Clearlight Sanctuary 2 Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna Review

What the Sanctuary 2 Actually Is

The Clearlight Sanctuary 2 is a two-person full spectrum infrared sauna designed for residential use. It's manufactured by Clearlight Infrared (a Jacuzzi Group brand), a company founded by Dr. Raleigh Duncan that has been producing infrared saunas for over 28 years. Unlike far-infrared-only saunas that make up the majority of the market, the Sanctuary 2 delivers all three infrared wavelengths — near, mid, and far — simultaneously through its proprietary True Wave heating system.

The Sanctuary line sits at the top of Clearlight's residential range, distinguished from the more affordable Premier line by its glass roof skylight, Italian-influenced design, 8mm tempered glass front panel, and 96-LED medical-grade chromotherapy system. Available in eco-certified Mahogany or Basswood, it uses double-wall tongue-and-groove construction.

Heating Technology & Spectrum

This is where the Sanctuary 2 separates itself from most competitors. It uses two distinct heating systems working together: True Wave far infrared carbon/ceramic heaters surround you on the back wall, side walls, under the bench, behind the calves, and in the floor. On the front wall, two 500-watt True Wave full spectrum heaters deliver approximately one-third near infrared, one-third mid infrared, and one-third far infrared.

The full spectrum approach matters because each wavelength serves a different purpose. Far infrared (3,000–10,000nm) penetrates deepest and drives the core temperature increase and sweating response. Mid infrared (1,400–3,000nm) targets joints and soft tissue. Near infrared (700–1,400nm) works at the surface level for skin health, collagen production, and cellular regeneration.

An optional 300-watt full spectrum door heater can be added to increase front-facing infrared output. Total system wattage with all heaters is 2,250 watts, drawing 18.75 amps on a 120V circuit. This requires a dedicated 20-amp outlet — an important installation detail that Clearlight could be more upfront about in their marketing.

EMF & Safety Claims

EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure is one of the most debated topics in the sauna industry, and it's where a lot of marketing claims fall apart under scrutiny. Clearlight claims their saunas produce ultra-low EMF and are the only company that also shields against ELF (extremely low frequency fields).

Their EMF levels are independently verified at under 1 milligauss (mG) at the seating position across all Sanctuary models. For context, that's lower than most household appliances — a hair dryer produces 60–200 mG, a microwave 100–300 mG. The scientific consensus on EMF exposure at these levels suggests negligible health risk, but Clearlight's commitment to minimising it is reassuring for cautious buyers.

Build Quality & Materials

The Sanctuary 2 is available in two eco-certified wood options: Mahogany (darker, richer grain) or Basswood (lighter, hypoallergenic). Both use double-wall tongue-and-groove construction, which improves heat retention and structural rigidity compared to single-wall saunas common in the sub-$3,000 range.

The 8mm tempered glass front and ceiling panels give the Sanctuary 2 its distinctive open, contemporary feel — and functionally, the glass roof allows natural light in, which helps with the enclosed-space anxiety some users experience. Hardware, joinery, and fit-and-finish are consistently praised across owner reviews as furniture-grade quality.

At 450 lbs assembled, this is a substantial piece of equipment. Assembly requires two people and takes 60–90 minutes with basic tools (an Allen key is included). The modular panel design means no specialized skills are needed, but you do need the space and the help.

Included Features

The Sanctuary 2 ships with Bluetooth audio via Nakamichi speakers, a built-in smartphone cradle with USB charging and ventilation, 96-LED medical-grade chromotherapy lighting, a reversible ergonomic/flat bench, a chiropractor-designed backrest, and the Clearlight Connect app for remote control and 36-hour advance reservation mode. These are included standard — not paid upgrades.

How It Compares

We evaluated three direct competitors at similar price points and feature sets. Here's how they stack up:

The Sunlighten mPulse offers programmable spectrum control — six preset wellness programs that adjust the wavelength mix — which is a genuine differentiator for users who want targeted therapy sessions. But it costs over $1,000 more. Sun Home's Luminar 2 undercuts on price and runs on a standard 15A outlet (no electrician needed), but offers a shorter warranty and no published independent EMF testing.

Who Should Buy This

The Clearlight Sanctuary 2 is the right choice for buyers who want the broadest therapeutic infrared range available, independently verified EMF safety, and a product built to last decades with a warranty to match. It's ideal for wellness-focused households, recovery-focused athletes, or anyone who has researched infrared saunas thoroughly and decided that quality and safety matter more than getting the lowest price.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If your budget is under $3,500, look at Dynamic Saunas or JNH Lifestyles for solid far-infrared-only options in the $1,500–$2,500 range. You won't get full spectrum or the same build quality, but you'll get a functional sauna that delivers the primary cardiovascular and detox benefits. If you want programmable spectrum control and have the budget, the Sunlighten mPulse series offers more flexibility than the Clearlight at a higher price.