Shower Cubicles Are Meant to Be Stunning

An advertisement read, ‘Shower Cubicles are meant to be Stunning’. Yes, it indeed is because, that’s where most of you wouldn’t mind splurging our money, since its all about unwinding after a tiring day at work. So if you are seriously, contemplating bathroom renovation, head for the shower cubicle that matches your bathroom interior.

There are different kinds of steam showers and one of the popular segments is ’steam shower cubicle’. Steam Shower Cubicle’s are ingeniously build to create and entrap steam within the enclosed area while providing a showering facility that is relaxing and therapeutic. You can either choose to engage a professional to help you choose the right shower cubicle or do your own research online based on the following tips:

Measurements: The foremost thing is to have the measurements of your bathroom ready, before you set out for Shower Cubicle shopping.

Digital control panel: The most essential component of modern shower cubicle. This easy-to-use control panel provides quick access to all the steam shower features, and comes with a remote control in a few selected models. This is to facilitate using features like pre-filling the cubicle with steam before entering.

Hand held shower: This feature is an add-on feature in a selected shower cubicles in addition to a standard overhead shower.

Body jets: Considered the most exclusive feature in a shower cubicle to pamper yourself; body jets can be located all along the cubicle, depending on the number of jets in the specific model. These are mostly hydro massage jets, which either sprays sequentially or in unison.

Foot massage: A luxury feature in a shower cubicle, this usually comprises of foot rollers and hydro-massage water jets to massage your feet whilst sitting within the cubicle.

Rain forest/Over-head shower: These typically larger 6 inches diameter shower heads can be fitted in shower cubicles for enjoying a feel of getting drenched in the rain.

Music: This is the most extravagant, yet indispensable feature of a modern Shower Cubicle. It usually comes with a built-in audio input connected to a user’s iPod, MP3 player, CD player or any other external audio device.

By James Chapman

Home Improvement-Thermasol Steam Showers

Sometimes it seems as though there’ s a huge gap between the have’s and the have not’s. It seems that all the good stuff, the luxuries go to the have’s…while the have not’s get to sit and watch.

Well, it seems that gap isn’t as big as we may imagine sometimes. Occasionally those luxuries that seem to be out of our reach are within arms length, we just need to know where to look.

When it comes to the little luxuries like those that you get at a luxury hotel or an expensive spa in Beverly Hills or New York City – such as a steam room for instance – there’s one company that seems to really be a standout type of company and that’s ThermaSol. This is a company with a long history of creating products for people who want more than what everyday life has to offer. They know that people…ordinary people…love and deserve the finer things that life has to offer. So what did they do? They invented the way for you to have a steam room in your home, without having to have won the lottery to do it.

The company is a huge name in the business of steam bath products, as well as steam saunas. In fact, the founder of the company invented and installed the first home steam shower back in the late 1950’s, and so created a storm of people wanting to experience the benefits of a steam shower, as well as have their own steam room or sauna in their home.

The benefits of taking a steam bath or steam shower are often talked about. First of all, the very fact that we are alive at these times creates an immediate stress in our lives. Life moves much faster than ever before – at lightning speed actually. This creates a life that provides stress, where things weigh heavily on our minds. Not only does this stress weigh on our minds, but it also wreaks havoc on our bodies. Our bodies, because of the extreme stress start to break down, and function improperly. This is where utilizing the benefits of a steam bath, and/or home sauna comes in perfectly.

With steam baths and showers many people have gotten relief from such things as fibromyalgia, an agonizing condition where sufferers endure pain in the muscles and soft tissue of their bodies. Others have gotten relief from the excruciating symptoms of arthritis pain and joint stiffness. As well, the steam bath is a great way to build up the immune system which helps your body fight off disease. Its benefits go a long way and once you begin to use steam and start seeing the difference in your life, you’ll likely never stop.

