Site Access & Base Preparation
A successful KeiCo installation starts before our team arrives. This guide explains the key access, unloading, base, drainage and site-readiness points to consider before delivery or installation of a sauna, cold plunge, hot tub or outdoor wellness structure.
If you are unsure about access, base preparation or site suitability, please send us photographs, videos, dimensions and any relevant plans before installation is confirmed. We can review these and advise on the next practical steps.
What to send us before installation
To help us plan your installation properly, we may ask for photographs, videos, measurements or drawings before delivery is confirmed. The most useful information is a clear video of the full route from the delivery vehicle to the installation area, photographs of any gates, steps or tight turns, base dimensions, parking/unloading location, and any details relating to drainage or electrical supply.
The more information we receive in advance, the better we can plan the correct delivery method, team, lifting equipment and installation schedule.
Why site preparation matters
Good site preparation helps avoid delays, failed delivery, re-attendance costs, difficult lifting, damage risk and commissioning issues. It also helps ensure the product is installed on a suitable, safe and long-lasting foundation.
Access route checks
Customers should consider the full route from the delivery vehicle to the final installation position. The customer should check:
- Driveway width
- Gate width
- Side access width
- Steps or level changes
- Tight turns
- Slopes
- Gravel, soft ground or unstable surfaces
- Overhanging trees
- Low walls, fences or planters
- Overhead cables
- Narrow lanes or restricted roads
- Parking restrictions
- Shared or private road permissions
Parking and unloading
Large wellness products may require suitable parking and unloading space for vans, trailers, pallet deliveries, Hiab vehicles or specialist delivery partners. The customer should confirm:
- Where the delivery vehicle can park
- Whether there are loading restrictions
- Whether permits are required
- Whether the road is suitable for larger vehicles
- Whether the unloading area is level and safe
- Whether neighbours or property managers need to be informed
Steps, slopes, tight access and lifting equipment
Steps, slopes and tight access can affect how the product is delivered and installed. Some projects may require additional labour, lifting equipment, crane/Hiab support, or an amended installation method.
Base and foundation requirements
Most saunas, hot tubs, cold plunges and wellness structures require a level, stable, load-bearing and free-draining base. The base should generally be:
- Level
- Structurally suitable for the product and loaded weight
- Correctly sized
- Stable
- Well-drained
- Clear of debris
- Accessible for installation
- Prepared before the installation team arrives
Recommended base types
Suitable base options may include concrete pads, reinforced concrete bases, suitable paving systems, composite or timber decking with correct structural support, ground screws or other professionally designed foundations, depending on the product and site.
Product weight and filled weight
Some wellness products become significantly heavier once filled with water, fitted with equipment or used by multiple people. Hot tubs, cold plunges, spa systems and larger wellness structures must be supported by a base that is suitable for the finished loaded weight, not just the empty product weight.
Drainage and water management
Outdoor wellness products need good water management. Standing water, poor drainage or splashback can affect product lifespan, timber movement, safety and maintenance. Customers should consider:
- Surface water runoff
- Drainage around the base
- Hot tub or cold plunge overflow
- Cleaning and maintenance water
- Safe discharge routes
- Avoiding water pooling beneath timber structures
- Ventilation beneath or around the structure where relevant
Electrical route and service readiness
Where electrical works are required, the cable route, isolator position, supply requirements and certification should be reviewed before installation. This is especially important for sauna heaters, chillers, pumps, lighting, controls and hot tub/spa systems.
Photos, videos and measurements we may request
To assess site suitability, KeiCo may request:
- Photographs of the final installation area
- Video of the full access route
- Gate and pathway measurements
- Base dimensions
- Gradient/slope information
- Parking/unloading photographs
- Location of electrical supply or isolator
- Drainage details
- Site plans or drawings where available
The more information we receive before installation, the better we can plan the correct team, equipment, delivery method and installation schedule.
What happens if the site is not ready
If the site is not ready, access is unsuitable, the base is incomplete, or required services are not available, installation may be delayed, partially completed or rescheduled.
Site readiness checklist
- Access route checked from delivery vehicle to installation area.
- Gate, pathway and side access widths measured.
- Steps, slopes, tight turns and obstacles photographed.
- Parking and unloading arrangements confirmed.
- Permits or permissions checked where needed.
- Base/foundation completed, level and structurally suitable.
- Drainage and water management considered.
- Electrical route and isolator position discussed where relevant.
- Electrical Requirements page shared with electrician where relevant.
- Final site photos/videos sent to KeiCo if requested.
- Installation area cleared before the team arrives.
- Children, pets and unauthorised persons kept away from the working area.
How KeiCo can help
If you are unsure whether your site is suitable, our team can review photographs, videos, access measurements and plans before installation. Where needed, we can advise on likely access considerations, specialist lifting requirements, product positioning, base preparation and practical next steps.
Ready for us to review your site?
Please send photographs, videos, access measurements, base details and any relevant plans to our team before your installation is confirmed.
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