STEAM SHOWER BLOG
Are you considering a home steam
shower but unsure if it's worth the investment? Home steam showers are
a popular upgrade option for modern bathrooms due to their sleek style and
numerous health benefits. However, the value you receive from a home steam
shower depends on how often you use it, your budget, and willingness to perform
routine maintenance.
In this article, we will discuss the
benefits and drawbacks of having a shower with steam, including insights
into the health benefits, installation and design options, space
considerations and maintenance involved.
Benefits of a
Home Steam Shower
- Health benefits: Steam showers offer several documented
health benefits Steam Bath Benefits
including stress relief, muscle relaxation, improved circulation,
skin hydration, and respiratory relief (helpful
for allergies and congestion). They can also aid in
sleep and general relaxation, making your bathroom
feel like a spa retreat.
- Energy consumption and
water efficiency: Steam
baths typically use less water than a long,
traditional shower by taking a small amount of water and converting it
into steam. This can lead to lower water usage if you
limit your sessions; however electricity is needed to run the
steam generator which will be discussed later.
- Upgrade in home value: A steam shower
provides a high-end, spa-like experience in the privacy of your own
bathroom that can boost your home's appeal and its
resale value—especially in markets that value amenities that
focus on wellness.
Drawbacks:
- cost: Installing a steam
shower can be more expensive than a standard shower however
with improvements in technology, design and ease of installation, the
costs of a standard tiled shower and a steam shower are very closely related.
While material costs have remained somewhat neutral, the labor costs associated
with installation have increased reducing the gap in total cost between a
standard tiled shower and a steam shower.
- Equipment Cost: The cost for steam shower equipment ranges
from $2,000 to $7,000 for a mid-high level setup,
and can rise as high as $10,000+ for luxury add-ons. Typical costs include the
steam generator, controls, required waterproofing and ventilation and possible
electrical/plumbing upgrades.
- Maintenance: Steam showers require regular
maintenance of both the shower enclosure and steam generator. Without
frequent cleaning and proper ventilation, they can
develop mold or mildew just like a normal shower. The steam
generator also needs to be cleaned and descaled every few months to
prevent mineral buildup. Most steam showers today have cleaning ports
for the steam generator making the de-scaling process much easier.
- Space and technical requirements: As homes, especially starter homes,
continue to shrink in size, so does the bathroom size. Finding the available
space for a steam shower can be a
challenge especially in older homes or small bathrooms. While retrofitting
an existing shower with a steam generator is more involved than
replacing the shower completely, it is a viable option for smaller
bathrooms. You may also consider a steam shower DIY kit that can be
placed in the same general area as your existing shower. A DIY steam shower kit is pre-plumbed and
pre-wired making installation much easier than many retro-fit applications
that require demolition and rebuilding of the existing shower.
If you are
considering retrofitting an existing shower with a steam generator, here are some
tips.
- Steam Generator Installation: Adding a steam generator to an existing
shower usually requires installing it in a nearby closet or utility space
and connecting it to the existing plumbing and electrical systems. Most
plumbing and electrical systems are hidden either below the subfloor or above
the ceiling. Check those areas to make sure you have enough space to work
in as those spaces need to be accessible for maintenance.
- Sealing a Steam Shower: The existing shower must be made
steam-tight enclosure which may involve adding a ceiling if your existing
enclosure doesn’t go all the way to the ceiling. Upgrading walls, ceiling, and floors with
a waterproof membrane or vapor-resistant materials may also be required.
The shower door must be properly sealed with rubber seals and any air gaps
must be sealed to prevent the steam from escaping.
- Control Panel and Accessories: A control panel for the steam will
need to be installed inside the shower to operate the steam generator. The
control panel typically has a thermostat that senses the temperature inside
the shower, allowing you to adjust the steam temperature to your comfort
level. Additional accessories, such as aromatherapy dispensers or seating,
can also be added for a more luxurious experience.
- Ventilation: Good ventilation just outside the
steam shower area (within 10 feet) is important to control moisture levels
in the rest of the bathroom. Most steam shower DIY kits have exhaust fans
built in that can either be exhausted separately or allow the steam to exhaust
into the bathroom where the existing exhaust fan will remove it from the bathroom.
- Prefab Kits vs. Custom Install: Prefabricated steam shower kits
are available and can be easier and cheaper to install than custom
conversions, although custom solutions offer more flexibility for unique
layouts or features.
In summary,
while a steam shower installation is more complicated than just a plug and play
application, it can be added to most existing bathrooms and provide a lot of positive
mental and physical benefits making it a worthwhile investment, particularly if
you use it often. You should be prepared to have moderate renovation work done whether
you are installing a new steam shower or retrofitting an existing shower with a
steam component. Prefabricated steam shower kits can help simplify the process,
while a fully custom installation allows for more options but may require more
significant changes. To learn more about retrofitting an existing shower with a
steam shower or installing a steam shower kit, please visit https://steamshowers4less.com/5-Keys-To-A-Succesful-Steam-Shower-Installation