Installation & Setup Guides
Everything you need to know before your product arrives — electrical requirements, gas line specs, clearances, and what to have ready on delivery day.
Sauna Heaters — Electrical Requirements
All Harvia electric sauna heaters require a dedicated 240V circuit installed by a licensed electrician before the heater arrives. This is the single most common thing customers forget, and it delays installation by days or weeks if not done ahead of time.
| Heater | kW | Voltage | Amperage | Breaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvia KIP60W | 6kW | 240V | 25A | 30A dedicated |
| Harvia Club Series K10G | 10kW | 240V | 41A | 50A dedicated |
| Harvia Virta Combi HL90SA | 9kW | 240V | 37.5A | 50A dedicated |
| Harvia Spirit SP90E | 9kW | 240V | 37.5A | 50A dedicated |
The control panel wires to the heater and requires its own low-voltage connection. Your electrician should receive the heater's installation manual before roughing in wiring. Call us at 1-732-320-9269 and we'll send the relevant documentation in advance.
Gas Fire Pits & Pizza Ovens — Gas Line Requirements
Natural gas units require a licensed plumber or gas fitter to run a dedicated gas line to the installation location before the product arrives. Do not begin this work until you know the BTU requirement of your specific unit — undersized gas lines cause poor flame performance that can't be fixed after installation.
- HPC Ready-to-Finish Fire Pit Kits: 200,000–400,000 BTU depending on configuration. Requires a 3/4" or 1" gas supply line — confirm with your plumber based on run length and BTU.
- HPC Forno / Villa / Di Napoli Pizza Ovens: Dual-fuel — natural gas version requires a dedicated gas line. BTU spec is in your product's installation sheet.
- LP (Liquid Propane) units: Connect to a standard 100 lb or 200 lb propane tank using the included regulator and hose assembly. No plumber required for LP.
Outdoor Sauna Kits — Site Preparation
SaunaLife GL-series outdoor saunas require a level, load-bearing base before assembly. Options include:
- Compacted gravel pad (4" minimum depth, tamped and leveled)
- Concrete slab (minimum 4" thickness)
- Treated wood deck rated for the sauna's weight
- Pavers on compacted gravel base
The base must be level within 1/4" across the full footprint. Out-of-level installation causes door alignment problems and structural stress. Allow the base to cure or settle for at least 72 hours before beginning assembly.
Assembly is designed for two adults and typically takes 6–8 hours for the GL4/GL6 and a full weekend for the GL11. No special tools required beyond basic hand tools and a rubber mallet.
Pergolas — Anchoring & Site Requirements
All aluminum pergolas must be anchored to a structural surface — concrete slab, deck joists, or footings — to achieve their rated wind resistance. Surface mounting to pavers or loose gravel is not sufficient and voids the wind rating warranty.
- Posts anchor via included hardware to concrete or structural deck
- Concrete anchoring: 4 anchor bolts per post into a 4"+ concrete slab
- Deck anchoring: through-bolt to structural joists — not just decking boards
- Allow 12–18 inches of clearance from walls or structures for installation access
Most customers with basic DIY experience complete assembly in 4–8 hours with two people. The VetroHaus Glass Pavilion is more complex and benefits from a third set of hands for the glass panel installation.
Indoor Saunas (Kohler C1, ThermaSol) — Flooring Requirements
Indoor sauna cabins require:
- Level floor: Within 1/4" across the cabin footprint
- Water-resistant flooring: Tile, sealed concrete, or LVP. Standard hardwood flooring is not recommended — sauna use introduces humidity.
- Ceiling clearance: Standard 8' ceiling is sufficient. Measure carefully for basement or bonus room installations.
- Proximity to electrical panel: The closer to your panel the better — shorter 240V runs are cheaper and simpler.
Cold Plunge (Kohler x Remedy Place) — Placement
- Requires level, load-bearing floor or surface (85 gallons of water weighs approximately 710 lbs when filled)
- Access to a standard 120V outlet for the chiller/heater unit
- Drain access within 6–8 feet for water changes
- White glove delivery included — delivery team will place the unit in your specified location
Need Pre-Installation Support?
Call us before your contractor starts any work. We can walk you through the exact requirements for your specific products and answer any questions your electrician, plumber, or builder has.
1-732-320-9269 — Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm EST
support@backyardsupplydirect.com