Almost Heaven Pinnacle 4 person Barrel Sauna Installation Guide
- September 8, 2024
- ALMOST HEAVEN
Table of Contents
Pinnacle 4 person Barrel Sauna
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Specifications:
- Brand: Almost Heaven
- Product: Barrel Sauna
- Assembly: Customer assembly required
- Heater: Included
- Capacity: Suitable for multiple users
- Warranty: Refer to warranty information provided
Product Usage Instructions:
1. Locating the Sauna:
Before installation, ensure the surface is firm, level, and
capable of supporting the sauna and users (1,000+ lbs). Consider
placing the sauna on a deck, concrete slab, or use paver stones to
prevent settling into the ground.
2. Basic Tools Needed:
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Level
- Tape measure
- Wrench
3. Assembly Instructions:
Follow these general steps for assembling your Almost Heaven
barrel sauna:
-
Unbox all components and ensure all parts are included.
-
Refer to the provided manual for detailed step-by-step
instructions. -
Use basic tools to assemble the sauna according to the
manual. -
Ensure all parts are securely fastened before use.
4. Heater Installation:
For heater installation, refer to the specific heater
installation instructions provided in the manual. Make sure all
electrical work is done by a licensed electrician to avoid any
safety hazards.
FAQ:
Q: Can the barrel sauna be placed directly on the ground?
A: Yes, the sauna can be placed directly on the ground, but
ensure that cradle supports rest on paver stones to prevent
settling.
Q: What should I do if I have missing parts in my sauna
kit?
A: If you are missing any parts, please contact Almost Heaven
customer service at 888-355-3050 or
email sales@almostheaven.com
for assistance.
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Barrel 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 INURY 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
· 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 ºF. 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.
· 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.
page 2
· 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.
BARREL SAUNA INSTALLATION MANUAL
· 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.
®
Congratulations on your purchase of an Almost Heaven barrel sauna! The barrel
sauna is unique to Almost Heaven, and has been our most popular product for
over 40 years. We are delighted you have decided to partake in the sauna
tradition!
A WORD ABOUT BARREL SAUNAS
While there are various barrel sauna models with different features, this
manual is designed for all Almost Heaven barrel saunas. The overall
installation instructions are the same for all classic and canopy barrel
saunas, and even though specific details may vary, we note where these details
differ. 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.
For further guidance on assembly, please visit our YouTube channel at
youtube.com/user/almostheavensauna.
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 barrel sauna!
Your Almost Heaven barrel 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 your sauna.
Properly assembled, you should not experience water dripping in the sauna. You
may experience water seepage, particularly on the top and sides of the sauna.
This is due to the porous nature of softwoods as well as the tongue and groove
design of the staves. Water seepage or leakage will NOT harm the sauna and in
most cases will evaporate quickly in the hot, dry interior. If you wish to
completely waterproof your sauna, we suggest covering it with a shelter or
structure with a roof. Alternately, you may purchase an Almost Heaven rain
jacket, which covers the top of your barrel sauna.
Your barrel sauna will include the following:
c One full box of staves c Drain stave c Filler stave c Six barrel end
sections (three per barrel end panel) c Heater and mounting hardware, which
are found in the heater
box enclosed in the bag containing plaques c Stones c Hardware bag c Doorknob
assembly c Two benches c Two backrests c Banding assembly c Cradles c
Exterior bench assembly* Quantity varies by model **Canopied barrel saunas
only
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 barrel 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 cradle supports
rest on paver stones or something similar to prevent the cradles from settling
into the ground.
BASIC TOOLS
These tools are helpful in the assembly of your barrel sauna: · Cordless drill
· Rubber mallet · Hammer · Framing square · Screwdrivers (Phillips and
flathead) · Utility knife · Level · Wrench
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.
Unpack all staves. Identify the drain stave (it will have one or more drainage
holes bored into it). This will be the bottommost and first stave used.
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.
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BARREL SAUNA INSTALLATION MANUAL
FLOOR ASSEMBLY
· Ensure sauna foundation is sturdy and level. If the foundation is not, the
sauna could tilt, shift or fall leading to injury.
Begin assembly by placing the cradles on the ground (1). For optimal assembly,
it is important that the cradles are parallel to each other. Fasten the drain
stave directly in the center of the cradles using 2″ screws so the stave
extends over the end cradles by approximately 5″ (2-4). (For barrel saunas
with more than two cradles, space the remaining cradle(s) evenly between the
two end cradles. Secure the staves into these cradles as well.) Make sure the
stave sits perpendicular to the cradles before continuing (5). Continue adding
staves to each side of the center stave, tapping each into place with a rubber
mallet (67). As you are adding staves, fasten every other stave to each
cradle making sure each notch lines up with the others and that each stave is
perpendicular to the cradles (810).
