STEAM SHOWER BUYING GUIDE
Steam rooms at gyms and spas can help you relax and unwind after a stressful day. But if you’ve ever wished you had a steam room at home, an in-home steam shower is a perfect addition to your bathroom.
Before you decide whether you’re ready for a steam shower, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at how these showers work and what’s involved in installing one. If you decide you want one, knowing what to look for will help you select the best steam shower system for you.
WHAT IS A STEAM SHOWER?
Regular showers generate some steam in your bathroom. But steam showers keep that steam enclosed within the shower space, turning your shower into your own personal steam room. These showers also have traditional showerheads, so you can use them like you would an ordinary shower.
If you’d prefer something more luxurious, you might be glad to know that some steam showers come with special upgrades like these:
- Chromotherapy (light therapy) systems
- Aromatherapy diffusers
- Waterproof speakers and sound modules
- Hands-free phone systems
- Built-in waterfalls
These can be great to have, but the steam therapy alone is a major upgrade from most showers!
STEAM SHOWER VS. SAUNA
Steam showers and saunas might sound similar, but they’re not quite the same. Make sure you understand the differences between a steam shower vs. sauna before installing either one in your home.
SIMILARITIES
Saunas and steam showers both let you experience the full-body health benefits of steam. Both are enclosed, (usually) small spaces. And if you wish, you can have either one installed at home.
DIFFERENCES
Even though saunas technically use steam, the heat they release is dry. A sauna will heat up water using heated rocks or a small stove. It may take several minutes to heat up the space.
On the other hand, steam showers release moist heat. Using water and a generator, a steam shower quickly fills an enclosed shower with moist, relaxing steam.
HOW DOES A STEAM SHOWER WORK?
Using a steam shower can feel like a magical experience, but the way the shower works is actually quite simple.
First, you need to start the shower via a control panel. Some panels are located inside the shower, and others are on the outside.
Once the control panel starts the process, a valve opens to allow water into the shower’s generator. The generator quickly heats the water to boiling point.
When the water boils and turns to steam, that steam flows through pipes and fills the shower with steam.
HOW TO USE A STEAM SHOWER
The process of using a steam shower is relatively simple. But about 30 minutes before you use it, make sure to drink plenty of water. Though it may not feel like you’re working up a sweat, the heat in the steam shower can make you lose a good bit of water through perspiration.
When you’re ready to steam, turn on the steam shower via the control panel. You can step in right away or wait a moment for the steam to fill the space. Make sure to keep the door closed during this process so the steam doesn’t escape.
Step in quickly to keep the steam sealed in. Generally, you don’t want to stay in the steam shower for more than about 15 to 30 minutes. You can sit or stand during that time. If you need to shave, the softening effects of the steam make this a great time to do so.
Once you’re done steaming, switch off the steam and shower as usual. Cold water is ideal for bringing your body temperature back down to normal. After you’ve stepped out, leave the door open to let any steam escape.
COMMON STEAM SHOWER STYLES & FINISHES
Whether you’re in the market for an easy steam shower enclosure kit or you want to go with something a bit more customized, your steam shower options are seemingly endless.
Part of selecting your ideal steam shower is finding the right style for you. Here are a few common finishes:
BRUSHED NICKEL
Brushed nickel is a classy, semi-satin metal that’s a little less shiny than chrome. It also has a slightly warmer coloring that makes it an excellent complement to natural stone showers.
This is a common choice of metal for shower fixtures, and it’s also easy to find other home fixtures in the same finish. Since it’s relatively popular, brushed nickel is usually affordable.
However, this pretty finish is not without its disadvantages. Brushed nickel tends to tarnish more easily than polished chrome. It’s also not an exact finish, so the precise shade you get may vary by manufacturer. To make sure your fixtures all coordinate, it’s a good idea to get them from the same manufacturer.
CHROME
Chrome just might be the most popular finish for bathroom fixtures. It’s a shiny, cool silver tone that looks especially modern and sleek. Because it’s extremely popular, polished chrome can be found almost anywhere.
This finish is also very easy to clean. But perhaps most importantly, it doesn’t corrode. Steam showers expose your shower fixtures to more moisture than traditional showers do, so choosing a non-corrosive finish will save you from having to replace your fixtures down the line.
Chrome does also have some downsides. If you’ve ever used a chrome showerhead, you know this finish shows both fingerprints and water spots. Scratches are also more visible than they are on many other finishes.
MATTE BLACK
Matte Black is a relatively modern-looking finish, and it’s a good one to choose if you want your shower to have uncommon appeal. This finish is resistant to fingerprints and water spots, and it can usually be cleaned with a quick wipe of a microfiber cloth.
However, since they are somewhat less common, matte black fixtures may be expensive or hard to find. Different manufacturers may also use slightly different shades of black.
