STEAM SHOWER BLOG
A Beginners Guide to Choosing a Steam Shower
As the temperatures get cooler and the days get shorter, we realize that Fall
is upon us and Winter is just around the corner. When the temperatures outside
drop and we begin spending more time inside, we start to shift our focus to
more indoor activities and in many cases that starts with getting back into our
health and wellness routines. A popular wellness routine that picks up steam (no-pun
intended) this time of year is using a steam shower for improving our health
and fitness, eliminating fatigue and increasing our energy levels around the
holidays.
Steam showers have been known to offer a plethora of health benefits from
reducing stress and improving circulation to detoxifying your body and
promoting better sleep. However, for those who are new to steam showers, it can
be a daunting task figuring out how to choose the best steam shower and incorporate
it into your health and wellness routine.
In this beginner guide to choosing among the best steam showers,
we will cover everything you need to know from understanding the health benefits
to choosing the right steam shower for your home, to properly preparing for
your steam session. We will also cover how to use the steam shower safely and
effectively, so you can relax and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
So just what is a
steam shower?
A steam shower is a specialized shower enclosure equipped with a steam
generator that produces hot, moist and humid air that fills the enclosed space
of the shower. As you enter the shower enclosure, the combination of heat and
humidity works to create an immersive experience that soothes both the body and
mind. Most steam showers consist of a glass enclosure to retain the steam inside
which creates a more intense experience than a conventional shower. In most
cases, you will steam first and then shower off afterwards.
Steam shower units can be freestanding enclosures that double as every showers,
or steam generators that are incorporated into an existing shower like a tile
shower for example. Freestanding showers have steam generators pre-attached to
them and the generator is built into the footprint and design of the shower. If
you already have a shower enclosure that can be sealed with a shower door, another
option is adding a steam generator to your existing shower with a glass enclosure
to retain the steam inside the shower. Most steam shower kits come equipped
with features such as adjustable temperature controls, color changing lighting,
massage jets, built-in seating, and aromatherapy capability while steam
generators that are added to an existing shower usually only produce steam.
Health benefits of
steam showers
The health benefits of steam showers extend beyond mere relaxation. Not
only do steam showers offer a unique way to cleanse the body through sweating,
but they also promote a sense of tranquility and well-being.
One of the most notable advantages is their ability to improve blood flow
and circulation. The heat from the steam causes blood vessels to dilate, which
can lead to increased blood flow throughout the body. The elevated blood flow
increases circulation that helps to reduce muscle tension, reduce muscle pain,
and promote improved cardiovascular health. Regular steam sessions can also aid
in muscle recovery after physical exercise, making it a great option for
athletes and other active individuals.
Another great benefit of home steam showers is the potential for
improved respiratory health. The steam can help to relieve congestion and
enhance breathing, making it a beneficial choice for those with allergies,
asthma, or colds. By incorporating other therapies like aromatherapy, you can
further enhance the experience by using essential oils that promote relaxation
or relieve respiratory symptoms. This combined approach to wellness makes steam
shower kits a valuable addition to your home spa experience.
Moreover, steam showers can dramatically improve your skin’s
health. The moist and humid environment helps to open skin pores, facilitating
deep cleansing and hydration. This process can lead to a much clearer
complexion by removing toxins in the skin and promoting improved blood
circulation. Many skin care enthusiasts have documented the improved skin
texture and a radiant glow following regular steam sessions, making it an
appealing addition to any beauty routine.
Additionally, steam showers have been linked to detoxification.
The process of sweating induced by heat can help to expel toxins from the body,
which may improve overall health and vitality. As you sweat, your body releases
impurities, and this natural detoxification process can leave you feeling
rejuvenated and refreshed. This is particularly beneficial for those who may
not have the time or opportunity to engage in more intensive detox programs.
Lastly, steam showers can significantly enhance your sleep and quality
of life. The calming environment and the relaxation it can provide helps to lower your stress
hormones, preparing your body for a peaceful night’s sleep. By incorporating a steam
shower session into your nightly routine, you can create a routine that
promotes relaxation and contributes to better sleep hygiene.
