Steam Showers Manufacturer

The Advantages of Saunas and Steam Bathing

There are many myths surrounding the health benefits of saunas and steam baths. However, the heat and steam of both of these bathing methods is very useful for a variety of bodily ailments.
By themselves, they are not an effective weight loss programs and they won’t magically banish all diseases known to man. However, they will do many other wonderful things for your body.

Detoxification is an advantage that can be found in both saunas and steam baths. Raising the temperature of your body helps it to kill nasty organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Saunas and steam showers can also reach the smaller nooks and crannies of your body, such as your teeth, bones, and sinuses.

An infrared sauna is even more effective than a regular sauna or steam bath, for the infrared heat delves deeper into the skin to detoxify the body.

In addition, infrared saunas are not as intensely hot as ordinary saunas. Children, elderly, and those who cannot go into an ordinary sauna because they are sensitive to the heat will have a much grater chance of being able to tolerate an infrared sauna.

The heat from saunas and steam baths also help improve the immune system. The body reacts to the sudden increased temperature as it would to a fever. The immune system produces more white blood cells.

Saunas are also beneficial towards blood circulation. Blood circulation is very important in transporting nutrients throughout the body and improving the effectiveness of the heart, liver, and kidney. It helps eliminate toxins as well. This is because as the temperature of your body increases from the sauna, the sweat production must also increase. The heart needs to work harder in order for the body to have enough energy to create the sweat, so it pumps blood faster and in greater quantities. When good blood circulation is maintained for a long amount of time, more nutrients and oxygen is delivered to the surface of the skin, causing it to be brighter and healthier.

Sweating is also very healthy for the skin and body. When the body sweats, it rids itself of unwanted contaminants. It opens its pores, allowing deeply delved grit, grime, and dead cells to be washed out by the sweat. The steam from steam baths is especially effective in this; the higher moisture content in the air helps rinse out dirty pores.

This gives the skin a thorough cleaning and helps treat acne. The higher concentration of steam in a steam bath is much more effective for cleansing the skin than simply sitting in a hot tub. Steam bathing is also extremely effective for stiffness and pain in the muscles and the joints. The steam causes the red blood cells to expand so that more oxygen and nutrients have access to the damaged part of the body. The heat also helps relieve stress by causing the muscles to relax.

The high amount of moisture in steam rooms is also extremely good for respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies because it helps to flush allergens and mucus from the lungs.

By Allison Ryan

Bathroom Shower Remodeling-The Center Point to Any Bathroom Redesign

Despite being just small fixtures, showers play a big role in the overall layout of a bathroom. Bathroom assumes a distinct personality when showers are added.

Planning your Bathroom Shower remodeling

Bathrooms are one of the most expensive rooms in the house remodeling. Bathroom shower remodeling can change the entire design of the room. Your selection of materials has a big influence on the price of your project.

There are many options available right from standard to walk in shower. If you would like the luxury of steam shower at home, go ahead and choose one. Bathroom shower remodeling project can be completed in a day, thanks to the different options available including acrylic materials which can be used to cover the tub and shower walls. You can also eliminate the tub if you wish. However, it is cost effective and faster to leave fixtures in their current position, as moving them will require moving and draining the drain lines. This is a time consuming job and would add up to your expenses, unless you are considering a complete bathroom remodeling.

Acrylic and fiberglass overlays are available, and can be set in place over the existing tub. You can also try matching walls near the bathtub area. This would give an appearance of renovation of the entire bathtub area. Bathroom shower remodeling project can be a good DIY project for homeowners.

Consider Project with End Result in Mind

Plan the bathroom shower remodeling project in advance and sketch the steps involved in the project. Study the sketch thoroughly before starting the project.
Drains have to be matched with the existing ones or be routed, if you are installing a new tub or shower base. Water supply connections should be of little concern with the availability of flexible hoses. However, most drains are solid pipes and will have to match the outlet to which it will be connected.

The next major factor in bathroom shower remodeling is the walls. Using tiles on the walls is time consuming and would cost more, but will last long. If tiles are used wall backing will need special treatment. Using fiberglass or acrylic will make the job easier; it can have fewer joints through which water can leak.

