Whether you’re interested in stress reduction, glowing skin, relaxation or a variety of other wellness benefits, you’ve likely heard that a steam shower routine can help. But, you may be wondering, what is a steam shower?
A steam shower or steam bath is simply an enclosed, fully tiled space with a steam system installed that heats water until it vaporizes and then releases the resulting steam into the enclosure through a steam head for your enjoyment. It’s a simple idea—but doing it efficiently, reliably, and beautifully is an art and a science. (It’s also distinct from a sauna – discover key differences between steam baths and saunas here.)
While regular showers may release some steam, it’s not as effective as a fully immersive steam shower system. Many gyms and spas offer large steam rooms that seat multiple people at once, but with so many wellness benefits, it’s becoming increasingly common to incorporate this water-efficient and compact amenity for personal use at home. Steam showers can fit into nearly any shower as long as it’s enclosed, insulated and sealed.
Comprised of four primary parts, the components below explain how a steam shower system operates.
The steam room generator powers the steam system by boiling water. It’s about the size of a briefcase or a bit larger depending on the model. It can be installed up to 60 ft away in a closet, vanity, attic, or basement - basically any dry location - with 12 inches of space around three sides and the top of the generator for ventilation.
Installed inside the shower and away from direct steam flow, the control lets you manage your steam session. You can choose to control everything from temperature and duration to music, chroma lighting and aromatherapy. MrSteam offers sophisticated, slimline controls that fit every design style and need. Explore control options here.
This is where the steam is released. It’s installed on the shower wall, about 6-12 inches above the floor and opposite the seating area. MrSteam SteamHeads are sleek and fit seamlessly into a variety of interior décor styles.
The system runs on low-voltage household electric power (208v or 240v). You will need a dedicated power box, a water line to the steam bath generator, steam line from generator to shower and a drain line.
What are the benefits of a steam shower?
While stylish and eco-friendly, a steam shower creates a special environment that may contribute to a variety of health and wellness benefits.
When you take a regular 20-minute shower, you use up around 50 gallons of water. A 20-minute steam shower only uses 2.5 gallons. That's 20 times less water.
This eco-friendly approach comes with a financial benefit. It costs less than $1 to run a steam shower.
In addition, Mr. Steam contributes to the planet's safety by packing all steam shower parts in 100% recyclable packaging. Meanwhile, all our steam shower generators are made from recyclable stainless steel.
When you install a steam shower, you increase the value of your property. According to Zillow, adding a "steam shower" to your listing can raise the sale value by as much as 30.7%.
Steam showers and saunas can yield similar benefits. However, getting a steam shower can be much more advantageous. Here is why:
Overall, a steam shower can have a higher return on investment while providing a wider range of benefits.
The total cost of a steam shower depends on several factors:
You can either buy a generator, controls, and a steamhead separately or purchase a full package.
A package for a smaller (3'x3'x7') shower can cost as little as $1,550 (+installation). However, if your shower is large and requires a large steam generator, the cost of the generator may go up to $3,000 (+installation).
Shower wall materials can define the size of the steam generator. For example:
Some materials may require more time and labor to install than others. This can impact the final cost of your project.
While SteamTherapies have a high potential to reinforce health and wellness steam shower benefits, adding them to your steam shower project can increase its cost. Mr. Steam offers such advantageous SteamTherapies as:
If you add all of these therapies and the latest control technology to your steam shower project, the price could rise to $6,375, plus installation costs.
The cost of installation varies depending on:
For example, transforming a standard small shower into a steam shower can cost $6,595. Out of this amount, you pay $820 for materials and installation, $1,000 for professional labor, and $4,775 for steam shower features.
Another example is a transformation of a room with a tub and a shower into a tub with a steam shower. The total project cost is $7,445. Out of this, materials and installation add up to $1,420, professional labor is $1,000, and steam shower features cost $5,125.
In both cases, the costs of materials and labor are around 30%. A good rule of thumb is to allocate 25%-35% of the shower project budget to materials and labor.
Steam showers are easy to maintain, especially if you arrange:
If you have these two features, you only need to arrange manual steam shower cleaning once every few years. To learn more about maintenance, you can always ask Mr. Steam experts for a professional consultation.
You can take advantage of Mr. Steam's VirtualSpa design tool to evaluate your steam shower project costs.
Ready to explore more? Visit a dealer showroom to experience our steam showers firsthand to get a feel for the options and find a home improvement installation contractor.