What Is a Steam Shower? What You Should Know Before Installing One

In recent years, homeowners have increasingly become interested in showers that double as a home spa with a variety of luxury relaxation-inducing features ranging from built-in seating and touchpad controls to body sprays and, especially, steam showers.

Steam showers can often create a relaxing experience in any bathroom, so we’ve created a guide to help streamline your decision to install one and what to expect if you plan to.

What Is a Steam Shower?

A steam shower is a fully enclosed shower space outfitted with a steam generator to offer the same functionalities of a steam room one might encounter in a spa or health club.

Though a steam shower is easier to build at the start of a new construction project, it can be incorporated into an existing shower by installing a steam generator, and enclosing, insulating, and vapor-sealing the shower stall.

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How Do Steam Showers Work?

The steam generator, typically the size of a suitcase, is installed somewhere outside of but near the bath such as within an adjacent closet space or in a wall cavity. It needs a connection to the water line as well as power as it uses electricity to heat up the water.

It also needs a pipe connection to the shower enclosure. The water flows into the generator which, when activated, heats it to boiling point (212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 Celsius) to create water vapor (steam). The steam is then released through the pipe to the shower, exiting through a steam head installed on the shower wall.

While the generator needs to heat the water up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the resulting temperature in the enclosed steam shower doesn’t exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit (assuming properly working sensors are installed) to ensure occupant safety.

In addition to the steam shower, some homeowners often opt here to incorporate other spa-like amenities such as chromotherapy using colored lights and aromatherapy using essential oils.

Steam Shower Pros and Cons

Pros

• Having a steam shower offers spa-like relaxation right at home.
• A steam shower adds luxury to the home and this potentially increases the home’s value if you wish to sell someday.
• There’s potential to decrease water use by using a steam shower, followed by a quick wash and rinse.

Cons

• It’s expensive: most of the cost is due to installation fees.
• It utilizes electricity and thus, increases energy usage and bills with every use.
• It’s high maintenance: You’ll have to clean the shower more frequently and meticulously to prevent mold. (Not to mention you’ll also need to clean the generator internally every few years to keep it working.)
• There’s potential for water damage to the bathroom if seals fail.

How to Install a Steam Shower

Prefab kits are the most cost-effective but keep in mind that, in addition to the kit, you will still need to dish out a contractor, plumber, and electrician for proper installation. Alternatively, you can DIY the installation but will still need to hire a plumber and electrician for proper hookups.

Prefabricated units run between $2,800 and $7,100 and usually consist of the generator, fittings, steam heads, and insert (walls, doors, base, and drain).Sometimes prefab kits include the regular shower components as well including a showerhead, a ceiling-mount rainfall shower, body sprays, and a sitting stool.

On average, the starting prefab unit is roughly 9-feet-square by 7-feet-high. Labor costs, which of course will vary by region, run upwards of $500.

Existing Shower Costs

If you have an existing shower stall well suited to a steam shower space, meaning it can be enclosed and sealed off from the rest of the bath space, you can opt to hire a contractor to convert the space and install a separately purchased steam generator, steam head, and control. The average cost of converting the shower is about $4,300 (this includes the unit, steam generator, and labor).

Customized Steam Shower Costs

A customized steam shower is the most expensive option and might be unavoidable if you want to convert an existing shower space that has atypical dimensions or if you have specific desired aesthetics that a prefab kit can’t deliver, such as with higher-end materials, finishes, and smart controls.

In addition to the generator package and regular shower components (drain, base, shower heads, body sprays, and thermostatic control), you may need to consider additional costs that may come along with it.

You’ll need a glass enclosure built up to the ceiling (which can run from $700 to $1,900 depending on sizes and glass thickness), glass doors ($550 to $1,350), and finish materials such as porcelain tile or stone (price per square foot varies depending on product selection). Other additions you may want to add are shelves, sound speakers, benches, stools, and lighting.

Finally, there are various labor costs for each type of contractor/subcontractor involved. The average cost of a custom steam shower is anywhere between $4,000 and $14,200 (including materials, generator kits, and labor).