As the days grow longer and the chill of winter fades, spring emerges as the season of renewal - a time to bring to life the outdoor projects you’ve envisioned all winter. If adding a luxury outdoor sauna to your space has been on your mind, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Thoughtful site preparation ensures a seamless installation and sets the foundation for years of relaxation and enjoyment. At Harbor Saunas, we’ve designed our process to be as straightforward as possible, helping you get from vision to reality with ease.

The placement of your sauna is more than just a practical decision - it’s about creating an experience. One of the defining features of our saunas here at Harbor are the expansive glass windows we provide, designed to connect you with the natural surroundings. Whether framing a scenic overlook, tucking your sauna into a private wooded escape, or placing it near your home for convenient access, selecting the right location will complement your experience each time you step inside.

Beyond the view, consider your proximity to your home. Do you want a short walk from your back door, making winter access more comfortable? Or do you prefer a more remote placement for complete seclusion

Additionally, think about natural sunlight exposure. While our saunas are built to gracefully weather and develop a rich patina over time, UV exposure and the surrounding elements may influence your maintenance preferences.

A well-prepared site ensures the longevity and stability of your sauna. There are several foundation options to consider based on your budget, aesthetic, and functional needs:

• Stone Foundation: The most cost-effective and commonly used method, this involves leveling and compacting 4-6 inches of ¾-inch clean stone. Adding a geo-textile woven fabric beneath helps with drainage, stability, and weed prevention. If desired, a perimeter of pressure-treated lumber can add additional support.
  
• Sonotube Concrete Supports: For additional stability, 8-inch diameter concrete sonotubes can be installed at frost depth, with the stone foundation built up to match their height.
  
• Concrete Pad: A 3-4 inch thick concrete slab offers a permanent, ultra-stable solution for your sauna’s foundation.

Regardless of which foundation you choose, proper leveling is essential to ensure the sauna sits evenly, allowing doors to function smoothly and structural integrity to remain intact.

Once your sauna is in place, you’ll need to connect it to power. Our saunas require a 240V power supply using 6/3 wire, protected by a 60-amp breaker. We recommend working with a licensed electrician to ensure proper installation and compliance with local codes.

For those opting to use the HUUM UKU WiFi controller, which allows you to preheat your sauna remotely, consider your site’s proximity to your home’s WiFi. If your placement is beyond the reach of your network, an outdoor WiFi extender or hotspot may be necessary.

Harbor Saunas are delivered fully assembled and ready to be placed on-site and connected. Our team ensures a smooth delivery process, but accessibility to your site is key. Our delivery truck requires a clear path of at least 10 feet wide and 13 feet high. If your location has challenging terrain, such as steep hills, dense trees, or narrow pathways, crane services may be required for placement. If this applies to your property, our team can coordinate with you to ensure a seamless transition from delivery to installation.

If your site isn’t fully prepared on the day of delivery, we’ll work with you to place the sauna in a temporary spot on your property until installation is ready. However, once delivered, moving the sauna will be the responsibility of the owner, so careful planning in advance is key.

With winter behind us, now is the ideal time to bring your outdoor space to life. Warmer weather, drier ground conditions, and longer daylight hours make site preparation and installation far more manageable. By getting started now, you’ll be ready to enjoy your sauna through the crisp evenings of spring, the long days of summer, and well into the colder months ahead.

At Harbor Saunas, we’re here to make the process as simple and seamless as possible. Whether you’re handling site prep or working with a professional, our team will answer questions and guide you every step of the way. A well-prepared site is the first step toward a lifetime of sauna enjoyment. Let’s make it happen this spring.