Thermasol makes it simple and readily available for you to use in your home. With products like the Thermasol Steam Shower Generator you can easily convert your home shower into a steam shower quickly and easily, using a small generator that is so small it will fit under your bathroom sink, out of view. But, in order to truly convert your bathroom into a modern day spa you’ll want to invest in Thermasol Steam Control Units along with the generator. One of these units is the Elite, which allows you to control the time and temperature, plus will allow you to preset up to 3 different settings on your Thermasol Steam Shower.

An even more luxurious choice though is the OneTouch Control. This one gives you the ability to really have full control over your new mini-spa bathroom. As described on the website at www.thermasol.com  it “allows you to time your Steam Shower in 15, 30, 45 and 60-minute intervals. The control also features a Programmable Memory, Pause, Power Flush inner tank cleaning from the touchpad and a visual diagnostic display. This control also has the ability to be used as a wired remote with our Elite Control when installed outside of the shower environment or in another room. Available in 14 different finishes.”
 
To top it all off with that proverbial cherry is the No Touch Aroma Therapy Steamhead itself, which is beautifully designed to enhance your bathrooms décor and not take away from it like most. It actually sits safely flush with your bathroom wall tile, and protrudes only when in use, shrinking back down to its regular size afterward. To add to the luxury, this Thermasol Steamhead is actually equipped for aroma therapy oils which will further add to your at home spa treatment.

There’s no doubt that if you’re looking to enhance your life, and indulge in relaxation and stress relief, while at the same time bettering your physical condition, then a Thermasol Steam Shower is the absolute way to go and sit a little further down into the lap of luxury.

By Bruce D Hunter

The New Steam Shower Generation

Welcome to the new age of the Steam Showers.

We all know that steam is a very good component for revitalizing the skin. The heat and steam combined enable the body to sweat out its impurities leaving the skin radiant and clean.

Now with the introduction of the new high tech showers you no longer need to go to health spa’s to be able to treat your body all the new showers come with built in steam generators so that you can treat yourself at home. Not only that but with the high temperature of the steam it also helps to increase the circulation of your blood, eliminate aches, pains and fatigue whilst relaxing the whole body. This mixed with chromatherapy lighting allows you to relax to mood enhancing lighting with the ability to enjoy many features that come with the units such as radio’s, televisions, cd players, mp3 players and telephones.

Other features that come with the shower units are foot massage function, computerized and digital controls, remote controls, high quality speaker system, overhead rainfall effect, retractable hand shower, air ventilation and ozone sterilization that stops bacteria forming within the shower cubicle.

The steam shower units come flat packed and are easily assembled. Once assembled they are stand alone self contained units, reinforced with a steel frame to ensure safety, strength and durability. The units come in a range of sizes ranging from the general 1 person unit to the large enclosures made to fit 2 people comfortably. You can also choose from just the standard shower unit to a combined shower bath with whirlpool and Jacuzzi. Also the steam showers are made to enhance the decor of your bathroom while adding luxury and perfection to your bathing experience.

All the showers run from a standard 13 amp socket but you will need an IP56 socket if running from inside the bathroom. The water pressure needed to run the steam showers is between 1.5 and 2 bar, most combi boilers provide 2 bar of pressure so are adequate to run the shower.

By Terry Metcalfe

Do You Have A Steam Bath in Your Own Home?

Steam baths have been a popular form of bathing for thousands of years. Known to the ancient Greeks, they also have long traditions in both Turkey and Russia.

Steam baths can be found in most spas and gyms today. They are also becoming increasingly popular for home installation. Thanks to recent developments in steam generator technology, steam baths can be installed in almost any residential bathroom.

Are a steam bath, steam shower, and steam sauna all the same thing? Strictly speaking, a steam bath is an enclosure which is kept at about 45°C. It is fed with a steam generator that produces thick vapor mists. A steam shower is almost the same as a steam bath but on a smaller scale. Usually just big enough for one or two people, it can be installed in a standard shower stall. Steam showers are often used for residential steam baths.

