21 Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Showers
Almost everyone is well-aware of the importance of steam baths nowadays. People consider installing steam showers in their homes or rush into spa centers to take steam baths. Besides health benefits, installing a steam shower adds to the luxury of a house. To add more, it also increases the rental value of your sweet home.
Installing a steam shower begins with a proper plan about the owners’ preferences and specifications of the steam shower unit. That is why you may have many questions about it while planning a steam shower installation.
Many homeowners wish to explore more about a steam shower unit’s wellness and health benefits and how to install and construct a steam room. In this guide, we have come up with 21 frequently asked questions that can help you get answers to all your queries regarding it. Let us crack it all!
- What benefits can you expect from a steam shower?
The steam shower is an effective and beneficial addition to your daily routine. This is so because it promises a wide range of benefits to human health and wellness. They include the followings:
- Steam is known to help clear stuffy nasal passages by clearing sinuses. In this way, steam makes a significant plus for those suffering from chronic allergies.
- A steam bath is a great way to wind down after a workout. The warmth of steam opens capillaries allowing blood to flow. Also, steam removes metabolic wastes that may cause muscle soreness.
- A steam shower bath improves circulation by opening capillaries and widening blood vessels. Besides that, it also helps lower blood pressure.
- Warming skin can open pores to allow good perspiration. In this way, steam helps reduce pimples and blackheads.
- You can also use it as a pre-shave treatment as warmth and moisture help shed dead skin and soften hair follicles.
- How does a steam shower work?
A steam generator heats water to a boil to produce steam. Typically, this generator is no more significant than the size of a briefcase that is often installed in a closet or vanity. It would be best if you pushed a button that delivers steam from the steam generator to a steam head outlet. Later on, this steam goes into the shower enclosure. Now, you are ready to relax in the steam and enjoy its luxury.
In this way, the working principle of a steam shower is quite simple.
- Where and when did steam bathing begin?
The history of cleansing, purifying, and enjoying the steam in a communal setting dates back to the Bronze Age. Back in history, steam bathing has been a way of meeting and socializing by relaxing and leaving behind the stress of the day. This activity was famous in the spring-fed onsen of the Japanese or the thermae of ancient Rome.
- Which construction materials are best for the wall and ceiling of a steam shower?
While considering installing a steam shower in your home, research the construction material for the ceiling and wall of the steam shower. This is so because it is the material that will decide whether to retain or dissipate heat from the shower room. If you use a porous material, it will dissipate heat quickly instead of retaining it. Such materials include glass block, marble, granite, concrete or shale. If you wish to have the natural beauty of stone or marble for a steam shower, select a high-power generator to compensate for faster heat loss.
On the other hand, choosing a nonporous material like acrylic, ceramic, and porcelain will retain heat in the shower. In this case, you will require a small generator.
- Am I supposed to tile the entire ceiling of the bathroom, or just the shower ceiling will work?
You are only supposed to tile the ceiling portion directly exposed to the steam; inside the steam shower. We must keep in mind that the sole purpose of the tiling is to retain the heat and prevent moisture from escaping from the shower enclosure.
- Is it necessary to slope my steam shower ceiling?
Small grouted ceiling tiles may drip at the edges. So, small tiles with a lot of grout joints may need a slight slope. This slope prevents condensation from dripping down the top of the unsuspecting bather.
In the case of a residential ceiling, the ideal slope measurement is 1/2″ per foot away from the point where you will sit. However, you need not slope the ceiling if using some solid material in the ceiling like a sheet of Swanstone. This is so because it fails to trap condensation like grouted tiles.
- Which spot should I consider while installing a steam generator for the best possible results?
A Steam generator can easily be installed at any point within 60 feet of your steam shower room. You can install it in a closet, heated attic or basement, vanity, etc. Leave 12 inches of extra space on the sides and top is highly recommended for servicing. To add more, it will ensure adequate ventilation.
Avoid installing the steam generator in an actual shower enclosure or in an unheated spot where there is a chance of water supply piping freezing.
- Can I include a window in my steam shower?
As the personal preference of some homeowners, a window in the steam shower room is common in many homes. Still, many homeowners are very concerned about steam or moisture getting between the wall outside and the window.
For the type of steam sowers that contain an exterior window, ensure they are well-insulated to prevent steam from escaping. We recommend you use a double-paned window for steam shower rooms. For a window that slides open, ensure it is gasketed to inhibit steam loss during a steam shower session.
- Can I include lighting in my steam shower room?
While considering the installation of lighting in a steam shower room, ensure that it provides protection against moisture entry and is vapor-proof. In most cases, the shower lighting is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter abbreviated as (GFCI). It involves a system that shuts the power off to detect moisture in the fixture.