How do steam showers
work?
Understanding how a steam shower works is essential for maximizing
your experience. At its core, a home steam shower operates using a steam
generator that heats water up to create steam. The generator is typically
connected to your cold water supply line. A keypad located inside the steam
shower acts as a thermostat that allows you to set the desired temperature up
to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the water gets to the selected temperature, the
generator releases steam into the shower enclosure, creating a warm, moist and
humid environment.
The steam generator is usually located outside of the shower enclosure, either
attached to the backside of a home steam shower kit or inside a vanity
counter if you are adding a steam generator to an existing shower. This makes
it easy to maintain and service the steam generator as needed. Most steam
showers today come equipped with thermostatic controls that allow you to adjust
the steam output and temperature. Many modern steam showers include features
like mood lighting (Chroma therapy) Bluetooth sound systems, and Aromatherapy
systems that transform your steam shower into a complete sensory retreat.
Choosing the right
steam shower
Choosing the right steam shower begins with understanding your bathroom
space and deciding between retro-fitting an existing shower enclosure with a steam
generator or removing your existing shower and replacing it with a steam shower
enclosure. In many cases, the cost of installing a new steam shower kit will be
comparable to adding a steam generator alone. The steam generator and steam
shower kit will both require a dedicated electrical outlet and may require
making changes to your existing plumbing. Therefore, we recommend contacting a licensed
plumber to determine which option may best suit your unique needs.
A local contractor or licensed plumber can also help you navigate any local
code or special plumbing requirements or restrictions for the steam shower. Steam
shower kits come in various sizes and include both walk in steam showers and
steam shower tub combos. Corner steam showers are a popular option for
those with limited bathroom space. Steam shower tub combos meanwhile come
with a jetted tub as well as a steam shower for the best of both worlds. The
location of the steam shower relative to vanities and toilets should also be
taken into consideration as you will want to have ample clearance between the
shower and your existing bath fixtures.
Finally, ample ventilation is a requirement for any steam shower
installation so making sure your bathroom can accommodate an exhaust fan
withing 5-7 feet of the steam shower is important to ensuring the moist air is sufficiently
removed from the bathroom eliminating potential mold and mildew problems.
Maintenance and
cleaning of a steam shower
Maintaining and cleaning your home steam shower regularly is
essential to ensuring its longevity and performance. Regular cleaning will
prevent the buildup of calcium or other mineral deposits inside the steam
generator which can cause it to clog up. After each use, it’s also recommended to wipe
down the walls and fixtures of the sower with a soft cloth. This helps minimize
water spots and helps maintain a clean appearance. We recommend purchasing a
steam shower with a cleaning port for the steam generator that is accessed from
inside the shower enclosure. This will make routine maintenance much easier.
You should perform regular maintenance every 3-4 months. Use a mild,
non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for steam shower surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the
surfaces. Pay special attention to the steam generator, ensuring that it’s free
from any mineral buildup. Cycle white vinegar or diluted citric acid through
the steam generator to clean and descale the steam generator to maintain operational
efficiency and reduce clogging.
Since steam showers produce a lot of steam, a proper ventilation system is
a must. While most steam shower kits are equipped with an exhaust vent, we recommend
using an upgraded bath exhaust fan that is capable of at least 110 CFM. This
will help prevent humidity-related issues and keep the environment healthy. By
committing to regular maintenance and cleaning, you can enjoy a fresh and
inviting steam shower experience for years to come.
Conclusion
As you start your steam shower journey, following the tips and guidelines
we have provided here will help you realize the many benefits a steam shower
can provide as part of your health and wellness routine.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a steam shower for your
home and our experts are here to help you navigate through the different
options. Whether its helping you decide the type of steam shower you need or
planning for your individual space or avoiding the mistakes that many first
time users make, our experts will help guide you through the different steps
involved.
Start by contacting us today at 800.791.8232. If you would like to learn
more about planning for a new steam shower you can also visit https://steamshowers4less.com/steam-showers.