facility in Scotland enabling a rapid response service.

Maintenance

Although much less of an issue for infrared saunas, if you need maintenance for an existing sauna installation please call for a quote.

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Inca UK Limited Registered in Scotland: 343916    

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