ProSource Plumbing Supply on the Popularity of Steam Showers For Baby Boomers

ProSource Plumbing Supply is all about surpassing customer expectations when it comes to high-end plumbing, hardware and lighting fixtures. Founded by Grover and Tonya Martin 20 years ago in an old trucking terminal with five employees, the company has grown to include five showrooms serving South Carolina and North Carolina.

Today, the company has more than 85 employees, with a staff of 16 consultants to help meet the demand of both commercial and residential clientele looking for the latest and greatest in luxury plumbing fixtures.

Trending in the Kitchen and Bath Market: Steam Showers

Included in that demand is a growing trend toward steam showers. Owner Tonya Martin says, “the master shower continues to be the primary focus of the house, particularly for the males. The kitchen is coming in at a close second, of course depending on the lifestyle of the homeowner.” In the bathroom, “the rise of freestanding tubs has been evident in the past three years. And full wet room baths are becoming more prevalent,” adds Martin.

Steam baths have been increasing in popularity across the board, with at least 25% of respondents to a recent NKBA Design Trends Survey listing steam showers as one of the most popular bathroom amenities in 2015.

“In our markets, steam appeals particularly to baby boomers,” says Martin. “I believe this to be true for several reasons. The first reason is that they have more disposable income for the luxury items. Second, they have traveled and experienced steam and want it on the home front. In addition, many baby boomers are retiring with more time to relax and enjoy the benefits of steam. They see this time in their lives as their turn to reap the benefits of all their hard work, so they want to indulge.”

Steam Benefits Appeal to Baby Boomers

But what is it about the steambath experience itself that is drawing in baby boomers? Martin explains, “another important contributing factor in choosing steam is that aches and pains are starting to become more apparent with age after years of sports and other activities.”

Among the many benefits steam users experience is steam’s inherent ability to loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow in order to mend damaged tissues. This is important in the eyes of Martin’s clientele.

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Boomers see other health benefits to steam as well. Besides aches and pains, Martin says, “the most attractive steam benefits to our customers are really the health benefits.” Near the top of their list of those health benefits is steam’s ability to relieve stress. Martin says her clients crave that aspect of steam.

Although there are more than 40 steambath benefits, stress relief is one of the most appreciated aspects of steam for users of all ages – not just baby boomers. Something about letting your mind drift while the warm, moist air surrounds you in a kind of relaxing embrace… It’s no wonder people want that experience available in their own homes. Who wouldn’t?

Steam Accessories Bring Relief and Convenience

Because steam can help open nasal passages, allergy relief is another steam benefit Martin’s customers seek. That’s actually the reason they especially love one particular steam shower accessory: AromaSteam.

”AromaSteam is an easy add once a consultant explains how steam can aid in relieving allergy and cold symptoms. The essential oils are an important part of the steam experience,” says Martin.

The AromaSteam system evenly disperses oils into the steam shower via an electronic delivery system that can be adjusted from a swipe-touch steam shower control pad. With five available scents and seven additional chakra oils, each with its own healing effects, the eucalyptus scent is the one clients use to soothe airways bothered by allergies.

Clients can also select other steam shower enhancing therapies at ProSource, including ChromaSteam, which suffuses the steam shower with a spectrum of mood-enhancing color, and the AudioWizard, which uses Bluetooth technology to stream music.

No matter what combination of add-ons clients select, ProSource consultants lead them through the process from beginning to end, making sure they don’t forget about the basics. “The homeowner first must be aware that the shower must be fully enclosed. Once this is established, then we go through an explanation of how the materials on the walls, height of the ceiling, and if outside walls are adjacent to the shower walls – all of this affects the steam room, sizing and generator. After that, the added accessories can be discussed,” says Martin.

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Consultants tailor their add-on suggestions to fit a client’s life. “For example, if the homeowner has a busy schedule or has a workout room and they want the steam to be ready at a specific time and day of the week, the autostart option is a must, ” says Martin. This feature, available with MrSteam iGenie or the iSteam app for smart phones, allows users to remotely start their steam showers. iSteam also allows users to preprogram a start time.

Although every client is different, one thing is the same no matter who they are – they all appreciate the quality experience that ProSource provides. If you are in the North or South Carolina area, we invite you to explore the ProSource steam shower showrooms.