Warning

If the bathroom shower remodeling project is extensive, it would last several days. Arrange for an alternate bathroom facility before starting the project.

By Chet Baker

Shower Tray and Shower Enclosure Installation

Making the decision to install an additional shower in your home takes some careful planning and the first consideration is where you plan to install the new shower unit.

If you are not using the existing space where the bath tub presently resides then the location of the new shower must facilitate the plumbing in order to leverage adequate water flow and waste, otherwise the project becomes two folded as new pipes will have to be installed and routed.

• Selecting the right shower tray

Depending on available space and budget there are numerous shower enclosure and shower tray options to choose from. Shower trays come in an array of dimensions from square, rectangular and quadrant for corner units with coinciding shower enclosures to ensure conformity in the bathroom. Purchasing a shower tray made from acrylic filled with heavy weight stone cast resin is one of the best choices, since they are durable and quality produced these trays are free from shrinkage and cracking. Their practical design offers a skid resistance base and provides ample standing room when showering.

Water drainage from the shower tray should also be taken into account at the design stage since the shower tray sits at floor level means the waste hole will need to be recessed. To make the installation less labor intensive it is recommended that you either seek the advice of a professional or hire a contractor to install the primary plumbing.

Keeping in mind when it comes to installing the shower tray it is always best to fit the shower tray first before purchasing the shower enclosure since tiles and sealants can alter the size of the shower tray. Furthermore, never comprise value and quality when it comes to sealing the shower tray. It is extremely crucial to use a watertight sealant around the shower tray; improper application of silicone sealant may cause your shower to leak causing extensive water damage in the bathroom. Also, depending where the shower is located, water can seep through the floor, destroying the ceiling to the room situated below the shower unit which could lead to expensive repairs.

• Installing the shower enclosure

Once the shower tray has been installed only then should you choose a matching shower enclosure. Today’s top trends in shower enclosures are easy to maintain frameless glass designs and since there is no frame there is less chance of lime scale or dirt build up in these styles of enclosures. Prior to selecting the shower enclosure, make sure proper measurements haven been take to allow for the additional height of the shower tray to balance out with ceiling space, this is extremely important especially if your have a low ceiling. Before the actual installation of the shower enclosure, carefully examine it for solid construction, placing the enclosure on the tray only to later find out there may be design flaws in the unit will lead to double duty and frustration. Testing the enclosure for leaks is suggested, according to shower manufacturers, spay bottle testing is one of the best methods to test for leaks. By simply spraying between the glass and the adjoining frames will determine if in fact there are any water leaks, at which time the unit is returned in exchange for a new one, preventive measures prevent additional work.

By Shelley Murphy

Designing A Bathroom For Children

Think of how much fun you and your children will have designing a bathroom especially for them or even adding an addition onto the existing bathroom and making it their own special room. Even large homes have small bathrooms with insufficient space so if you can annex an adjoining hall closet or bedroom this can solve some of the space issues. If you enlarge the room what better way to utilize the additional space by providing your child with his or hers own bathing or wash area. By allotting a designated area to young children could alleviate some of the morning traffic when everyone is trying to get ready at the same time.

In order not to incur a greater expense, if possible try to break down a wall that attaches to the plumbing wall. This means you don’t have to worry about installing new plumbing since it is less expensive to install new bathroom fixtures where the existing pipes run. Now that you have added extra square footage, it’s time to organize the bathroom. You may not be able to install a separate bathtub or shower, but you can install a new sink, some added storage cabinets for their bath toys. Partitioning off the bathroom so it gives them the feeling it is uniquely their own place, can be done by installing retractable sliding doors that are quite safe or build a divider wall.

