The Westland Bath, Spa, Sauna, Steam & Swim Team has developed this resource as part of our global, full-service approach to facilitating the steam bathing experience. Take time out of your busy schedule to research the options and products detailed on our site. Let us assure you, this steam oasis you are working on is worth every ounce of the effort you put forth...your 10 minute vacation will offer rewards greater than you can imagine. You won't regret the addition of important steam shower components such as an Aroma Oil Pump or Waterproof Speakers to enhance the bathing environment. Read further on Westland's Bathing Essentials.

Rely on our site as your resource; engage our steam shower specialists when necessary and set aside some time to learn of the features and benefits of the equipment you will purchase. When designed, sized and constructed properly, a personal steam shower is simply the most practical, relaxing and rejuvenating form of bathing available.

We are here for you!

We all know heat rises - consequently, so does steam. When seated on a standard height bench or seat, our head, where we feel and judge heat most, will be approximately 44" - 54" off the floor. In rooms with ceiling heights over 96", there will be at least 43" of space for steam/heat to accumulate before reaching seated bathing levels. In some instances this could lead to extended room warming times.

Important: If ceiling height must be above 97" high, please call Westland's toll-free at 877-571-3841 to assist in the sizing and selection of your desired steam bathing system. We will ask you a series of questions, find out about your operational goals and specify the generator and control package to suit your individual needs - when we size it, We Guarantee its Satisfactory Performance!

Like steam shower walls, ceilings must be constructed of waterproof materials for long-lasting performance.  Typically, ceilings are constructed of 2" x 8" joists covered by a vapor-proof barrier, concrete board and finished with ceramic tile or other shower approved materials such as Acrylic, Cultured Marble, Fiberglass, Glass Tile, Granite, Marble, Natural Stone or Slate.

Note: Westland always recommends consulting with the manufacturer of your selected material for the specifics surrounding installation and appropriate use. Additionally, as construction principles vary regionally, we also recommend conferring with local tile trade professionals on the methods best suited for constructing a waterproof environment.

Generally, seat height ranges from 18" - 21" off the floor and 14" - 24" deep. When designing your built-in steam shower seat, we suggest you sit on several different household chairs first to get a reference point and then design your seat to your liking. If space allows, consider maximizing bench length and depth enabling steam bathing while lying on your back.

For larger steam showers with space sufficient for two-level (upper and lower) seating, Westland suggests the use of a slip resistant material for the lower level seat top. 

If your steam shower does not allow for a built-in seat - no problem. Consider the use of wall mounted, fold down Teak or European Wood seat. If a non-permanent or removable seat is preferred, consider a portable steam shower seat adjustable for all sizes and capable of being stored when not in use. Both will afford the ability to relax while enjoying the greatest form of bathing available.

Do not forgo the addition of steam to your shower as a result of not having the space for a built in seat. There is no such thing as a steam shower that is too small. It has been said far too often and we whole-heartedly agree - the greatest joys can come in small packages!

 

Shower head and controls should always receive primary consideration on their placement when planning the available shower area space. The steam outlet head and generator control can be easily worked around the shower head and controls. When finalizing the location of wall-mounted fixtures, refrain from installing the steam outlet head directly beneath them.

 

When considering incorporating an exterior window in your steam shower design, the Westland team wishes to review your room size and assist in the specification and selection of the steam bathing system best suited for your environment. When we size it, we guarantee its satisfactory performance.

 

Steam shower enclosures require a floor drain and appropriately pitched floor. The floor of a steam shower will never get hot to the touch accept directly beneath the steam outlet head. Typical floor materials consist of stone, tile, concrete and even fiberglass. Always consult with your installer on recommended steam shower floor installation methods materials.

Steam shower floor care will not differ from the floor of a standard shower. For methods on cleaning or appropriateness of use, always consult the manufacturer.

Note: As with any wet surface, always exercise caution when walking on a steam shower floor as it will be slippery when in use or wet.

Steam Shower Maintenance
The steam shower requires very little maintenance.  Outside of routine cleaning as you would any wet environment, periodic inspection of walls, ceiling and seat material for appropriateness is always recommended.  A soft cloth and warm water is the best way to safely clean any polished metal fixture.  Westland advises consulting with the manufacture of any material in question for their suggested cleaning methods and approved cleansers.
 

