FAQ

Design to first session typically runs 6–10 weeks. Design and 3D rendering takes 1–2 weeks. Permits and rough-in are 2–4 weeks. Finish carpentry, heater install, and curing is 2–3 weeks.

Indoor is faster, cheaper, and warm in winter. Outdoor offers a true cabin experience but adds foundation, roof, and weatherproofing cost. We design either; we’ll walk you through the tradeoffs on the design call.

Electric is the most common — fastest to heat, easiest to operate, fits any space. Wood-burning needs a chimney and burn permit. Infrared is a different experience entirely (lower temp, gentler heat) and works in spaces where Finnish-style isn’t possible. We’ll spec the right option for your space.

Indoor saunas need an electrical permit for the dedicated circuit and often a building permit for the framing. Outdoor builds need a building permit and possibly zoning review. Wood-burning heaters need a venting and combustion permit. We pull all of it.

Indoor conversions start in the mid-range; full custom outdoor cabins with premium heaters and glass walls are the top end. We give a flat-rate quote after the design phase — heater, wood, electrical, permits, and first heat-up included.

Yes — that’s most of our kit work. Send us the brand, model, and the location it’s going in. We’ll quote assembly, rough-in, electrical, and permits flat-rate.

Depends on budget and use. We carry a wide range of kits with nearly every major brand available — designer-grade imports, value-priced outdoor barrels and cabins, and solid domestic mid-range options. We’ll walk through the tradeoffs and help you pick on the design call.

Most indoor kits assemble in 3–5 days once materials are on site. Outdoor cabins take 5–10 days with foundation and weather sealing. Delays usually come from missing parts in the shipment — we inventory on arrival to catch this early.

Yes, almost always. Newport Beach requires an electrical permit for the dedicated circuit and usually a building permit for the structure. We pull all permits.

Yes — we build to manufacturer spec, document the install, and provide photos and receipts so your warranty registration is clean. We’re authorized installers for several major brands.

An annual inspection is ideal — catches venting issues, board separation, and heater wear early. Stones should be rotated yearly and replaced every 2–4 years. Wood should be sanded and oiled every 1–3 years depending on use.

Most often a tripped breaker, a failed thermostat, or a burned-out heating element. We diagnose on site and repair nearly every major heater brand in a single visit.

Yes — most of our service work is on saunas we didn’t originally build. Bring us the brand and we’ll service it.

Every 2–4 years depending on use and how often you throw water on them. Cracking, crumbling, or visible discoloration are signs it’s time. We supply and install the right stone type for your heater model.

Yes. Our annual plan includes one full inspection visit, wood refresh, stone rotation, vent and heater check, plus discounted parts and labor on any repair during the year.

Most cedar tub installs run 3–6 weeks from design to first fill. Outdoor builds with a fresh deck or pad take longer; indoor installs with existing rough-in are fastest.

Electric is push-button, code-compliant anywhere, and the easiest to schedule. Wood-fired is unbeatable for the ritual but needs a chimney and a Newport Beach burn-permit check. We’ll spec the right option for your site.

No — they’re built like a barrel. Cedar swells when wet to lock the staves tight against the steel banding. Properly built and filled within 30 days of assembly, they’re watertight for decades.

Lower than fiberglass spas. Ozonator + UV systems keep the water clean with a small fraction of the chemicals. Weekly check, monthly filter rinse, annual drain-and-refill is the basic cycle — about 10 minutes a week.

Absolutely — the contrast-therapy combo of sauna + hot tub + cold plunge is the gold standard. We routinely build all three on one project: shared design, shared permit, shared electrical trench, lower per-line cost.

Most plunge installs run 2–5 weeks from design to first chill. Indoor installs with existing rough-in are fastest; outdoor builds with a fresh deck or pad take longer. Custom stainless or cedar plunges add lead time for fabrication.

Our chiller-equipped plunges hold 38–55°F year-round in Newport Beach. You set the target temperature and the chiller maintains it 24/7. Even with daily use it recovers temperature in 30–60 minutes between sessions.

Fiberglass is the most durable, easiest to clean, and best value. Cedar is the warmest, most natural look and feel — slightly higher maintenance. Stainless steel is the premium look — modern, hygienic, and ideal for commercial. We’ll walk through the tradeoffs on the design call.

Most Newport Beach jurisdictions require a building permit for the structure and an electrical permit for the chiller’s dedicated 240V circuit. We pull all permits. Outdoor installs sometimes need a setback or zoning check, which we coordinate.

Yes. Indoor installs need waterproof flooring, a floor drain or sump, and dedicated ventilation for the chiller’s heat exhaust. Garages, basements, and mechanical rooms work well. We design and waterproof the space as part of the install.