Be practical when choosing a bathroom theme

Now if you have the luxury of an extra bathroom that can be designated strictly to the children, then the design options are endless. So where to start? This should be a joint decision between parents and children. It is recommended to go with a theme that is inspirational to your child or children. First select the color, pastel pinks and blues may not always work if it is a unisex bathroom. Bold colors tend to work well with an all white bathroom suite. White ceramic tiles with some rows of solid colored tile will help in creating a consistent look from the shower to the sink area without distorting the theme. Try to stay away from decorative tiling with animated images, remember children do grow up and their taste in bathroom décor will change. Be practical in your decision making, you may want to sell the house one day. Having to replace a complete shower wall covered with Mickey or Minnie Mouse could be very expensive.

Designing a child’s bathroom can be done on a budget. Providing you don’t go out on a limb and decide to turn the bathroom into one big theme from taps to sinks because they will get tired of this look. It’s easier to paint over a wall than to replace tiles and more practical to stick with white neutral bathroom furniture. Also consider adding shelves into the wall of the shower or bathtub these spaces can hold soaps and bathing toys for children.

By Shelley Murphy

Design Bathrooms on A Budget

Creating a stunning bathroom complete with all the luxuries from whirlpool baths, a double basin vanity to radiator towel warmers, finished off with glam bathroom fixtures and accessories for the ultimate dream bathroom is every homeowner’s desire. When starting to explore your options for creating your prestigious space you should start with a wish list of desired needs. The two points of interest at the top of your list will be budget and space, and then sub-dividing the list into two categories, “what can I live with” and “what needs to be replaced.”

Most often we tend to visualize everything brand new and over look the fact that by simply replacing small fixtures such as a new basin mixer tap can bring new life to an existing pedestal sink. When you look at the big picture, you not only save money especially if you are a do-it-yourself person, but you also save on having to purchase a new sink freeing up funds for other necessities such as a new bathroom mirror or new bathroom accessories.

If you are looking to give your shower a modern contemporary look, durable solid glass constructed doors is not only an affordable way to update the look of your bathroom, but allows you to do away with traditional plastic shower curtains and gives the bathroom a sense of spaciousness. Shower/Bath glass enclosures is also a fashionable way of dressing up your bathroom, they are easy to install and much easier to clean than cloth or plastic curtains. Finding solutions to meet both your needs and spending allowance for your bathroom remodeling projects, doesn’t mean compromising quality. Purchasing one good quality item, such as a whirlpool spa bath may mean looking at the “what you can live with” check list in finding items in your bathroom that can be refinished.

Refinish Bathroom Furniture and Save Money

New bathroom furniture does not necessarily mean the physical purchase of a new bathroom cabinet or wall mounted vanity, try refurbishing the cabinet or vanity instead. With a number of commercial products that can easily strip away old paint and wood finishes makes for an easy-to-do weekend bathroom project, with a little sanding and a fresh new coat of paint, varnish or wood lacquer, you will be surprised with the new look of your bathroom cabinet or bathroom vanity. Also determine who will be using the space, will it be a family bathroom or a tranquil place to relax and unwind. Setting clear goals will aid in deciding the bathroom design you are trying to achieve. If there are water works happening in your bathroom meaning children who splash around during bath time, then you most definitely want to think about using durable materials such as acrylics and ceramics. Baths that are filled with Stone Cast Resin with twinned skinned acrylic are far more durable than cast iron or steel where acrylic is less prone to cracks and scratches and pottery only bathroom suites are less susceptible to damage and stains compared to wood finished bathroom suites.

When it comes to space often rearranging the layout of your bathroom to either create the illusion of space or open the space for more functionality to accommodate the family is a workable solution. Today’s baths are available in a number of sizes and shapes, corner baths are an excellent choice for space conservation since they fit tightly into any corner of the bathroom creating a unique focal point and again are ideal for the price consciences consumer.

Turning a dull bathroom into an enchanting delight comes from inspiring ideas which can easily be seen on the internet or by taking a trip to a bathroom shop. Get advice from the experts and do some price comparison. If you are out and about shopping around for bathroom products remember to bring the necessary items to avoid several trips, paint swatches, tile samples, measurements including a floor plan, existing hardware if you plan to replace bath/shower or basin taps for exactness rather than guessing, and pictures of your existing bathroom, this will help with your selection and give you a visual sense of how the bathroom will look. Finally, while trying to get the maximum utility out of your bathroom, always balance out your needs with your bottom financial line and not to stray from your budget.

