What does the facility consist of?
The facility contains locker rooms, showers, and gender-seperate, clothing optional sauna rooms, as well as an enclosed outdoor courtyard with a garden and two pools - one hot, and one cold.
In the back of the building there is a lounge and library. In the front of the building there is a small cafe serving light snacks and beverages.
How many lockers do you have?
44 lockers total. 20 on the men's side, and 24 on the women's side.
What if I identify as trans or non-binary?
Trans, gender queer, and non-binary bathers are welcome to use whichever locker room and sauna they are most comfortable in. If you have further questions, please direct them via email to: info@washingtonbaths.com
What do I need to bring?
It is recommended to bring a bathing suit, towel, and sandals. We rent towels for $3 and also have clean sandals that are free for you to wear while you are here. Water and cups available.
Can I make a reservation?
We do not accept reservations. Entry is walk-in only, first come, first served. If we are full when you arrive, you may add your name to our waitlist.
Can I add my name to the waitlist over the phone?
No. If there is a waitlist, the only way to add your name is in-person.
When is it least busy?
This can be hard to predict, but as a general rule weekends are busier than weekdays. Weekends after 5, and weekdays before 5 can be quieter.
Do you offer memberships?
We do not offer memberships. We do however offer multiple-entry pass cards in 5 and 10 entry amounts. Pass cards reduce the price per entry. Pass cards may be punched twice per visit (if you have a guest or want to share a pass card between two people). Pass cards never expire. We are not responsible for lost or stolen pass cards.
What are the temperatures of the saunas and pools?
The hot pool is 104F, the cold pool is 50F. The air temperature in the sauna fluctuates depending on a range of factors, but is generally between 180F-200F.
What kind of sauna is it?
The saunas are heated by a once-fired, traditional-style thermal mass heater. The kiuas (stove) can be fired with gas or wood. Because of the large quantity of masonry and stone inside of the stove, the saunas benefit from three kinds of heat transfer: convection (hot air), evaporation and condensation (steam), and radiation (light). These different kinds of heat transfer combine to produce a smooth yet powerful thermal experience in the body.
Can I pour water on the rocks?
Yes. The kiuas is designed to allow for water to be poured on the hot rocks to produce steam. There is a small hole in the top of the stove where water should be directed. Pour slowly to produce the best steam. It is polite to ask your fellow bathers if they would like more steam before adding water. Too much water will "drown" the rocks and decrease their heat and the quality of the steam.
What is the sanitation system for the pools?
We take great care to ensure superior water cleanliness and quality. We use a state-of-the-art purification system, utilizing ultraviolet light, ozone, and chlorine to treat our water. We conduct daily tests and replace the pool water entirely each week.
How long can I stay?
There is no time limit. A typical visit lasts 1.5 - 2hrs.
Can I bring a group?
We discourage groups, however if you plan to come with friends, please limit your group size to 5 or less. We will not add groups to the waitlist.
Is there a recommended order or sequence? How long should I stay in the sauna?
There is no correct order or sequence. Each person will find their own personal rhythm. The important thing is to listen to your body. When you are too hot it is time to cool down, when you are too cold it is time to warm up. Very simple.
That said, for those looking for a place to start, it could go something like this: (1) shower, (2) enter the sauna for 10-15 minutes, (3) cool off with cold water basin, cold plunge, or cold shower, (4) rest for 15 minutes, (5) repeat for 3 cycles, (6) end your session with some time in the hot pool, (7) drink water and have a snack!
It is important to hydrate, before, during and after your sauna session. Also enure that you allow adequate time for resting between cycles. A good rule of thumb is to rest outside of the sauna for the same amount of time that you spend in the sauna.
I'm nervous that I've been in the sauna too long... how do I know?
A good check-in is to listen to your heartbeat. If you can feel your heart beating rapidly, it’s probably your body telling you it’s time to take a rest from the heat. Pay attention to how you feel and you’ll be fine.
I've heard this is a silent space?
Silence is oberved on Fridays only. On all other days you are welcome to chat anywhere in the facility, we simply ask that you be mindful of your volume, and conscientious of your fellow bathers.
Do you have a lost and found?
Yes we do. If we find a lost item we wash it and put it in our lost and found. Due to the high volume of lost and found we can only keep things around for a week or so. Please come retreive your lost item as soon as possible. Washington Baths is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
I hear you can get a massage - how does that work?
Sandra Benson operates a massage therapy practice upstairs—Magnolia Healing Arts. It is a separate business from the baths. If you are interested you can visit her website for more information and to make contact. If Sandra doesn't have an immediate opening, you will be able to join their waitlist.
Can I just take a quick look around or get a tour?
To respect the privacy of our bathers we do not offer tours. If you are curious, the best way to explore the space is to come try it out yourself!
What is the sound system?
The speakers in the lounge are 1969 Klipschorns upgraded with Crites crossovers, tweeters, and squawkers, powered with a McIntosh 2100 power amp and a McIntosh preamp. The speakers in the cafe are Ojas Artbook Shelf speakers powered with a McIntosh preamp and Elekit TU-800 SIT tube amp.
Do you do private rentals?
No.
Have a question that you don't see the answer to here? Shoot us an email at info@washingtonbaths.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can!