Are you curious about steam showers? If you are intrigued with the mechanism of these showers, the first question that might rise inside your mind would be: ” Is this steam shower really worth it?” For that, you need to be aware of the pros and cons of getting a steam shower.
A steam shower is a type of shower in which hot water vapor is generated and then circulated through the shower space. This can provide a number of benefits, including increased relaxation, improved circulation, and more.
The steam shower is an advanced way of controlling the amount of water you use while showering. It has health benefits too, which allow the user to relax and calm down.
But along with that, there are multiple drawbacks like expensive shower units and their installation, higher risk of growth of molds, and much more.
Let’s get a deeper insight into the advantages and disadvantages of steam showers. Let’s get started!
What Is a Steam Shower?
Steam Showers are standalone stalls where there is no bathtub or other such accessory attached. It is a self-contained shower area where you can enjoy a humid and warm environment because of the hot steam.
Before analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of steam showers, it is really necessary to know what a steam shower actually is and how it works. Let’s move ahead and learn about these showers in detail.
A steam shower is a standalone shower that has no bathtub attached. It is famous for creating a humid and warm environment without utilizing extra resources.
As the name “steam shower” suggests, this shower generates hot steam from the water through the help of an electrical valve. This method is eco-friendly as it utilizes comparatively less amount of water than regular showers.
Saunas vs. Steam Showers
Saunas and steam showers are two popular ways to relax and detoxify the body. While they both have their benefits, there are some key differences between the two. Saunas use dry heat to raise the body temperature, while steam showers use moist heat.
Both Saunas and steam showers can be installed at your home.
Saunas can be more intense and may not be suitable for everyone, while steam showers are more gentle and relaxing. Saunas can also be used for relaxation or therapy, while steam showers are primarily used for cleansing.
Advantages of Buying a Steam Shower
There are multiple benefits of buying and installing a steam shower in your bathroom. Some of these include health benefits, relaxation and healing, eco-friendly practices, and much more.
Now that we know what a steam shower is and how it usually operates, the next step is to analyze the advantages it has in our daily lives.
Get a Spa-Like Vibe at Home
There are a lot of people who want their homes to be similar to the rooms they stay in during a vacation trip. By installing the steam shower in your bathroom, you can create a spa-like vibe without going to an expensive spa every day.
You can benefit from this aesthetically pleasing environment once you get back from a tiring day in the office or after a busy day with kids.
Relaxation and Healing
As you all know that steam helps to relax our body muscles and calms us down from stress and anxiety. Along with that, steam also cures sinus problems, cough, sore throat, asthma, and other issues related to lung infections.
With the help of a steam shower, you can relax and ease body aches instantly. Also, you can detoxify your skin with warm steam.
Helps Lose Weight
Along with a balanced diet and exercise routine, you can use a steam shower to lose a few pounds.
The steam from a shower can help to open up your pores and release toxins from your body. The heat from the steam can also help to boost your metabolism, which can lead to weight loss. Take a shower in intense heat for a limited time, not more than 20 minutes. But consult your doctor before doing so.
Adds Value to Your House
Getting a steam shower gives a luxurious touch to your house. You can make your shower more pleasant and add value to it by installing a steam shower.
Eco-Friendly Practice
At this time, when the world’s water resources are depleting, it is necessary to take precautionary measures to save water. A steam shower reduces the amount of water used for the shower in one go. This reduces the amount of energy consumed to process this water.
Drawbacks of Getting a Steam Shower
Along with some advantages, there are also some drawbacks associated with getting a steam shower for your bathroom. These include costly installation, growth of unwanted bacteria, rarely used, limited utility, and much more.
We are aware of the benefits a steam shower might give us. Now is the time to get the gist of the drawback or disadvantages of purchasing a steam shower for your place.
Costly Installation Process
Although the steam shower is an eco-friendly option for your bathrooms, it comes along at a high price. The steam shower is not that expensive; the installation charges are far more than that.
This is because, before installing the steam shower, you need to water and vapor-proof the area.
Molds and Other Bacteria
As the steam shower creates a humid and moist environment in the bathroom, it provides the perfect breeding environment for molds and other unwanted organisms. Molds and mildew are harmful and aggravate health issues of users like asthma, allergies, and other problems.
Limited Utility
A lot of people purchase steam showers and spend an enormous amount of money on the installation but fail to justify their costs. In many houses, these steam showers are not used regularly. It is not advised to get this shower until and unless you are sure that this will be useful and will have utility.
Are Steam Showers Worth Buying?
Yes! These steam showers are definitely worth buying. The biggest reason behind this is that the benefits easily outweigh the drawbacks. Steam showers contribute positively to human health and help users relax.
Steam showers are also an environmentally-friendly way of showering with a limited amount of water. And if we talk about the drawbacks, we can easily overcome them through proper measures.
What Is the Best Material for a Steam Shower?
There are a few different materials that can be used for a steam shower, but the best one is definitely ceramic tile. The tile is waterproof and heat-resistant, making it the perfect material for withstanding steam. It’s also easy to clean, which is important since steam showers can get pretty dirty.
Once a high-quality ceramic tile is installed for a steam shower, it will last for many years and withstand the rigors of daily use. Ceramic tile is made of clay and shale, a natural material impervious to water.
The glaze that covers the tile protects it from scratches and stains, but it does not prevent the tile from being damaged by harsh chemicals.
For these reasons, cleaning ceramic tile in a steam shower requires some caution. Whenever possible, use gentle cleaners that do not contain harsh chemicals. When selecting a cleaner for your shower, always test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not damage the tile or its finish.
Things That You Should Consider Before Buying a Steam Shower
There is a list of things that you should consider before buying a steam shower. For instance, space and location, checking for slippery surfaces, door leaks, and proper planning for controlling the steam are some of the factors.
- For installing steam showers, you need a spacious location that can accommodate the shower unit easily, along with enough space for showering.
- After showering in the steam shower, you might find your surfaces to be a bit more slippery than usual. Install anti-slip floors, especially if you have children and the elderly in the house. This will keep you stress-free and help avoid accidents in the bathroom.
- It is important to ensure that the steam shower comes with a temperature control remote. Through this feature, you don’t have to worry about running to the shower unit to turn on and off the steam shower.
- You need to get such doors that will be able to contain all the steam and prevent steam leakages.
Conclusion
It can be a tiresome decision to decide on whether you should get a steam shower for your bathroom or not.
In this situation, this article might have been a resourceful read, guiding you to make a reasonable decision.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.