Weighing approximately 30 pounds and roughly the size of a briefcase, a steam generator is capable of being wall hung or floor mounted. Typical installation locations include utility rooms, basements, closets, heated attics, cabinets, walls and crawl spaces. Steam generators do not require a fan for cooling nor much in the way of fresh air ventilation. Though the exterior casing of a steam generator does not get hot during normal operation, many of the associated connecting pipes will. Combustible material should never lie on or near this equipment and it is always recommended that you strictly comply with the manufacturer's installation details that accompany your selected equipment.

When installed in a location where an unlikely water leak could cause damage to the surrounding area, Westland always recommends installing the steam generator in a Stainless Steel drain pan piped to an acceptable discharge. Additionally, always consider accessibility for periodic inspection and the unlikely event of servicing.

Other important considerations when selecting a steam generator installation location include steam line run from generator into the steam shower enclosure, control cable connection from steam generator to control location, whether the steam generator requires a gravity drain connection, how accessible are water and electric service lines, whether the steam generator makes noises during operation and local building codes. Selecting an appropriate steam generator installation location is very important! If faced with indecision, please contact us at 800-571-3841. Our team has seen literally thousands of steam generator/shower installations and will welcome the opportunity to assist in your project.

Do not install steam generators inside the steam shower, outdoors, in unheated attics, in locations where water can freeze, near flammable or corrosive materials or near chemicals such as paint thinners, gasoline or chlorine.

To learn more about these considerations and greater details on steam generator installation, check out our Steam Generator Installation Overview.

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1. Electrical line (120 or 240 volts AC) from main panel to steam generator location terminating with an appropriate disconnect
2. Control wiring run from steam generator to control location
3. Water line from a source (preferably hot) to steam generator terminating with a shut-off valve and appropriate back-flow device
4. Aroma Oil Pump feeds aroma oils directly into steam line
5. Steam line of copper running from steam generator location to a point in the steam room best suited for introducing steam
6. Drain valve (if applicable) plumbed to an acceptable discharge
7. Pressure relief valve line plumbed to an acceptable discharge (drain pan in diagram)
8. Drain pan plumbed to an acceptable discharge

Please consult local codes, manufacturers' installation instructions and your trade professionals for specific installation related details.

 

A door constructed for steam shower use should be constructed with superior vapor proof gaskets, tempered safety glass and custom built for a steam tight seal. Westland always recommends constructing the steam shower door finished opening prior to ordering any vapor proof steam door. Waiting until your tile has been installed to obtain an actual finished opening measurement will almost certainly delay your steam shower completion, however, will guarantee a hassle-free, custom fit! Take our advice...it is much easier to build a steam door to fit a finished opening than to build a finished opening to fit a steam door.

A vapor proof swing (hinged) door is the most common type of door installed in a steam shower. Consider one or two side panels if more glass is desired, or the addition of a hinged top panel for effective, post-steam bath, ventilation. When considering a swing door for your environment, realize that for safety reasons, this door must always open out.

A vapor proof sliding door is less frequently installed, however, equally effective! Consider sliding doors for the generous lighting they afford, flexibility & ease of steam shower entry and convenience of post-steam bathroom ventilation. For the finishing touch, designer frame finishes and glass patterns should be selected to achieve the desired look.

When designing your steam shower, consider using large areas of glass (door, side and top panels). Though glass has a higher heat loss factor than most steam shower wall materials, it contributes wonderfully to your steam shower's ambiance and warms nicely to the touch. Not only is it stylish and befitting your environment, glass allows for outside light, increased depth perception and aids significantly in the creation of deep, rich, foggy steam!  When time permits check out our wide selection of custom Steam Tight Doors to suite your specific needs!

A ceiling mounted light constructed of solid metal, with a glass or polycarbonate lens operating on low-voltage electric and rated for a wet environment is always recommended. Lighting is simply the easiest and most practical way to begin altering the mood of a steam shower. If possible, consider installing your steam shower fixture or fixtures on a dimmer switch located outside the bathing environment to dial in on the desired mood.

The Westland team has searched the globe over to secure the finest vapor proof light fixtures available! We have rigorously tested every facet of these lights including ease of installation, simplicity of light bulb replacement, durability, operation and aesthetics. We've even forced 2 pounds of pressurized steam (residential generators operate at less than a pound!) directly at the lens and trim seal for 1 hour and found absolutely no evidence of moisture penetration. When time permits, check out these amazing Vapor Proof Lights!

Vapor Proof Mood Lighting
For those who desire the ultimate in light variation, consider remote controlled mood lighting. This flush mounted, remote controlled ceiling fixture utilizes three independently adjustable red, yellow and blue bulbs to assist in creating the perfect bathing environment! If the ultimate convenience of Wireless remote controls interest you, read about the manufactured by Company, which integrates mood lighting, music and a steam bath generator system for remote control command of your complete steam bathing environment!

