General Questions & Answers
Outdoor Saunas related questions
Can a sauna be delivered flat-packed for self-assembly?
Certainly. Most sauna models are available unassembled as well. Flat-packed (not assembled) saunas are ideal for difficult of access location, plus shipping costs are usually lower.
Are there any special tools necessary to assemble the sauna?
Most necessary tools you need is electric screwdriver and rubber mallet to assemble the sauna.
Which heater type heats the sauna faster: electric or wood-burning?
The heating time does not differ much, just the preparation process is different: electric heater starts heating with a push of a button whereas it takes time to start a fire and to clean (sweep up the ash) the wood burning heater afterward.
What is the best temperature for a sauna?
Depends on individual preference, but in regard to safety, it is recommended to keep the temperature under 90˚C, according to the Finnish Sauna Society (especially for people with heart conditions). Higher temperatures are also possible; however, it is important to know your limits and not stay in the sauna for too long. Sauna-goers should be well-hydrated before, during and after spending time in the sauna.
How many people can fit inside the sauna?
The sauna room usually has benches on both sides. It can be presumed that 1 meter of the bench sits one person, in turn, 1 meter of the sauna room sits two people (on both sides). A 2-meter sauna would accommodate 4 people, a 3-meter sauna – 6 people and so on.
If you plan to lay on the sauna benches, the sauna bench should be about 2 meters long for one person to lay comfortability.
Do I need to oil the exterior of the sauna?
We recommend oiling all exterior parts twice a year, ideally before and after winter. If you order an assembled sauna, it will be delivered already oiled. If you order a flat-packed sauna, the wooden parts will be untreated and will need to be oiled after the sauna is assembled.
Can I paint or stain the exterior of the sauna?
Certainly. All exterior parts can be painted or stained with products designed for outdoor use.
What sort of foundation should I prepare for the sauna?
Basically, the length and width of the foundation must meet the size of the sauna. The foundation itself should be flat to avoid possible deformations. Upon the request, we always send the required base drawing of the sauna.
What is the weight of the sauna?
The weight depends on the wood type and length of the sauna. Thermo wood is the lightest, larch is the heaviest. To give a rough estimate, a 2-meter sauna will weigh under 1 tonne, a 3-meter sauna – about 1,5 tonnes, a 4-meter sauna – about 2 tonnes, a 5-meter sauna – about 2,5 tonnes.
Which wood type is the best for a humid climate?
Thermo wood is hands down the best wood type for humid climates, as it does not rot or warp. Spruce is used for the preparation of thermo wood. Thermo wood is light and has a brown color. The water capillaries are burned, therefore, the possibility of wood deformation is reduced.
Will the roof of the sauna withstand heavy snowfalls?
For mountainous areas and regions with heavy snowfall, we recommend considering the Igloo model. Its sloped roof is designed to withstand snow build-up.
Will sauna stones be included?
Yes, the required amount of sauna stones is included with every wood-burning or electric heater.
What is the power of the electric heater?
The standard electric heater is Harvia Vega, 6kW. This model is also available in 8kW for larger saunas. We are not limited only to this type of heater. You could contact us with your preferred heater and we will make sure to install it.
Is it possible to get a remote controlled electric heater?
Yes. For a quote, please contact us by e-mail: info@kingsauna.co. When possible, please specify which Harvia heater model is of interest to you.
How do I generate steam in the sauna?
Steam is generated by pouring water on the sauna stones. You can simply take a wooden bucket, fill it up with water and place it inside the water. The water should be warm, otherwise, it will cool off the stones. Scoop some water from the bucket with a ladle and pour it one the sauna stones. Use this method for electric and wood-burning heaters. We also offer an alternative solution for wood-burning heaters – a stainless steel water tank that attaches to the chimney. The heat from the chimney warms the water, thus it will not cool of the sauna stones.
How to avoid wood shrinkage?
Shrinking wood may deform and cracks may show up, thus it is of key importance to try and avoid this. If the interior of the sauna seems very dry, leave a couple of buckets filled with water inside. As the water evaporates, the wood will absorb it. It is also recommended to water the exterior of the sauna from time to time as well, which can be done by pouring a couple of buckets of water on the exterior walls.
What kind of benefit does thermowood offer over red cedar?