- What if I notice my steam generator is leaking water?
A steam shower should not leak water. But, in case it does, turn the water off along with the unit’s power supply. If you ever notice water leakage from a steam generator, contact some professional for technical assistance. Experts recommend installing a drip pan under a steam generator that prevents moisture damage from leaks.
- How long a steam shower session should I have for all the benefits?
Many benefits are associated with a single steam shower room, and people must be aware of its risks. As in a steam shower bath, the body is directly exposed to steam, which may cause the body to dehydrate. It is advised not to exceed a shower session from 15 to 20 minutes.
- What makes a steam shower different from a sauna?
At their most basic, saunas are simple, small rooms mostly built from wood and adorned with a few benches for sitting. Every sauna possesses a small heating corner filled with rocks to manage humidity and temperature. When water is poured into these heated rocks, it produces steam and heat.
Unlike a sauna, steam showers use a steam head to produce steam using a steam generator. Steam showers leverage a nozzle that superheats water until it becomes soothing steam. Like pre-heated rocks in a sauna, a steam shower unit manages all the attributes of a steam shower.
- 13. How much it costs to install a steam shower?
Although the cost of a steam shower varies from area to area, a rough estimate of all the costs is mentioned as under:
The average cost of a steam shower is: 4,200 $
Prefab Steam Shower Costs
- Installation: $500 – $600
- Unit and Generator: $2,300 – $5,500
- Total: $2,800 – $6,200
Custom Steam Shower Costs
- Installation: $1,000 – $6,000
- Materials: $2,500 – $6,500
- Steam generator: $400 – $2,000
- Total: $4,000 – $15,000
- 14. How a steam shower is an attainable luxury?
The addition of a steam shower in the home does not need a lot of remodelling work. A compact steam generator fits easily inside a typical vanity cabinet, and electrical, and plumbing connections are easy for professionals to install. In most cases, a pre-existing shower or tub can be converted into a steam shower by sealing the existing enclosure.
- Is it wise to invest in a steam shower from a real estate perspective?
As per The New York Times, the simple answer to this query is yes. In recent years, steam showers have been increasing in terms of popularity. This factor makes steam showers an asset to your home and personal health and wellness routine.
- What should I use to construct a functional steam shower room?
In general, steam room walls consist of the following main things:
- A vapor barrier or membrane
- A keyboarder
- Cement
- Grout
- Tile
But, if you want to customize your shower room, you must add various things in accordance with your personal preferences.
- Can I convert my existing shower tub into a steam shower?
Yes! You can, for sure. If your existing steam shower is too large, the contractor will go with some work of remodeling your bathroom. But do not worry. Remodeling only the shower area is enough instead of the entire bathroom.
- Is it possible to take a regular shower in a steam shower?
Yes! It is possible to take a regular shower in a steam shower room. Most of the prefabricated units are specially designed for this purpose. The other type of steam shower is a custom steam shower that also includes this in its design. This makes people enjoy dual benefits with a single investment. What else can you expect?
Generally, people follow a steam shower with a standard shower to rinse off. This thing will also help condense the steam.
- Is it possible to incorporate aromatherapy products in a steam shower?
Yeah! You can incorporate aromatherapy products in your steam shower in a variety of ways. Some steam heads come with an existing oil well where you can manually add drops of essential oils of your choice. Furthermore, it is extremely easy to upgrade your steam experience as per your personal preferences.
- What can I do to protect my steam shower unit as I am living in a hard water area?
If you live in an area with hard water, you can still have a steam shower. All you need to do is to follow some instructions. To protect your steam shower, you need to have a water softener fitted to the water supply.
Besides the steam shower unit, a water softener can enhance the lives of many home appliances like washing machines. The developing fur on the shower can notice the hardness of the water.
- Is it necessary to include an exhaust fan in a steam shower?
If you are not using an exhaust fan in your steam shower, you should. If your exhaust fan is broken, consider fixing it as soon as possible. It is essential to have a steam shower in your home because it is responsible for removing extra moisture, stale air, and odors.
Final Thoughts
Installing a steam shower unit is a wise decision to enjoy several health benefits and a wellness routine. However, there are a lot of factors that must be considered while thinking of making an effective installation. Fluctuating many of the factors and special features of steam showers leaves various questions in the minds of homeowners. They may be concerned about the type of construction materials they should use in a steam shower room, which shower unit to choose, and the ideal size of a steam shower room.
I hope this guide was helpful enough to clear many of your doubts regarding the installation of a steam shower in your home.
