What Is A Steam Shower? - Everything You Need To Know

This wonderful invention combines the features of a shower with those of a sauna, offering all of the benefits in one convenient package.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about steam showers, including how they work and their many potential pros and cons. We'll also provide some tips on what to consider when choosing one for your home. So let's get started.

What Is A Steam Shower?

Rejuvenate your body and mind with a steam shower. This luxurious experience involves using warm, SOOTHING steam generated from a specially installed generator.

Once activated, invigorating jets or nozzles disperse this blissful mist throughout your personal enclosure to help you RELAX and unwind.

A steam shower offers a variety of HEALTH BENEFITS, including improved skin health, respiratory benefits, relaxation and stress relief, improved circulation, and detoxification. Additionally, a steam shower can be a luxurious addition to any bathroom and can enhance the overall value of a home.

History of Steam Showers

For centuries, steam baths and rooms have been utilized to unlock their therapeutic powers. From the Greeks to the Romans and Turks, these TRADITIONS were held in high regard within each culture [1].

The 20th century brought a surge in steam-shower popularity, with the trend making its way from Europe to the UK. Nowadays, one can find these LUXIOUS features in many upscale spas and lavish residences worldwide.

How Does A Steam Shower Work?

A steam shower works by generating hot, HUMID STEAM that is circulated throughout an enclosed shower area. The steam is produced by steam generators, which are usually installed outside of the shower or in a nearby closet or basement.

If you want to enjoy a steam shower, then all you have to do is activate the steam generator—it will heat water until it reaches the BOILING point and produce vaporous streams.

The generated steams are directed into your bathroom via tubes or hoses before the steam head releases them into the shower space. With that being said, prepare yourself for an enjoyable AROMATIC experience.

The steam shower enclosure is typically sealed to prevent steam from escaping and may feature a door or curtain to provide PRIVACY. As you shower, the steam will surround you, creating a warm, humid environment that can help to relax your muscles and open up your pores.

Some steam showers also feature additional FEATURES such as aromatherapy, chromotherapy (using coloured lights to promote relaxation), and even music or other forms of entertainment.

Pros and Cons of a Steam Shower

Steam showers come with various potential benefits, but they can also present some drawbacks. Here's a quick look at the pros and cons:

Pros of a Steam Shower:

1. Relaxation and Stress Relief: Escaping into a steam shower can be a blissful way to de-stress and relax your body. The soothing warmth of the humidity helps to loosen tight muscles while providing an environment conducive to calming your mind.
2. Improved Skin Health: An invigorating steam shower can aid in ridding your skin of toxins and impurities while opening up your pores - all essential components to having a healthy complexion.
3. Increases Home Value: Installing a steam shower can be an extravagant addition to any home, with the potential of ameliorating its value immensely, particularly in luxury properties and penthouses.
4. Conserves Water: Steam showers are incredibly eco-friendly due to their sustainable, water-conscious design [2]. With steam showers, a minimal amount of recycled water effectively creates abundant amounts of relaxing and cleansing steam.

Cons of a Steam Shower:

1. Installation Cost: Installing a steam shower can be quite costly since it necessitates both a generator and additional plumbing and electrical services.
2. Maintenance: Steam showers require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent mould and mildew buildup.
3. Time: Taking a steam shower can take longer than a regular one since it needs some moments for the vapour to fill up in the secluded area.
4. Health Concerns: If you have any health conditions, such as respiratory issues, it is highly recommended to consult with your doctor before using a steam shower. High humidity can potentially worsen pre-existing medical ailments and should be taken into consideration for everyone's safety.

Factors to Consider before installing a Steam Shower

The cost, practicality and safety of a steam shower are the main FACTORS that you need to consider before installing one. Here we explore each factor in detail:

Available Space

Steam shower units come in DIFFERENT sizes, so it's important to choose a unit that will fit comfortably in your bathroom. You should also ensure that there is enough space for the steam generator, which is typically installed outside of the shower enclosure.

Ventilation

Ensuring your steam shower functions optimally is of utmost importance, and proper VENTILATION plays a key role. Permitting the steam to escape from the enclosure properly will not only prevent mould growth but other moisture-related issues as well.

Installing an EFFICIENT fan or vent system should be prioritized if you wish for optimal air quality within your bathroom; doing so allows excessive humidity levels to dissipate into thin air quickly.

Pro Tip: Installing an exhaust fan can help to remove excess moisture and improve air quality.

Electrical Requirements

To enjoy the ultimate steam shower experience, it is essential that your bathroom has all the necessary electrical components. BEFORE installing a steam shower unit, you should ensure adequate wiring and circuits for electricity to power features such as lights and controls.

If additional circuitry is needed, hire an electrician who can install these SAFELY so that your steam shower can be enjoyed without worry.

Steam Shower Cost

When it comes to purchasing a steam shower, the price you pay is determined by several factors, such as the size, features and quality of the unit.

That's why budgeting and RESEARCHING various options are essential steps in ensuring that your desired steam shower fits within your means - not only for its purchase but also with regard to installation costs or any required electrical work.

It's important to work with a PROFESSIONAL and licensed contractor to ensure that your steam shower is installed properly and meets all necessary codes and regulations. With proper planning and installation, a steam shower can be a luxurious and beneficial addition to your home.

Pro Tip: A steam shower kit is an easy and cost-effective way to give your bathroom a much-needed upgrade.

Conclusion

A steam shower uses steam to create a relaxing and therapeutic experience, offering a range of benefits such as improved skin health, respiratory benefits, relaxation and stress relief, improved circulation, and detoxification.

Before installing a steam shower, factors such as available space, ventilation, electrical requirements, and cost should be considered. It's important to work with a professional and licensed contractor to ensure proper installation and maintenance.

Overall, steam showers can be a luxurious and beneficial addition to your home or spa experience, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience in the comfort of your home.

Sources -

1. jason. Steam Bathing: From Historic Roots to Modern Practice. EliteSteam. Published March 10, 2020. Accessed March 6, 2023. https://www.elitesteam.com/steam-bathing-from-historic-roots-to-modern-practice/
2. Lind H. Guide to an Environmentally-Friendly Bathroom | Greener Ideal. Greenerideal.com. Published December 2018. Accessed March 6, 2023. https://greenerideal.com/guides/environmentally-friendly-bathroom/

‌