Löyly!
Löyly is a Finnish word meaning the quality of the heat. Together with humidity, it is the basis for the perfect sauna experience.
About Helo Saunas of New York
A Finnish sauna specialist based in New York.
Kalevi Ruuska was involved with sauna and construction-material promotion in Finland before moving to the U.S. in 1999.
He started slowly with Amerec, then became a Helo dealer when Helo became available from the same supplier. He has worked with Helo for nearly 20 years; Helo is the original Finnish sauna brand now sold by Sauna360.
For Kalevi, sauna is part of Finnish lifestyle: relaxation, water on the rocks, time taken slowly, and a room that simply feels good.
He also served as a past president of the North American Sauna Society. Today, he helps homeowners make the practical choices that shape comfort, heat, air movement, water use, installation, and long-term durability.
Traditional sauna
A good sauna is practical before it is decorative.
Homeowners and indoor commercial teams often need help sorting the basics: indoor or outdoor, room size, heater output, ventilation, wood selection, drain feasibility, and how water on the rocks changes the experience.
Air
A traditional sauna needs an air inlet and outlet located according to the heater manufacturer's instructions. The best door location is not always possible, but it is planned with airflow and heat in mind.
Benches
We usually want to maximize the bench area and, if the space allows, aim for an L-shaped bench setup. The upper benches are the most important and are the widest.
Drain
In new construction, a drain is a useful feature and helps with cleaning the space. In existing homes, it is often not feasible, so the room is planned around what the house can support.
Wood
Clear Western Red Cedar is the most popular choice. Hemlock has a more Scandinavian look, while Northern Spruce gives the room a more rustic character.
Door and lighting
Every sauna package includes a proper sauna door and the lights. The standard door is all-glass, and we use low-voltage LED color lighting set into the backrests, underneath the benches, or in the ceiling.
Water
Our traditional sauna heaters are meant to be used with water sprinkled on the rocks. Regulating humidity this way is important to a real and authentic sauna experience.
Proportion
Ceiling height, bench tiers, door placement, glass, and heater guard all change how the sauna feels in use.
Sauna credentials
Experience behind the practical details.
Our experience is most useful in practical choices: heater type, sauna heater service, ventilation, drain feasibility, access, trades, and whether the finished room will be comfortable to use.
Finnish sauna heritage
Sauna is part of Finnish everyday life: relaxation, heat, water on the rocks, and time spent well.
Long-time Helo dealer
Nearly 20 years of Helo dealer experience helps with heaters, controls, sauna heater service, and room packages.
Fully insured sauna installers
Design guidance is backed by hands-on sauna installation, build-out knowledge, and practical site experience.
Past president of NASS
Connected to the wider North American sauna community and traditional sauna education.
Reviewed on Houzz
Public project feedback gives homeowners another way to review the work.
From idea to buildable plan
From drawings to options, then a site visit.
Most projects begin with drawings, photos, or a proposed location. Kalevi reviews the space, talks through options and approximate pricing, then visits for measurements when the project is ready.
Architects, builders, electricians, designers, homeowners, and installers may all be involved. Because Helo Saunas of New York installs sauna packages, the practical details can be reviewed before the work reaches the site.
Start your sauna project
Start with the project basics.
Share the room, outdoor site, photos, timeline, and any contractor or electrical details. A clear starting point helps our team confirm fit, options, and the next practical step.
You will hear from Helo Saunas of New York directly. The goal is a useful first conversation, not a high-pressure quote process.