A far infrared sauna uses far infrared wavelengths to heat your body directly, rather than heating the air around you like a traditional sauna. Far infrared is the longest wavelength in the infrared spectrum and penetrates deepest into your body's core, promoting detoxification through deep sweating, improved circulation, and muscle relaxation. The Premier IS-3 uses Clearlight's patented True Wave® carbon/ceramic heaters engineered specifically for far infrared therapy with near-zero EMF and ELF levels.

Traditional saunas heat the air to 180–200°F, which can feel intense and hard to breathe in. The Premier IS-3 uses infrared heat that penetrates your body directly at a more comfortable air temperature. You sweat more, detoxify more deeply, and can stay in longer. The bench, walls, and fixtures don't get hot to the touch. Infrared saunas don't require plumbing, drain lines, or waterproofing.

The Premier line uses far infrared heaters only — the deepest-penetrating infrared wavelength focused on core body heating and detoxification. The Sanctuary line adds full spectrum heaters (near + mid + far infrared) for a broader range of therapeutic wavelengths including skin health and pain relief benefits. Both lines use the same True Wave® carbon/ceramic technology, same build quality, same warranty, and same wood options. The Premier is the right choice if you want powerful far infrared therapy at a more accessible price point.

The Premier IS-3 is the largest in the Premier line — seating 3 people with a 54" wide bench. The IS-1 is a 1-person unit (33" bench) and the IS-2 is a 2-person unit (43" bench). All three share the same heater technology, wood options, and features. The key electrical difference: the IS-3 requires a 120V / 20A circuit with a NEMA 5-20P plug, while the IS-1 and IS-2 both use a standard 15A outlet. You may need an electrician to verify or upgrade your outlet to 20A for the IS-3.

Yes. Clearlight offers an Upgrade Full Spectrum Heater — a 300W add-on that attaches to the inside of your sauna door and delivers near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths. It plugs into a receptacle already built into your Premier sauna and installs in less than 10 minutes. This is the #1 accessory upgrade for Premier buyers because it bridges the gap to Sanctuary-level performance. The IS-3 already requires a 20A circuit, so no additional electrical upgrade is needed when adding this heater.

Clinical research supports a range of benefits from regular infrared sauna use, including improved cardiovascular function, reduced muscle and joint pain, enhanced detoxification through deep sweating, better sleep quality, stress reduction, and support for skin health. Clearlight has more published clinical research on their products than any other infrared sauna brand. These are General Wellness claims — consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health situation.

Most people use their sauna 3–5 times per week. Clearlight recommends starting with sessions no longer than 30 minutes as you build tolerance, then increasing to 40 minutes as you become more heat conditioned. The Premier IS-3 timer can be set for up to 60 minutes in 5-minute increments. Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session.

The Premier IS-3 can be set to a maximum of 175°F (80°C). However, the way infrared works is different from a traditional sauna — air temperature isn't the primary driver. If you set the thermostat to 150°F or higher and keep the heaters running continuously during a 30-minute session, the cabin air will typically reach 115–125°F depending on the starting ambient temperature. The infrared wavelengths are penetrating your body and producing a deep sweat regardless of cabin air temperature.

Clearlight recommends allowing approximately 10–15 minutes for the sauna to warm up before stepping in. Unlike a traditional sauna, you don't need to wait for the cabin to reach full temperature — the infrared heaters begin working on your body as soon as you enter. The sauna has a built-in Reservation mode that lets you schedule it to turn on up to 36 hours in advance.

The Premier IS-3 draws 1,950 watts. At the national average electricity rate of about $0.16/kWh, a 40-minute session costs approximately $0.20–$0.22. If you use it 5 times per week, that's about $5 per month added to your electric bill.

The Premier IS-3 requires a 120V / 20A circuit with a NEMA 5-20P plug. This is NOT the same as a standard 15A household outlet — the 5-20P plug has one horizontal prong and one vertical prong. Many newer homes have 20A circuits in kitchens and bathrooms, but you may need an electrician to install or verify a 20A outlet where you plan to place the sauna. No hardwiring is needed — it's still a plug-in unit. The power cord comes out of the roof of the sauna and is approximately 8 feet long. Do not use an extension cord.

The exterior dimensions are 61" wide × 44" deep × 76" tall (plus a 6⅝" roof overhang) — roughly 5.1 feet × 3.7 feet. It fits in a spare room, basement, large bedroom, garage, or home gym. You don't need any special flooring, ventilation, or waterproofing.

Anywhere with a flat floor and a 20A electrical outlet within 8 feet. Popular spots include spare rooms, basements, garages, and home gyms. The sauna doesn't produce external moisture or steam, so it won't damage surrounding walls or flooring. It can sit on hardwood, tile, carpet, laminate, or concrete. It should not be placed outdoors.

No special room ventilation is required. The sauna has built-in ceiling vents that can be opened at any time. Just make sure there's at least a few inches of clearance around the unit for airflow and future service access.

No. The Premier IS-3 is designed for indoor use only. If you're looking for an outdoor infrared sauna, Clearlight offers the Outdoor 2 and Outdoor 5 models with weather-resistant construction.

The Premier has a more traditional sauna aesthetic with solid wood construction, a beautiful wooden light shade, and elegant tongue-and-groove woodwork throughout. It does not have the glass roof or glass side panels found on the Sanctuary line. Some buyers prefer this warmer, more enclosed feel — it creates a more private, cozy atmosphere. The accent lighting and chromotherapy still provide a spa-like ambiance inside.

The Premier IS-3 ships as pre-built panels that clip together — no tools required. Two people can assemble it in about 45–60 minutes. Every panel is labeled and the included instructions walk you through each step. An assembly video is available on the product page.

