Alpina Medium - Panorama Sauna Installation & Owner's Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE: Indicates information considered important, but not hazard-related.

• ⚠️ READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLATION AND USE TO AVOID INJURY OR DAMAGE TO SAUNA
• ⚠️ FOLLOW SAFETY INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• ⚠️ REFER TO YOUR LOCAL BUILDING CODES FOR ANY SPECIFIC INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
• ⚠️ ALL ELECTRICAL WORK NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE HEATER.
• ⚠️ KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

A WARNING

• This sauna is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the sauna by a person responsible for their safety.
• Consult your doctor about any health-related limitations related to sauna use. Ignoring advice from your medical provider could cause serious injury or death.
• Do not let people with pre-existing health conditions bathe in the sauna on their own. Using the sauna could cause these users to lose consciousness.
• Parents should consult your pediatrician before allowing children to use the sauna. Ignoring advice from your medical provider could cause serious injury or death.
• Do not smoke, use alcohol, or exercise in the sauna. These tasks could cause users to lose consciousness.
• Do not exceed 30 min. in the sauna at one time, as excessive exposure may be harmful to health. The sauna should not be used as an endurance test.
• Do not place any combustible material over the sauna heater (towels, bathing suits, wooden bucket or ladle)! This will cause the sauna to catch fire.
• Hyperthermia occurs when the internal temperature of the body reaches a level several degrees above the normal body temperature of 98.6 °F. The symptoms of hyperthermia include an increase in the internal temperature of the body, dizziness, lethargy, drowsiness, and fainting.
• Only use stones approved for sauna heater use. Inadequate stones may crack or explode leading to serious injury.
• Do not sleep in a sauna that the heater is operating. Sleeping in a heated sauna may lead to injury or death.

A CAUTION

• Keep all occupants away from the heater and when it is hot. The stones and outer surface of the heater may burn your skin.
• Do not throw excessive amounts of water on the stones. The evaporating water is boiling hot and could cause burns.
• Do not throw water directly onto the elements. This could cause burns and damage to the heater.
• Be very careful when moving in the sauna, as the benches and floors may be slippery. This could cause the user to slip and fall.
• Do not alter the sauna in any way, unless explicitly instructed in this manual. Altering the sauna could lead to structural damage, increasing the risk to bodily harm.
• When moving and lifting heavy pieces, use two or more people. Moving pieces without adequate manpower will lead to injury.

A WORD ABOUT OUR SAUNAS

Our sauna kits are designed for ease of assembly by the customer, and every attempt has been made to make assembly information as clear as possible.

If you have any questions about assembly, please do not hesitate to call us at 888-355-3050, or send us an email at sales@almostheaven.com.

Thank you again for choosing Almost Heaven. We are grateful for your business and know you will have many years of enjoyment in your sauna!

Your Almost Heaven sauna is designed for outdoor use although it is perfectly fine to use it indoors. The lumber is naturally resistant to the elements. Rain and sun will not damage the wood, although natural weathering and coloring of the wood will occur over time. To preserve the initial look of the sauna, you may choose to stain the exterior with a UV inhibiting stain. Consult your local paint store for their recommendations on a particular stain for your sauna. We do not recommend that you paint or varnish inside your sauna. Properly assembled, you should not experience water dripping in the sauna.

LOCATING THE SAUNA

Because the traditional sauna experience involves a heating-cooling-resting regimen, it is important to plan ahead before installing your sauna. Our method of construction allows you to place your sauna in a wide variety of settings.

Be sure the surface is firm and level, and can support the weight of the sauna and its users (1,000+ lbs). A deck or concrete slab is certainly an option, but if your sauna sits directly on the ground, be sure the base boards sit on paver stones or something similar to prevent the sauna from settling into the ground.

BASIC TOOLS

These tools are helpful in the assembly of your outdoor sauna:

• Cordless Drill
• Drill Bit Set
• Bit Set
• Rubber Mallet
• Hammer
• Framing square
• 1/4" Hex Bit
• Utility knife
• Level
• Tape Measure
• Ladder
• Table or Skill Saw

FIRST CONSIDERATIONS

Before beginning assembly, ensure that the installation surface is level. Many garage, basement or deck floors are sloped for drainage. A slight slope will not be an issue, but a more pronounced slope will require shimming to make the sauna level. An uneven installation surface can result in poor-fitting staves leading to poor sauna function. Also, if the site might receive heavy winds, it is recommended extra precautions are taken to ensure the door does not blow open. In most situations, this factor will not be a concern.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

Costs of an electrician can vary greatly depending on several factors, including your sauna's distance from your electrical service box, where you live and cost of materials. We always recommend you get quotes from two to three different licensed electricians before you begin installation in order to get the best possible service and price.