Thermowood is more stable, durable and resistant to external factors, it has a longer lifespan. It comes along with a lot of benefits as the heat treatment increases the woods stability, it decreases the risk of cracking. Also the resin is removed from the wood during the thermal modification process. As a result, the wood does not secrete resin even in high temperatures. The only disadvantage that thermowood color is getting faded over time, originally it has golden-brown color.
You can see the thermowood garden sauna example here
Red cedar is very expensive royal tree, outdoor sauna made from red cedars wood would cost twice over thermowood or even more.
You can see the thermowood garden sauna example here
Red cedar is very expensive royal tree, outdoor sauna made from red cedars wood would cost twice over thermowood or even more.
Hot Tubs related questions
Do you offer models for self-assembly?
All models currently for sale can only be delivered fully assembled.
What kind of wood should I choose?
In a nutshell, we offer 6 wood types, each with different options:
- Fir is the most affordable option. It has a light shade and may have visible knots. It is a sturdy wood and with proper maintenance will last for years to come.
- Pine is another very popular sauna wood is pine. Pine tends to give off resin under the high temperatures of a sauna. When choosing pine look for knot free wood. As a bonus the wood turns to a golden color over time.
- Larch is a great choice for those places where wood is highly exposed to various insects. Larch is much more resistant to insects and decay compared to spruce. It has a light shade. Larchwood is quite heavy.
- Thermowood has undergone high-temperature treatment. During this process, the pores of the wood close up, therefore it does not absorb moisture anymore, and resin evaporates. This type of wood is extremely resistant to decay, it will not rot or warp if exposed to humidity. It has a dark shade and is the lightest weight wise.
- Oak is a luxury choice; however, it can absorb a lot of water thus it tends to shrink or expand. Oak requires much more maintenance.
- Red cedar is considered one of the most sustainable building materials. A red cedar hot tub has a red tint. Red cedar has very low shrinkage and is free of pitch and resin.
How should the exterior wooden parts be maintained?
We recommend oiling all exterior wooden parts (stairs, wooden panels, wooden lid etc.) twice a year, ideally before and after winter. We recommend using linseed oil, however other solutions for wood maintenance are also acceptable. The exterior wooden panels can be painted or stained.
What diameter should I choose?
Fiberglass models are available in one size – 1.8m internal diameter, which accommodates 6-8 people. Red Cedar model is available with 2.0m internal diameter - suitable for 8-10 people.
What is the difference between internal and external heaters?
The main difference is that an exterior heater allows for more space inside the hot tub. External heaters can also be placed further away from the hot tub. Internal heaters have an advantage in terms of heat loss: since the unit is submerged in water, heat loss is minimal.
What is the ideal water temperature?
The recommended temperature is 38˚C, but, of course, it depends on the preference of the bathers. Bathers with cardiovascular conditions should be cautious and should avoid bathing in very hot water.
How long does it take for water to heat?
There is no clear-cut answer, as the heating time is influenced by a plethora of factors, such as size and insulation of the hot tub, starting water temperature, outside temperature, the power of heater etc.
During the warmer months, a Ø1.8m hot tub will heat to the recommended 38˚C mark in ~1,5-2,5 hours.
I plan on using chemicals. What kind of heater should I use?
By default, our heaters are made from 430-grade stainless steel. If chlorine, bromide, saltwater or other chemicals will be used, the heater steel grade must be upgraded to 316-grade stainless steel.
Are there chemical-free water care options?
Yes. You can use a INTEX sand filter to keep the water in hot-tub clear.
How often should i change the water?
If no filters or chemicals are used, the water should be changed at least twice a week, depending on use. Filters and chemical water care help to keep the water in good condition for longer periods of time.
How can I fill the hot tub?
One can fill a hot tub by simply using a garden hose and lowering it into the hot tub over the edge. Upon request, a stainless steel connection/water inlet with a ball valve can be installed in the side of the hot tub.
How can I empty the hot tub?
Every hot tub has a water drain installed, but they vary in shape and functionality. Fiberglass models with an integrated heater have an external water tap installed underneath the heater. Other models by default are equipped with a syphon with a plug. The drain outlet can be upgraded to an external water tap.
If I order SPA equipment, where can I hide the pumps?
We provide a wooden box for covering the electrical equipment. Fiberglass models have the pumps hidden between the fiberglass liner and the external wood decoration. Sand filter always requires a big wooden box (0.8x0.8x0.8m) to be covered.
Do I need professional assistance for connecting electrical equipment?
Massage pumps, filters and LED lights come with standard European type plugs. They are ready to use as soon as they are plugged into electrical sockets.