Yes. The clip-together panel system means the sauna can be disassembled and reassembled if you move or want to relocate it. It breaks down into flat panels that fit through standard doorways individually. The Premier IS-3 weighs 440 lbs total.

Clearlight saunas are independently tested by VitaTech Electromagnetics and produce near-zero EMF and ELF levels — well below the threshold considered safe by international standards. The True Wave® heaters are specifically engineered to cancel out EMF, and third-party test reports are available on the product page. The Premier IS-3 is ETL Listed for safety and FCC compliant.

Clearlight saunas are independently tested for VOC emissions and certified at safe levels. The eco-certified Mahogany and Basswood are naturally low in VOCs, and no toxic glues or adhesives are used. Some customers notice a mild natural wood scent during the first few months — this is normal.

Yes. The Premier IS-3 has no fan, no motor, and no moving parts in the heating system. The infrared heaters operate silently. The cabin has passive ceiling vents — no powered ventilation.

The sauna comes with everything you need: the full cabin with pre-built wall, floor, ceiling, and bench panels, True Wave® far infrared heaters (including an under-floor foot heater), digital keypad controller with Reservation mode, Bluetooth and AUX stereo audio system, built-in ergonomic backrest, interior wooden light shade, exterior accent lighting, chromotherapy light system with 6 colors, door handle/tablet cradle combo, ceiling vents, and an owner's manual.

The Premier IS-3 includes a chromotherapy system with 15 LED lights in 6 colors: green (regenerative), red (circulatory), blue (joints and stress), yellow (skin purification), indigo (blood stream), and violet (lymphatic). Press the COLOR button on the keypad once to activate auto mode, which cycles through all colors every 8 seconds. Press additional times to manually select a specific color. Press 8 times to turn it off.

The Premier IS-3 comes with built-in stereo speakers. You can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth — search for a device called "Infrared Sauna" with pairing code 0000. There's also a 3.5mm AUX jack on the front inside wall for wired connections.

Yes. You can bring your phone into the sauna — the interior temperature is well within safe operating range for electronics. Many people stream music or podcasts through the Bluetooth speakers. The door handle doubles as a tablet cradle for easy viewing during sessions.

Yes. The Premier IS-3 has a bench measuring 54" wide × 22" deep — 4.5 feet wide, enough for three adults to sit side by side. The bench supports 350 lbs. The interior space is 56" wide × 40" deep × 71" tall. The reversible ergonomic bench is ergonomic on one side and flat on the other — flip it depending on your preference.

Yes. The Premier IS-3 has a built-in 12V accessory outlet on the side wall and a built-in receptacle on the door for the Full Spectrum Heater Upgrade. Compatible accessories include the Upgrade Full Spectrum Heater (the #1 upgrade — adds near and mid infrared), the Red Light Therapy CORE Tower (mounts inside the sauna door), the HALO ONE® salt therapy device, the AROMA ONE® aromatherapy diffuser, and the VRT Vibrational Resonance Therapy system. Important: you cannot use the Full Spectrum Heater Upgrade and the Red Light CORE Tower at the same time — they share the same door receptacle. Ask your specialist about bundled pricing.

Yes — Clearlight recommends placing towels on the bench and floor during sessions. With three users, each person should have their own bench towel. The eco-certified wood is naturally moisture-resistant, but excessive water can stain or warp over time. After your session, wipe down the bench and leave the door open for a few minutes.

Maintenance is minimal. Wipe down the bench and interior with a damp cloth after sessions and leave the door open to air out. There are no filters, drains, or plumbing to maintain. Clearlight offers an optional cleaning solution for deeper periodic cleaning.

With normal care, a Clearlight sauna will last decades. The eco-certified hardwood construction, stainless steel hardware, and commercial-grade heater elements are built for long-term daily use. The Limited Lifetime Residential Warranty covers the cabinetry, electrical, and heaters for as long as you own the sauna.

If you have a cardiovascular condition, are pregnant, take prescription medications, or have any chronic health condition, consult your physician before using an infrared sauna. If you feel light-headed or heat-exhausted during a session, exit the sauna immediately. Clearlight saunas are classified as General Wellness devices — always get clearance from your doctor first.

The Premier IS-3 comes with Clearlight's Limited Lifetime Residential Warranty covering the cabinetry, electrical components, and heaters — for as long as you own it. Commercial installations are covered by a 5-year warranty.

Clearlight saunas are eligible for return only in the case of a manufacturing defect, which requires an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) from Clearlight. Saunas are not eligible for return due to change of mind. Speak with a specialist before purchasing to confirm the model, size, and electrical requirements are right for your space.

Many infrared saunas qualify for HSA and FSA reimbursement when purchased with a Letter of Medical Necessity from your healthcare provider. Clearlight saunas hold a Canadian Medical Device License and are classified as General Wellness devices. We provide purchase documentation — check with your plan administrator for eligibility.

Yes. We offer financing options so you can spread the cost over time. When you request pricing, your specialist will include available financing options in your quote.

The Premier IS-3 ships with complimentary curbside freight delivery within the continental United States. The freight carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery window. The sauna arrives on a pallet — at 440 lbs total, you'll need help bringing the panels inside. Most customers carry the panels in one at a time. If you need help finding a local installer, our team can connect you with professionals in your area.

The Premier IS-3 is available in two eco-certified wood options: Mahogany (rich, dark grain, naturally durable, excellent heat retention) and Basswood (light, clean aesthetic, hypoallergenic, fine texture). Both are FSC eco-certified with tongue-and-groove construction throughout.