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Planning Guide
Considerations for Your Residential Steambath
The following criteria for the proper design for the steam shower should
be adhered to when possible. This will result in a more efficient and enjoyable
steambath experience.
Steam Generator - Must be compatible with the cubic foot of the
steam room and must factor in exterior walls and the type of material used in
construction of the steam room. (Refer to the Residential
Generator Sizing Guide or the Commercial
Generator Sizing Guide)
| Local Utility Line Voltage - Choose appropriate steam generator,
i.e. 208 or 240 Volt.
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Location of Steam Generator - Select a serviceable area to mount
the steam generator that is protected from freezing and moisture. Steam
generator must never be mounted outdoors, inside the steamroom, or in an
uninsulated attic.
| Material Selection for Steamroom
- Avoid the use of exposed or untreated materials
- Insulate all walls and ceiling
- When using a skylight or window (not recommended) it must be double pane
and skylights must be closed off and sealed at the ceiling height.
- Walls, ceiling and floor must be completely covered with waterproof
finish, i.e., tile, marble, etc. Exposed sheetrock or plaster is not
recommended, but may be used if sealed with a commercial grade waterproof
paint.
- All cracks and joints must be filled with a silicone sealer.
| Steam Installation
- To ensure the integrity of the user control cables with Telco connector,
they should be run through 3/4" PVC conduit or equivalent.
- Ceiling height should not exceed 8'-0" when possible because of the
inefficiency in heating the higher ceiling area. If the ceiling height
does exceed 8'-0", then use the next larger size model steam
generator.
- Ceiling should be sloped a minimum of 2" per foot to prevent
condensation from dripping on the bather, sometimes sloped from the center
to minimize ceiling height reduction in larger rooms. The seat should also
be sloped the same.
- Steamroom walls, floor and ceiling must be completely enclosed and use a
vapor-tight door. In a small steam shower, a 3/8" air gap is
recommended below the door and the door should incorporate a splashguard.
- If installing exhaust fans or vents, they should be mounted outside of
the steamroom
- A floor drain must be provided for condensate run-off and cleaning
- Steam outlet plumbing line should not exceed 25'-0" and should be
insulated when it is over 10'-0". The line must never form a trap or
gully, always angle toward the generator (preferably) or steam head.
- Steam head should be mounted 18" above the shower floor and on the
opposite wall from where the bather will be seated as far away as
possible. A steam diffuser should be installed in small shower enclosures
such as 3' x 4' or 4' x 4'.
Average Bathing Temperature should be about 105°F to 120°F
with a humidity factor of 98%. With proper sizing your steam shower should
warm up to a comfortable temperature in 10-20 minutes.
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