Electric heaters, on the other hand, can only be installed by certified electricians. We offer the choice of single-phase 220V or three-phase 230V or 380V electrical connections. The electric heating system is equipped with a fuse box. Upon receiving the hot tub, the black connection cable trailing from the fuse box must be hard-wired to a power source by a certified electrician.
Can I use my hot tub in winter?
Certainly, your hot tub can be used all year round! It all boils down to proper maintenance.
Should I prepare a foundation for my hot tub?
No special foundation is needed but the ground below should be flat to avoid any deformations.
What is the lifespan of a hot tub?
If proper maintenance is ensured, minimum 10 years.
What is the difference between air injection system and air and water mixing systems?
The air injection system comprises 12 nozzles, which generate a gentler massage effect.
The air and water mixing system comprises 6 chromed nozzles, which generate a strong massage effect.
Both systems are available for all hot tub models.
How is the external heater connected?
Two stainless steel pipes (Ø50mm) are installed in the side of the hot tub. The external heater is connected to these pipes through two 1-meter length heat resistant hoses. The hoses are secured with clamps on each end of the hose. It is crucial to make sure that the heater hoses are as straight as possible. The lower hoses must be parallel to the ground, it cannot be at an angle.
How can I regulate the water temperature?
The electric heater has a built-in thermostat which can be set to the desired temperature and it will keep that temperature until turned off. The water temperature when using a wood-burning heater should be regulated by measuring it with a thermometer and pouring in cold water if needed.
What is the best firewood for my wood burning heater?
Dry, dense, calorie-rich wood, such as alder, oak, maple. You can also use biomass (fuel briquettes). Coal is strictly prohibited, as it can damage the heater.
What is the best firewood for my wood burning heater?
Dry, dense, calorie-rich wood, such as alder, oak, maple. You can also use biomass (fuel briquettes). Coal is strictly prohibited, as it can damage the heater.
Can the product be purchased with VAT excluded?
There are 2 possibilities to exclude the VAT tax
- you should be purchasing through a company with a valid VAT code (you can verify the VAT code here: (VIES VAT number validation)
- the delivery address should be outside the EU (example: Norway, Switzerland).
What is the lead (production and delivery) time?
The lead time always depends on the period of the year. In winter, the lead time is about 4 weeks. In summer season it can take up to 6 weeks.
What is the payment conditions and methods?
We know that it is hard to trust a foreign company these days, therefore, we ask 30 % of advance payment to start the production. Once your product is finished, we send the detailed pictures of your order with your order sheet attached. Once you received the pictures and confirmed, we ask to pay the remaining amount. Once we received the remaining amount, we would organize the shipping to your provided address.
We accept all major payment methods: Direct bank transfer; Paypal, Credit or Debit cards.
Please note that there are extra taxes (2%) when paying via Paypal, Credit or Debit cards. Bank transfers are free of charge.
What is the procedure of the purchase?
We always advise using our website to design your own model. Each model has its own additional parts that can be selected beforehand. Please note that each order requires an order form which must be filled on our website after the selection of a certain model. Once we received your request, we will add delivery costs (if any) and prepare the purchase documents. You will receive the contract and the invoice ONLY by the email. Once the advanced payment is received, the production is started. As soon as the product is finished and verified, the pictures are sent to the customer. After the balance payment is made, the product is shipped to the requested address.
Where can I get more information about the products?
If you can't find the necessary information on the website, please contact us using the e-mail: info@kingsauna.co
Should the hot tub be drained after each bathe in the winter time?
As a rule, yes, the water should be drained from the hot tub and all its pipes after each bathe in the winter time. However, it depends on some factors:
- Water can be left inside if the temperature would not drop noticeably below zero (-5°C or similar).
- Some salts may be added into the water to prevent water freezing;
- If your tub is electric, you can leave it working and use the thermostat to adjust the temperature to the minimum value of 5°C. This wouldn’t let the water to freeze and the electricity consumption would not be high.
Transportation related questions
Where can we deliver our products?
We offer EU-wide deliveries including Switzerland, Norway and other. We also deliver our products to USA, Canada and Australia. Contact us through e-mail with your address and we will answer if shipping is possible!
What is the delivery price of a certain product?
The delivery price depends on the model and your location. The delivery price is not included and always applied as extra on top. In order to tell the delivery price of an outdoor hot tub or sauna, we must know the following:
- The model
- The delivery address