By Shelley Murphy

European Bathroom Design - Why Is it Becoming A Popular Choice

So, you got your eyes on those European bathroom designs and applications you see on the glossy papers of the magazines and papers? Thinking you cannot afford it? Now, it is not impossible at all. All you need to have is the right combinations of fine bathroom package and essentials. You can easily live in a house with a European influence by having your bathroom affixed with the right pieces of European-inspired furniture, equipments, devices, and storage cabinets.

To help you in conceptualizing European bathroom design, here are the following must-haves:

First, and the most popular choice, is having a frameless shower doors. This is typical in a European home. Frameless bathroom doors have in fact originated in Europe. These are great choice not only for aesthetical reasons but for safety as well. They emanate a grand, elegant effect because they make your bathroom look and feel so different.

Apart from that, a frameless bathroom shower door is easy to maintain. So, having one is also a way to keep your European bathroom spotless. It is usually constructed out of materials that have passed rigid safety tests. And this is the reason why frameless bathroom doors are sold widely in the US.

You can get a frameless bathroom shower door that come as package together with the new tub or shower unit. If you don’t want as complete package, you can have one that can be fitted over your standard tub.

When purchasing as a separate unit, it is important to consider mainly the sizing that matches your existing tub or shower unit. You don’t want the hassles of tripping back to the store where you purchased the wrong one to replace it, so make sure you have checked this issue.

Next must-have is a shower that has its nozzle stuck onto the wall. Floor drain is another vital European thing that must come with this shower concept.

Curtains are essential. While there are many kinds of curtains available, choose the right one. Curtains can actually pass as optional, but having those lovely designed curtains will surely push your new bathroom like it is into uniquely elegant place.

Half-tub and bidet are other must-haves. Half tub allows you to sit and not lie down. The bidet on the other hand is the kind that lets you clean some parts of your body that are not often tanned.

Having these essentials will make it easy to conceptualize your new European bathroom design. And since this is most likely new venture for you, always consult a professional.

By Anthony Lee

Handicap Shower Safety - 10 Money Saving Keys to Fall Proof Your Shower Area

Is your bathroom full of potential life threatening hazards? Consider the hard surfaces (toilet, bathtub, counter, towel racks) that can deliver swift blows on the way down from a fall. Or, the loose throw rugs that make that room so cozy…and so deadly when feet get tangled in them. Falls account for nearly 6,000 deaths each year and 5.1 million injuries. It takes a split second, a misjudged step, a few drops of water on the floor, or many other combination’s to set in motion this potentially life altering event.

Showers and the elderly or disabled can mean squeaky clean or surely injured if care is not taken to ensure safety. One fall can cause a downward spiral for quality of life and independence. To avoid becoming one of nearly 5.1 million who are injured in falls, take action on the following 10 safety tips. Everyone will benefit.

Safety Tip One

Water tends to stick around for a while even in dangerous places. You MUST have a bath mat outside your shower. Safety grid or rubber brush mats provide secure traction on wet surfaces, are stiffer than the pretty throw rug and safer with walker use.

Safety Tip Two

Glass can be just as deadly as water. Many bathtubs have sliding glass doors. Remove these (and the frame which can catch fragile toes) and replace them with a shower curtain rod and shower curtain. There are several reasons for this, most importantly, the danger of cuts, bleeding and potential death from falling into that glass.

Safety Tip Three

When balance and strength are an issue, a tub transfer bench eliminates stepping in and out and allows easy access from the seated position at all times. This will not work with glass doors or in a shower-only stall. Tub transfer benches are NOT shower or tub chairs, which fit entirely inside the tub or shower.

Safety Tip Four

Today’s economy is pressing money saving measures from every angle. Medical equipment does not have to be the exception. Your most basic shower bench or bathtub chair will be the cheapest. Prices climb, though, when you add a back, arm holds and other accessories. (Remember Medicare considers the entire set up a luxury — exception being a 3-in-one bedside commode.) Skip the entire cost by using a plastic patio chair! You likely have one, with a back and arms too!