10 BENEFITS OF AN IN-HOME STEAM SHOWER
The benefits of a steam shower extend to both your physical and mental health. Here are some of the ways installing a steam shower can help you feel better each day.
1. WORKOUT RECOVERY
This might be one of the best-known benefits of steam showers and steam rooms. After all, plenty of gyms have steam rooms.
The heat from the steam moves some of the heat at your body’s core toward your muscles. It also boosts blood flow to those muscles, helping to speed up muscle recovery while easing aches and helping you feel relaxed.
2. CLEARER SKIN
Getting sweaty might sound like the opposite of what you need for clear skin. However, the moist heat from a steam shower makes exfoliation extra effective. That means sloughing off dirt, oil buildup, and dead skin cells becomes easier than ever.
3. BETTER STRESS MANAGEMENT
If you’ve ever spent time in a steam room, you know how relaxing it can be. Taking the time for a steam shower is a lot like meditation: you’re in a private, serene space where your only focus is relaxation. You can make it even more relaxing with calming music and aromatherapy!
4. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Spending time in a steam shower boosts your circulation. It also helps lower blood pressure. That’s because exposure to steam prompts your body to release aldosterone, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure.
High blood pressure can cause a number of issues with your health. When you can lower it naturally, you may find that you don’t need to regulate it with medication. (Make sure to talk to your doctor before discontinuing medication or reducing your dosage.)
5. LESS NASAL CONGESTION
If you’re dealing with nasal congestion or sinus congestion from allergies or a cold, you’re probably eager to be able to breathe normally again! Luckily, your steam shower can help. By opening up your body’s mucous membranes, steam may help your sinuses and nasal passages clear out faster.
6. RELIEF FROM BRONCHITIS SYMPTOMS
Similarly, a steam shower can help clear up bronchitis symptoms. It may help you cough up mucus trapped in your bronchi. This does more than just make you feel more comfortable — it also lessens your risk of getting pneumonia.
7. BETTER SLEEP
Especially if you use your steam shower in the evening before bed, you might find that you rest better at night. Some of that might be due to the steam’s ability to boost circulation.
Some research also suggests that raising your body’s core temperature increases deep sleep. And of course, reducing stress before you drift off also increases your likelihood of falling and staying asleep.
8. WEIGHT LOSS
Regularly using a steam room might help you lose weight, but not in the way that most people think. If you’re a few pounds lighter on the scale after a steam shower, chances are good that you’ve just lost water weight from sweat.
However, when your body has to regulate its temperature, you end up burning more calories than you would otherwise. Of course, this isn’t a miracle weight-loss tool, but it might give you a boost if you’re trying to lose weight.
9. PAIN RELIEF
Thermal therapy from steam rooms and saunas has helped countless people with injuries and chronic pain find some relief. Heat therapy can reduce inflammation, and the increased blood flow to muscles may also relieve pain.
Holding tension in your body tends to make the pain worse. So after a steam shower session, you might find that you feel just a bit better.
10. IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT
It might sound unbelievable, but when you regularly use steam showers or steam rooms, your body makes more leukocytes (white blood cells). These are the cells that fight infections, so when you have more leukocytes, you’re less likely to get sick.
STEAM SHOWER SAFTEY TIPS
Steam showers have plenty of health benefits, but they aren’t without risk. Staying in too long can dehydrate you, and it also may make you feel dizzy or nauseated. Here are a few tips to ensure you stay safe while enjoying the benefits of a steam shower:
- Limit your steam time to 15–30 minutes
- Read the instructions for your specific steam shower before use
- Start with a relatively low temperature before turning up the heat
- Make sure you’re well-hydrated before steaming
- Avoid using a steam shower on a very full or completely empty stomach
- Take off metal jewelry before using
- Avoid coming too close to the (very hot!) steam outlets
- If you’re sitting while steaming, don’t stand up too quickly when you’re done
The bottom line when using a steam shower is to listen to your body. If you start to feel unwell or overheated, step out!
Especially if you’ve never used a steam shower, taking time to acclimate is critical. This is true even if you’ve used a sauna, as the type of heat emitted by a steam shower vs. sauna is very different.
DO YOU HAVE ROOM FOR A STEAM SHOWER?
In most cases, the answer to this question is a resounding “Yes!” Installing a steam shower in a new home is one thing, but if you’re remodeling an existing bathroom, you might be worried about whether the shower will fit. It doesn’t have to be complicated; you just need to consider a few important points before beginning your remodel.
WHAT GENERATOR SIZE YOU NEED
The generator is a critically important part of any steam shower because it creates the steam and pumps it into the shower stall. To make sure you have enough steam (but not too much), you’ll need to select the right generator for the size of your shower.
