Almost Heaven Saunas Worthington Sauna Operating instructions

Almost Heaven Saunas
THE AUTHENTIC SAUNA EXPERIENCE
®
Worthington Sauna
Installation &
Owner’s Manual

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
All electrical wiring must be performed by A QUALIFIED LICENSED ELECTRICIAN. Because of the heat involved in the sauna, it is required that
you use copper wire with 90ºC 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 and according to the
instructions provided with the heater.
Be sure the surface where you are placing the sauna is at and level. A concrete, tile, vinyl, laminate or similar surface is suitable; placing the
sauna on carpet is not recommended. It is suggested that you lay out all of the components so that it is easy to identify the pieces once you get
started with assembly.
You will need the following tools to assemble your Patterson Sauna:
Rubber mallet
Hand saw
Hammer
Cordless drill
Stepladder
Level
Square
Tape measure
You will nd the following wood components as well as labeled bags of screws and hardware.
3 – Bottom rails
2 – 90° Corner wall posts
2 – 90° Corner wall posts for glass walls
10 – Wood wall element sections
2 – Glass element sections
1 – Glass door
2 – Glass support rails
1 – Glass wall header
1 – Metal post support bracket
1 – Metal post
2 – Long roof support rails
2 – Short roof support rails
3 – Roof element sections (labeled as to which side to put facing up)
2 – Top bench supports (Approximately 23”long)
1 – Lower bench support for long right wall (Approximately 47” long)
1 – Lower bench support for short window wall (Approximately 52”long)
1 – Upper bench
1 – Lower bench
1 – Upper bench support for side bench (Approximately 23” long)
1 – Upper side bench
2 – Upper bench back supports
1 – Lower bench back support
1 – Vent cover
5 – Exterior roof trim
NOTE: It is recommended that two people do the assembly of the sauna.
These instructions explain assembly with the door swinging to the right and with the heater on the left wall of the sauna. You can assemble the
sauna with the heater on the right and/or the door swinging to the left. If you choose to invert the assembly then be sure to do all assembly
opposite of the directions shown.
Read this entire manual through to the end before proceeding with the assembly.
Almost Heaven Saunas
THE AUTHENTIC SAUNA EXPERIENCE
®

STEP 1 - Locate the (3) bottom rails
and position as shown. Overlap the corner
joints and be sure the rails are square to
each other. Drill a 1/8” pilot hole in the
corner joints and secure rails to each other
using a single 5x70 screw in each of 3
corners.
STEP 2 - Locate the wood wall
elements (sections). These will be
inserted over the bottom rails as shown
in the diagram.
STEP 3 - Find the wall element with the square cut out
hole and position on the right rear of bottom rail. NOTE: If
the heater is going to be installed on the right wall then
positing the element with the square cut hole on the left
rear. (On all wall elements the at edge is the top and the
groove that will t over the tongue on the bottom rails is
on the bottom.) With one person holding this wall element
have another person position one of the 90° corner
posts and then another wall element section on the rail
perpendicular to the rst element section.
NOTE: It is helpful to tap the elements to each
other, to the corner piece, and to the bottom
rail using a rubber mallet.
Wall Element Sections
W=Wood
P=Post
G=Glass
D=Door
PW=Post Wider

STEP 4 - Verify that the element wall sections are square to the rails, perpendicular to each
other, and that the at top of the wall elements and corner posts align.
Using a cordless drill with the appropriately sized bit (included) use 6x20 screws and secure the
90° corner post to the short and wide element.
NOTE: Because the elements utilize both vertical and horizontal boards, you will hear a“cracking”
sound as you draw the elements tight with the screw. This is normal and will not result in any
splitting of the wood.
STEP 5 - Place the next 2 element sections on the
right side wall. There will be no screws used in these
elements, but be sure the elements are rmly placed
to the bottom rail and that the at top sections are
ush to each other. NOTE: THE FRONT ELEMENT
SECTION ON THE RIGHT SIDE WILL HAVE 3 CLIPS
ALONG ONE EDGE. THESE SHOULD FACE THE FRONT
OF THE SAUNA.
STEP 6 - Locate one of the 90° corner posts that has clips on one side and a glass groove with
2 holes on the other. Be sure the holes are to the top and facing towards the inside of the sauna.
Line up the side with the post with clips to the element section with clips. Raise the post several
inches above the wall element before pushing into place.
Then gently tap the post into the element section so that
the clips align.
NOTE: The clips allow the wall sections to connect secure-
ly and rmly without the use of screws, but everything
must line up for them to t correctly. You must position
the 90° corner post several inches above the wall section
before nesting the post to the wall. The clips will slide
into each other and hold the post. If the clips will not eas-
ily slip together, then take a Phillips head (+) screwdriver
and loosen the screws holding all of the clips by ½turn
and try again. Loosening the clip slightly will not aect
the holding power of the clip.

