Preparing your site for a sauna or cold plunge
A handcrafted cedar sauna or cold plunge needs more planning than a parcel delivery. Use this checklist before you order: footprint, delivery route, base, power, water and approvals — and what to send Rooted Oax so delivery can be planned with you.
1. Check the footprint
Approximate exterior sizes from the builders. Final measurements are confirmed in writing with your order.
| Product and size | Approx. exterior | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Haven, 2-person | 4′ deep × 6′ diameter × 76″ overall height | With porch: 6′ total depth × 6′ diameter × 76″ overall height |
| Cedar Haven, 4-person | 6′ deep × 6′ diameter × 76″ overall height | With porch: 8′ total depth × 6′ diameter × 76″ overall height |
| Cedar Haven, 6-person | 8′ deep × 6′ diameter × 76″ overall height | With porch: 10′ total depth × 6′ diameter × 76″ overall height |
| Ember Retreat, 2-person | 4′ L × 4′ W × 6′ H | With roof kit: 4′ L × 4′ W × 6′ 6″ H |
| Ember Retreat, 4-person | 5′ L × 5′ W × 6′ H | With roof kit: 5′ L × 5′ W × 6′ 6″ H |
| Ember Retreat, 6-person | 6′ L × 6′ W × 6′ H | With roof kit: 6′ L × 6′ W × 6′ 6″ H |
| Alpine Sanctuary, 2-person | 4.5′ L × 4.5′ W × 6.5′ H | Pricing coming soon |
| Alpine Sanctuary, 4-person | 6′ L × 4′ W × 7′ H | Pricing coming soon |
| Alpine Sanctuary, 6-person | 6′ L × 6′ W × 7′ H | Pricing coming soon; 7+ person custom builds are measured for your space |
| Glacier Reserve cold plunge | 6′ L × 3′ W × 2.5′ H | Same size in all three finishes |
Leave room around the footprint to open the door, step in and out safely and reach the equipment. Heater and chiller manufacturers specify clearances in their installation instructions — use the manual for the equipment you choose, along with your local code.
2. Map the delivery route
Large handcrafted products need a planned route. Before your order is finalized, tell us about anything between the road and the spot (Shipping & Delivery):
- Gates and the narrowest point of the route — measure it.
- Slopes, steps or stairs.
- Narrow roads or driveways.
- Soft ground.
- HOA or community restrictions on deliveries or structures.
How your build is delivered and any included placement or installation are identified in your written order.
3. Prepare a level, stable base
Foundations or pads are your responsibility unless your written order includes them (Terms of Sale). Ask Rooted Oax what your build needs before you build or pour a base, so it suits the product you are ordering.
4. Plan the power
The saunas use electric heaters — the builders offer heaters from 4 kW to 8 kW depending on the model and size — and a cold plunge chiller needs suitable power too. The equipment’s installation manual sets the circuit, protection and clearance requirements. Electrical work should be done by a qualified or licensed electrician where required, and circuits, GFCI protection, ventilation, drainage and equipment placement must follow local codes and the manufacturer’s instructions (Safety & Installation). Get the electrician’s view early: it can affect where the sauna or plunge should go.
5. Cold plunge water and care
- Plan how you will fill, drain and refill the plunge, following local rules for draining water.
- Follow the chiller and tub manufacturer’s treatment instructions, never combine chemicals, and use only compatible treatment and filters.
- Choose a spot with room to get in and out safely.
6. Approvals and permits
Customer-side approvals and permits are your responsibility unless your written order assigns them to Rooted Oax (Terms of Sale). Check with your local building department and any HOA before your build is scheduled.
7. At delivery
Inspect your sauna or plunge promptly and report visible shipping damage, missing items or an incorrect shipment as soon as reasonably possible, with photographs when helpful. Carrier-specific reporting deadlines may also apply.
What to send Rooted Oax
- Where the build will go (town and state are enough to start).
- Photos of the spot and of the route from the road.
- The narrowest measurement on the route, and any slopes or steps.
- The surface it will sit on today (grass, gravel, concrete, deck).
- Whether power is already nearby, and any HOA rules.
- When you hope to have it.
Send these with a quote request or email Support@rootedoax.com. Build, fulfillment and delivery dates are estimates until confirmed in writing.
Site questions
Do you install the sauna?
The written order identifies the agreed delivery method and any included placement or installation. Electrical, plumbing and structural work should be done by appropriately qualified or licensed professionals where required.
Do I need a permit?
That depends on your local rules and any HOA. Customer-side approvals and permits are your responsibility unless your written order assigns them to Rooted Oax.
How long until delivery?
Build, fulfillment and delivery dates are estimates until confirmed in writing. Material availability, weather, carrier conditions and site readiness can affect timing.
Where is Rooted Oax based?
Rooted Oax is based in Pickens County, South Carolina. Delivery method, timing and any placement or installation are confirmed with you in writing — tell us where you are and describe access to your site.
Planning a build?
Describe your site in a quote request and we will plan delivery with you.