A steam bath is sometimes called a steam sauna, but a true sauna is actually a different type of bath. A Finnish sauna produces a dry heat that is much hotter than a steam bath. Saunas are usually heated between 70°C and 100°C. Steam is produced in a sauna by pouring water over hot rocks, though the air is usually quite dry at about twenty percent humidity as compared to one hundred percent humidity in a steam bath.

Many people would like to have a steam shower installed in their house but are concerned about the build-up of humidity. If you have a fairly modern bathroom with an enclosed shower stall, a steam shower is feasible without any concerns about excess humidity. Without an enclosed shower, the room has to be fairly well sealed to prevent the steam from escaping and to prevent moisture damage to the surrounding structure.

Existing bathtubs can be modified to accommodate a steam shower if no enclosed shower stall is present. If you have a large bathroom, installing a separate steam shower is another alternative.

The steam generator does not have to be in the bathroom. It can be installed up to 40 feet away from the steam shower. The generator needs an adequate electrical connection, and some models also need to be connected to a drain. The steam generator is connected to a steam head which is installed in the bath itself. Some steam heads have built in controls while others are controlled by an external unit. It is more convenient to have the controls on the inside to be able to make any needed adjustments.

It is wise to install some kind of seating in a steam bath, since they are so relaxing and you are likely to spend more time there than in a traditional shower. The steam heads should be installed away from the seating area to reduce the possibility of being scalded with the hot steam.

All of this installation work requires specialized plumbing and electrical skills. Before making the decision to install a steam shower in your home, consult with both a plumber and an electrician to find out if it can be done within your budget.

By Mike Hirn

A Steam Shower Generator Will Customize Your Personal Space

You easily, inexpensively can convert any old ordinary shower into your own personal steam room with a steam shower generator. Small and adaptable, the generator tucks neatly inside an access panel or beneath a sink; you may install it in a crawlspace above the bathroom or in any hidden spot up to twenty-five feet from the tub. Nothing in plumbing installs easily, and a steam shower generator probably will require some wiring and soldering, but you can install the unit in an existing bathroom with relatively little muss, fuss, and bother. As long as the bathroom has a shower enclosure or a tub, you have plenty of room.

Think outside the box as you consider installing a steam shower generator.

You may, however, practically and realistically think well outside the box, putting your steam bath where you most want it. Of course, you want a little privacy and a modicum of practicality, but why not focus on the feel-good? If a room has space enough for a standard shower, you may install your steam bath anywhere in your home.

Imagine turning the basement into your own private health club, adding a steam bath where you lift weights and work on the treadmill. How good will that steam bath feel immediately after your typically brutal session with Jillian Michaels Muscle Tone DVD! And think of the poor children: no child ever should have to see a parent in exercise gear. Keep it private and convenient, add value to your home, and keep the old muscles supple by making a steam shower a key piece of your home gym design.

Imagine steaming and rinsing your yard-sore body, keeping the house and bathrooms clean by installing your sauna in the mudroom. Think how nice a cultured marble or rustic stone enclosure would look in there, and think how good the warm, relaxing steam will feel after a long day on the acreage-especially if you scent your steam with lavender and eucalyptus. If you have a greenhouse, you may vent your steam into the growing area; or you may set-up an easy recycling system for your gray water.

By Victor D Williams

Learn More the History of Shower Bath

Nowadays, most people in the Western world prefer showers over baths. It is necessary to take a shower once a day day. There isn’t time to take a bath before work or school every morning. This is a far cry from the phobia against bathing that existed during the Dark Ages.

It is speculated that the modern shower’s origins lie with waterfalls. People were already bathing in rivers and streams, so they utilized the pressure from the falling water in order to wash away the dirt and grime on their bodies.

The Ancient Greeks also had a sort of shower. Servants would pour buckets of cold water on the bather as they scrubbed themselves clean. This was not quite as relaxing as the other types of baths that the Ancient Greeks were known for, like their steam sauna, communal sauna, and other types of sauna therapy. The Ancient Greeks would also shower in the cold water that spouted off of the side of large city fountains.

