– FAQ –
Custom steam shower generators and branded sauna generators can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be! Please read some of our most common questions about the process.
Q: What utilities are needed for a steam bath?
A: Installation of a steam bath generator is similar to a residential water heater. A dedicated 220V/380V electrical circuit and cold water supply line must be run to the space where the generator will be located. Steamtec recommends a cold water supply to allow the optional automatic drain cycle to cool water in the tank before flushing. A water drain line should also be installed so the generator can be drained and flushed regularly.
Q: Where should the steam generator be located in my home?
A: There are several locations suitable for installing the steam generator provided electricity and water are available to the location. Common locations include under a bench inside the steam shower, a closet, a cabinet, basement or attic, provided it is a dry, ventilated space that isn’t exposed to freezing temperatures. We recommend the generator be located as close to the steam shower as possible to minimize the length of the copper steam line between the generator and steam shower. Sufficient service access to the generator must be provided.
Q: How often should I take a steam bath?
A: Frequency of use varies by individual, but regular steam bathing promotes good health and helps prevent illnesses such as colds and flu. Many people take steam baths daily to keep themselves relaxed and rejuvenated.
Q: Does a steam bath clean my body better than a bath or shower?
A: The soothing heat in a steam bath opens your pores and induces perspiration to deep clean your skin. Regular steam bathing helps remove toxins from your body and promotes soft, supple skin.
Q: Can I have chromatherapy lighting in my steam bath?
A: Yes. Colored lights combined with soothing steam clouds provide a relaxing environment that may improve one’s physical and mental being. Steamtec offers colored light kits.
Q: Can aromatherapy oils be used in a steam bath?
A: Yes. Steam baths are an excellent environment to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. Fragrance oils enhance the steam bathing experience and provide additional relief when suffering from a cold or when your respiratory systemis congested. Steamtec steam outlet heads feature a reservoir cup to hold aromatherapy oils and we offer an optional fragrance pump system that will inject oils directly into the steam line.
Q: Are there any health concerns associated with steam bathing?
A: People who are in good health should have no concerns about enjoying the benefits of steam bathing. However, if you are pregnant, elderly, have high blood pressure, diabetes, suffer from heart disease or otherwise not in good health, you should consult a physician before using a steam bath.
Q: What are the benefits of steam bathing?
A: Steam bathing promotes good health and wellness. Please refer to the Lifestyle section of our website for more information.
Q: What is the difference between a steam bath and a sauna?
A: Steam is a wet environment with temperatures of between 35° – 60° C and relative humidity close to 100%. Sauna is a dry environment with temperatures ranging between 60° – 85° C and low humidity levels of 15 to 30%. Sauna rooms feature walls and benches made of soft woods such as cedar, hemlock, alder or spruce, while steam baths require moisture resistant walls and ceilings such as tile, marble, granite, travertine or acrylic material. Both provide the health and wellness benefits of heat therapy and the choice of one versus the other is usually because of personal preference.
Q: Where should the steam outlet head be mounted in the shower?
A: It’s recommended that the steam head is located 15cm above the shower floor on a wall that is as far as possible from where bathers will be to minimize potential contact with hot steam flowing from the head. Steamtec’s Alloy steam head features an aroma oil pocket for relaxing you more.
Q: Should an exhaust fan or special ventilation be installed inside the steam shower?
A: Steam is quickly dissipated when you turn on the water to shower after your steam bath. Many people install an exhaust fan in the ceiling outside the steam shower door to remove excess steam when the door is opened.
Q: Does the steam room need to be insulated?
A: Insulation is recommended.Insulation in the walls and ceiling will make the room easier and more economical to heat. Also, insulated walls will reduce exterior noises from disrupting the tranquil environment inside the steam bath.
Q: What is the preferred ceiling height for a steam room or steam shower?
A: The ideal ceiling height is 7’ to prevent uncomfortable temperature variations common in steam rooms with ceiling heights greater than 8’. As heat accumulates near the ceiling, bathers may experience uncomfortably cool temperatures near the floor. The ceiling should be sloped a minimum of ¾” per foot to prevent condensation from dripping on bathers during a steam bath.
Q: Can an existing shower be converted into a steam bath?
A: Yes. Virtually any shower space can be converted to a steam bath by adding a vapor proof door and totally enclosing the space to prevent steam from escaping. The shower may need to be updated by sealing the walls and ceiling with a waterproof material such as tile. A qualified professional contractor should be consulted before starting the project.
Q: Why should I buy an Steamtec generator?
A: Innovative features such as Soft Steam element switching, stainless steel water reservoir, computerized printed circuit board and electronic controls deliver proven reliability and performance. Steamtec strives to provide high-quality products designed for user satisfaction and the highest standards of customer support possible. From planning your steam bath to technical support after installation, we’re here to help.
Q: What’s the life expectancy of a steam generator?
A: If the generator is properly maintained and you have good water quality, a Steamtec generator will perform reliably for at least 10 years and often longer.
Q: How much water and electricity does a steam bath generator use?
A: A residential steam generator consumes less than 2 gallons of water during 30 minutes of operation. Electricity cost to run a steam generator is relatively small. Based upon an average kilowatt rate of $.08 per kilowatt hour, it will cost about $.30 to operate a 7kW steam generator for 30 minutes. However, electricity usage will vary by generator kilowatt size.
Q: How long does it take for my steam bath to heat up before it’s ready to use?
A: Steam will begin flowing into the shower within 3-5 minutes after the system is turned on. Depending on wall material and other room construction variables, it should take an additional 10-15 minutes for the ambient room temperature to reach the desired setting and the steam bath is ready to be enjoyed. Entering the steam bath before the room heats up to the preset temperature may prevent the bather from experiencing all the healthy benefits of steam bathing. Steamtec offers a Warm Start option on AX series generators to reduce the time it takes for the generator to produce steam. When the Warm Start feature is activated, steam will begin flowing into the room in less than 60 seconds.
Q: How does steam get from the generator into the shower?
A: Steam flows through a copper line from the generator and enters the shower through a steam outlet head installed on the shower wall. It’s recommended that the steam head is located 18” above the shower floor on a wall that is as far as possible from where bathers will be to minimize potential contact with hot steam flowing from the head.
Q: I have very hard water. Is there anything I need to protect my steam generator?
A: A whole house water treatment system should be considered if water quality is a concern. Good water is desirable for drinking as well as protecting the plumbing systems, including a steam generator from the negative effects of hard water. Steamtec’s ADX auto drain option is highly recommended to automatically drain and flush the generator after every steam bath. We also offer a ScaleX water filtration system that can be installed on the water supply line to reduce scale build-up inside the generator water tank and extend heating element life.
Q: Where should the steam generator be located in my home?
A: There are several places suitable for installing the steam generator provided electricity and water are available to the location. Common locations include under a bench inside the steam shower, a closet, a cabinet, the basement or the attic, provided it is a dry, ventilated space that isn’t exposed to freezing temperatures. We recommend the generator be located as close to the steam shower as possible to minimize the length of the copper steam line between the generator and steam shower. Sufficient service access to the generator must be provided.
Q: Where should my control be located?
A: Steamtec controls can be mounted inside the steam shower or in a remote location. Additionally, the A60 control has a partner app for mobile devices and PCs which allows remote control of the generator from within the home WiFi network.
Q: What finishes are available for Steamtec steam bath controls?
A: Steamtec offers controls in finishes of Polished Chrome, Polished Brass, Polished Nickel, Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and White. Matching ComfortFlo steam heads are provided.