Use copper wire with 90C insulation. Do not use aluminum wire to make the connection. Consult with an electrician so you can determine the requirements for your particular situation. All wiring must conform to all national, state and local codes and regulations.

For further information and instruction on your heater installation and operation, please consult the provided heater manual.

PARTS LIST

FLOOR/FOUNDATION PLAN

Diagram shows the floor plan dimensions: 7' 5-3/4" by 7' 5-3/4". It indicates the placement of floor boards and a central opening for a heater or ventilation, with a diameter of Ø1-1/8".

BASE ASSEMBLY

CAUTION

Ensure sauna foundation is sturdy, level, and can carry the weight of the sauna. If the foundation is not, the sauna could tilt, shift or fall leading to injury. It is recommended to use a moisture barrier between the base wood and the sauna foundation. We also recommend anchoring the sauna to the sauna foundation to prevent damage in the event of strong winds.

Place the outer floor frames centered on your foundation per the floor plan. Attach the floor frames together by predrilling and using eight 5 X 70 screws (1). Place the inner base floor frames inside the outer floor frames per the floor plan. Attach the inner base floor frames together by predrilling and using eighteen 5 X 90 screws (2). Attached the inner base frames that run next to the outer base frames using three screws in each.

Image 1 shows a diagram of a 'Corner Connection' for the base frame, illustrating how two pieces join at a right angle.

Image 2 illustrates the base frame layout with dimensions for various base frame pieces, including 'Base Frame Side Connection' and 'Base Frame End Connection' details.

WALL ASSEMBLY

NOTICE

• ALL SCREWS MUST BE PREDRILLED BEFORE INSTALLING TO PREVENT BREAKAGE.
• Never hit the groove of the wall panels directly with a hammer, use a wooden strip/block in between.
• Check that the corners are a right angle when connecting before full fastening.

Start by fastening wall element 1 (W1) and wall element 2 (W2) to a corner post in the back right base corner by using four 6 X 130 screws (3-4). Then attach wall W3 to W2 by using one 5 X 70 screw; as well as W4 and W5 (5). Place another corner post in the back left and attach to W5 using 6 X 130 screws (6). Then place W6-W9 by fastening using one 5 X 70 screw (7).

Image 3 shows the initial attachment of wall elements W1 and W2 to a corner post.

Image 4 shows the assembly continuing with wall elements W3, W4, and W5 being attached.

Image 5 illustrates the attachment of wall elements W6, W7, W8, and W9.

Image 6 and Image 7 provide further views of the wall assembly process.

Place the next corner post and fasten to W9 using four 6 X 130 screws. Fasten wall W10 to the corner post using four 6 X 130 screws. Then place W11 and fasten using one 5 X 70 screws at the wall joint (8). Connect W10 and W12 using W11 Mounting Rail and six 5 X 70 screws (9), and install wall W11-b (10). Connect W11-b to W10 and W12 using 5 X 70 screws. Place the last corner post and fasten to W12 using four 6 X 130 screws. To complete the outer wall assembly, place W13 and fasten to the corner post using four 6 X 130 screws. Place W14 (door frame element) between W13 and W1 and fasten using two 5 X 70 screws (one in each connection) at the top of the wall joint (11).

Image 8 shows the attachment of a corner post and wall W10.

Image 9 illustrates the installation of the W11 Mounting Rail.

Image 10 shows the installation of wall W11-b.

Image 11 provides an overall view of the outer wall assembly, showing the placement of various wall elements (W1 through W14) and corner posts.

FLOOR INSTALLATION

Starting on the right side in front of the door, lay a floor board (groove side against the wall) and fasten using 3.2 X 40 screws on each side. Note: W13 is not shown so you can see the screw connections. On the wall edge go down through the board into the base frame, and on the opposite side fasten through the tongue into the base frame (12). Ensure the screws are countersunk so the next floor board does not have interference issues. Continue by placing floor boards groove over the tongue of the previous board. Fasten using six 3.2 X 40 screws to connect the floor board to each base frame (13). Once you get to the last board, you may need to cut the boards width to fit the gap. Fasten down through the top of the floor board at the edge into the base frames using six 3.2 X 40 screws (14).