STEP 7 - Continue the addition of wall elements
by adding (3) of the wood wall element sections along
the back rail. The wall sections will not screw together,
but be sure they are level at the top and rm to each
other by tapping in place with a rubber mallet.
STEP 8 - Add the third 90° corner post and secure with
6x20 screws as with the other rear corner posts.
STEP 9 - Add a wall section on the left wall and attach to
the 90° corner post with 6x20 screws.

STEP 10 - Add two more wood wall element
sections along the left wall. The wall sections will
not screw together, but be sure they are level at the
top and rm to each other by tapping in place with a
rubber mallet.
STEP 11 - Locate the last 90° corner post that has clips on one side and a glass groove
with 2 holes on the other. Be sure the holes are to the top and facing towards the inside
of the sauna. Install according to the instructions in Step 6.
STEP 12 - All of the wood wall sections and corner posts
of the sauna should now be installed.

STEP 13 - You will now install the roof support rails.
Location (3) roof support rails and cut to length. The left
and right rails should butt up to the front corner posts
and the rear wall. NOTE: BE SURE THERE ARE NO GAPS
BETWEEN THE WOOD WALL ELEMENTS BEFORE TAKING
YOUR MEASUREMENTS.
Measure 1-1/2” down from the top of the wall element
sections and pencil marks on each end the wall sections.
Then screw the roof support rails to the wall element sec-
tions using 4x70 screws with the bit provided. Secure the
roof support rails to the wall element sections by screw-
ing a 4x70 screw into each wall element section. This will
rmly secure the wall element sections together along the
three wood walls of the sauna.
STEP 14 - The sauna will wood wall sections
will now be securely in place and held together by
means of the attached roof support rails.
STEP 15 - Locate the two glass window
sections noting that one of them has holes
for the door hinges. The instructions show
installation with the door opening from left to
right, but you can reverse by switching the
glass window sections.
Place one of the metal glass support rails
below the glass and then slide the glass
into the groove on the corner post. Repeat
for the opposite side taking care to hold the
glass in place so that it does not fall prior to
securing in place.

STEP 16 - Locate the glass wall header and position over the
glass window sections. Lower the header over the glass so that
the glass will t into the grooves at the base of the header. Line
up the pins of the header to
the holes in the corner posts
and gently tap into place with a
rubber mallet. NOTE: YOU MAY
NEED TO PULL THE LEFT AND
RIGHT WALLS OUT SLIGHTLY
IN ORDER TO FIT THE HEADER
BETWEEN THEM.
STEP 17 - The sauna room should now have all wood and
glass wall sections in place and ready for the roof installation.
STEP 18 - From the top of the sauna lay the (3)
roof element sections in place. The side to face “up”
is indicated, and the front roof section will t into the
groove of the header, and the rear roof section has a
smooth edge. Once the roof sections are in place you
can screw them to the roof support rails with 5x70
screws.

STEP 19 - You will now install the bench
supports. Find the long bench support and cut to
length so that it will go as far as the left and right
walls. On the rear wall and from the oor measure
33” and make a pencil mark. Position the upper
bench support at (just below) the mark and use
a level to insure that the support is level to the
ground. Then screw the upper bench support
into the wall element sections using 5x70 screws.
Do this with both the short right and left bench
supports as well.
STEP 20 - Place the upper bench onto the
upper bench supports. Once the upper bench is
in place, secure the rear and sides of the bench to
the wall sections from below using 4x60 screws.
Place one screw
into each wall
element section.
STEP 21 - Attach the side upper bench
support to the side wall by lining up to the
rear side bench support. Screw into place
with 5x70 screws insuring that the support is
level.

STEP 22 - Attached the metal post support bracket to the bottom
of the upper side bench using screws included in hardware packet.
Slip the metal support post over the bracket and secure in place with
the hex screw located in the support bracket.
STEP 23 - Place the upper side bench on the side bench
support rail and line up to the upper rear bench. Using
5x70 screws secure the upper side bench to both the wall
of the sauna and the upper rear bench from below. Once
the bench is securely in place adjust the metal support
post by turning the black base of the post clockwise or
counterclockwise as necessary to insure a solid placement on
the oor.
STEP 24 - The sauna should now have the upper rear
and side benches securely in place.

STEP 25 - You will now install the lower
bench back support. From the front of the two
UPPER bench supports that you just installed,
measure 1-1/2”back and make a mark. Then,
install the two lower backrest supports (one
on the left and right side of the sauna) to the
sidewall element sections using 5x70 screws.
STEP 26 - Position the lower back support
(5-slats) against the vertical supports you
installed in step 25. Holding the lower bench
support tight to the top bench, attach to the
vertical supports using 3.5x40 screws.
STEP 27 - Measure 10”above the rear and
side upper benches and make a pencil mark.
Place one of the upper bench back supports
(3-slats on each back support) above each
bench and be sure it is level. Then, using 3.5x40
screws attach the back support to the wall
element sections. Position your screws in the
vertical battens between the slats so that the
screws are concealed.

