Steam showers are slowly becoming a bathroom trend, and it looks like they are here to stay. However, it is not a standard bathroom amenity but is more of a luxurious element to add to your bathroom.
Today everyone wants to create a home that feels safe and comfortable for them to relax after a long, hectic day. Adding a steam shower definitely is a step towards achieving that goal, and a very lush one at that.
But is it worth adding a steam shower in your bathroom? What are the benefits and the risk factors you need to consider before going ahead with the installation? Let's find out!
What exactly is a steam shower?
A steam shower usually looks like a stand-alone shower enclosure, but there are several bathroom remodelers and contractors today who can design a custom steam shower for you based on your preferences. Steam showers generate enough steam to create a warm, humid environment and create a spa-like experience in your home. Adding a steam shower lets you relax and let your muscles loose. You do not even have to run hot water for a long period of time. Plus, the steam has multiple health benefits and leaves your skin feeling nourished. You can even sweeten the experience by adding mood-boosting aromas and essential oils to enjoy a good aromatherapy session.
After you are done with the steam soak, you can also have a quick rinse in the same shower itself. Most of the steam showers available in the market include glass enclosures to keep the steam trapped inside, and some of them even come with benches as an added bonus.
Not everyone will surely enjoy steam showers, but it might be a great idea for people looking to include a spa-like experience in the comfort of their home.
Pros of adding a steam shower.
Creates a spa-like experience at home.
Steam showers have emerged as a bathroom trend over the past few years, and it's easy to see why. It creates a luxurious environment right in the comfort of your home and saves your time from visiting the spa. It's a great way to unwind and relax in a comfortable space after a long day. Plus, you can design your custom bathroom and install a steam shower in any space you see fit.
Lowers blood pressure.
Research says that a person in the steam shower releases hormones that alter their heart rate. One of these hormones, known as aldosterone, works in regulating blood pressure. And when it is released, you can help lower high blood pressure and make you feel relaxed.
Increases the value of your house.
There is no doubt that a steam shower adds an element of luxury to your home and can add significant value to it if you are planning to sell. It creates a much more pleasant environment in the bathroom and can be very helpful for people with asthma or allergies due to the humidity in the air.
Helps save money on electricity bills.
Steam showers let you conserve more water and electricity than regular showers. This is because the quantity of water used to create steam in a particular steam shower session is comparatively less. While a regular shower can use up to 50 gallons of water for 20 minutes, a steam shower uses only around 2 gallons of water during that same time period.
Clears congestion.
The air inside a steam shower is warm and moist, and it warms up the mucous membrane as well and promotes deep breathing. As a result, it is really helpful in breaking up congestion present in your lungs and sinuses. Steam therapy has always been used to treat sinus infections and colds, and enjoying a steam shower session can be helpful, and there is no risk of scalding yourself as you stay in for a short amount of time.
Cons of adding a steam shower.
Installation is expensive.
Installing a steam shower in your bathroom is definitely not cheap. The costs will vary depending on the size you choose and the quality of materials, and you can reach out to a local bathroom contractor to get an idea of the approximate cost.
Needs proper planning.
You cannot just go ahead and place the steam shower anywhere in your bathroom. Proper planning has to be done so that the plumbing is situated accordingly for proper functioning with the steam generator. You also need to consider steam leaks, mold growth, the type of flooring in your bathroom, plumbing lines, etc. Contacting a reliable bathroom remodeler might help in this scenario.
Risk of dehydration and harmful bacteria.
Spending a long time in the steam shower can lead to dehydration. 20 minutes is sufficient for a session, and drinking enough water before a steam shower is important to maintain your hydration. Since the environment inside a steam shower is warm and humid, it can promote the growth of germs and bacteria and can lead to fungal infections if you are unaware.
Conclusion.
A steam shower has its own pros and cons, and if you are okay with spending some extra bucks and remodeling your bathroom to enjoy a spa experience in your home, installing a steam shower is definitely worth it. Even if you don't end up using it as much as you expected, it will still add a higher value to your home when you sell it.
However, the installation is tricky and has to be appropriately planned. Hence it is best to reach out to a trusted bathroom remodeler or a local bathroom contractor to get the job done.