Steam showers have been famous for ages now. They are shown to be beneficial for health and overall wellness.
Let’s discuss what a sauna shower combo is, its history, and much more!
What is a Sauna Shower Combo?
A shower sauna, also known as a steam shower is a small cabin-like enclosure made for containing heated vapors that have been generated due to a steam shower generator.
A steam shower session, if used by more than one person, can be a social affair.
These showers are typically designed for use in a washroom.
Therefore, these contain many features to increase an average showering into a mini spa-like experience.
There are also newer versions of actual “shower” + “sauna” combos, which have both a steam shower and infrared sauna contained in the same unit.
As these types become more popular, you should be able to find these becoming available at big box retailers, but for now, they are only available at a few select online retailers.
A Brief History of Sauna Shower Combos
Sauna shower combinations are a modification of the steam room. Steam rooms have roots back in Roman times when Romans would take a bath in a sudatorium — a sweat steam room.
In the same era, Turks had their steam rooms or hammam, while the Russians had their steam-saunas called Banya.
The history of sudatorium traces back to ancient Greeks.
With the advent of technology, producers united the steam room and shower into a union called the steam room, formed for use in a bathroom.
You may consider a traditional or infrared sauna to use separately from your shower.
Types of Sauna Shower Combos
Shower-saunas have many types for every taste. Below given are the most popular types of shower-saunas:
- Single/Double steam showers: Steam shower sauna combos usually have 1 or 2 seats in them, and the one with 2 seats tends to be bigger than the one seater. However, sometimes a steam shower can be big and have only one seat.
- Wall steam showers: Sometimes customers require different spacing for their steam showers, thus, both corners and walls come with steam showers. Steam showers made for corners are usually free-standing. Thus, it can be pushed into the corner. Steam showers that are made for walls are usually rectangular and freestanding.
- Bathtub steam showers: These showers usually have an integrated whirlpool into the unit. Therefore, instead of using a shower base, hydromassage jets are utilized, and tend to be larger than the former.
- Infared Sauna + Steam Showers: Contained within the same unit but usually separate rooms, the combos offer a really interesting experience where you can enjoy the dry infrared sauna and the quickly transition to an intense steam shower.
Shower Sauna Combo vs Regular Saunas
So now, you’re trying to find the best option for yourself, right?
We are here to make you opt for one more easily. Both of these options have a long list of benefits for your physical as well as mental health.
A sauna shower combo makes use of an extremely wet heat generated through large amounts of steam. A shower-sauna combo is more a cross between a shower and a very wet sauna.
Temperates are on average much lower. The experience is much wetter and like the name suggests it’s combined with a shower.
Sauna on the other hand utilizes either dry heat with infrared saunas or much less heat with a traditional heat source (wood or electric) and water tossed onto rocks.
There’s also the large difference that a sauna is a standalone item that requires its location and infrastructure (electric, ventilation, etc…) compared to a steam shower. The steam shower can replace your existing shower, though installs may be expensive and complex to deal with the high level of moisture.
Steam showers typically operate around 100 to 115 Fahrenheit.
Infrared saunas typically operate up to 159 Fahrenheit
Traditional sauna temperatures operate up to and above 200.
In addition, the vast bulk of studies regarding health benefits has been done against IR and traditional saunas. A steam-shower combo would be primarily for relaxation and enjoyment over any known health benefits.
However, as we all know, hot steam is great for congestion, sweating, and muscle relaxation which is a benefit of these units.
For more on the health benefits of saunas, see our article here.
So, which one is better? A regular sauna or a steam shower sauna? It all depends on your situation and preference.
Cost
Prefabricated steam showers can cost anywhere between $1,000-$5000, with the majority of the units lying between $2,500-$4,000.
This roughly estimates about $70 per square foot, since the majority of the steam showers are 3-by-3-by-7 feet.
Installation
Installing a shower sauna combo at home needs the services of a few pros. First of all, we’ll need a dealer; you can find one locally via the sites of the majority of the steam-generator makers, for instance, Steamist, Mr. Steam, and Thermasol.
The dealer will discover the best spot to conceal the generator, which needs to be within 25 feet or so from the shower stall.
Then a tiling contractor and shower-door installer will be needed to put up a steam-proof enclosure.
When that is all set, the dealer can initiate a plumber to attach all the pipes and an electrician to encounter the generator’s 220-volt electric cable and digital controls.
Considering Your Options
You can opt for a steam shower as a whole kit that is ready for installation.
Or you can opt for a steam generator and place it in a custom-built enclosure.
First of all, you need to decide which steam shower you need to buy. A prefabricated or manufactured one, or a custom-built one.
Plus, if you opt to install a custom steam shower, make sure to opt for the right type of steam generator to buy.
Check out this popular steam shower generator kit on Amazon.
Check out our recommended infrared saunas
Steam Shower Models
If you’re considering a sauna shower combo, it’s important to understand the differences between models.
Steam showers come in many different shapes and sizes, with features ranging from a simple shower head to one that includes an entire bathtub.