Image 12, 13, and 14 show detailed views of how to lay and fasten the floor boards to the base frame, including screw placement and ensuring a flush fit.

ELECTRICAL CABLE INSTALLATION

The light will go in the corner of W1 and W2 and use the cable channel in W2 for the wiring. Drill a hole through the wall to access the cable channel to route the wire, then fasten the light to the wall (15-16). Ensure the light isn't against the ceiling, so there is room to install the corner cover strips. If using the lamp protection grille, it must be in the corner so it can span the corners and fasten using four 3.5 X 40 screws (17). It's easiest to hold off on installing the grille until after the corner covers are installed.

Image 15 shows a drill being used to create a hole for wiring.

Image 16 illustrates wiring being routed through a cable channel.

Image 17 shows the installation of the lamp protection grille.

DANGER

Turn off power to heater at breaker before beginning installation or performing maintenance on the heater. Failure to turn off the power will lead to electrocution and even death.

For the heater, use the cable channels in wall W13 to run the wires for the heater and temperature sensor (if required). You can run them up into the ceiling and then down another cable channel, and exit to the outside closest to the location of your incoming power. The cable channels can also be used to run the wires if your heater uses a digital controller. This step could be done once the inside ceiling is in place, but it is easiest to be able to locate and drill into the cable channels. When installing the ceiling in the next steps, make sure the components are placed correctly with the notches and cutouts so they don't interfere with your wire paths.

There are exterior wall components that fasten to the outside of the sauna. We would recommend not connecting the heater to incoming power until during or after that step to see the optimal location and method of connection. See the Heater section later in this manual for more information about the heater installation.

ROOF INSTALLATION

Gather the four roof support strips and fasten on top of the walls using four 5 X 70 screws in each strip (18). Ensure the notches for the cables are oriented correctly.

Image 18 shows the placement of the four roof support strips (L1, L2, L3, L4) on top of the wall elements.

Lay the three roof elements onto the roof support strips, and fasten using fourteen 6 X 120 screws (19). Ensure the inspection opening and cable notches are oriented correctly.

Image 19 illustrates the placement of the three roof elements (D1, D2, D3) onto the support strips, with arrows indicating screw points.

In the front of the roof, install the first layer of 4-5/8" roof rafter supports using four 6 X 200 screws (20). Repeat for the second layer of 4-5/8" roof rafter supports using four 6 X 200 screws (21). The final height of the front roof rafter supports should be 9-3/8". In the back, use the single 3-1/8" tall roof rafter support and fasten using four 6 X 150 screws (22). Ensure the cutouts are oriented properly.

Image 20 shows the installation of front roof rafter supports.

Image 21 shows the second layer of front roof rafter supports.

Image 22 shows the installation of the rear roof rafter support.

Set the five roof rafters (84-7/8 x14x 2-3/4) onto the rafter support rails 17-3/4" apart. Ensure the ends of the rafters sit flat on the support rails, then fasten them to the support rails using one 6 X 250 screw into each front end and one 6 X 200 screw into each back end (23).

Image 23 shows the placement and fastening of the roof rafters.

Place the 2 roof panels (89-3/4 x 45 x 3/4) on top of the rafters and fasten using fifty 4 X 50 screws. Fasten the screws into the rafters, 5 per rafter per panel (24-25). Place the sheets of roofing felt over the roof panels using a 22-1/2" overlap, and attach using eighty roofing nails (26). We recommend 8 rows of nails, two in each row for the 3 lower sheets; then 4 in the last top sheet. Insert the 4 stainless steel ventilation covers into the outside of walls W2, W5, W10, and W12 (27).

NOTICE

We recommend purchasing shingles, metal roofing, or another suitable roof covering from your local hardware store to finish covering the roof.

Image 24 and 25 show the fastening of roof panels to the rafters.

Image 26 illustrates the application of roofing felt.

Image 27 shows the installation of stainless steel ventilation covers.

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

Place the window mounting rails into the window, offset in the opening to the inside of the sauna, and fasten using ten 4 X 70 screws in each window (28-29). Install the window from outside the sauna. Predrill through the window mounting rails and fasten through the mounting rails into the window frame using ten 5 X 80 screws for each window (30-31).

