As more people are seeking spa-like experiences at home, steam showers have gained popularity. But what exactly sets a steam shower apart from a regular shower, and what are the benefits and potential drawbacks of installing one in your home? Let’s dive in.
What’s the Difference Between a Steam Shower and a Normal Shower?
A regular shower uses a continuous flow of water to wash and rinse the body, usually with adjustable temperature settings. On the other hand, a steam shower works by filling a sealed enclosure with steam. Water is heated to boiling point by a steam generator, which then releases vapor through a steam head. Unlike a normal shower where water flows over your skin, a steam shower surrounds your body with warm, humid air.
Steam showers generally require a well-sealed space, with tile walls and ceilings to prevent moisture from escaping and damaging your bathroom. This key difference makes a steam shower more of an enclosed, spa-like experience rather than a quick rinse.
What is Required when designing a Steam Shower?
A steam shower requires a bit more planning than your typical shower. Here are a few important requirements:
1. Sealed Enclosure: The shower needs to be fully enclosed to trap steam inside. This typically means a door with a tight seal and proper ventilation.
2. Steam Generator: You’ll need to install a steam generator, which is usually placed in a nearby cupboard, attic, or under the bathroom floor. The size of the generator depends on the dimensions of your shower.
3. Moisture-Resistant Materials: Since steam generates high humidity, using non-porous materials like ceramic tiles, glass, or stone is essential. Avoid porous materials like wood, which can warp or grow mold.
4. Drainage: Because the condensation from the steam needs to be managed, a steam shower requires appropriate drainage to prevent excess moisture buildup.
5. Proper Ventilation: Although the enclosure needs to be sealed, it’s also important to have a good ventilation system to help dry out the space when the shower is not in use. This reduces the risk of mold growth.
What Are the Benefits to the Homeowner?
A steam shower provides several wellness and home-improvement benefits, including:
1. Relaxation and Stress Relief: The warm steam is incredibly soothing and can help you relax after a long day. It's often compared to a spa experience, giving you a luxurious escape at home.
2. Improved Circulation and Skin: The heat from the steam encourages increased circulation, which can be great for the skin. It helps open pores, flush out toxins, and can leave you with a glowing complexion.
3. Increased Property Value: Installing a steam shower can add a unique selling point to your home. For potential buyers, a spa-like bathroom feature could be a significant draw, boosting the resale value of your property.
4. Efficient Use of Water: Steam showers use less water than a regular shower. While a normal shower may use 75 litres of water for a 20-minute session, a steam shower might only use around 7 litres.
Are There Any Downsides to Having a Steam Shower?
While a steam shower has many advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of.
1. Moisture and Mold Risk: With all that humidity comes the risk of moisture buildup. If not properly ventilated and maintained, a steam shower can encourage mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to your health and damaging to your home.
Solution: Proper ventilation and using mold-resistant materials, like grout sealants and moisture barriers, can help mitigate the risk. It's also important to keep the shower dry between uses by wiping down surfaces and leaving the door open to promote air circulation.
2. Cost of Installation: A steam shower is typically more expensive to install than a regular shower due to the added components like the steam generator and moisture-proofing requirements. However, this cost can be recouped through the increase in property value and the energy-efficient water use.
3. Not Ideal for Everyone: Individuals with certain health conditions, such as heart problems or respiratory issues, should consult a doctor before using a steam shower, as the high humidity and heat may exacerbate these conditions.
Final Thoughts
Adding a steam shower to your home can transform your bathroom into a personal spa, offering relaxation, health benefits, and increasing your property’s value. While there are additional installation costs and maintenance needs, the luxurious experience and potential savings on water usage make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
Our Sydney based team would love to help you create your own spa-like bathroom. You can reach us at info@sartorialinteriors.com.au
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