What Assembling the SaunaLife CL7G Involves
The CL7G's sauna structure is assembled on site from a flat-packed kit, and its electrical work is not a do-it-yourself job. SaunaLife's CL7G installation manual states it plainly: "Hire qualified professionals for electrical work, including heater and lighting installation." The circuit sizing and the heater wiring are covered in the answer below to "What electrical work does the SaunaLife CL7G need?"; what follows here is what the physical build asks of you.
Tools and hands the manual calls for
The CL7G manual lists measuring tape, marker pen, circular saw, water level, hammer, screwdriver, drill, crescent wrench, utility knife, rubber mallet, ratchet strap and a ladder, and it shows the build being done by two people. Note that a circular saw is on the manufacturer's own list.
Foundation
The CL7G needs a stable, level foundation with enough strength to carry it; the manual ties correct door and window operation directly to the base being level. The footprint is 91" × 86.6", and SaunaLife's dimensional drawing gives the sauna's weight as 1,875 lbs. The manual does not specify a foundation type, so confirm the slab, pad or deck you intend to use with your installer before the delivery date is set.
First heating
SaunaLife requires the CL7G's first heating to be carried out under supervision, for two hours, with the sauna well ventilated during and after. That first session lets the wood take up its finishing materials. SaunaLife's manual also says never to exceed the maximum temperature set by the heater's manufacturer, so follow the first-heating instructions supplied with both the sauna and the heater, and contact Topture if they differ.
Ongoing maintenance
Treat all wooden components with a wood preservative at assembly and reapply at least once a year. Wipe the benches with a damp cloth rather than washing them with running water, and keep paints, varnishes, harsh disinfectants and pressure washers away from the timber. SaunaLife also notes that thermally treated wood can crack or warp slightly under the temperature and humidity swings a sauna sees, and that this is normal rather than a defect.