Safety Tip Five

No matter what type of bench or chair you use, ALWAYS use a no-slip mat as well. This mat MUST contain each leg of your chair or bench (inside the tub) especially if you are using a plastic patio chair. Sitting height is not adjustable on a patio chair tending towards more pressure against the slippery floor to try and stand. Use caution and grab bars.

Safety Tip Six

Diagonal Grab Bar placement should be avoided. Rule of thumb follows that for pulling up from a seated position place the bar horizontally. For stepping in and out assistance place the bar vertically. Diagonal placements can allow frail hands to slip downward on the very aid that was designed to help. Smart placement is the key.

Safety Tip Seven

Built-in shower seats look good in a picture but can become a water slide in reality. Simply place a folded towel on this surface to provide more traction. Yes, the towel gets wet and yes, it pads a frail bottom and yes, your loved ones will thank you for that.

Safety Tip Eight

Suction Cup grab bars are great! BUT… if you need moderate assistance to get in and out of the tub, stick with an installed grab bar. Suction cup bars are not fail proof and can pull the tile off a wall given the proper load. However, no tools are necessary to set up, they are completely portable and boast flexible position changing as needed.

Safety Tip Nine

Do not trust your safety to the shower curtain rod, the towel rack or the washcloth rack in the shower. These were designed to hold a wet towel at the most… and every one needing grab bar assistance weighs more than a wet towel. Keep in mind, though, that when building or modifying for safety, installed grab bars make nice towel racks and can then double in purpose.

Safety Tip Ten

Consider the health giving effects of a shower, even sitting on a bench. Water of various temperatures on the body can be calming, soothing and healing far more than we realize. Your safety is number one. Protect your health as well. Be persistent in gaining the strength, balance and mobility needed to enjoy this health giving aspect of life.

More than 70% of all falls in a home happen in the bathroom making it one of the most feared rooms of the house. However, the necessity of the bathroom remains. Move forward with caution and confidence with these 10 Safety tips.

By Marcia Oliver

Answering Your Sauna Questions

There is nothing quite like a great workout at the gym. Your muscles feel stretched and aching but you still feel good. You can enhance that experience even further by taking advantage of your gym’s sauna. Saunas are excellent ways to help rid the body of toxins. The steam from the sauna rises up, the air is hot and your body begins to sweat.

These little hot boxes are nothing new. They have been around for quite some time and can be found all around the world. If you have never had the opportunity to spend some time in a sauna, you are definitely missing out. In this article you can find out all you need to know about a sauna and how it can enhance your life.

What are saunas?

A sauna is a small room or building that is used by people to clear their body and minds of toxins that have accumulated. The room can either have wet or dry heat sessions to produce sweat. The person enters the sauna and will take of his or her clothes and rest in the room. The heat and the humidity help relax the muscles and clear the mind.

How have saunas changed over the years?

When you consider how long saunas have been around, it is natural to also make the assumption that the style has changed as well. Originally the sauna was dug into a pit or dug into the side of a hill and then using the dirt, a room was formed. As mankind became more evolved and more materials were available, the sauna changed as well. Many public bathing houses in Western Europe, Greece and Russia installed saunas as a way to help attract more visitors. The styles were more elaborate and were also far more efficient. The new designs would hold heat and steam in longer thus allowing the bather more time in the sauna.

How much does a sauna for my home cost?

The cost for saunas varies depending on how big you want the sauna to be, what type of heating source you select and what type of material the sauna will be constructed out of. You can find a 1-2 person sauna at Wal-mart for around $949.00. You can also find some at specialty stores that cost more than $2000. Before you go and purchase that sauna, you need to first decide what type you want and then you need to decide where you are going to put it. You definitely do not want to purchase a huge sauna if you live on a very small, cramped lot or live in an apartment.
Can I make a sauna myself?

