Steam Shower Installation Basics From MrSteam

If you are a designer or remodeler interested in learning more about the finer points of steam, you've come to the right place! This second chapter of our two-part educational series on steam showers turns up the heat on installation basics, and provides you with the resources you need to create an amazing customer experience with steam. 

>>See Part One-  Steam Showers 101: How To Turn a Bathroom Into a Wellness Retreat - where we talk about the wellness benefits of steam and provide a basic planning checklist to get your wheels turning.

Planning the Steam Shower Installation

One great thing about steam is that you can go as big or as small as you like in terms of the scope of the project. This applies to whether you are converting an existing shower into a personal steam shower spa and wellness retreat, or taking a blank slate and building out a brand new personal retreat. 

Regardless, it's important to plan out the steam shower installation. You will want to consider the overall space, the interior, plumbing, electrical, the steam generator, materials and the rest of the room, including ventilation. Let's explore each step in detail.

Plan the overall size of the space.

When it comes to planning out the overall size of the space you will need for your steam shower installation, it's important to consider the size of the steam room as well as the materials to be used.

MrSteam’s formula for the volume of a steam shower is V=LxWxH which is important when selecting the ideally sized steam generator.

We also suggest considering Anthropometry for maximum comfort.

Anthropometry is “the scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body.”

In other words, don’t start by giving your customers a minimum size based on LxWxH. Instead, design for maximum comfort. Then, adjust the steam generator to fit that space. The minimum size comfortable for one person is 3' x 3' x 7'.

>> See Steam Showers and the Science of Human Comfort

Think about the ceiling.

An 8' ceiling is optimal for a steam room.

The important thing to remember about ceiling height is that steam rises. If you design a room with a grandiose 13’ ceiling, your average height client won’t be standing in steam. The laws of physics dictate that the steam will be up near the ceiling.

You can go higher than 8’ – say up to 10’ – but the size of the generator has to be bumped up to compensate for that increased height.

One question we get asked often is whether a slope in the ceiling is required. Unless you are going to be using your home steam shower for more than 45 minutes at a time, we don’t think it’s necessary.

MrSteam offers several tools to help you figure out which steam generator will work best for your application. You will find them detailed in the resources section at the end of this article.

Plan the interior of the steam room for maximum comfort.

The interior of the steam room should be conducive to relaxation. That means that you should be comfortable for the entire steam session, in a seated position with controls within easy reach.

Bench Seating

MrSteam recommends bench seating within a steam room, either built-in or a shower seat that folds up. You are looking for seating that is a minimum of 15” deep and 18” in height from the shower floor as you see in the sketch below. 

Control Placement

The Steam Head and Floor Drain

The steam shower control should ideally be placed 4’ to 5’ above the finished floor, near the bench for convenient access and on the wall opposite from the steam head so it reads temperature accurately. This control placement is important because there’s a built-in thermostat within the controls that would not read properly if it were placed directly above the steam head.

The steam head should be placed 6” to 12” from the shower floor and on the opposite wall from the control as we just mentioned. It should also be placed away from the bather’s head, body and feet. 

For the floor drain, you might consider linear drains as you see in the image below.

WaterProofing the Steam Bath

It's important to prevent mold and mildew from developing in a steam and bathroom environment. Good options include hot mopping, adding a vapor barrier or using a Closed Cell Membrane (e.g., Wedi-Board).

>> See Dealing With The Unexpected In A Full Home And Steam Shower Remodel

For more information, we encourage you to visit the Tile Council of North America website for frequently asked questions about steam rooms.

Plan the Steam GeneratorSteam Generator Plumbing Connections.

You should use brass or copper pipe only (no PVC or PEX). Plan for the following connections:

• 3/8” water line to the steam generator
• 1/2” steam line from the generator to the steam room
• 1/2” drain line

You will also want to lower the incoming water pressure if possible to (PRV) 15-25 PSI.

Be sure to use threaded unions for easier repairs. Threaded unions are highly recommended since a steam generator is an electromechanical device and you may need access.

>> See How-To Videos for Steam Generators, Steam Showers and Towel Warmers

Plan the Electrical.

You will need 240V (or 208V) household electric, most likely single phase and a dedicated circuit breaker. No GFI is necessary.

Plan for the Steam Generator.

Where will you locate the steam generator? It can be in a heated attic space, in a closet, or even under a built-in shower bench as long as it is not exposed to the inside of the steam shower space. Be sure to review the electrical and plumbing requirements for the steam generator to determine the ideal placement for it.

This 3:23 minute video titled How To Install a Steam Shower is a great resource.  

Plan for Materials.

As we mentioned above, materials matter. To maximize efficiency, it's best to choose non-porous materials such as tile and marble for the shower walls rather than porous ones such as slate and mesh-backed mosaics. 

If you aren't sure, expose your materials to a soak-test. If they absorb water, they are porous and will require a larger steam generator.

>> See Tile Steam Shower? Marble Steam Shower? What's the Difference?

Plan the Rest of the Steam Room.

Lighting can make a big difference in a steam room. If you plan on including lights, we recommend recessed task lighting using energy efficient halogen 75 watt lamps that are designed for steam room moisture and temperature levels. These lights offer a shower-rated trim & gasket and an attractive recessed ceiling mount for architectural integration. This lighting is US and Canadian Listed/ cETLus.

Plan for Ventilation in the Bathroom.

Here's an important question for you: 

We also recommend a standard bathroom exhaust fan outside the steam shower, and louvers to help prevent mildew

If you have windows in the bathroom, we recommend double-paned for exterior windows.

