Steam Showers for the Bathroom

Before Installation

Steam showers come in modular acrylic units as well as custom made. A bathroom needs to be prepared before a steam shower can be put in. By its very nature a steam shower produces a lot of steam and the bathroom and shower enclosure needs to be water proof or mould and mildew will begin to grow. People with diabetes, high blood sugar, who are pregnant or very young, should consult their doctor before using a steam shower.

Modular Steam Showers

Modular steam showers are pre-fabricated and fit into a standard shower footprint. A modular steam shower can be retro-fitted into a bathroom that already exists. Modular steam showers average between $3,000 and $5,000. Modular showers do have various options, such as number of shower heads, often depending on the brand of the steam shower. Modular steam shower bases can be whirlpool bathtubs. They usually come in white and off-white colours.

Custom Steam Shower

Custom steam showers are usually created in new home builds and are more expensive then modular showers. Custom steam showers are tiled on the walls, floor, and ceiling. The tiles are set on mortar bed which ensures complete water resistance. The doors have a seal too keep the steam contained. Most steam showers also have a seat so one can sit and enjoy the steam. A custom steam shower has more options than a modular steam shower: colour is one such option. Custom steam showers can be made in any colour the tile comes in which, with the vast array of selection, is virtually any colour. The tiles themselves can have designs and texture also. There are also arrays of shower head options.

Luxury Steam Shower Suite

For those willing to spend the money, luxury steam shower suites are very nice. A steam shower suite can cost between $20,000 and $30,000. Luxury steam shower features may include double headed showers, extra shower heads on the walls, massage shower heads, rain shower heads. Other options are foot hydro-massage, radios, iPod setups and telephones. A steam shower suite may also have waterfalls and chromo-therapy (coloured lights).

Steam Shower Generators

Steam shower generators are a critical part in a steam shower and can cost between $500 and $1600. The steam shower generator warms the water and produces the steam which is then released in the shower with an insulated nozzle. The generator can be installed within 25 feet so can be hidden in the bathroom and need not be an eye sore. A steam shower generator has two controls. The controls can be located inside or outside of the enclosure or one inside and one outside. One control shows the temperature and has temperature control and shut off knob. The other control is a timer and will shut off the steam automatically. A good generator is quiet and produces steam quickly. Another good feature in a steam shower generator is one that has a steady flow of air and not just short burst.