Fortunately, even very small showers can work as steam showers. Experts recommend that steam shower stalls be at least 3 by 3 feet in area and about 7 feet high.
If you have already started shopping for generators, you know that they are categorized by the volume of your shower stall. This volume calculation is a bit more involved than you’d think.
There are two steps to the calculation. For the first step, multiply the length, width, and height to get the volume in cubic feet. For example, if your shower stall is 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 7 feet high, the room volume is 63 cubic feet.
But to pick the right generator, you need to adjust that figure based on the material of your shower enclosure:
- Add 110% for stone, marble, concrete, or glass block
- Add 40% for porcelain, ceramic, or glass tile
- Subtract 15% for fiberglass or acrylic
Suppose that the example shower with a volume of 63 cubic feet is made of fiberglass. You should subtract 15% of 63, or 9.45. That gives you an adjusted volume of 53.55 cubic feet.
WHERE YOU'LL INSTALL THE GENERATOR
You shouldn’t install your steam generator just anywhere. Installing it in the wrong place can lead to corrosion and other types of damage. But if you install it in the right place, it should last for years.
If you’re installing the generator yourself, follow these tips for a seamless installation:
- Keep it within 60 feet of the shower enclosure
- Install it upright, either on a wall or on a level surface
- Allow at least 12 feet of clearance from the top and sides in case repairs need to be made
- Vanity cabinets, closets, basements, and heated attics are all good places for installation
Make sure not to install the generator inside the shower enclosure itself. You should also keep it away from unheated areas or areas where potentially corrosive chemicals are stored.
HOW HIGH THE CEILING WILL BE
To optimize your steam shower experience, you’ll want to avoid excessively high ceilings. Heat rises, as does steam. If your shower ceiling is extremely high, the steam will rise over your head. Steam showers with high ceilings also require more powerful, more expensive steam generators.
How high is too high? Most steam shower experts think steam shower ceilings shouldn’t be more than 8 feet high.
HOW YOU'LL WATERPROOF THE ENCLOSURE
Waterproofing might sound like an obvious consideration, but it’s one that plenty of people forget. Failing to adequately waterproof the shower stall and ceiling can lead to mold and damage over time.
When it comes to waterproofing, you have plenty of options:
- Underlayments: Waterproof backing boards that hang on walls
- Vapor Barriers: Foil or plastic sheets that protect ceilings and walls
- Shower Membranes: Waterproof sheets that you can apply to walls and ceilings
- Hot Mopping: A layer of tar paper and asphalt
It’s critically important that this step is done correctly. If it’s not, you run the risk of causing serious damage to your home. If you have any doubts, it can’t hurt to contact an experienced contractor.
WHAT CONTROLS YOU NEED
Depending on the type of steam shower you choose, you may have several variables to control: chromatherapy and aromatherapy settings, temperature, music settings, and more.
Handling these settings can be challenging if you aren't tech-savvy, so choosing intuitive controls can make life much easier.
Some controls have extra features like Wi-Fi connectivity, remote settings, and the ability to integrate with Amazon Alexa and similar devices. Some models even let you save preferred settings for two different users.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a more straightforward control system. Many people are perfectly happy with a sleek, wall-mounted shower control.
WHERE YOU'LL PLACE CONTROLS AND SEATING
Before you finalize plans for your steam shower installation, choose the best places for your shower controls and your seating. In both instances, it’s important to keep these areas out of the steam’s direct path. Nobody likes a steam burn!
Most people choose to place controls about 4 to 5 feet from the shower floor. For the sake of convenience, you might prefer shower controls that include a remote.
You don’t have to install a seat in your steam shower, but many people enjoy the extra relaxation. If your shower is smaller, a fold-up seat is an excellent choice. If you choose to install a permanent bench, include a slight slope to prevent water from pooling.
WHERE THE STEAM HEAD WILL BE
You might not realize that burns from steam can be worse than burns from hot water. The steam head in your shower is where the steam comes out. You don’t want to place it too close to your feet or head, and you also should keep it away from the shower door.
Most steam shower installation experts advise you to place the steam head about 6 to 12 inches from the floor. This is low enough to allow steam to rise up through the shower but high enough that it won’t burn your feet.
If your shower has a bench or a seat, you should place the steam head on the opposite wall. If the steam head is too close to your body, it can cause burns or at least discomfort.
And lastly, placing the steam head away from the shower door is an ideal way to make sure that the steam stays inside the shower. If you have to briefly open the shower door for any reason, you don’t want all the steam to dissipate!
WHAT TYPE OF STEAM HEAD TO INCLUDE
Traditional steam heads tend to get hot and stay hot. In fact, many steam shower manufacturers suggest staying away from the steam head for an hour after the shower has been turned off.