The Ancient Egyptians had a shower room that was very similar to the Ancient Greeks’, where slaves dumped vases of cold water over the bather’s body.

Ancient Babylon had aqueducts and waste pipes about two and a half thousand years before Europe managed to develop them. Thus, wealthy and important Babylonians had access to water in their private bathrooms. King Nebuchadnezzar had a personal shower room, where he would slather his body with soap made from tallow and ash while his servants poured water onto his body.

During the Dark Ages of Europe and among early Christians, bathing was associated with vanity and therefore declared as unholy. Bathing became more popular when the queen made a request for a bathtub installation of her own bathtub in a time where bathtubs were apprehensively looked upon. In spite of this, bathing was still considered a frivolous waste of time for many years afterwards.

The first and most elaborate shower apparatus was the English Regency Shower, created in 1810. It stood twelve feet tall, with a round basin at the bottom for the bather to stand in and a tank at the top to hold water.

The tank had a drain inside of it and was attached to the basin with ten foot long poles. The entire device was made out of metal, painted to imitate the texture of bamboo. Water would be dumped onto the bather’s head, drained from the basin, and pumped back up to the tank via a hollow pole. The water would be showered upon the bather’s head once again.

The bather wore a precursor to the shower cap- a tall, conical hat made out of an oily cloth to protect their hair. Even the wealthier class was apprehensive of the shower, most of these new devices used cold water, so their innovative merits did not surpass the relaxing and comfortable feeling of a hot tub spa or an outdoor hot tub.

Hot tubs were not as common as hot baths, but they both had the advantage of warm water. The ice cold water that most showers used, in addition to the strange new method of bathing, caused most people to be completely disinterested in using them.

The 1800s finally led to the development of indoor plumbing, and heated tap water followed closely behind. In 1889, JL Mott Iron Works invented a new showering apparatus. Exposed pipes sprayed jets of water at the bather from every angle in a similar way to the modern power shower.

Steam shower enclosures are a recent innovation in bathing. Steam showers usually come in stand-alone steam shower units. A type of humidifier/steam generator produces a warm mist around the bather’s body.

Steam showers are much like ordinary steam rooms or saunas, but they have many components of a personal shower. Most steam showers are kept in enclosures so that the walls and paint of the bathroom are protected from moisture damage.

By Allison Ryan

A Steam Bath Generator Provides the Steam For Your Shower

These days steam bath showers are now understood as something that can highly enhance the beauty of your home-décor, besides providing you with a great fun-filled journey to a relaxing bath. A hot shower soothes every part of your body and you would feel like there is nothing more comfortable than having a sauna bath and probably, you will not want to get out of the shower enclosure. But all of this is not possible without a generator that is the core part of a steam shower.

With a suitable generator you can completely makeover your present shower installations by changing it into a steam shower. Whatever material has been used for the construction of your shower enclosure, a generator is always needed to create the water vapour. The generator can be installed outside or nearby the shower, but never inside the unit itself. For proper installation of a unit you will need to connect a supply of water to the steam generator’s intake portal as well as a flow pipe or vent from the generator to the shower itself. Besides, you will be a need an electrical connection to run the steam bath generator.

The placement of the generator, for some, depending on their building or home layout, is not an easy task. The unit can be installed in the basement, in the attic, in a vanity cabinet or other such places. But whatever be the place, it should have a proper drainage system as well as access as in a service door and space around it for servicing. There is a vapour head or heads that are installed within the shower enclosure, with which the unit is connected. This head(s) serves the purpose of spreading out the steam into the shower enclosure. The place where the vapour generator is installed should be an insulated spot if in a cold climate as this will help with it’s cost effectiveness.

But before the installation of the generator, you will need to purchase this critical component first. For purchase, you will have to know the specs of the generator and match that to your requirements. You need to know about your shower enclosure or room size. So what are the compatibility factors that should be taken care of?

