Pros and Cons of Adding a Steam Shower: To Know BEFORE Buying
Does the thought of going home to your own mini-spa sound heavenly?
You’ve probably heard about steam showers before, but naturally, you have your doubts…
You might be asking yourself:
Will this cost a lot of money? Are they really worth the effort?
On this page, we’ll take a deep-dive into those questions and lay out all the top steam shower pros and cons to know.
Then, check out our #1-rated best steam shower and best steam shower generator if you’d like to create your own at-home spa oasis for yourself.
Now, let’s first cover the main differences between owning a steam shower vs. a regular shower.
Steam Shower vs Regular Shower
What sets a steam shower apart from a regular one?
You probably know most of this already, but for good measure:
A steam shower is special because it produces steam while you shower using a generator.
To create a steam shower you can either buy the steam shower generator by itself, or buy an all-in-one enclosure.
Either way, with just press of a button, you can activate the steam generator, allowing you to shower while basking in a wonderfully relaxing cloud of steam.
Taking a shower this way, can even be a quick shower alternative that creatively saves you water.
But, once you’ve experienced the soothing feeling of a steam shower after a long overworked Monday, you’ll know just how relaxing they can be.
Yet, your regular shower works just fine, too.
It will get you clean and fresh every day. That’s the most important part.
Right?
But everyone is different, so let’s weigh the pros and cons together.
That way, you can see if installing a steam shower in your home is worth it for you.
Pros
Without further to do, here are our top pros you can expect when adding a steam shower to your home.
#1 Some report various health benefits
You might be asking: "Who would benefit from installing a steam shower?"
Our answer: Wellness-conscious homeowners would benefit highly from it.
Regular steam baths or steam therapy has been reported to have some positive effects for some individuals.
Physiotherapist Dr.Yogitaa Mandhyaan shares its various benefits on your body, saying: "Using a steam room makes one sweat naturally and that helps body to push out toxins of body and cleans the skin pores."
She adds that steam baths can be good for the muscles and the immune system.
They've also provided great relief from existing respiratory problems like sinusitis and asthma, for some individuals. (1)
Various studies also show that steam exposure has positive effects on cardiovascular health for some people.
Another one of the great benefits of a steam shower.
Steam baths enhance blood circulation by opening your arteries (2) while working to lower blood pressure. (3)
Pretty cool right?
#2 Many use steam showers for stress-relief and relaxation
Are you looking for a creative way to manage everyday stress?
A eucalyptus-scented steam shower after a hard workout at the gym usually does the trick for me when I’m feeling down.
What’s your favorite stress relief pro-tip? If you’re searching for answers, imagine this.
With just a push of a button, you have your very own at-home spa to escape to.
Absent of all the crowds and loud clatter of everyday life.
How does that sound?
Also, many people who regularly take steam showers report feeling rejuvenated after 20 minutes of steam therapy.
Not only that, but some report it helps them sleep better, too.
And we all know how priceless a good night's sleep is these days.
#3 Can sometimes increase your home’s value
If you're thinking of selling your property sometime in the future, installing a steam shower is can be quite a smart investment.
Homebuyers usually prefer properties with high-end touches that make them stand apart from the crowd.
Steam showers are excellent, in this regard.
According to New York architect Robert D. Henry: "At least 60 to 70 percent of the homes we're designing now have home spas to some degree. People want to integrate these spa features into their own bathrooms." (4)
#4 They’re surprisingly Low-maintenance
You may think that having a steam shower in your home takes a lot of effort.
But today, not so much.
With just a couple of clicks around the web, you can find yourself a quality steam shower unit or generator that can be professionally installed in your home.
All this, in practically no time at all.
Then, once you have your shiny new steam shower or configured generator, it’s pretty much set and forget.
You may have to contact support every once in awhile if parts break.
However, if you make sure to pick highly reviewed products these run-ins are usually rare.
Cons
As with life, you take the good with the bad. Here are the top cons you should know about before buying a steam shower for your bathroom or home.
#1 Health limitations
For most people, the use of steam showers is recommended.
However, that doesn't mean they're right for absolutely everyone.
It’s important you know your health, and consult with your Dr. about steam therapy.
For example:
One of the risks of using a steam shower is dehydration, for obvious reasons.
In a steam shower, you’ll be sweating A LOT. It’s crucial you follow your Dr.’s and manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Failing to do so can result in injury, and no one wants that.
Do your research and you’ll be just fine.
#2 Moisture problems due to poor installation
Some homeowners complain about moisture problems caused by their steam showers.
They’re not wrong.
A poorly installed steam shower can unfortunately result in mould or water damage in one’s home.
Two huge “no-no’s.”
But know that it's mainly because of one common culprit: poor installation.
Steam showers should ALWAYS be professionally installed.
Make it easy on yourself and leave it to the pros.
#3 Price
Adding a steam shower unit can get pricey.
It may cost you around $500-$4000+ depending on whether you want a generator, or a whole enclosure. Also, the brand and quality you want.
Another factor, is the current configuration of your shower/bathroom.
But these initial construction costs are to be expected with any home improvement project.
However, ensuring safe and proper installation should be anyone's main priority.
It will help save a lot of headaches and repair costs in the long run, making sure your steam shower will last a good long while.
As long as you're planning on regular usage, it's definitely more than worth it.
Summing It Up: What To Do Now
Ultimately, a steam shower is a great addition to most any home as long as you’ve done your research.
Today, there are many ways to create your own steam shower.
From adding a quality steam shower generator to your existing shower, to buying an all-in-one steam shower enclosure, there’s options for everyone.
If the pros outweigh the cons for you, check out our top-rated steam showers and steam shower generators of 2020!
References
- https://www.practo.com/healthfeed/importance-of-steam-bath-23306/post
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560772/
- https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(18)30275-1/fulltext#sec2.1
- https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/12/garden/is-a-steam-shower-worth-the-expense-when-its-time-to-sell.html
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