Note: While cradle placement is the same for both canopy and classic barrel
saunas, you may move the front cradle back slightly for canopy barrel saunas.
While unnecessary, it will provide extra support for the door panel.
Image 1
Image 2
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Image 5
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page 4 BARREL SAUNA INSTALLATION MANUAL
ROOM ASSEMBLY It is now time to assemble the barrel ends. Take the three front
end pieces, including the door and two side pieces, and line them up so so
that the A stickers align with each other, and the B stickers align with each
other (11-13). Gently position the two wing sections into place on either side
of the door panel – you may use a rubber mallet to achieve a snug fit. Secure
the wings to the door section with 2″ screws through the predrilled holes on
the horizontal support beam (image 14).
Note: the images below show the barrel end being assembled on the ground, but
you may choose to assemble it once the door is positioned into the croze of
the floor.
Next, take the three back end pieces and line them up so the C stickers align
with each other, and the D stickers align with each other. Gently tap the two
side pieces into the center piece, securing them together using the predrilled
holes in the horizontal support beams. (Images 15-16)
Position the front and back ends in the notches, with the horizontal support
boards facing the inside of the sauna. Note: the metal vents are to be on the
bottom on the back end, and the vent holes are to be on the top on the door
end (17).
Place a level on the uppermost horizontal support boards on the front and back
ends to ensure each end is level (18). Adjust as necessary. Image (19) shows
what your assembly should look like at this point of the installation process.
You will find it helpful to place a temporary stave at the top, connecting the
two ends. This will align and stabilize the two ends while you continue adding
staves to your sauna (20).
Image 11
Image 12
Image 13
Image 14
vents on top
vents on bottom
Image 17
Image 15 Image 18
Image 16 Image 19
Image 20
page 5 BARREL SAUNA INSTALLATION MANUAL
ROOM ASSEMBLY continued
With the front and back pieces level and placed, begin placing staves up the
sides of the sauna. Tap each board with a rubber mallet (21). Hammer a 2″ nail
through every second or third stave into the front and back end panels to keep
them from falling out (22). The fewer nails you use, the easier disassembly
will be should you ever need to take down the sauna. Stop using nails about
halfway up the sides (23-24).
Note: If you have access to a pneumatic nailer this process will go faster.
Image 21
Image 22
Image 23
Image 24
BENCHES AND SUPPORTS Note: You may choose to install benches and supports
after the entire room has been assembled, but you may find installation easier
with the space and light afforded at this point.
Each barrel sauna includes two pre-assembled benches that are side specific.
Be sure the shorter bench slat is in front and against the doorframe (25). Lay
the benches on the lower cleats, which are mounted on each end panel (26).
Fasten the benches into the cleats using the predrilled holes (27). Be sure to
countersink the fasteners slightly below the surface of the wood. For 6′ and
larger barrel saunas, position the provided center support so that it connects
the bench to the floor of the barrel. Secure using 2″ screws through the pre-
drilled holes. (28-29)
Mount the backrests at the level most comfortable to you, typically 8-12″
above the bench. Use a level while fastening to ensure an even installation
(30-31).
Image 25
Image 26
Image 27
Image 28
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Image 31
page 6 BARREL SAUNA INSTALLATION MANUAL
ROOM ASSEMBLY…CONTINUED Note: at this point in the installation, you may find
it helpful to tie a loose rope or strap around your sauna (32).
Image 32 Continue placing staves, tapping them in place with a rubber mallet
(33-34). Do not nail the remaining staves in place.
Image 33
Image 34
When you arrive to the point of closing the room, you may find that the remaining space will not accommodate a full-size stave (35). We have provided a set of filler staves cut into various widths (36). Choose the necessary combination of filler staves to provide the tightest fit. Install the filler staves by tilting the adjacent staves up, insert and mallet in the filler staves, and push them all back into place (37). It is important that you use as many staves and fillers as you can prior to tightening the stainless-steel bands in order to ensure the tightest seal possible. It is recommended that you insert enough filler staves so that some of the staves between the 10 2 position actually “lift off” the front and rear end panels. In other words, the radius of that the staves create will actually be slightly larger than the radius of the barrel end panels (38). This will ensure the tightest seal possible when the bands are tightened.
