Third Space: a place for wellbeing through sauna, cold plunge, and community.
Where warmth gathers
Sweat, Chill, Connect
The cold
The heat
The hang
Where do people go to unwind together?
Turns out, a sauna is a pretty magical place. Strangers become friends fast when you're sweating side by side. People cheer each other through the cold plunge, laugh at themselves, and leave feeling genuinely good — physically and socially.
That's Third Space. A 10 person Finnish cedar sauna and cold plunge social wellness hub in the Funk Zone.
$30 drop-in sessions, packages and memberships are now available — Sauna should be accessible for everyone. Please contact us if price is a barrier.
Where to Find Us
Funk Zone - Santa Barbara
An outdoor setup tucked into the heart of the Funk Zone. Step in, reset and connect with hot cedar sauna, cold plunge and good company.
Rincon Beach - Carpinteria
Step out of the Pacific Ocean and straight into a hot cedar sauna at one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
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To make the most of your sauna session, please bring:
Swimsuit (or even better, come wearing it!)
Towel to dry off + small towel to sit on in the sauna
A water bottle
We’ll have a water station for refills.
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Yes, there is a bathroom onsite.
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A sauna session consists of a few rounds rotating between the sauna and then cooling down, either in one of our cold plunges or just hanging outside to let your body temp and heartrate return to normal before re-entering the sauna. Everyone goes at their own pace - listen to your body.
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Towels between bums and benches
Always sit on a towel in the sauna
Leave your phone outside
This is a technology free zone. Talk to your neighbor, zone out, but no phones inside the sauna
Ask before you steam the space
Check in with the group before ladling water on the rocks. It can get hot quick - typically one slow ladle is enough.
Be mindful of others
Remember, this is a community sauna. Please be kind and considerate of your fellow Third Spacers.
Mind the door
Please quickly close the sauna door behind you to keep it toasty for everyone.
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We encourage people to chat in the sauna. We’ve found saunas to be magical places where conversations flow freely and friendships are made. But talking is not required. If you prefer to relax quietly, that’s totally ok too.
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After every community session we clean our sauna benches with natural, effective cleaning products. The heat of the sauna also acts as a disinfectant. Additionally, the cedar wood our sauna is made with is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
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You certainly do not have to cold plunge to enjoy a sauna session. Some people choose to “air-chill” between rounds. The difference in air temp still creates plenty of contrast.
That said, we encourage anybody who is feeling courageous or curious to try the cold plunge. It feels amazing and is included in the price.
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Third Space uses a professional-grade, multi-barrier water sanitation system that keeps our cold plunge water crystal clear and safe for every user.
Our Three-Layer Sanitation Approach:
1. Continuous Filtration - Every drop of water cycles through our filtration system approximately every 7-8 minutes, removing particles, debris, and organic matter before they can accumulate.
2. Ozone Purification - We use ozone (O₃) - nature's most powerful oxidizer - to continuously sanitize the water. Ozone kills 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and pathogens on contact, then safely breaks down into pure oxygen within 20 minutes. Unlike harsh chemicals, ozone leaves no residue on your skin and won't irritate eyes or lungs.
3. Supplemental Bromine - A small amount of stabilized bromine provides residual sanitization between sessions, ensuring water remains safe even during peak usage. Bromine is gentler than chlorine and produces less odor.
The Result: Crystal-clear, naturally sanitized water that's gentler on your skin and better for the environment than traditional pool chemicals.
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Yes, we have an outdoor shower to rinse off.
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Reach out to us directly or talk to us during your session if you are interested in becoming a member!
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Regular sauna use offers numerous health benefits. Research shows it supports cardiovascular health by improving circulation and blood pressure. Many people also experience stress reduction, better sleep, muscle relaxation, and an overall sense of wellbeing. A 2018 Mayo Clinic review found that frequent sauna use was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Beyond the physical benefits, sauna creates a space for social connection - which is what Third Space is all about.
Cold water immersion offers both physical and mental benefits. Research shows it can reduce inflammation, support muscle recovery, improve circulation, and boost mood and alertness. A January 2025 study in PLOS One found that cold water immersion reduces stress levels (particularly in the 12 hours after exposure) and improves sleep quality. Many people report feeling energized and mentally clear after a cold plunge. We love the way cold plunge pairs with sauna - the contrast between hot and cold creates a unique experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and alive.
First time? Come to your session 5-10 minutes early and we’ll walk you through everything. Shoot us an email if we missed anything - hello@thirdspacesauna.co
17 spots · currently open
Founding Members
We’re saving 30 spots for people who want to help shape this thing, not just use it. Our schedule is still inconsistent, but the price locks in and the community is already showing up