Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Steam Shower FAQ

What is a steam room?
A steam room is a room that is connected to a steam generation for the use of steam therapy. In recent years steam showers have also become very popular.They are fully enclosed showers with a steam generator built into them. Steam showers are either custom built or can be bought with some assembly required.

What is the difference between a traditional steam shower and a modular or residential steam shower?
The overall cost of a steam room is mostly in the building materials used. A typical steam generator set-up is only in the $1,000 - $2,000 range depending on size of the generator. Since steam rooms are typically made of marble or glass this adds to the cost of building the room. Modular steam showers however start at around $1,500 for a fully functional good quality economy model. You can expect to pay a little more for luxurious steam showers with integrated whirlpool bath-tubs and hydro massage jets these showers but these are still cheaper than a typical custom steam room.

Do your steam showers need to be assembled?
Our steam showers come in approximately 5-6 major pieces that have all the holes pre-drilled for assembly. Steam shower electrical connections are color coded for easy accessibility. All of our units are designed so that when they are unpackaged every piece can fit through a standard 32" doorway.

What the costs for shipping steam showers?
Shipping & handling is included in our estimate and we ship everywhere in Canada and the United States. Very remote locations may incur an additional fee. Please contact our customer service line for more information.

How much money does your typical steam shower cost to operate?
This of course varies depending on where you live and what your energy costs are. The average steam shower costs approximately 20 - 25 cents per hour to operate.

How is the warranty handled, and what will I have to do to get parts in the future?
All of our products come with a manufacturers warranty. The warranty covers all electrical components such as the main control box, steam generator and any other electrical components used by the steam shower. The warranty includes free shipping for any part but does not include any labor fees incurred for installing the part. In order for the warranty to remain valid proof of having the steam shower installed by a licensed electrician and plumber may be required.

Can I install a steam room myself?
Typically unless you are a licensed electrician and plumber you cannot install a steam room in your own house. The steam shower has to be both plumbed to your house and wired to a dedicated 110v line with a GFCI breaker. Some units with whirlpool bathtubs may require a second 110v connection. Flexible drainage piping lets you integrate your shower into existing drains.

What can I use to clean the shower and tub?
All of our tubs are made of heavy-duty acrylic armored with fiberglass. Non-abrasive cleaners work great on this kind of surface.

Can I use aromatherapy with your steam showers?
Yes. In every shower there is the option to use essential oils where the steam emits into the shower. All you have to do is twist the cap on the steam emitter, insert the oil and close.

What does the optional heat pump do?
While running large water jets after 5-10 minutes the hot or warm water you filled the tub up with will become room temperature. The optional heat pump will maintain the hot water temperature while the jets are running ensuring a hot bathing experience for hours.

Will I receive a tracking number for the status of my order?
After your order is received and processed your unit is then selected from the warehouse and is double packaged to ensure for a proper shipment. Most companies will not go to this extra extent. This process takes 2-3 business days. Once the package leaves our warehouse you are automatically emailed the information necessary to track your shipment. Most shipments use freight companies such as Old Dominion Freight Line (http://www.odfl.com) or Daylight Transport (http://www.dylt.com) depending on your delivery location.

How many gallons per minute do your steam showers use?
Depending on the unit, you will average between 1 - 2 Gallons Per Minute (GPM).

Are there any preparations or cautions I should take before using a steam room?
Drink plenty of water before and after using the steam room. Dehydration can cause many problems so make sure you drink about 8 pints of water a day especially if you are using a residential steam shower. You should also check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for steam therapy.

Can a steam room increase the value of my home?
In many markets it has been reported that houses with a steam room sell for 10% more than the asking price that normal houses. An even more exciting trend is that houses with steam showers installed have been said to sell in half the time as other similar houses on the market making them a favorite with home builders.

Do steam rooms really make you lose weight?
Put simply, yes. Body fat becomes water soluble at 109 degrees Fahrenheit so raising your body temperature to that level allows for your body to sweat fat out. Your body can burn up to 600 calories during a steam bath. Steam baths have also been known to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Adding a steam bath to a regimented plan of diet and exercise is a great way to ensure weight loss.

What are some medical benefits of using a steam room?
There are numerous health benefits to using a steam room or steam shower. Steam therapy raises the body temperature (hyperthermia)which in return helps to cleanse the body of toxins. Using a steam room also increases your heart rate without increasing blood pressure and has been known to cure the following ailments
- Respiratory congestion and inflammation
- Relieves problems associated with Asthma
- Relaxes and relieves sore muscles

How do I know what steam shower is right for me?
There are many different styles and brands of steam showers out there. Depending on what your needs and plans for the steam shower it can become quite a process trying to decide on which model best fits your needs. Our customer service department is available to help you with your selection.