Home Steam Shower: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever enjoyed a steam shower in a swanky spa, you know how awesome it is. You may be surprised to learn that you can fit one into your existing bathroom at a much lower cost than you’d expect. (It may be as easy as adding a steam shower generator, steam shower head, and some moisture-proofing measures.)

Here’s how to turn your shower into a mini spa and experience all of the benefits of steam – stress relief, metabolism increase, skin cleansing, toxin elimination, respiratory and arthritis relief, to name a few – regularly in the comfort of your own home.

Start with…

The basic components of a steam shower include the stall itself, the steam generator, the system control, and the steam head.

The shower stall

Consider:

• Materials. Steam can damage certain materials more than water; choose a non-porous surface like tile (natural stone may be susceptible to damage)
• Waterproofing. The shower must be completely enclosed by an insulated, watertight door and enclosure; a steam shower door requires a special gasket to keep steam from escaping
• Slip-proofing. Add textured tile or anti-skid strips to the floor to prevent slipping
• Slope and drain. Steam shower installation is not a casual DIY project; the floor must be graded and equipped with a proper drain; consult a professional
• Height. Steam showers should not exceed 8 feet in height; if yours will be taller, you’ll need a more powerful steam generator (there are larger commercial steam generators for full-fledged steam rooms). The ceiling should be gently sloped to avoid moisture buildup (which will accumulate and drip down on top of you)
• Existing fixtures and features. Any windows in the shower must be double-paned; do not install heating or air conditioning vents in the steam room or shower

The steam generator

The steam shower generator itself may be installed up to 60 feet from the steam shower, depending on the model. Steam generators are generally compact and can be installed in a closet, vanity, or heated attic or basement.

Generator size will be determined by several factors, including materials, size, and height; manufacturers like Mr. Steam have online calculators to help you figure it out.

The control

The steam shower control is installed inside the shower (away from direct steam flow for its protection) and allows you to manage your steam session while in the shower. In addition to controlling the steam flow and temperature, the control may also feature music, lighting, and aromatherapy control.

In-shower controls should be placed:

• in a location within reach of seating
• 4 to 5 feet off the floor
• not within direct steam flow

The steam head

The steam shower head is the apparatus in your shower where the steam comes from. For optimal steam, the steam head(s) should be:

• 6-12 inches off the floor
• opposite the seating area
• away from the door
• cool to the touch

Seating

Who wants to stand while they’re steaming? If space is an issue, get a flip-up wall-mounted shower seat or bench. Alternatively, consider a stationary built-in for extra comfort and convenience. Look for teak or other waterproof materials.

Add on…

To up the relaxation factor in your steam shower, consider adding:

• Extra heads for more steam or a different kind of steam delivery
• Timer so that you don’t have to wait around for your steam to be ready (though it doesn’t take long)
• Touchscreen controls for easy use (waterproof, of course)
• Remote or mobile control for added convenience

Finish with…

For a truly luxurious experience, add some extras to your shower. Try:

• Aromatic essential oils for natural aromatherapy
• Lights for targeted chromatherapy (all light fixtures must be vapor-sealed to prevent damage)
• Sound system and speakers to pipe in your favorite tunes
• Waterproof radio and/or phone hookup so you never miss a beat
• Rain shower head and/or body sprays for a multi-sensory experience
• Multiple steam heads for faster delivery and more steam
• Aqua-pressure foot massager to complete your spa experience

Steam shower installation

You may choose a modular steam shower or a custom shower system, depending on your needs and budget. The steam shower installation depends on what type of shower you choose.

Modular systems are made of acrylic and designed to protect your walls; they include the shower head(s), steam generator, doors, and seats, and are often equipped with standard shower heads or bath faucets as well. These showers are easy to install; they may be fitted into your current bathroom and hooked up to existing plumbing.

In a custom shower system, the components must be installed separately by the appropriate professionals.

Steam shower FAQs

Some of the most common home steam shower questions, answered:

Who can use a steam shower?

Steam showers are generally considered to be safe and beneficial to your health, but some health conditions may preclude an individual from using it. Pregnant women and young children should not use a steam shower. If you have any health conditions, ask your doctor before using a steam shower.

How much water does a steam shower use?

Steam showers are eco-friendly; many generators use just 2 gallons for a 20-minute steam! Every steam shower will use a different amount of water depending on several factors, such as generator size and efficiency, number of steam heads, shower size, and stall materials.

What’s the difference between a steam shower and a sauna?

The most basic difference is that steam showers operate on water, generating wet heat, while saunas produce dry heat. Additionally, saunas produce higher temperatures than steam showers.

How does a steam shower work?

When you’re ready to steam, activate the steam generator. It boils the water to release the vapor into your shower. (The length of time it takes to steam up will vary by generator and by shower size.)

Can a steam shower be used as a regular shower?

Yes! A steam generator can be added to your standard shower, so you can choose your relaxation experience day by day – no need to install a separate unit or stall.

How do you size a steam shower?

The size of your steam shower depends on the size of your bathroom. Even tiny bathrooms can have a steam shower; compact steam generators work well in shower stalls as small as 3’x3′!

A more important consideration than the size of the shower is the size of the generator. Too small and it won’t generate enough steam; too big and it will over-steam the shower. Use an online sizing tool to determine the right size for your bathroom.

How much does a steam shower cost?

Steam shower prices vary widely by size, capabilities, features, and installation. A full modular unit typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000, while custom showers are dependent on your particular choices.

Steam generators range in price from under $800 to over $8,000 for full-size commercial models; be sure to factor in the prices for the head(s), controls, accessories, and moisture-proofing. Prices vary widely, and the costlier models are typically more efficient for faster steam buildup and delivery. They also generally include remote control and may feature auto-flush capabilities, which reduce calcium deposits on the heating element (those without auto-flush require manual flush-outs every 50 uses).