It is important to note that when adding steam to your shower area, you are creating a truly mood altering environment. Nothing in the bathing world comes close to such a relaxing escape. Yes...it's an escape! You will wonder how you ever lived without it! While designing and selecting equipment for your steam bathing sanctuary, always keep in mind your desired ambiance. We can't stress this enough...

Do not forgo the creation of a steam shower in the absence of available lighting! The Westland team has conducted hundreds of tests with steam and available lighting. Bathing area lighting diffused through a shower door is sufficient to enjoy the pleasures a steam shower affords.

 

Note: Westland always recommends consulting with the manufacturer of your selected steam shower wall material for the specifics surrounding installation and appropriate use. Additionally, as construction principles vary regionally, we also recommend conferring with local tile trade professionals on the methods best suited for constructing a waterproof environment.

In addition to steam shower design and aesthetics, finished wall materials and design features (marble, exterior window, etc.) used in the construction of a steam room must be considered along with room volume (cubic feet) when properly sizing a steam generator for an environment. Why?  Wall material physical properties such as thermal conductivity, insulating factor (R-value) and mass (weight) all affect the ability of steam heat to warm the enclosure (heat loss). Additionally, exterior walls and windows, as well as enclosure ceiling height, are also important factors when sizing a steam generator for a steam shower environment. Just like sizing a furnace or air-conditioning system for a home, a steam generator must be sized to appropriately warm your steam shower environment comfortably and safely!

Steam Shower Sizing
Sizing a steam shower is the single most important factor in creating the ultimate steam bathing environment.  Below are the factors to consider when sizing a steam shower. Ready to size your steam shower? Click here to use our Steam Shower Sizing Tool to size your room and see a custom list of Steam Generators to suite your specific needs!

Personal Steam Bathing Preferences
What are your personal bathing preferences?  Some like it hot...and some not!  We all enjoy the benefits of heat and humidity differently.  For this reason, consider your personal steam bathing preferences when sizing the steam shower.

Steam Shower Ambient Room Temperature
The steam shower ambient room temperature is the temperature of the enclosure when not in use.  This is the temperature that the steam generator must raise up to 105-120 degrees Fahrenheit within 15-20 minutes.  If a steam shower is located in an unusually cool basement or naturally warm attic, the ambient steam shower temperature must be factored in when sizing the steam shower.

Steam Showers with Exterior House Walls
Exterior house walls generally vary in temperature from interior ones and seasons can often exaggerate this difference.  Cooler walls take longer to heat and consequently, exterior house steam shower walls must factor in when sizing the steam shower.
 
Steam Shower Exterior Windows or Skylights
With windows comes heat loss.  In general, windows have very poor insulating (R-value) properties.  Though completely acceptable and create for elegant shower design, their ability to retain heat must be considered when sizing the steam shower.

The "Steamy Details" on Steam Shower Sizing & Heat Loss!
A steam generator's sole goal is to produce steam heat sufficient to increase the ambient room temperature of a given steam shower enclosure to between 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit in a period of 15-20 minutes while providing thick, rich, foggy steam. This is no easy task...we all react and perceive heat and steam differently and some are more patient than others!

The steam generator itself has no brains. From the time the steam bath is initiated until the steam shower generator is turned off, it operates at one speed. This speed, for lack of a better word, is the steam generator heating element's Kilowatt rating or, more commonly known as, KW. A steam generator heating element's Kilowatt rating will determine its steam or, as steam professionals know it, heat output. Here's where it gets interesting...

As the steam generator boils water, it sends steam though a copper line traveling to the intended steam shower enclosure. As hot steam enters the bathing environment through a steam outlet head, it reacts with the enclosure's walls, ceiling and ambient room temperature resulting in a thick, foggy, cooler steam. Why is this initial steam dense as fog and cool like ocean mist? Why isn't it 212 degrees Fahrenheit as it was when created by the steam generator just seconds ago? The very moment steam exited the boiling reservoir it began to cool as it reacted with everything in its path including the copper steam line, steam room surface materials and the air inside the enclosure. Collectively, these elements act as a heat sponge, soaking up the steam's heat and leaving only cool mist in its path. It is for this very reason that factors such as exterior walls, wall materials, location of steam shower, ceiling heights (over 96") and personal steam bathing preferences must be considered along with steam shower volume (cubic feet) when selecting a properly sized steam generator. Different wall materials and steam shower room design features react differently with heat.