Image 35
Image 36
Image 37
Staves slightly lift off the ends
of the barrel
Image 38
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BAND ASSEMBLY
Each band assembly includes the following components: · Stainless steel band
w/brackets · ½” nuts (2) · Threaded rod · Black vinyl caps
Position the bands around your sauna, evenly spaced (39). (On non-canopied
barrel saunas the two end bands should cover the nails used to hold the lower
staves in place. On canopy models, evenly spaced bands won’t cover the front
nails.) Insert the threaded rod through the bracket and tighten the nuts by
hand evenly until no longer able (40). Before continuing to tighten, verify
the bands are evenly spaced and align or stagger the bracket placement along
the side of the sauna according to personal preference. Tighten nuts evenly
and place vinyl caps over the threaded rod (41-42).
Image 39
Image 40
Image 41
Image 42
Band requirements: · 4′ and 5′ barrel saunas require two bands · 6′ barrel
saunas require three bands · 8′ saunas require four bands · Grandview and
Lewisburg saunas require five bands
LED LIGHT Locate the LED mounting brackets and mount them on the lower
horizontal 2×4 brace on the back wall using the provided 2″ screws. (43) Space
them approximately 20″ apart (44) and clip the LED light into place so that it
sits snug and centered on the lower brace. Using the provided screws, mount
your waterproof power supply where it is most convenient on the exterior of
the back sauna panel (45). Run the female end of the power connection through
the panel and connect the two (46). Plug the power source into a standard 110V
outlet either directly or with an extension cord. You may also wish to have
your electrician hardwire the light to a 110V circuit.
mount to rear
20″
panel
Image 43
Image 44
Install door handle (47-48) Note: Door handles may vary.
Image 45
Image 46
Optional accessories for your sauna, including a back rest, robe hook and much more are available at almostheaven.com/collections/sauna-accessories/.
Image 47
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page 8 BARREL SAUNA INSTALLATION MANUAL
BENCH ASSEMBLY For canopied models only: Locate the exterior bench cleat with
pre-drilled holes. For +1, measure vertically 17.5″ from the bottom of the
door frame and make a pencil mark; for +2 measure vertically 10″. (49) At this
mark, for +1, measure horizontally approximately 3.75″ and make a mark. For
+2, measure 2.5″ (50). This will be the upper and interior corner of the
exterior bench cleat. Position the described corner at this mark. Using a
level to make sure the cleat is sitting horizontal, secure the cleat to the
front wall of the barrel using 2″ screws through the pre-drilled holes. There
should be approximately 1/4″ gap between the angled cut of the cleat and the
curved wall of the barrel.
+1: 17.5″ +2: 10″
+1: 3.75″ +2: 2.5″
Image 49
Image 50
Next, find the support with one predrilled hole and place the edge 2-2.25″ from stave end. Using a level, make sure this support is level with the cleat attached in the previous step and secure using 2″ screw through predrilled hole (51-52). Find the support with two predrilled holes and place it upright under the support. With the level on both upper supports, position the upright support so they are level. Attach the upright support to the barrel staves using 2″ screws through predrilled holes at its base (53). Using 2″ screw, fasen flat and upright supports together (54). Rest bench on top of the cleat and the support aassembly and secure each using 2″ screws through the predrilled holes (55). Repeat for the opposite side.
Image 51
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page 9 BARREL SAUNA INSTALLATION MANUAL
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HEATER – Please see heater manual.
· 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.
· 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.
OPTIONAL HEATER FENCE ASSEMBLY (KIP & WALL HEATERS) The heater fence kit will
come banded in stretch wrap, remove the wrap and place the three pieces on
your working surface (56-57). Match the front piece, and one side as shown
below (58).
Image 56
Image 57
Image 58
Turn over matched pieces so the long section is face down. Ensure the boards
are flush in the top corner for optimal fitment (59). Attach the two pieces
together using the two predrilled holes and remaining screws from your sauna
hardware kit (60). It is recommended to keep pressure on the two square boards
during fastening for easier assembly. Then repeat process for other side. See
below for finished heater fence (61). To install heater fence into sauna, use
the four predrilled holes and screws from sauna hardware kit (62-63). Place
fence around heater and fasten into
barrel end (64).
Image 59
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page 10 BARREL SAUNA INSTALLATION MANUAL
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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 wall cause the staves to expand again resulting in an even
tighter seal. TRADITIONAL SAUNA USE Congratulations! You are ready to enjoy
your barrel 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!
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BARREL SAUNA INSTALLATION MANUAL
®
®
almostheaven.com
12-2023
References
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