• Size of the shower enclosure.

• The enclosure material, with which it is made of.

• Cost factors (service period, capacity, extra features).

Besides the above general factors there are certain case specific factors like, an iron tub, mud wall tile, whether the height is 8 feet or higher of the shower area, number and sizes of the glass panels and outside walls. There are steam bath generators that have only basic or essential features that cost less than a unit that has some extra features like a timer for switching it on or off at a preset time, design details, gadgets (radio, stereo, phone, etc). The cost can also be affected if you get the time saving unit, one with an auto flush system that automatically drain out the water after each session.

By Victor D Williams

How to Design a Steam Shower

Steam showers are gaining popularity currently because they provide relaxation and are said to promote weight loss by getting rid of body toxins as well. These types of showers work like a traditional steam room but while also dispersing water vapor around a person’s body like a traditional water shower with steam instead of water.

There are many different designs of steam showers available, and if you search enough you can find a great deal on a do it yourself steam shower for your own home. One important thing to consider when creating or installing your own shower is how you will insulate the whole unit in order to promote the most steam and heat for your relaxation. Insulation is what helps enclose the steam shower and helps keep steam within the area it is supposed to be.

Next, think about what shape you want your shower to come in. Where are you going to place this steam shower? How will it fit into that space? Measure the space where you want your steam shower to determine what size and shape of you may need before you begin looking at different options. Further, determine what size of shower you want. This will be determined mainly by how much space is available for you to use, but also by the number of people who will be using the shower as well.

Is your shower going to be for personal use only, or are you wanting to provide a place for guests to come and use the shower as well? It is all up to you to decide, but those are important factors when trying to determine what kind of shower you want to install. Further determine what kind of theme or shape you want your shower to take. How will your shower be incorporated into the overall look and theme throughout your house?

A steam shower’s design can be left completely up to you, the designer, but if you need help there are many informative websites available that can help you define your personal taste and decide what kind of design you want for your steam shower.

By Ian Jamieson

Seven Essential Facts You Should Know Before Buying a Steam Shower

If you’ve ever wanted to replace your ordinary shower with a luxury steam shower, you’re not alone. Steam showers are growing in popularity as an elegant add-on to any master bathroom. Here are a few things you should know about steam showers before you make the decision to buy.

What is a steam shower? A steam shower is a watertight enclosure the size of a normal shower—or a bit bigger, depending on the model you buy. Steam showers have steam converters that heat the water in your pipes to a boil before ejecting the warm water vapor through nozzles inside the steam shower stall. Most steam showers also have normal showerheads that allow you to rinse off after using the steam feature.

Why should you buy one? Steam showers are similar to steam rooms, which are common in spas and health clubs. Some health practitioners and healers believe that steam has many health benefits, from detoxification to improved respiratory function. Steam can help with muscle fatigue and joint pain, improve circulation, and possibly boost your immunity. In spas, it’s often used in conjunction with aromatherapy—and some steam showers allow you to insert your favorite essential oils for a scented steam bath.

What features are included? Most steam showers include a showerhead, steam jets, jet massagers, and aromatherapy fixtures. Other features include phone and iPod hookups, built-in radios, and foot massagers. Some steam showers are quite large and include benches and jets to accommodate two people. Others allow you to receive incoming calls while in the shower.

Steam showers are not for everyone. Pregnant women are generally advised not to use steam showers, because they can raise the body temperature to a point that may be unsafe for the baby. Young children should also avoid steam showers, as should people with diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have a medical condition or any doubt about whether or not a steam shower is right for you, check with your doctor before buying one.

You don’t have to buy a new shower. You can buy a conversion kit to transform your old shower into a steam shower. However, this will still require significant electrical, plumbing, and construction work. Your shower stall must be made to be completely watertight on all sides, including the ceiling. Tile walls may need to be replaced.

