Get Started Planning your Residential Steam Room

Whether you are building a new shower or remodeling an existing shower, isn't it time to enhance the experience by upgrading to a steam shower room? By adding steam, you're creating a personal spa experience right in your own home. This page will provide you a general understanding of what you need to know when planning the ultimate home spa, be it a steam room or steam shower.

 

Your Shower Enclosure

It's recommended that homeowners utilize the footprint of the existing shower enclosure. A steam room works best with a lower ceiling height since higher ceilings will require more power and a larger generator size due to physics . . . heat rises and needs to fill the space. The ThermaSol sizing formula considers a ceiling height of 8-10 feet for the ideal steam room.

Other tips for preparing your shower enclosure for a steam shower upgrade include:

• The entire shower area requires a waterproof material, including the ceiling. (Glass, tile, stone slab, solid surface composite, etc.)
• A vapor-proof moisture barrier behind the finished surface material is recommended.
• A vapor-proof steam door is required.
• All fixtures must be sealed to prevent vapor to get into the walls of the shower
• Slope the ceiling 1 inch per foot towards the back wall of the shower to prevent condensation dripping onto the bath.
• A bench or fold-out ThermaSol seat is recommended for relaxing in your Steam Shower.

 

Your Steam Generator

After measuring the length, width, & height of your shower enclosure, select a steam shower generator model based on those dimensions. (Assuming ThermaSol's sizing calculation of an ideal ceiling height of 8-10 feet). The steam generator should be placed indoors, in a dry, ventilated space.

Some more information about Thermasol’s steam generators include:

• ThermaSol residential generators are about 14" x 19" x 12" High
• Allow for 6" clearance around the generator.
• Install the generator up to 50' from the steam head in the shower.
• Do not install in a location that could expose the unit to freezing temperatures
• The generator can be placed above or below the steam room (steam line can run up, down, and horizontal; but never down then up - this creates a steam trap)
• Allow easy access for maintenance and service.

The steam generator will need electricity and water. Install a 208/240 volt circuit with an appropriate breaker and wire size (see ThermaSol Specs). A ⅜ connection is used at the water inlet to the generator and ½ inch steam outlet connection (¾” steam line required for unit PRO-650 and larger) to the steam head in the shower. Plumb the generator drain pan per local code.

 

Your Controller and Steam Head

The controller and a steam head should be mounted inside the shower enclosure (the control also functions as the temperature sensor). See the above image for an example of where these items can be placed inside your steam shower.

• Install the controller as close to the seating area as possible and at a minimum of 48 inches off the floor. (A) above floor.
• Install the steam head as far from the seating area as possible (it's HOT). Shower Valve wall normally works well as depicted (C) 12" above floor and no less than 6" (C) from the nearest corner

 

Additional Steam Shower Options

Elevate the steam session to a multi-sensory experience with Lights, Chromatherapy, Sound, Rainhead, a complete spa in the privacy of your home.

If you are ready to start designing your spa-like steam room click on the button below. You will be able to use our steam shower configurator to specify the items, styles and finishes. After you complete your creation, for your convenience, you will be able to email specifications, manuals and CAD drawings of all the selected items.

BUILD YOUR STEAMSHOWER NOW

Please consult a contractor for complete construction requirements. Steam systems are installed by a licensed plumber, electrician and/or contractor.