Denver Sauna Etiquette: How to Share the Heat (and the Calm)
If you’re new to sauna culture—or new to saunas in Denver—it’s normal to wonder:
Should I talk or stay quiet? What do I wear? Can I pour water on the rocks? Is it okay to bring my phone?
This guide is here to help. At Upswell, sauna etiquette isn’t about strict rules—it’s about shared respect, comfort, and ease. Think less “do it perfectly,” more read the room.
The Vibe: Calm, Considerate, and Welcoming
Denver sauna culture sits between quiet restoration and social wellness. At Upswell, the vibe is:
Calm and grounded
Friendly without pressure
Respectful of personal space
Oriented toward recovery and presence
A friendly smile and nod go a long way. Many of our members have met in the sauna—and we love how shared heat can naturally bring people together.
Talking vs. Silence: How to Read the Room
This is the most common question we hear.
Our simple guidance:
If the sauna is quiet when you enter → keep it quiet
If there’s light conversation happening → gentle, low-volume conversation is okay
Helpful cues:
Open posture, eye contact, relaxed energy → likely open to light conversation
Eyes closed, towel over face, not looking up when you enter → they’re dropping in and prefer quiet
Both are completely okay. We all get it. When in doubt, silence is always respectful—and a soft hello with a smile is never wrong.
Adding Water to the Rocks: Always Ask First
If you’re in a traditional sauna with rocks, please ask before adding water.
Why?
Steam (löyly) significantly increases heat and intensity
What feels grounding to you may feel overwhelming to someone else
A simple:
“Would it be okay if I added a little water?”
If anyone hesitates, skip it. Shared comfort comes first.
What to Wear: Denver Sauna Norms
This is not Europe—we keep things a little more covered here than our friends across the pond.
At Upswell:
Swimsuits or trunks are required
Robes may be worn in the sauna if desired, but not in lieu of a swimsuit or trunks
Towels are used to sit on (always appreciated) and for light cover if desired, but not used in lieu of a swimsuit or trunks
This keeps the space welcoming for everyone.
Sauna Hats: When and Why to Use Them
You may notice some guests wearing sauna hats—especially during longer or hotter sessions.
Sauna hats:
Help regulate head temperature
Reduce dizziness or overheating
Support longer, more comfortable sauna sessions
They’re optional and especially helpful if:
You’re heat-sensitive
You’re staying in longer than 20–30 minutes
You’re using a hotter traditional sauna
No hat? No problem. Listen to your body.
Privacy, Phones & Social Media (Important)
We honor privacy deeply at Upswell.
No phones inside the sauna - they will overheat or worse
No photos or videos in shared spaces when others are in the background
We appreciate you sharing the love for Upswell, but only when everyone’s comfort and consent are secured. (That’s why you’ll typically see our social media free of people—we capture content when the studio is empty.)
Presence over posts. Always.
A Few Hygiene & Courtesy Basics
Quiet practices that make shared sauna spaces better for all:
Rinse or shower if you’ve had a heavy workout
Be mindful of and address strong odors before entering the sauna - including those from your body, lotion, perfume, deodorant, and/or hair products
Sit on your towel
Keep personal items tidy and avoid sprawling into a neighbor’s space
Step out if you feel lightheaded or unwell
Enter and exit swiftly, being mindful not to leave the door open too long
Sauna culture in Denver is about friendly, respectful community—little courtesies can go a long way.
When in Doubt, Ask
If you’re unsure about etiquette, heat levels, or how something works, just ask a Wellness Crew member. We’re here to help, not judge.
Wellness spaces should feel approachable, not intimidating.
Denver Sauna Etiquette at Upswell
Upswell’s saunas are designed to support recovery, calm, and connection—without pressure or pretense. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a long-time regular, the intention is simple:
Honor the space
Respect each other
Listen to your body
That’s sauna etiquette, Denver-style.
