STEAM SHOWER BLOG
Installing a Custom Steam Shower vs. a Steam Shower KIT
We often get asked buy customers whether they should custom build their steam shower or buy a steam shower kit that is pre-fabricated. This series of articles will discuss the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
Steam Shower Kit Pros
A steam shower kit provide a quick and effective way to enjoy a steam bath without the added effort and expense of building a custom tiled steam shower from scratch. Building a custom steam shower requires planning and customized work like installing a tile enclosure, glass panels, and your plumbing and electrical.
Pre-fabricated steam shower kits (while convenient and cost-effective) don’t require much customization and are often packed with features that are unimportant to you or don’t meet your needs.
Steam shower kits typically cost about 1/3 of what a custom tiled steam shower would cost however, their pre-fabricated design has specific dimensions that must fit into your existing space. Otherwise, you may be required to modify your existing space to accommodate the shower, which can be costly. This article will cover the basics of building a custom steam shower.
Once you've decided on the shower's space and size, it's time to start building. Understanding a steam shower's key components, costs, and materials will ensure your desired outcome.
In this first article, we will discuss the most crucial component of the shower which is the steam generator. The steam generator is used to make the steam for your shower. They vary widely in price and options. Finding the right size steam generator for your steam shower requires knowing the cubic feet of space that must be filled with steam. For example, a 3-foot by 5-foot shower that is 8- feet tall would encompass 120 cubic feet.
The steam generator output is measured in Kilowatts (kW). The larger the kW of the steam generator, the more steam output. A 6kw steam generator will cover up to 150 cubic feet, while a 9kW steam generator will cover up to 360 cubic feet.
Here is an excellent sizing tool to determine the steam generator size you will need for your shower dimensions.
http://virtualspa.mrsteam.com/#/generators
The typical cost of a steam shower generator ranges from $1000 up to $5,000 depending on the manufacturer and size of the generator. You will also need a control pad to operate the steam generator along with a steam head which are in addition to the cost of the steam generator. For example, most manufacturers have basic and deluxe control pads that vary in cost. If you want additional options like chroma-therapy lighting and aromatherapy, this will add to the cost.
In our next article, we will discuss additional planning and installation considerations for a custom steam shower, including some popular add-on features you may want to incorporate into the design.
Please call one of our steam shower planning experts today at (800) 791-8232 if you have any questions about planning your steam shower project.