Don’t try to install it yourself. Installing a steam shower, or even a conversion kit, is a big job that requires extensive electrical and plumbing expertise, not to mention shower-construction skills. Beware of any companies that claim their conversion kits are “easy to install” or that you won’t need a contractor. When choosing a contractor, hire someone with previous experience installing steam showers—and test the shower before they leave.
 
Choose your vendor with care. It’s very unwise to buy a steam shower from an individual or unknown vendor. You’re likely to get a product without a warranty or any customer support, and it may not look anything like you expected it to. Cheap steam showers are often shoddily constructed and likely to leak steam, which can cause mold problems. This will cost you a great deal more than you saved by getting a “great deal” on a steam shower.

When buying a steam shower sight-unseen, ask for pictures of the shower installed in a bathroom. This way, you can get an idea of what it will look like in yours. Ask about warrantees, too—it’s best to get one that lasts from one to three years. Some steam converters are covered for life. Choose a vendor with a long history of satisfied customers—not an unknown brand with an unknown reputation.

In addition, don’t buy a used steam shower from an individual. Poor-quality steam showers can cause a great deal of trouble and expense to owners, and they’re probably selling it for a reason. Even if there’s nothing wrong with the shower, you won’t get a warranty, replacement parts, or any other support from an individual, and you may need it.

A steam shower can be a wonderful addition to your bathroom. But there are a few things to consider before buying. Know the facts about steam showers, and you’re sure to make the right decision for your bathroom.

Relaxation, Health and Lifestyle Benefits of Having Your Own Steam Shower

Most people like to indulge in a steam shower and a sauna every chance they get, unfortunately most of us do not have the ability to indulge as often as we would like. Hotels, gyms, and friend’s homes are often what turn us on to a steam room or sauna first, but many of us end up really enjoying it to the point that we would consider investing in our own home steam shower and sauna set up. Saunas have been around for a long, long time with the original sauna’s being built in Finland. When those that lived in Finland would relocate to other areas of the world the tradition and the awesome technology behind the sauna followed. The sauna caught on because most people find that they can reap lifestyle and even health benefits from their own steam room.

If you indulge in the steam room at your gym every time you work out, you’ll probably find that you would indulge just as often if not more often if you had one available to you at home. Building your own home steam shower may seem like an extreme indulgence, but it is worth it. After a long, stressful day at work you can come home and take a sauna or steam bath and find that all of your problems are put into perspective. As you sit in your steam shower you will find that all of the tension leaves your shoulders and your back. Just 20 or 30 minutes will change your whole outlook on life and may even be able to help you deal better with your stresses in your home life and your professional life. When you are able to de-stress you may find that you are more productive because you aren’t as frazzled.

Your own steam shower is also a great way to nurse your own health problems. If you suffer from dry skin, arthritis, cancer, and many other illnesses you may find that a steam shower or sauna is a great way to deal with your disease. Dry skin and arthritis will often feel much better when you take a sauna daily, and cancer symptoms and stress will often subside when you indulge in a daily steam shower. A stream room won’t actually cure most ailments, but it will definitely help you relax and just enjoy a few moments to yourself every day, or even a couple times a week.

If you are worried about the price of a home steam shower you can always invest in a discount steam shower, which you will find plenty of. Often, the best places to shop are online because they can offer you near wholesale prices on your steam shower. You can pick from portable steam showers, infrared or electric steam showers, and more. You’ll find that a home steam shower can come in a variety of styles and sizes so that you can have it built or added to your home no matter what the configuration of your home or space allotment. When you purchase your steam shower it may seem like an excessive purchase, but when you realize how much you’ll use it and how much you benefit in all aspects of your life you’ll realize that your sauna or steam shower is worth its weight in gold.

There truly is nothing like a home steam shower. Once you have one and get it set up and functioning, you’ll find that your friends and even your neighbors are coming around more often to take advantage of the health and lifestyle benefits that come along with daily or even weekly saunas.

By Chris Robertso