Worth Buying? Complete Steam Shower Pros and Cons
If you’re reading this, you have been thinking of converting your regular shower into a steam shower or getting a prefab steam shower for a truly spa-like experience.
You are likely familiar with the health benefits of using a steam room and imagine having that in your own home.
What about the steam shower problems, however? Is it worth it?
There are some steam shower pros and cons to be aware of. Before you make the investment, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to see if a steam shower is the right choice for you.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of a steam shower so you can make an informed decision.
Steam shower pros and cons
There are loads of health benefits such as improved respiration, relief from certain skin conditions, and improved circulation. However, there are other steam shower advantages to be aware of that go beyond the obvious.
Here are a few advantages of a steam shower:
Fast post-workout recovery
Stepping into a steam room after a workout can make a world of difference in your recovery process. The heat and humidity of the steam help to increase blood flow to your muscles, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the areas that need it most.
Not only that, but the steam can also help to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, making it easier for you to move around and recover after a workout. In addition, the steam can also help flush out toxins and lactic acid that can build up in the muscles during a workout.
Adds value to your home
A steam shower is not only a luxurious addition to any home, but it also adds value to your property. Steam showers are considered a high-end feature and can make your home stand out among others on the market.
It can be especially appealing to potential buyers who are looking for a spa-like experience in the comfort of their own homes.
According to Zillow, a steam shower can add as much as 30.7% of the value above the sale price of a home as you can see in the chart below. This could tip the steam shower pros and cons well into the pro category for many homeowners thinking of adding a steam shower to their home.
Relaxation and rejuvenation
It’s no secret that a steam room can relax you and improve your mental well-being. However, how often can you get that benefit if you have to go to a spa every time? When weighing the steam shower pros and cons the benefits of total relaxation should factor highly into the decision.
Having a steam shower gives you loads of relaxing and rejuvenating benefits whenever you want.
Here are some ways that a steam shower works to improve your mental well-being:
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress by releasing endorphins
- Fosters better sleep by relaxing the body
- Helps to clear the mind and improve focus
- Can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety
Space saving
Adding a steam shower to your home generally doesn’t take up any extra space as it usually converts from your existing shower stall. You do have to make some changes such as closing the shower enclosure completely but the footprint generally remains the same.
The only way the steam shower would be bigger is if you are building out a steam room instead but that is a different discussion.
You really only need to find space for the steam generator that has to be separate from the shower enclosure. It is the size of a microwave and doesn’t need a lot of room. Most people put it in an adjacent closet so space is hardly an issue.
Steam shower problems
The decision to convert a traditional shower into a steam shower or to buy a prefabricated steam shower doesn’t necessarily work for everybody. There are some downsides that you have to be aware of when considering the steam shower pros and cons so you don’t make a costly mistake by buying a steam shower that doesn’t work for you.
High cost
he steam shower cost is what usually scares people off. I wrote a full article about all the costs in depth so you can read that to fully understand what you are getting into.
In brief, you can expect to pay about $3,000 to $6,000 for a steam shower conversion from your traditional shower. A prefabricated steam shower can cost less since you aren’t buying all the parts separately but expect to spend between $2,500 to $5,000 on average for one.
The ongoing costs are not that much considering it costs roughly $0.42 to run a 20 to 30 minute steam bath, however.
More maintenance
Although steam shower maintenance is not that much, it is still more than a traditional shower. If you have a steam generator that doesn’t self-flush, you will need to flush it out once in a while according to a schedule you’ll find in the owner’s manual.
Cleaning a steam shower is a bit fussier than a regular shower as you will need to use gentle cleaning products that are made specifically for steam rooms.
Risk of mold and mildew
In an ideal scenario, you have a perfectly sealed steam shower enclosure that doesn’t allow steam to escape into the bathroom. And, you have the right size exhaust fan that whisks the moist air out of the steam room. In this case, you will have little risk of mold growing in the bathroom.
That said, it is still a higher risk of happening than if you are running just a regular show or even using a rain shower head.
Generally, the rule of thumb is that if you have mold problems already then a steam shower may contribute. If you have never had mold in your bathroom such as in the grout or silicone then you aren’t likely to see a problem if you have a steam shower.
The risk of mold is just something to be aware of so make sure you are cleaning the steam shower and bathroom regularly to deal with the possibility.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, steam showers offer a range of benefits for physical and mental well-being, from improved circulation and muscle tension relief to relaxation and stress relief. They can also enhance bathroom design and increase home value.
However, it is important to consider the steam shower pros and cons such as cost of installation and maintenance, potential for mold and mildew, and limited space requirement.
Ultimately, whether a steam shower is the right choice for you will depend on your needs and lifestyle so carefully weigh the steam shower pros and cons.
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