When you dream of a luxurious shower experience, a steam shower may be one of the first things that comes to mind. Did you know this luxury could become an everyday reality for you? It’s true: building a steam shower is easier and more affordable than you might think!
One aspect of steam showers that baffles many people is the steam generator. Are they safe? How do they work? How will it affect my electric bill?
This article will explain how steam showers and steam generators work in order to answer your questions and help you learn more about this wonderful at-home spa experience.
What Is a Steam Shower?
A steam shower is a shower enclosure fitted with a steam generator. This generator heats water to produce steam, which is then dispersed through the showerhead or steamheads.
There are two main types of steam showers:
- Pre-made steam showers, which are usually smaller and easier to install but offer limited features
- Custom steam showers, which can be tailored to your personal needs and bathroom space
How Do Steam Showers Differ from Traditional Baths?
The main difference between a steam shower and a traditional shower or bath is that only steam showers produce hot steam. This steam is created by the act of the generator heating water to a temperature of 115 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit. This creates water vapor that is then
distributed through the showerhead or steamheads, giving you the relaxing shower you crave.
Steam showers have many health benefits, including:
- Increased relaxation — Steam opens up your pores, improves your circulation, and relieves your muscle tension.
- Detoxification — Steam helps flush toxins out of your body.
- Enhanced hygiene — Steam helps you kill unwanted germs on your body more effectively than other bathing methods.
How Do Steam Showers and Steam Shower Generators Work?
A steam shower generator works by heating water to produce steam. The steam is then piped through the steamhead and dispersed into the shower enclosure.
Here’s a step-by-step representation of how a steam shower works:
- After you press the digital controls in your shower stall, the system sends a signal to the shower steam generator to start producing steam.
- This activates the electric valve, filling the steam generator with a gallon of cold water.
- The generator then heats up the water until it reaches the boiling point—much like a tea kettle.
- This creates high-pressure steam, which is forced through the nozzle of the steamhead. As a result, the stall fills up with moisture.
- The steam then condenses on contact with the cooler shower surfaces, creating the steam shower’s humid, cleansing atmosphere.
For steam showers to work most efficiently, they need to be steam-proof. To prevent moisture from seeping out, you can tile the walls and floors of your shower or seal them with a waterproof membrane.
If you’re building your own steam room, you can also use silicone to seal the seams and staple plastic sheets over studs and joists to protect any wood framing you may have. Finally, a sloped ceiling can also help you prevent condensed water from dripping down on your shoulders while
you’re in the stall.
Top Features of Steam Generators and Steam Room Equipment
Here’s a list of a few things you may want to consider before choosing your steam shower equipment.
The heating speed is related to how much power is consumed.
If you want to save electricity, go for a steam generator that heats water and generates steam slowly. The only drawback is that you’ll have to switch on the shower unit ten minutes before using it.
The flush-out function is essential.
To reduce calcium deposits on the heating element, make sure you select a generator with auto-flush capabilities so that your equipment won’t require manual flush-outs every 50 uses.
Water consumption differs among steam showers.
The average steam shower uses approximately two gallons of water for a 20-minute steam. The amount of water your shower consumes depends on various factors, like the size and efficiency of the steam generator, the number of the steamheads, the size of the shower itself, and the kind of stall materials used.
A user-friendly control panel offers efficient control over the steam.
The control panel is the interface between you and the steam shower generator, so it’s crucial to select a control panel that’s easy to use. Some of the best digital shower control panels come with functions that allow you to set the steam shower temperature, duration, music, sound
therapy, lights, and more!
Is Building a Steam Shower Tailored to Your Needs Really That Easy?
A steam shower is a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day. By selecting the right generator and equipment, you can rest assured that you get the most out of your steam shower experience.
At ThermaSol, our custom shower systems and home steam rooms are tailored to your needs. All our products merge cutting-edge smart home technology with elegant ergonomics to bring the most luxurious steam shower experience into your home.