Image 28 and 29 show the placement and fastening of window mounting rails.

Image 30 and 31 illustrate the installation of the window into the frame.

Cover the window opening with the inner window frame, and fasten using fourteen 3.2 X 40 screws in each window (32).

Image 32 shows the final attachment of the inner window frame.

Install the door handles onto the door (33). Place the door mounting rails into the door opening, offset in the opening to the inside of the sauna, and fasten using ten 4 X 70 screws (34-35). Set the door in the opening from the outside, predrill and fasten through the mounting rail using ten 5 X 80 screws (36-37). Cover the door opening with the inside door cover strips and fasten using thirteen 3.2 X 40 screws (38).

Image 33 shows the door handles being attached to the door.

Image 34 and 35 show the placement and fastening of door mounting rails.

Image 36, 37, and 38 illustrate the installation of the door and the inside door cover strips.

BENCHES, BACKRESTS & OTHER INTERIOR COMPONENT INSTALLATIONS

Fasten the skirting boards around the base of the floor using sixteen 3.2 X 40 screws (39). Install the ventilation slides over both exhaust openings using four 3.5 X 40 screws for each (40).

Image 39 shows the skirting boards being attached to the base.

Image 40 illustrates the installation of ventilation slides.

NOTICE

ALL SCREWS MUST BE PREDRILLED BEFORE INSTALLING TO PREVENT BREAKAGE.

Mount the two 22-7/8 x 1-5/8 x 1-5/8 bench braces by predrilling and using three 5 X 70 screws in each to connect to the wall. Also, the two 47-1/4 x 1-5/8 x 1-5/8 bench braces by predrilling and using three 5 X 70 screws to connect to the wall. Fasten the two 10-1/4 x 1-5/8 x 1-5/8 bench screen mounting slats using two 4 X 60 screws in each (41).

Image 41 shows the installation of bench braces and bench screen mounting slats, with dimensions indicated.

Place a 76-3/4" bench on the left wall of the sauna, then place the 52-1/2" upper bench on the back wall and screw it into the face of the left bench using three 5 X 70 screws (42). Place the bench screen against the bench screen mounting slats and screw from the back using four 3.5 X 50 screws. Then place the remaining 76-3/4" bench on the lower supports. For the backrest, you can set at a height of your choosing, but we recommend approximately 8" above the top bench. Fasten to the wall using three 3.5 X 40 screws in each back rest (43).

Image 42 shows the placement of the benches.

Image 43 illustrates the installation of the backrest, showing recommended height and screw placement.

Use the corner cover strips to conceal the vertical wall joints and ceiling joints; measure and cut to required length. Fasten them to the wall using three to five 3.2 X 40 screws per strip depending on length, but no more than forty (44).

Image 44 shows the application of corner cover strips.

EXTERIOR DECOR INSTALLATION

Install the exterior decor starting with element D1. Place the panels 2-1/2" off the foundation, and fasten using five rows of three 4.2 X 70 screws (45). Repeat for D2 and D3 (46).

Image 45 shows the installation of exterior decor panels (D1) with specific spacing and screw pattern.

Image 46 shows the placement of exterior decor panels D1, D2, and D3.

Fasten the outer ventilation grill over the outside openings in the sauna using four 3.5 X 40 screws in each. Work around the back and left sides placing the exterior decor panels finishing with D6. (47). The left side (D7-9) will be the same as D4-D6. Lastly install the front decor (48).

Image 47 shows the installation of exterior decor panels D4, D5, and D6, and outer ventilation grills.

Image 48 shows the installation of exterior decor panels D10, D11, D11-b, and D12.

Place the outer window frames over the window using twelve 3.2 X 40 screws in the window (49). Fasten the outer mounting rail using three 3.2 X 60 screws below the door through the front, then place the outer door cover strips and fasten using fourteen 3.2 X 40 screws, and (50). The bottom cover strip will rest on the mounting rail and fasten into it.

Image 49 shows the installation of outer window frames.

Image 50 illustrates the installation of the outer door mounting rail and cover strips.

HEATER

Assemble the protection grille using four 3.5 X 40 screws, and fasten in place once the heater is installed using four 3.5 X 40 screws (51-52).

Image 51 and 52 show the assembly and installation of the heater protection grille.

Your sauna also comes with 2 head rests and 1 floor grid. The floor grid can be placed at your discretion (53).

Image 53 shows the floor grid.