The following will help you determine what type of steam shower is right for you.
Steam Shower with Steam Seat
This type of steam shower has an adjustable seat so that you can sit on it comfortably while your feet are dangling above the ground.
It also has an extra wide opening that allows you to get into this model easily so there won’t be any problems getting inside at all times (even if you’re wearing thick clothing).
Steam shower with rain head shower panel
The steam shower with a rain head shower panel is a great addition to your bathroom. It has many benefits, such as:
It’s easy to install and economical.
You can use it for multiple purposes like taking a shower, getting in or out of the tub, or even just relaxing with music playing while you’re soaking in hot water.
The rain head sprayer automatically adjusts its pressure so that you get the right amount of spray on your skin at all times!
Steam shower models vary, depending on your needs
Steam shower models vary, depending on your needs. They’re designed with different features and sizes, so you can choose one that’s right for you.
Steam showers are available in a wide range of styles and sizes from different manufacturers. The main thing to keep in mind is that all steam shower models will have a heating element inside them (a small boiler).
This heating element uses hot water from your home’s plumbing system or tankless water heater to create steam when it gets hot enough—you can set the temperature at which this happens by adjusting faucets or knobs on the control panel attached to your unit’s walls or ceiling.
Steam showers also come with various accessories like soap dispensers and hoses; these allow users to customize their experience further based on their preferences!
Steam Shower Models Varied In Size & Shape
There are several different types available including wall-mounted models which sit right next door against an existing wall while freestanding units sit outside where they can be placed anywhere else around the house without disturbing any other items nearby.
How to choose a Steam Shower Generator
A steam generator is the core of a steam shower, which produces water vapors. In case, you’re building a novel steam shower, you’ll need one among these: Kohler, SteamSpa, Steam Planet, Mr. Steam, etc. The price for a steam generator ranges between $500 to $2,500, depending on the features and size.
Sauna Shower Combo FAQs
Question: How do you indeed feel about steam?
Answer: If you are not a huge fan of steam, then it is better to accept reality and live with it. The one exception to this is if you’re suffering from a chronic respiratory problem.
Then it may be best to opt for steam for the relief it provides you.
Question: How much space do you need for a sauna and shower combo?
Answer: Technically speaking, you can install a traditional wet sauna indoors. For that, you would require a pretty big home. Realistically speaking, steam showers are best for indoors. You can also opt for infrared saunas that are built for indoor use.
However, if you’re going through this route, then be sure to research carefully and buy from a trustworthy supplier. The popularity of traditional saunas along with the fact that the majority of people have limited space has made indoor saunas very popular. Unfortunately, this has led to low-quality products from suppliers. Recall the saying — you get what you pay for.
Also, you can possess outdoor saunas with infrared heating. Thus, you can opt for a regular sauna and see whether or not you need steam. If you opt for an outdoor sauna, you need space for it. The best part is that saunas come in a variety of sizes and types. That means there should be one that you can opt for.
Question: How often are you going to use it?
Answer: If you opt for an outdoor sauna, then make sure to commit in terms of, both, budget and space. It can add value to your house but you need to balance it against the initial outlay.
On the contrary, a steam shower is a relatively less costly choice. It can be installed into a space that you already use for your regular shower.
A decent outdoor sauna can cost a lot. However, it can be rolled and stored in a cupboard while in use. It won’t be adding any value to your house, but you can take it with you if you decide to move.
Question: What’s the difference between steam and sauna benefits?
Answer: Since a traditional sauna is dry, the process of evaporation can make the sweat and toxins dry on the skin itself. The moist environment of a steam room keeps the body sweating constantly with no chance of sweat and toxins drying on the skin itself.
Question: How to opt for a steam generator?
Answer: A steam generator is the basis of a steam shower, which produces water vapors. If you’re building a new steam shower, you’ll need one among these: SteamSpa, Kohler, Steam Planet, Mr. Steam, etc. The price for a steam generator ranges between $500 to $2,500, depending on the features and size.
Question: A steam shower or a traditional sauna, which one to opt for?
Answer: It is best to consult your doctor before choosing any one among these. He/she understands your need and preferences and can guide you accordingly.
Plus, saunas utilize dry heat for the best results on your body. But dry heat can cause dehydration in your body. To stay hydrated, be sure to drink a lot of water before hitting any sauna session.
However, if you’re opting for a steam sauna shower for the first time, make sure to be there for no more than 15 minutes to get used to this new experience.
Final Thoughts
Steam rooms have a rich history! The advent of technology has made it more affordable. Both saunas and steam showers come with multiple physical and mental health benefits.
The combination of steam showers within the bathrooms of your house will make sure that the tradition of the steam room lives on for upcoming years.
So now, you’re trying to find the best option for yourself, right?
Talk to your healthcare provider about your current health status and he’ll guide you through the process.
If you’re suffering from a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, then a regular sauna can work like magic. Check out the benefits of sauna.
You can choose a steam shower as a full kit that is ready to be installed. Or you can opt for a steam generator and place it in a custom-built enclosure.
