How Does a Steam Shower Work, and is it Worth it? Your Questions Answered
A steam shower is not a new thing; it's been used throughout millennia, and will continue to be done for health treatments for millennia to come. What is new, however, is that it is now possible for the average household to install one in the home- what was once a matter of luxury is now available to the average family. This, in itself, should be applauded; the health benefits of the steam shower are simply too numerous to ignore.
However, it's natural for people to have many questions about the steam shower, and it's important to answer those questions before anyone decides to install their own unit. How does a steam shower work, and is it worth it? Here are your questions answered.
What's a steam shower?
A steam shower is a closed cubicle that works as both a normal, classical shower, and allows you to bathe in steam that is generated. The cubicle fills with clouds of steam, engulfing you, which has the same effect on your body as a sauna (though the sauna has dry heat generation whilst the steam shower has wet heat).
How does it work?
Cold water is delivered through pipes to a steam generator, which is then released into the cubicle. Controls allow you to adjust the temperature of the steam according to your comfort level, and some cubicles are equipped with special lighting and music for optimum enjoyment.
Things to watch out for
There are various makes and models on the market, and although all work in basically the same way, one key thing to watch out for is delivery speed. The higher quality models are able to deliver steam into the cubicle in a minute or less. You'll also want to check the maintenance mechanism - look for a self-flushing system that automatically gets rid of mineral build-up.
How to decide?
It's not recommended that you go for the cheapest models - the risk of leakage and consequently your whole bathroom filling with steam is simply too great. Check your bathroom for the possible size, and draw a diagram of your existing plumbing and electrical grid before deciding which model to install.
As always, it's a personal decision, so make sure you sit down with your family and discuss it in detail. There's no doubt steam showers will bring tremendous health benefits to all your family members ? they are well documented (think of lowering blood pressure, improving the immune system, unclogging airways and aiding with pulmonary diseases, opening the skin for improved cleansing and cell-regeneration, and so on) - but you need to be aware of the required space, modifications and installation. Think it through. It's a great investment, but get everyone involved first.