In many cases, properly installing the steam head will minimize your risk of burning yourself by accidentally touching it. But if you’d prefer to exercise an abundance of caution, you can select specialized steam heads that remain cool to the touch even as they’re running. They may be a little pricier, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing you won’t be accidentally burned.
HOW YOU'LL CONNECT THE SHOWER TO ELECTRICITY
Without the right amount of electricity, your steam shower generator simply won’t run. To avoid this unfortunate predicament, hire a licensed electrician to do the work.
Some homeowners may be tempted to save some money with a DIY installation, but it’s simply not worth the risk. If you don’t have professional training, you could damage or permanently break the generator. You also might suffer a harmful or fatal electric shock.
CHOOSING OTHER UPGRADES TO GO WITH YOUR SHOWER
A steam shower is a sure way to take your bathroom from average to extraordinary. Adding upgrades isn’t a requirement, but it can be a fun way to transform your bathroom into a luxuriant oasis. There are seemingly endless potential upgrades, but these are a few of the most popular ones.
HEATED FLOORING
Steam showers help you feel warm and relaxed. But stepping out of one onto a freezing cold bathroom floor can be an unpleasant end to a lovely sensory experience.
If you invest in heated bathroom flooring, you can take your luxury shower experience to a new level. Heated floors have another benefit as well: They can save you money on utility bills. The radiant heat system used to warm up your flooring also heats the whole room.
A WALL-HUNG TOILET
When you think about giving your bathroom a modern edge, a sleek new toilet might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, a wall-hung toilet can both save space and look great.
These aren’t just regular toilets that hang on the wall; instead, the tank is located behind the wall, and the toilet itself looks like it hovers above the floor. It makes cleaning a lot faster, too.
IMPROVED SINKS
Few things transform a bathroom countertop as quickly and easily as new bathroom sinks. Round, bowl-style sinks can add some pizazz, and they come in a range of eye-catching colors. Asymmetrical sinks add an artsy touch. And if you want to make a bold, unforgettable statement, go with a long, rectangular trough sink.
DISTINCTIVE LIGHTING
New lighting can transform your bathroom. The type of light fixture can really shape the look of the room, and light itself is instrumental in creating a distinct ambiance.
You can upgrade existing light fixtures fairly easily and inexpensively. And if you want to stand out from the crowd, nontraditional light fixtures are the way to go. Wall sconces can add a luxurious touch. Vintage-style bulbs in wire cages can create a striking industrial aesthetic.
If you want to go the ultramodern route, try colored mood lighting! Some fixtures let you control the color via a remote.
You also can choose from several kinds of in-shower lighting. If you do this, make sure you choose bulbs and fixtures meant for a high-humidity environment. Most light fixtures weren’t designed to function in steam showers!
STORAGE SPACES
Quality bathroom cabinets beautifully combine aesthetics and functionality. The easiest way to incorporate storage space is through vanities with drawers and cabinets. If you need more space, wall-mounted cabinets work, too. Many modern bathrooms include wall-mounted vanity cabinets that appear to hover above the floor.
Bathroom cabinets are great for making your bathroom look less cluttered. If you’re including new cabinets in your bathroom remodel, make sure to include enough space to accommodate rolled-up towels and anything else you may need to store.
WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS
While you’re reinventing your bathroom, consider adding a window or skylight. Natural light can have a transformative effect on your space. Skylights are ideal, as you don’t have to worry about nosy neighbors peeking through your windows.
However, skylights are somewhat complex, and improperly installed skylights are prone to leaking and other issues. It’s wise to hire a professional contractor who will install your skylight correctly the first time, saving you money and stress.
If installing a skylight is too much for you, windows are still a great way to get natural light. To make sure no one can see into your bathroom, you can choose frosted glass. This type of glass comes in a wide range of patterns, and it lets in light while preventing outsiders from looking into your bathroom.
ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS
Installing a TV in your bathroom might sound odd at first — but a great bathroom offers you an escape from everyday life. Sitting in a steam shower while watching your favorite TV show can be incredibly relaxing!
If you want your bathroom entertainment system to last, you need to remember that this area is prone to high humidity. Fortunately, there is such a thing as a splash-proof TV screen! You can install one of these behind fog-proof glass to keep it protected.
Some of these setups have a feature that’s sure to wow your guests. Instead of traditional fog-proof glass, you can install a two-way mirror. That way, when the TV is turned off, it just looks like a mirror on the wall.
Many people also choose to install luxurious surround sound speaker systems. When you include Bluetooth connectivity, it’s easier than ever to listen to your favorite music or podcast while you relax.
LET US HELP YOU FIND YOUR STEAM SHOWER
The benefits of a steam shower are many — when you install one, you’ll likely notice improvements in both your mental and physical health. But to really reap the benefits, it’s important to find the right steam shower for you.
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