Steam Shower
What it's all about

Steam showers have been popular for thousands of years. They were known to the ancient Greeks and have long traditions in Turkey and Russia.

Currently steam showers are found in most spas and gyms and are becoming popular for home installation. Recent developments in steam generator technology allow steam showers to be installed in nearly any residential bathroom.

The terms steam bath, steam shower and steam sauna are often interchanged, however they do not mean the same thing. Strictly speaking a steam bath is an enclosure which is kept at approximately 45 degrees Celsius. It is fed with a steam generator that produces thick clouds of mist. The room must be well sealed to prevent steam escape and moisture damage to the surrounding structure.

A steam shower is basically the same but smaller. It is generally large enough to hold one or two bathers and can be installed in a standard shower stall. Steam showers are often used for residential steam showers.

A steam bath is occasionally called a steam sauna but a sauna is actually a different type of bath. A Finnish sauna produces dry heat and is a great deal hotter than a steam bath. Saunas are generally heated between 70 to 100 degrees Celsius. Steam can be produced in a sauna by pouring water over hot rocks, but generally the air is very dry with only around 20% humidity.

Many people that wish to have a steam shower in their home are concerned with moisture build up. A steam shower with an enclosed shower stall can hold a steam shower without any concerns of excess humidity.

The steam shower must be enclosed to contain the moisture and to allow drainage. If the shower stall or bath is not enclosed, existing units can be modified to accommodate a steam shower. If the room is large another alternative is to install a separate steam shower.

The generator does not have to be in the same room. It can be installed up to 40 feet from the shower. The generator must have adequate electrical connection and some models must also be connected to a drain.

The generator is connected to a steam head installed in the bath itself. Some heads have built in controls while others are controlled by an external unit. The controls are easily accessible inside the bath and add convenience when adjustments are needed.

Since steam showers are relaxing many bathers spend more time there than a normal shower would take. This means a seating arrangement should be installed. The steam heads should be installed away from the seating to alleviate the possibility of scalding.

This installation work requires specialized plumbing and electrical skills. A plumber and an electrician should be consulted prior to deciding to install a steam shower. They will tell you if the installation is possible and also bid on the job.

Healthy Sauna

 Facial Sauna Systems
 Home Sauna Maintenance
 Infrared Sauna
 Portable Saunas
 Sauna Accessories
 Sauna Construction
 Sauna Health
 Sauna Heaters
 Sauna Kits
 Using a Sauna

Steam Baths

 Health Benefits
 How to Build a Steam Room
 Steam Bath Generator
 Steam Generator - How it works
 Steam Shower
 Installing Steam Showers