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Steam baths have been a popular form of bathing for thousands of years. Known to the ancient Greeks, they also have long traditions in both Turkey and Russia.
Steam baths can be found in most spas and gyms today. They are also becoming increasingly popular for home installation. Thanks to recent developments in steam generator technology, steam baths can be installed in almost any residential bathroom.
Are a steam bath, steam shower, and steam sauna all the same thing? Strictly speaking, a steam bath is an enclosure which is kept at about 45C. It is fed with a steam generator that produces thick vapor mists. A steam shower is almost the same as a steam bath but on a smaller scale. Usually just big enough for one or two people, it can be installed in a standard shower stall. Steam showers are often used for residential steam baths.
A steam bath is sometimes called a steam sauna, but a true sauna is actually a different type of bath. A Finnish sauna produces a dry heat that is much hotter than a steam bath. Saunas are usually heated between 70C and 100C. Steam is produced in a sauna by pouring water over hot rocks, though the air is usually quite dry at about twenty percent humidity as compared to one hundred percent humidity in a steam bath.
Many people would like to have a steam shower installed in their house but are concerned about the build-up of humidity. If you have a fairly modern bathroom with an enclosed shower stall, a steam shower is feasible without any concerns about excess humidity. Without an enclosed shower, the room has to be fairly well sealed to prevent the steam from escaping and to prevent moisture damage to the surrounding structure.
Existing bathtubs can be modified to accommodate a steam shower if no enclosed shower stall is present. If you have a large bathroom, installing a separate steam shower is another alternative.
The steam generator does not have to be in the bathroom. It can be installed up to 40 feet away from the steam shower. The generator needs an adequate electrical connection, and some models also need to be connected to a drain. The steam generator is connected to a steam head which is installed in the bath itself. Some steam heads have built in controls while others are controlled by an external unit. It is more convenient to have the controls on the inside to be able to make any needed adjustments.
It is wise to install some kind of seating in a steam bath, since they are so relaxing and you are likely to spend more time there than in a traditional shower. The steam heads should be installed away from the seating area to reduce the possibility of being scalded with the hot steam.
All of this installation work requires specialized plumbing and electrical skills. Before making the decision to install a steam shower in your home, consult with both a plumber and an electrician to find out if it can be done within your budget.
» left by Susan Thom(8,714) Susan Thom (234 days 18 hours ago.)
hi mike,
sounds interesting, to say the least. this was a well written article that puts ideas in one's head:) the idea is quite enticing.
best regards,
sue thom Respond to this comment
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