BUYER BEWARE - HONEST EXPERIENCE WITH SWELL SPORT
I purchased the Swell Sport Retreat 4 Outdoor Sauna – White after initially contacting one of the owners of Swell Sport, prior to placing my order in January 2026.
At the time, I was advised everything was on track for an April 2026 delivery. I was also relying on the product being marketed as a premium sauna build, including claims around 100% Canadian Western Red Cedar inside and out, a 30-day money back guarantee, and quality assurance prior to dispatch. On that basis, I decided to proceed with the purchase.
Throughout the following months, I was repeatedly reassured everything remained on track. It was only after April had passed and we were already into May that I received an email advising there was a delay.
The reason given for the delay was largely around quality checks and the QA process. In one email, I was told:
“It’s going to be a beautiful sauna and we don’t cut corners on QA, you’ll see the quality when it arrives.”
Unfortunately, that could not have been further from my experience.
Fast forward approximately six weeks, the sauna finally arrived. Swell Sport’s recommended installer attended on 1 July to install it. To be clear, the installer was excellent and I have no issue with him at all. The issues relate to the product supplied by Swell Sport.
Upon unboxing, the first obvious issue was that the sauna I ordered was meant to be white.
THE SAUNA WAS YELLOW!
And so poorly painted as well.
This was particularly disappointing given the previous assurances about quality control and not cutting corners.
Once the sauna was assembled, further issues became apparent, including:
• Only one vent located next to the heater, with no obvious secondary exhaust/outlet vent. This raises concerns regarding ventilation and whether the sauna aligns with Harvia’s published ventilation guidance for safe and effective sauna operation.
• Glue residue throughout areas of the cabin, almost as though adhesive had been transferred by hand and not cleaned off.
• Large pilot holes and visible face-fixed screws across benches and components.
• White plastic caps provided to cover the screw holes, which are very noticeable against the timber and raise concerns about suitability in a high-heat sauna environment.
• A plastic-faced thermometer, whereas I would expect a more suitable material in a traditional sauna reaching high temperatures.
• The large glass feature panel does not fit the opening properly and appears to protrude from the sauna.
• Damaged and broken timber trims.
• Timber pieces and trims that do not align properly.
• Rough, unsanded internal benches, creating the risk of splinters when sitting.
• Exposed foam and poor detailing around penetrations.
• Poor internal and external finishing generally.
• Concerns that the timber supplied does not visually appear consistent with the advertised 100% Canadian Western Red Cedar inside and out.
I contacted Swell Sport the same day and raised these issues. They responded and apologised in writing that the sauna “shouldn’t have gone out like this.”
However, when I advised that I wanted the sauna collected and refunded because it was not the premium product represented, the only solution offered was to send a painter to repaint the outside of the sauna. In my view, painting does not address the broader issues with workmanship, ventilation, glazing, internal finish, materials, visible fixings, glue residue, timber quality concerns and overall quality assurance.
At this stage, I have not been able to reach a satisfactory resolution with Swell Sport and have had to escalate the matter through Fair Trading.
This has been an extremely disappointing and stressful experience for me and my family, particularly given the premium price tag. The sauna I received does not reflect a premium sauna build or what was advertised.
Based on my experience, I would strongly encourage anyone considering purchasing from Swell Sport to be very cautious. I have so far had a terrible personal experience with them.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
July 16, 2026
Unprompted review