Colored Light Features: What the Listing Words Mean

What are chromotherapy lights?

Many sauna and steam shower listings include chromotherapy as an optional feature. These are colored LED lights, usually installed under benches, behind the backrest, or in the ceiling, that wash the cabin in a single color or cycle through a palette. The term comes from 'chroma' (color) and 'therapia' (healing), but in practice the lights are a decorative addition meant to change the mood of the room. For a broader look at sauna lighting options, see our article on sauna light types.

You will see phrases like 'chromotherapy system', 'color therapy lighting', or 'mood lighting' in product descriptions. All of these refer to the same thing: low-voltage LEDs that produce colored light. The lights are typically controlled by a switch or integrated into the sauna's control panel, letting you adjust the color or brightness.

What listing terms mean

When a listing mentions chromotherapy, it is describing the presence of colored LED fixtures and their controls, not a medical treatment. The word 'therapy' is used loosely here, much like 'aroma' in aromatherapy, and does not imply that the light has an effect on your body. If you're exploring infrared saunas, you may see chromotherapy paired with full-spectrum infrared or near-mid-far-infrared listing terms.

• Chromotherapy: marketing term for colored LED lighting.
• Color therapy: same meaning, often used interchangeibly.
• Mood lighting: generic description for adjustable color LEDs.
• LED color system: a set of lights with a controller that changes hues.
• Multi-color lighting: several LEDs that can display different colors.

What makers can and cannot state

Makers can describe chromotherapy as a feature that adds visual ambiance, helps you relax, or sets a calming tone. They cannot claim that colored light treats depression, improves skin, cures anxiety, or provides any other medical benefit. No regulatory body has approved chromotherapy as a treatment for any condition. For more on what safety certifications mean, see our piece on UL listings.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that sauna benefits are real for stress reduction and heart health when used as a heat therapy, but it does not mention color as a factor. Any listing that implies the lights themselves change your health is overstepping what the evidence supports.

When you see a claim that links a specific color to a specific effect, such as 'red light boosts energy' or 'blue light reduces stress', treat it as a marketing statement, not a proven fact. The science behind color psychology is not strong enough to support these assertions in a sauna context.

• Allowed: 'Adds a relaxing atmosphere with multicolored LEDs.'
• Allowed: 'Choose from 12 colors to set your preferred mood.'
• Not allowed: 'Relieves pain and reduces inflammation.'
• Not allowed: 'Balances your chakras and improves circulation.'

How chromotherapy affects your buying decision

Chromotherapy should be treated as a convenience, not a deciding factor. The core of a good sauna is its heater, insulation, wood quality, and safety certifications. If a sauna has 'chromotherapy' but lacks a properly sized heater or an ETL listing, the lights do not make it better.

If you do want color lights, look for controls that let you change brightness and turn them off entirely. Some systems are integrated into the main control panel, while others use a separate remote. The placement of the LEDs matters too: under-bench lights create a soft glow, while ceiling lights can be glaring.

Consider whether you will actually use the feature. Many owners rarely change the color after the first few sessions. A simpler, cheaper sauna without lighting may suit your needs better. See our guide to best saunas for small spaces if space is a concern. For placement decisions, you might find indoor vs outdoor sauna differences helpful.

Reading the spec sheet for lighting

When you compare listings, look for these details about the light feature:

Number of LEDs: more lights spread evenly give better coverage than a single strip.

Control method: physical switch, remote, or integrated touchscreen.

Color range: some systems offer only a few preset colors, others have a full RGB spectrum.

Installation quality: lights should be heat-rated and properly sealed for the sauna environment.

Warranty: lighting is an electrical component, so ensure it is covered by the sauna's warranty.

• Check if the lights are UL or ETL listed as part of the sauna.
• Look for IP ratings if the lights are near water splashes.
• Make sure the light wires are routed away from heater elements.

Questions to ask before buying

If you are considering a sauna with chromotherapy, ask the seller or manufacturer the following:

• Can the lights be turned off completely, or are they always on during operation?
• Is the lighting integrated into the control panel or a separate remote?
• What is the warranty on the LED strips and controller?
• Are the lights certified to the same safety standard as the sauna itself?
• Does the light system interfere with the sauna's temperature sensors or EMF readings?

What to pick for your use

Questions

Are chromotherapy lights safe to have inside a sauna?

Yes, when the LEDs are properly rated for high temperatures and installed by the manufacturer according to safety standards. Look for saunas that have their entire electrical system, including lighting, certified by a recognized test lab such as Intertek's ETL mark. You can learn more about safety certifications in our UL listing article.

Do chromotherapy saunas offer any health benefits?

No scientific evidence supports the idea that colored light alone improves health. Sauna heat itself has documented benefits for relaxation and circulation, but the color component has not been shown to add to these effects beyond ambiance.

Can I turn off the lights during a session?

Most systems allow you to switch off the lighting or set it to a low brightness. If this is important to you, confirm before buying that the control gives you independent control of the light feature.

Are chromotherapy lights the same as red light therapy?

No. Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of near-infrared light claimed to penetrate tissue for medical purposes. Chromotherapy typically uses visible colored LEDs for decoration. The two are not interchangeable; you need to check the wavelength and intensity for any therapeutic claim.

Do all saunas come with chromotherapy?

No, it is an optional feature in many models, but not standard across the industry. You can easily find saunas without any lighting, or with simple white LEDs, if you do not want the feature.