Not to worry...Let us tune (size) your room! Westland has been consulting steam bath industry professionals on sizing steam shower enclosures for over 30 years and has developed the most comprehensive, easy to use SIZING TOOL in existence. Check it out...just enter your enclosure's wall measurements, select the wall materials and answer a few simple questions. Our tool measures each wall individually, considers all steam shower wall materials, exterior walls, windows, skylights, personal bathing preferences and even sloped ceilings! We will provide you with every steam generator offered that meets your environment's specific and unique characteristics! That's over 98% of the highest quality steam bath generators in the industry! When you're ready to buy, note in the comments field of the order page that you used our sizing tool and you will receive the assurance of our steam generator performance guarantee...when we size it, we guarantee its satisfactory performance!

Speakers should be rated for operation in temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and installed either in the ceiling or walls situated for personal liking. Consider intended method of bathing for best results. Avoid installation locations in the direct spray of water. Two waterproof speakers (one pair) are appropriate for most steam shower environments.

Play Your CDs with a Remote Control
For those who desire the ultimate in music variety and convenience, consider a remote controlled 6-disc CD player . Designed for use with waterproof speakers and a radio frequency (RF) in-shower remote, six hours of listening pleasure is only a click away. Conveniently installed near the bathing area, the 6-Disc CD player can alter the appeal of showering and steambathing forever. If wireless remotes interest you, read about the Control Package which integrates music, mood lighting and a steam bath generator system for remote control command of your complete steam bathing environment!

Do not install speakers in a location where they may become submerged in water. Note: non-water proof speakers installed in a steam shower will deteriorate rapidly and are not recommended for steam shower environments.

Aroma Oil Pump
If steam bathing with aroma oils will be a part of your routine, consider the ultimate in sensory vacations! Check out the AromaMist Aroma Oil Delivery system for hassle free and completely automatic aroma bathing. This out of the way, simple to install and easily adjustable pump system conveniently meters aroma oil into the steam line to be whisked away for a precise and repeatable scented bathing experience.

The Westland team field-tested a variety of ways to introduce the pleasant aromas of essential oils into the steam bath environment and concluded the most relaxing, effective and efficient method to achieve a precise, repeatable and safe scented steam bath is to spray (atomize) the aroma directly into the steam/mist while bathing or introducing it into the steam line automatically.

Note: Westland does not recommend the dispensing or dropping of Aroma Oils on a steam outlet head or steam diffuser. Premature wearing or actual product failure may result voiding some warranties.

Outside-the-steam-shower (exterior) controls can be installed anywhere that is convenient with primary consideration given to accessibility while steam bathing. Exterior controls are convenient when initiating the steam bath, however they can be quite inconvenient when the bather wants to stop the steam generator or adjust the bathing environment. Leaving the steam shower to make control adjustments during your bath is quite unpleasant. When an outside control is desired, Westland always recommends the installation of a secondary control inside the steam shower for a safer, convenient and pleasant steam bathing experience.

Inside-the-steam-shower (interior) controls are low voltage and generally installed approximately 48" off the floor, furthest away from the steam outlet head and within reach of the steam bather while relaxing. Westland highly recommends the installation of at least one interior steam shower control. Consider the value and convenience of adjusting your environment while seated or relaxed. Additionally, an interior control offers simplicity of operation for both infrequent steam bathers and guests. When a single interior steam shower control is utilized, special consideration should be given to installing it in close proximity to the enclosure door for easy on/off operation.

A secondary or dual control system offers the steam bather the most flexibility and sophistication in steam bath operation. Initiate your 10-minute vacation without entering the enclosure. Let the room gently warm as the inside control monitors the environment. Enter your sanctuary minutes later never looking back at the world outside as you enjoy complete control of your steam bathing comfort.

Provided below is a detailed accounting for every type of control used to initiate the steam bathing experience since the early days of steam bathing. Still today, all of these methods are readily available and actively utilized to deliver the pleasures steam bathing affords. Mounted either inside and/or outside of the steam shower enclosure, when selecting a control system, consider your preferences on design, features, location, aesthetics and cost to determine the appropriate control for your desired environment.

Mechanical Timer Control Package-
This 30 or 60-minute timer device mounts outside the steam shower and has been operating steam generators for over 40 years.  Simple, reliable and operates at 110 or 240 volts AC, the mechanical timer is now seldom selected due to the advent of the electronic, low voltage, inside-the-steam shower silent timer. Despite the perceived inconvenience of its exterior steam shower mounting, the mechanical timer is still commonly utilized by many and will continue to serve as the entry-level control helping to make steam bathing affordable to everyone! Look to the for an example of this type of steam bathing control operation.