STEP 28 - Assemble the lower
bench by attaching the right and
left framed leg supports to the
bench and screwing into place
with 4x60 screws. Be sure the
two holes in the uprights are to
the rear of the bench and the
plastic oor protectors are down.
Next, attach the angled support
members so that the pins line
up with the holes. Place a dab of
wood glue (not included) in the
holes before tapping into place.
Secure the support members to
the bench using 3.5x40 screws.
STEP 29 - The upper and lower benches are
now complete.
STEP 30 - Locate the vent cover and position
over the wall opening. Attach with (40) 3.5x40
screws.

STEP 31 - Locate the exterior roof trim pieces. These will attach
to the exterior top perimeter of the sauna. The pieces create an “L”
around the top edge and will be screwed to the roof sections from
the top using 3.5x40 screws. NOTE: The trim pieces are not pre-cut
and must be cut to size using a hand saw. If the sauna is being placed
the corner of the room then it
is common to only install the
trim on the visible sides. The
trim piece that is placed over
the front header will require a
portion of the tongue to be cut
away.
STEP 32 - Install the hinges
onto the glass door and secure to
the window. The hinge consists
of the hinge bracket, hole spacers,
bracket cleat and hex screws. Be
sure the screws are snug before
mounting the door. NOTE: There
is an intentional gap between the
bottom of the door and the oor as
well as between the glass panels.
A sauna must have airow, which
is why these gaps are intentional. If you wish to
reduce some airow you can use the optional
clear sealing strip between the door and the
window, although in most cases this is not used.
STEP 33 - Find the door handle and install
with the wood portion on the inside of the
sauna.

STEP 35 - Assemble the heater fence as
shown. The heater fence may or may not be
used depending on the type of heater that
came with your sauna.
STEP 34 - On the header above the door,
peel back some of the sealing strip and nd
the pre-drilled hole for the magnet. Find the
magnet in the hardware kit and squeeze it into
the hole using pliers. The magnet is adjustable
and can be loosened or tightened as needed.
Cut the sealing strip to allow for the magnet
and then reinsert the sealing strip in the
groove.
See separate
heater installation
instructions.

OPERATION
After the sauna has been installed, sweep down the inside to remove any sawdust and wood shavings, and then vacuum com-
pletely. Using a damp cloth and warm water, wipe down the entire sauna including the benches to remove any remaining dirt,
dust and debris. Rinse othe sauna stones and install them in or on the heater in accordance with the heater manufacturer’s
instructions. Improper placement of heater stones can result in lower than desired heat temperatures. The rst time you turn
the heater on, set it to the maximum setting and operate it for about 30 minutes with the door propped open. Then close the
door and allow your sauna to come up to the desired temperature.
Since you most likely will use your sauna as both a “wet sauna”and a“dry sauna”, you should install the sauna stones that have
been included with the heater, following the manufacturer’s instructions. These stones are necessary if water will be sprinkled
on the heater to create the “wet sauna”, and they will produce more consistent heating in the dry mode (without the use of
water). It is common for a stone to occasionally crack during initial heating. If excess amounts of water are used during sauna,
prop door open to let the humidity escape. Not much water is necessary to achieve a “wet sauna”.
The amount of ventilation in the sauna can be adjusted by means of the vent located toward the top of the sau-na. It is impor-
tant to have adequate fresh air owing through the sauna, and this ow can be adjusted with the movable vent cover.
TRADITIONAL STEPS IN TAKING A SAUNA BATH
STEP #1 Set your heater so that the sauna room achieves the desired temperature, usually between 150º F and 170º F.
As a novice, you should begin at the lower end of this range and work your way up to the higher temperatures
over several sauna baths.
STEP #2 Remove all clothing (except maybe your swimsuit), eyeglasses, contact lenses, jewelry, etc. Take a quick shower
with warm water and soap, or a quick dip in your hot tub.
STEP #3 Enter the sauna initially for about 5 to 15 minutes. Bring a towel into the sauna onto which you can sit or lay.
Leave the sauna room once you have begun to perspire freely.
STEP #4 Now you may take a cold plunge in your swimming pool, shower or snow bank. After that, relax and cool down
for another 10 to 20 minutes.
STEP #5 Re-enter the sauna. On this return visit you may wish to sprinkle small amounts of water onto the stones creating
bursts of steam. If the water spills through the heater and onto the oor, you are using too much, although this
will not hurt the heater or the sauna.
STEP #6 After your nal visit to the sauna, relax for at least 20 minutes. Shower with soap and warm water. Finish your
shower with cooler water to close the pores of your skin. Dress only after you have cooled down completely.
NOTE: Whatever your sauna regimen, it is important that you keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water!
Almost Heaven Saunas
THE AUTHENTIC SAUNA EXPERIENCE
®