Yes, you can make a sauna yourself provided you have the right tools and the right knowledge. If you can make a building, you can build a sauna. The key to building saunas is to figure out exactly what type of sauna you want as well as the heat source that will be used. You can find many plans on the internet and can even find books on building saunas in your local bookstore. You may not save a lot of money by doing it yourself but at least you will have the satisfaction of building it yourself and being able to custom design the sauna.

By Mike Selvon

Simple Bathroom Decorating Ideas

There are a number of simple bathroom decorating ideas that don’t require a line of credit but still add something fresh and beautiful to the home. These easy, do-it-yourself bathroom changes can turn a boring bath into a work of decorative yet functional art.

The most important of all simple bathroom decorating ideas is just that - keep it simple. The bathroom and its fixtures are necessary in every home, and the best way to keep them looking nice is to keep the decor simple. This is especially important because most bathrooms are on the small side. An over-done small room is not pleasing to the eye. It feels chaotic instead of calming - not the place for a relaxing soak in the tub.

Here are a few bathroom decorating ideas that reflect simplicity while adding color, organization and flair to any size room.

The Bathroom Mirror
 
Most bathroom mirrors are just a rectangle stuck to the wall - no frills at all - with plastic clips and screws. To add a finishing touch, build a decorative frame around the mirror using wooden strips of molding that can be purchased in a variety of styles, sizes and designs at any home store. Then simply paint or stain the wood in a color that is complementary to your bathroom décor and attach it to the mirror edges. It gives the room a finished feel and looks like you spent hundreds on a fancy, framed mirror.

Turn Towels Into Decorations
 
Get creative with towel storage by putting pegs on the wall to hang the towels instead of folding them. This is great for a bathroom with minimal storage as well as for houses with teens and kids (and adults too) who don’t want to fold their towels and put them away. All they have to do is hang the towel back on the peg, and the bathroom looks neat and picked up. Towels come in fabulous colors and this can be a great way to inject a burst of fresh color into a more neutral room.

Use Bins and Baskets for Storage Decor

There is no reason why bathroom storage cannot enhance the room’s décor. Get some baskets, bins and boxes that are colorful and spice up the atmosphere of the room. This can be as simple as taking some spray paint to any storage baskets and bins already on hand. A big basket is a great way to display those extra towels and transform them into a decorating tool. Storage boxes and bins can bring in a touch of color, and they also help keep things looking ship-shape and organized.

Which brings us to the easiest way to enhance any room in the house - keep it clean. A big mess never looks appealing, so be sure to tidy up the bathroom on a regular basis. A clean room always looks well decorated.

By Peter J Lee

Small Bathroom Design Ideas Involve Some Careful Consideration

Small bathroom design ideas are many but they all have to keep in mind the requirement of space. You cannot simply use every kind of design or color in a small bathroom design idea. There has to be simplicity in the design and color if you do not want your bathroom to look gross.

But even if a bathroom is small, it can be made to look elegant with the help of some easy ideas. Here are a few small bathroom design ideas to help you in this matter.

Visual accents have become a very popular means to accentuate the show of your bathroom. While bright wallpapers in general circumstances would add shine to your other rooms, in case of small bathrooms they become a little risky. A lot of designs or busy patterns tend to cover up the wall and makes the area look smaller.

Subtle wallpapers should be chosen. It is even better if you do not put any pattern on a wall. Take the largest wall of the bathroom and do not put any designs there. This will make your bathroom look much larger in size.

Just like the walls, floor coloring is important too. It is advised that you go for floor colors that are light or neutral. This makes the small bathroom look roomier.

Light blues, light shades of gray and tans are the best choices for this kind of bathroom. Light colored walls and floors give a new dimension to your bathroom. They make it appear more sophisticated and airy.

Lighting is a very important aspect of small bathroom design ideas. Light has the wonderful capability of making a space look bigger. So if you have a small bathroom, then it would be a good idea to light it up with additional lights.

If you don’t have space for additional lights, then you can use bulbs that have a high wattage. This makes the bathroom appear brighter and very inviting. This in turn gives the feel that the walls surrounding the bathroom have drifted further apart.

By Dudi Permana