Technical
- December 22, 2017
In this series of articles, we will share some top tips and industry secrets to get you started on your sauna journey and to help you choose the perfect sauna for any property or budget.
The first thing to consider when building a sauna is which method of sauna construction is right for you. There are two options to choose from which we call 'Pre-fab' and 'Pre-cut'.
A 'Pre-fab' sauna is by far the most common in the UK and is very easy to install. Most of the work is done for you in the factory in Finland. These saunas arrive flat packed with the walls already fully formed with insulation already fitted inside. 'A Pre-fab' sauna will simply screw together and once assembled, you will be the proud owner of a free-standing, self-contained, sauna cabin which could sit in the corner of any room in the house and can be taken down and reinstalled in another location should you ever decide to move it to another location or property.
- September 23, 2016
Regular users of Traditional Finnish Saunas will know that it can take a lot of energy and time to get your sauna up to temperature.
Enter the all new Harvia Forte, a heat storing insulated sauna heater which can heat a sauna room up to full temperature in just a few minutes flat!
Forte sauna heaters don't work like any other sauna heater, they run at a comparatively low power output and store the heat ready for you to lift the lid and release the warmth stored inside.
If you use your sauna regularly, it is more energy efficient to leave this heater running than it is to heat it up a regular heater from scratch, just like a hot tub which runs quietly in the background waiting for somebody to take a dip!
This revolutionary sauna heater is perfect for a family sauna which needs to be ready to go at a moments notice or for a light commercial sauna such as a holiday let, gym or hotel where users expect the sauna to be ready to use, but bathers only visit it intermittently.
- September 16, 2016
Choosing the right sauna heater can be a confusing business. First, you have to think about how much heat you need to produce to get your sauna up to temperature, consider how the heater will fit into the space available, and pick a heater that compliments the interior design of your sauna.
With the help of our expert advice, you will find it easy to get over these initial hurdles and we can then help you think about what else you can do to make the most of your new sauna.
For example, a 'Combi' sauna heater gives you much more functionality, it has a built in steamer unit separate from the main sauna heater which allows you to accurately adjust the amount of steam and humidity in the room and introduce fragrance and aromas to enhance your sauna experience.
If you are torn between buying a sauna or a steam room, this may be the perfect compromise to get the best of both worlds! Combi heaters can act as a traditional Finnish sauna, steam sauna, Herbal sauna
- August 23, 2016
So, you’re looking for a wood burning sauna heater and wondering which one is right for you?
Aqualine are here to help. Our friendly and experienced team can talk you through our extensive range of Harvia sauna heaters and stoves to find you the perfect match.
Here’s a few of our more unusual wood burning sauna heaters that warrant a proper explanation.
Harvia ‘Duo’ heaters are more than just a sauna heater; they also double up as a fireplace in the next room! Harvia Duo sauna heaters feature an elongated 130mm aperture designed to allow the front of the sauna to pass through an internal wall. This means the sauna heater and stones can be heating up the
- June 21, 2016
Here at Aqualine we are really excited to be bringing you the latest in Finnish Sauna design, The all new Harvia 'Solide' range.
Harvia Solide is a massive step forward in sauna innovation and design. No longer can an outdoor sauna be mistaken by the untrained eye for a summerhouse or potting shed!
In developing the Solide range, Harvia have struck the perfect balance between the tried and tested concept of a classic traditional sauna and a new, minimalist, yet strikingly modern sauna design using extra thick spruce throughout.
The
- April 07, 2016
Aqualine are now able to offer a huge range of ‘off the shelf’ modular steam rooms from Finland’s finest sauna and steam experts Harvia. These steam rooms come in various shapes and sizes and are pre-cut ready to be easily installed. Each steam room in the Harvia modular Steam Room range is made from 60mm Extruded Polystyrene boards (XPS). These boards are not only waterproof themselves but have a polymer concrete layer on each side for added strength and durability.
Not all steam rooms were created equal. Some of our competitors over complicate and under engineer their steam rooms by using a wooden frame and 20mm XPS boards, which whilst saving themselves money, also leaves their customers with a poorly insulated, less durable steam room which requires a lot more electricity to heat. Don’t compromise on quality, stick with tried and tested Harvia Modular
- September 21, 2015
Acid damage to sauna hinges has been a problem in leisure facilities for some time. Many hotels, spas and gyms have saunas installed and most opt for full glass doors. While asthetically pleasing there’s always been one small draw back, acid. The acid in the environment often attacks the sauna hinges be it from cleaning products or chemicals in the atmosphere. The acid attacks the protective coating and it beings to peel away, leaving rusty and unattractive looking spots.
To combat this Harvia have been hard at work producing new hinges that are acid proof. The new hinges are available for all glass doors and are recommended for locations, where chloride and/or strong cleaning chemicals are used. Colour options are chrome and white.
- April 24, 2015
Home Sauna Build: Frame, Wiring And Insulation
Following the plans you’ve made, measure and mark rough dimensions for the wall base plate.
Frame:
The stud frame for each sauna wall can be constructed outside the sauna and then moved into place if the sauna is to be smaller than the space where it will be installed. You need to build the sauna walls allowing for air intake and exhaust vents, the opening for the sauna door and if you have planned for any windows then you’ll need to account for these too.
Once the stud frame is complete the sections can be raised and attached to the walls or floor with the correct anchor bolts or nails. Next add the frame for the ceiling.
Electrics:
Once the stud frame is in place the next consideration is the electrical requirements.
You will need to hire an electrician to install the electrical circuits for
- March 27, 2015
Planning your build is the definitely the most important aspect, get it wrong here and you could be in for a frustrating or expensive experience.
Tools:
The basic tools you will need for this DIY job include: a hammer, saw, spirit level, measuring tape, sanding block, chisel, screwdriver, stapler, pliers, nail punch, circular saw, and an electric drill. It is possible to order a sauna kit pre-cut to your specification if you don’t have access to the necessary tools.
Location:
Don’t feel that you’re restricted with the choice of location for your sauna, many people have saunas outdoors as well as inside. Building an outdoor sauna come at a higher cost when you include the cost of running electrical wiring to the sauna site as well as the added expense of building a suitable base. With an outdoor sauna, you must also make sure there are no local by-laws in your
- February 27, 2015
With awareness of wellness and health growing in popularity over recent years many people are looking for ways that they can incorporate a wellness facility, such as a sauna, into their home.
If an off the shelf solution will suffice then you’re all set but what if you require something more original? Bespoke saunas can be expensive but if you possess the skills to build a sauna yourself it can be a more cost effect and rewarding solution.
If you’re quite handy when it comes to DIY then you might find you already have the skill set needed. Building a sauna or converting a room into one might seem like a daunting experience but it’s easier than you think.
To assist those interested in such a project we’re putting together a guide that will be released on a monthly basis and cover all aspects from the planning to the finished product.
This specific guide will focus on the construction of a traditional sauna rather than one of the infrared saunas. While it is
