Site preparation for Sylva Saunas, Spas & Hot-tubs

Our Outdoor Saunas and Spa-pools are substantial items, and thus will be easiest to install and enjoy if built on a properly firm, flat and level base.

An existing patio, deck or other hardstanding may already be nicely suitable, and often is!

(Check that it can bear the weight of items concerned, and that it is flat and level)

Weights of Sylva Outdoor Saunas:
Sylva 1 appx 800 kgs (1760 lbs) with 4 under-bearers
Sylva 2 appx 900 kgs (1980 lbs) with 4 under-bearers
Sylva 3 appx 1000 kgs (2200 lbs) with 4 under-bearers
Sylva 4 appx 1800 kgs (3960 lbs) with 8 under-bearers

Weights of (filled) Spa-pools / Hot-tubs:
SaunaShop Garden Spa appx 1800 kgs (3960 lbs)
SaunaShop XT Spa appx 1700 kgs (3740 lbs)
(It's the water that's heavy!)


Notes for preparation of other (e.g. 'bare earth') sites:

SYLVA OUTDOOR SAUNAS:
The weight of a Sylva Sauna is carried by the under-bearers which are intended to be evenly supported over their full length.
Underbearers are 50 x 100mm (appx 2 x 4") timbers
Thus a level solid base of the 'Base Slab' dimensions given in each cabin's details is best.
The actual construction of the base slab will be very much influenced by the site itself; e.g. the firmness of the existing ground. The ideal is a level concrete slab (or equivalent) which can be simply formed between planks - its thickness may typically be appx 100mm (4") - if in doubt, seek local advice/assistance from a builder or handyman.
Site loadings for Sylva Saunas are in the range 150 to 200 kgs per square metre (appx the equivalent of three people standing close together)


SPA-POOLS & HOT-TUBS:
The weight of a Spa-Pool / Hot-tub will be distributed over the base area, so that in the case of e.g. Garden Spa (the heaviest for its size) the manufacturer's figure for loadbearing of the site is appx 300kgs per sq.m. (appx the equivalent of four people standing close together)

SaunaShop's Garden Spa is very suitable for 'temporary' installation with minimal site preparation - the site should be level and free of anything that may damage the spa. SaunaShop's Garden Spa is quick and easy!

SaunaShop's 'XT' Spa-Pool:
The actual construction of a base slab for more permanent installations will be very much influenced by the site itself; e.g. the firmnes of the existing ground; if the ground has been or needs to be excavated or built-up; if burrowing wildlife is active... etc.

The ideal is a level concrete slab (or equivalent) which can be simply formed between planks - its thickness may typically be appx 100mm (appx 4")
If in doubt, seek local advice/assistance from a builder or handyman.

Please be aware that problems arising from the installation of Outdoor Saunas or Spa-Pools on insufficiently strong, non-flat or non-level sites will not be covered by warranty.

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