How to Secure a Sauna Tent in the Wind (Sandbags, Pegs and Guy Ropes)

Can you use your sauna tent in the wind? Yes, within reason. Every PortaSauna is built for UK weather, and a breezy day is no problem at all, as long as your sauna is pitched properly and fully secured. But there's a point where common sense has to win.

In this guide, we'll show you the three bits of kit that hold your sauna tent down, how to use them, how to choose the right spot, and how to know when it's time to pop it down and give it a night off.

Three bits of kit that keep your sauna tent secure

Everything you need to secure your sauna comes in the tent bag, with every package, from Foundation all the way to Enterprise. Whichever PortaSauna you choose, you get all of it.

1. Sandbags

Fill them with sand, or anything heavy, and place them on the skirt of the tent to weigh it down. They're your go-to on hard ground where pegs won't work. When we run saunas at gyms, we even pop kettlebells into them. Anything heavy does the job.

2. Pegs

On grass, pegs are your best friend. Use every single one, all the way round, even if it feels calm when you set up. A sauna that's fully pegged handles a breeze brilliantly. A sauna that's half pegged doesn't.

3. Guy ropes

Guy ropes give your sauna tent its strength in the wind. Here's how to set them up:

1. Clip the guy rope on to the tent.

2. Run it out, away from the sauna.

3. Drive the peg into the ground and tension the rope.

4. Repeat the process all the way round, including the spot by the door.

Give them a quick check during your session too. If one has loosened off, tighten it back up.

Assess your space

Where you pitch your sauna makes a big difference. We filmed our video at the Clubhouse in Southsea, about 300m from the seafront, with no shelter at all and a storm on its way. That's about as exposed as it gets, which is exactly why every peg, guy rope and sandbag went on.

Before you set up, have a look around:

• Level, firm ground gives the frame and pegs the best hold.

• Natural shelter like a hedge or a wall helps, but always keep at least a metre away from buildings, fences and trees.

• Check the wind direction so smoke from the flue drifts away from the door, your house and your neighbours.

If you're in a sheltered garden, you're already off to a great start. But the same rule applies wherever you are: use your common sense.

Check the forecast

Before you light the stove, check the forecast. The day before, and again on the day. It's exactly what our team does before every event we run. Once you're in, keep an eye on it, because wind can pick up quickly.

Know when to give it a night off

This is the big one. If there's a weather warning for wind, or it's strong enough that it could damage permanent structures, like fences, sheds or trampolines going over, it's not a sauna day. Pop it down and put it away.

The same goes for storms and lightning. Give it a night off. Your sauna will be ready and waiting when the weather settles.

If the wind picks up mid-session

Don't push it. Everyone out, stop adding wood and let the fire die down safely. Never leave a lit stove unattended. Once the stove is completely cool, take your sauna down and pack it away. Our [LINK: How to Pack Down a Sauna Tent] guide walks you through it step by step.

Handy tips for windy days

• Use all the kit, every time: sandbags, pegs and guy ropes.

• Pitch on level, firm ground, at least a metre from anything.

• Check the forecast the day before and on the day.

• Weather warning? Pop it down and put it away.

Get the PortaSauna Weather Guide

Want the full guide to using your sauna in every kind of weather? Email hello@portasauna.com to request the PortaSauna Weather Guide.

Got a question about your sauna? We're here to help. Drop us a message on WhatsApp at +44 7719 571 324 or email hello@portasauna.com.

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