DANGER

Turn off power to heater at breaker before beginning installation or performing maintenance on the heater. Failure to turn off the power will lead to electrocution and even death.

CAUTION

Improper installation of heater or heater mounting bracket could cause the heater to fall leading to burns and other injuries.

Before placing or adjusting stones, ensure heater is back to room temperature. Failure to do so may cause burns.

FINAL THINGS

Once assembly is complete, sweep and vacuum the inside of the sauna. Wipe down the entire interior with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt, dust and debris.

Note: If the sauna has absorbed moisture in storage, the staves may shrink as the high heat evaporates that moisture. This may require you to tighten the bands even further. If your sauna is left in the open rain, this will cause the staves to expand again resulting in an even tighter seal.

The wood of the outdoor sauna is untreated. To increase the durability of the wood, we recommend treating the outside only with an exterior grade stain or sealant of your choice. This will help to protect the wood from excessive moisture.

TRADITIONAL SAUNA USE

Congratulations! You are ready to enjoy your sauna! You may use your sauna in a wet or dry fashion. Dry, meaning you do not sprinkle any water onto the stones; wet, meaning you increase the humidity of the room by sprinkling water on the stones. Please note, not much water is needed to achieve a wet sauna experience.

The sauna as we know it originates in Finland. The typical sauna experience follows the steps below, but you may enjoy your sauna in any way you like!

• Set your heater so your sauna achieves the desired temperature. This is typically 160 -185+ degrees F. Novice sauna users should begin at the lower end of that range and increase their high temperature over time.
• Take a quick shower or a quick dip in a hot tub or pool.
• Step into the sauna and enjoy for 5-15 minutes, bringing a towel to sit or lay on. Leave the sauna once you are perspiring freely.
• Take a plunge in a pool, shower, snowbank, lake - anything that will cool you down! After that, relax and cool down for 10-20 minutes.
• Step into the sauna again. During this visit, you may wish to sprinkle small amounts of water onto the stones to create bursts of steam. If water spills through the heater to the floor, you are using too much water, though this will not hurt the heater or the sauna.
• Continue repeating this process. After your final visit to your sauna, relax for at least 20 minutes. Shower with warm water initially, finishing with cool water to close your skin pores.
• Prepare to feel refreshed for the day or to have an amazing night's sleep!

Whatever your sauna routine, it is imperative that you STAY HYDRATED!

CARE & MAINTENANCE

TREATING LUMBER

The lumber we use is naturally resistant to the elements. Left untreated, the exterior of the sauna will weather naturally, and that's fine. At any point in the future you can pressure wash (low pressure only) your sauna to bring back most of the original color.

If you wish to retain the natural color of the lumber, your local paint store can recommend a suitable exterior stain. Be sure that it has a UV inhibitor so that it will best resist the effects of sunlight. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. NEVER TREAT THE INTERIOR OF THE SAUNA UNLESS APPROVED FOR USE IN A SAUNA, AND NEVER USE VARNISH OR PAINT ON THE EXTERIOR.

CLEANING THE LUMBER

You should vacuum or brush out your sauna periodically to remove lose dirt. Over time the floor and seats of your sauna may discolor due to perspiration, dirt and general wear. You can remove dirt or stains with a solution of baking soda and water, lightly scrubbing the wood with the solution and then rinsing. Heavier stains or scuffs can be sanded out with fine grit sandpaper. Alternatively, pressure washing the interior of the sauna with a low-pressure, wide pattern nozzle will remove stains and dirt very effectively.

LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY

Climate and temperature affect the lumber in different ways and to varying degrees. The effects of swelling and contraction as well as fading from sunlight will vary depending on the intensity of the sun and the levels of humidity and amounts of moisture in your area. The degree of these effects will not affect the quality or performance of your sauna, but may require you to tighten bands or re-stain your sauna more or less frequently. It is a good idea to check the tension of your bands and examine the degree of fading every few months, especially in the first months of owning your sauna so that you can respond accordingly.

REPLACEMENT OF SAUNA STONES

Over time your sauna stones may crack and split due to the fluctuations in temperature the stones experience. If you ever need to replace stones, only use sauna stones designed for use in your sauna heater. You can purchase replacement stones from Almost Heaven Saunas at any time.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

If you ever damage the exterior of the sauna, you can purchase replacement staves, doors, and components from Almost Heaven Saunas at any time.

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