Ultimate Handbook for Moving Your UK Home with a Sauna: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
Moving to a new home can be a daunting task, especially when you have to consider the logistics of moving a sauna. Whether you’re a sauna enthusiast or just starting to explore the benefits of sauna use, this guide will walk you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth and successful relocation of your sauna.
Preparing Your Sauna for the Move
Before you start packing and moving, it’s crucial to prepare your sauna for the journey. Here are some key steps to follow:
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Disconnecting and Draining
If you have an electric sauna, you’ll need to disconnect it from the power supply. Ensure that the sauna is completely cool before you start any disconnection process. For wood-fired saunas, make sure the flue is cleaned and any combustible materials are removed from the vicinity.
Dismantling (If Necessary)
Some saunas, especially portable ones, can be easily disassembled. For example, the SereneLife Portable Spa can be broken down in less than two minutes, making it ideal for moving[2].
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Protecting the Sauna
Wrap the sauna components carefully to protect them from damage during the move. Use sturdy packing materials and consider using a moving blanket to cover the sauna.
Choosing the Right Moving Method
The method you choose to move your sauna will depend on its size, type, and your specific needs.
Hiring Professional Movers
For larger, more complex saunas, it might be best to hire professional movers. They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the move safely and efficiently.
DIY Move
If you have a smaller, portable sauna, you might be able to handle the move yourself. Here are some tips for a DIY move:
- Use the Right Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is large enough to accommodate the sauna. If you’re moving a larger sauna, you may need to rent a van or truck.
- Secure the Load: Use straps and ropes to secure the sauna in the vehicle to prevent it from shifting during the move.
- Clear the Pathway: Make sure the pathway to your new home is clear of obstacles to facilitate easy and safe delivery of the sauna.
Setting Up Your Sauna at the New Location
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, it’s time to set up your sauna. Here are the key steps to follow:
Base Requirements
The base for your sauna is crucial for its stability and performance. Here are some recommendations:
- Hard, Flat, and Level Base: Ensure the base is hard, flat, and level. A laser-levelled concrete slab at least 5 inches thick is ideal. Alternatively, you can use reinforced decking, but it must be strong enough to support the weight of the sauna and its occupants[1].
- Check for Gaps and Rocking: Use a level to check for any gaps or unevenness. Ensure there is no “rocking” when you place the sauna on the base.
Electrical Setup
If you have an electric sauna, you’ll need to set up the electrical connections:
- Dedicated Supply: Ensure a dedicated 40-amp supply for a 9kW electric heater. A qualified electrician should run a dedicated supply from your mains consumer unit using armoured cable and a rotary isolator switch[1].
- Venting Considerations: For steam saunas, ensure there is adequate venting to release heat and moisture. You may need several inches of clearance from the sauna to the ceiling or wall[2].
Wood-Fired Sauna Considerations
For wood-fired saunas, ensure the flue is installed correctly:
- Safe Distance: Keep the flue at least 1.5 metres away from any combustible materials and ensure it extends at least 60 centimetres above the roofline of the nearest structure[1].
Ensuring Compliance with Local Regulations
Before setting up your sauna, it’s important to check if there are any local regulations you need to comply with.
Planning Permission
In most cases, planning permission is not required for small, single-storey garden buildings like saunas. However, regulations can vary depending on where you live in the UK:
- England, Wales, and Scotland: Check with your local council to ensure compliance with local guidelines. For instance, Wales has stricter guidelines on the size and placement of outbuildings compared to England[1].
Practical Tips and Considerations
Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when moving and setting up your sauna:
Clear Access
Ensure clear and easy access for the installation team. The pathway to the sauna site should be clear of obstacles and hazards[1].
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your sauna. For example, if you have a cedarwood interior, it is relatively low-maintenance as long as it is used regularly. However, for outdoor use, consider using a rain cover or shingles to protect the sauna from excessive moisture[2].
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when moving and setting up your sauna:
Uneven Base
An uneven base can affect the structural integrity of the sauna, leading to performance issues and potentially voiding the warranty. Always ensure the base is hard, flat, and level[1].
Inadequate Venting
Inadequate venting can lead to moisture buildup and potential mold and mildew growth. Ensure there is sufficient clearance and venting for your sauna[2].
Detailed Checklist for Moving Your Sauna
Here is a detailed checklist to help you prepare and move your sauna:
- Disconnect and drain the sauna
- Disconnect from power supply
- Drain any water or steam
- Dismantle the sauna (if necessary)
- Follow manufacturer instructions
- Protect components during disassembly
- Pack and protect the sauna
- Use sturdy packing materials
- Cover the sauna with a moving blanket
- Choose the right moving method
- Hire professional movers for larger saunas
- DIY move for smaller, portable saunas
- Set up the base at the new location
- Ensure the base is hard, flat, and level
- Check for gaps and rocking
- Set up electrical connections
- Dedicated supply for electric saunas
- Ensure proper venting for steam saunas
- Install the flue for wood-fired saunas
- Keep flue away from combustible materials
- Extend flue above roofline if necessary
- Check local regulations
- Verify if planning permission is required
- Comply with local guidelines
Comparative Table: Electric vs Wood-Fired Saunas
| Feature | Electric Sauna | Wood-Fired Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Source | Electric heater | Wood-fired heater |
| Electrical Requirements | Dedicated 40-amp supply, single-phase electrics | No electrical supply needed unless for LED lights (13-amp supply) |
| Venting | Not required | Flue must be kept away from combustible materials, extend above roofline if necessary |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning of the heater and sauna interior | Cleaning of the flue, ensuring proper ventilation |
| Cost | Generally more affordable upfront | Higher upfront cost, but potentially lower long-term costs |
| Ambiance | Modern, convenient | Traditional, rustic experience |
Quotes and Insights from Experts
- “The cost of installation varies based on sauna size, brand, type, and location, but for both steam and infrared saunas, you can expect to pay anywhere between $300 and $900 for a professional electrician,” says electrical expert Dan Mock[2].
- “Ensure clear and easy access for the installation team. The pathway to the sauna site should be clear of obstacles and hazards,” advises the Eira Therapy team[1].
Moving your sauna to a new home is a significant undertaking, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be a smooth and successful process. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to ensure that your sauna is set up correctly and safely, ready for you to enjoy your sauna sessions in your new home.
Remember, whether you’re moving a small portable sauna or a larger traditional one, attention to detail and compliance with local regulations are key. Take your time, plan carefully, and you’ll be sweating it out in your new sauna in no time. Happy moving