Air Switch Control-
Mounted inside the steam shower and only used in conjunction with a mechanical timer or time delay device, this no-voltage, low profile and air-transmitting switch will allow you to turn on and off the steam generator without opening or exiting the steam bathing environment. The air switch control was the first step to luxury steam bathing affording the bather steam on/off capability without ever leaving their steam shower environment. Reliable and still commonly utilized today, steam bathers who enjoy this method of steam shower operation swear they need absolutely nothing else! Look to the for an example of this type of steam bathing control operation.

On/Off Electronic Timer Control-
Operating a steam bath generator with a low-voltage, electronic timer, provides for silent, simple, on/off touch pad operation. Often pre-set by the manufacturer for 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, this sleek, low profile control can be installed inside or outside the steam shower environment and will start and stop your steam bath with the touch of a button. Supplied with a telephone-type cord for snap-in installation, electronic timers are often employed as a secondary control when purchased with its temperature-regulating control counterpart. Look to the TC-110 Control Package by Steamist for an example of this type of steam bathing control operation.

On/Off/Temperature & Electronic Timer Control Package-
Available for installation both inside and/or outside the steam shower enclosure, temperature controls allow the user to select their desired steam bathing temperature.  Adjustable from 90-130 degrees Fahrenheit, features include on/off, time, clock, flush and memory setting capabilities (functions vary by manufacturer).  Connected and communicating with the steam generator by a factory provided, snap-in cord, when set and activated, temperature controls will automatically turn the steam generator on and off maintaining the steam shower's temperature set point for the most sophisticated steam bathing pleasure. Look to the for an example of this type of steam bathing control operation.

Dual, On/Off/Temperature & Electronic Timer Control Packages-
Dual steam generator control operation allows the user to initiate their steam bath and adjust desired steam bathing settings from two controls installed both inside and outside the steam shower.  Adjustable from 90-130 degrees Fahrenheit, features include on/off, time, clock, flush and memory setting capabilities (varies by manufacturer).  When set and activated, these controls will automatically turn the steam generator on and off maintaining the steam shower's temperature control set point for the most sophisticated and convenient steam bathing pleasure. Look to the DSP Control Package by Steamist for an example of this type of steam bathing control operation.

Note: We realize there are many details, facts and features to learn about when selecting a steam bath generator and control system to meet your needs. Rely on our knowledgeable team to lead you through this process. Give us 10 minutes on the phone to clear the air on the best equipment for your application and budget! Call us toll free at 877-571-3841 for immediate assistance!

 

During operation, the steam outlet head will become extremely hot (+or- 212 degrees Fahrenheit) as it delivers steam in a downward and outward direction into the steam bathing environment. Additionally, the immediate surrounding area will reach extreme temperature levels. It is important to situate the steam outlet head approximately 8"-12" off the floor, 12" away from any adjacent wall and where incidental contact by bather or direct steam emissions cannot occur. For steam showers designed in a tub/shower, 8" above the tub edge is generally suggested. Additionally, unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer, only one steam outlet head is recommended per steam room.

A steam outlet head has absolutely no control over the amount of steam or heat entering the steam shower environment. It's purpose is to provide for an attractive means to safely disperse the steam and heat into the room. The steam outlet head is normally packaged with the steam generator control in a matching decorative finish. For cleaning, make certain the steam generator is off and not creating steam and gently wipe with a warm wet rag.

As a precautionary and safety measure, Westland always recommends the installation of a steam diffuser over the steam outlet head. Simple to install, a steam diffuser is instrumental in the creation of a well-balanced, pleasurable and safe bathing environment. When placed over the steam outlet head, the diffuser/shield diffuses the heat and re-directs the steam in an upward direction. The addition of this device will enable the bather to move more comfortably about the steam shower.

The Westland Team routinely conducts steam bathing tests with all steam generators, steam outlet heads and room sizes. The diffuser, though not pretty, has been proven essential. We believe the diffuser is so important to the balance and comfort of the steam bathing environment, that our technical team is in the process of designing and manufacturing our own! Capable of being installed on every steam outlet head ever manufactured and uniquely constructed for aesthetics and superior performance, the Westland Diffuser will be available in the Spring of 2005.

Important: Always read the manufacturer's installation instructions when locating and installing a steam outlet head. The above detail offers generally accepted information and in no way is meant to replace the specific detail of the installation instructions for a particular make or model steam bath generator.