>> See How to Seal Your Steam Shower Windows 

Niches for shampoo and other shower items add beauty and utility to the shower space. 

Choosing Components for the Steam Shower

There are so many good reasons to choose steam – whether you’ve got a client who wants it for the holistic health benefits and is sold by the eco-friendly aspects of steam, or a client who is focused on the skin care benefits and is sold by the relaxation factor. Once you’ve gotten to the point in your client conversation where you’re ready to talk details, this is where you start discussing the steam generator, how to customize the steam experience and the look of the components.

>> Watch the 1:25 minute video titled How Steam Generators Work.

Help with Generator Sizing and More

A helpful tool for selecting the different components of a steam bath is the MrSteam Virtual Spa which takes you sequentially through: 

• Generator sizing page
• Control Package selection page 
• Spa Package selection page 
• Accessory selection page 
• Towel Warmer selection page 
• Summary page 

>> See Create a Dream Steam Shower with MrSteam's Updated Virtual Spa

>> See 13 Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Showers Answered

Customization for the Ultimate in WellBeing

One of the most enjoyable parts of the installation planning process is selecting the SteamTherapy customization elements:

• Aromatherapy – Choose scents to calm or energize using an electronic oil delivery system which infuses aroma into the steam on demand through in-shower control. 

>> See How To Add AromaTherapy To Your Steam Shower To Invigorate Mind And Body

• Chromatherapy – Set the mood with vapor-sealed, low voltage LED MS Chroma modules which are long-lasting and cool to the touch. Chromatherapy lights deliver chromalogic color selections that can be set for a single color or for a cycle (ETL listed).

• MusicTherapy - Express your feelings with AudioWizard and MrSteam 60 Watt peak power two-way speakers which are moisture-resistant, flush mount, marine-grade, and feature powder-coated grills. They are music-ready from virtually any source. 

You'll find convenient steam control packages: 

• iDream
• iButler
• MS Butler

Steam Installation: From Beginning to End

This second article in the Ask Dan & Martha presentation series covers steam installation and planning basics. As 'The Feel Good Company,' we are here to ensure that every aspect of what you do build your clients' dreams about steam to life - from installation to the actual experience they'll have with steam bathing - feels good.

Here is the full Steam Shower Installation Basics presentation from MrSteam.

We want to make it easy for you to do your job well and provide you with the steam knowledge you need. Whether it's sizing a generator or figuring out plumbing connections, we're here to help. 

We hope you feel ready to create the best possible customer experience. Please let us know if you have any questions.

How To Install a Steam Generator: 3 Minute Video from MrSteam

If you're planning a home steam shower and are interested in learning what's involved, you'll find this MrSteam 3-minute video which describes how to install a steam generator worth watching. It's of particular value to steam shower professionals so feel free to share it with your licensed plumber/electrician. 

Seven Steps for Installing a Steam Shower Generator

This MrSteam Feel Good Inc. video about How to install a steam generator visually demonstrates best practices and the steps to follow for successfully installing a steam generator. The notes below supplement the video. Do feel free to make your own notes as you watch. 

And be sure to visit and download the MrSteam Technical Downloads from mrsteam.com. These will help you become familiar with the technical installation specifications for your MrSteam home steam shower generator.

A few special reminders before watching the How to install a steam generator video and embarking on your installation: 

• Confirm if the voltage matches the generator (280v or 240v). 240v is standard in single family households.
• Make sure all plumbing and electrical wiring is performed by a qualified licensed plumber and electrician in accordance with applicable national and local codes.

• Disconnect the power at the breaker before installation.

Where to install the steam shower generator?

The steam shower generator can be installed in different places, such as:

• In a heated attic 

   

• In a closet
• In a vanity
• In the space under your steam shower bench (situating the access panel outside of the shower)

Step 1: Installation of the steam shower generator

Make sure the steam generator is upright and level.

Step 2: Installation of the water feed

Use copper or brass only for the water feed (no pex (cross-linked polyethylene) or PVC).

Step 3: Connect the steam line

The steamhead should be installed 6-12 inches from the shower floor.

Step 4: Installation of the drain line

Pitch as required for a gravity drain.

1-inch gap indirect drain system (check your local plumbing codes for other options).

Check the national and local plumbing codes for pressure relief valve, receptor, trap and vent requirements.

Step 5: Electrical installation for the steam generator

Use a minimum 90 degrees Celsius / 300v rated insulated copper conductor only (sized per NEC and local codes). Size in accordance with the amperage rating of the steam generator.

Install a separate circuit breaker between the power supply and the steam generator unit. Provide a power supply disconnect within sight of the steam generator or one that can be locked in the open position.

Make sure that the power supply is off!

Step 6: Installation of iTempo Control Plus

Create a rectangular cut out which measures 2 5/6 in. x 3 7/8 in.

The iTempo control should be installed 4-5 feet from the floor near the seating area. Do not install it above the steamhead!

Make sure a control cable is installed in a non metallic 3/4" conduit for protection and easy access.

Turn the water on.

At the appropriate time, turn the power supply on to test the iTempo control before mounting it permanently on the wall.

Turn the power supply off while completing the full and permanent installation. Add silicone as shown. 

Step 7: Test the steam generator installation

This is the moment we've all been waiting for!

Turn the power supply back on. Then, turn iTempo Plus on... and the steam will begin to flow while you begin to relax!

Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of a spa steam shower to enjoy every day!

Watch How to Install a Steam Generator

You can watch the 3:23 minute video on Vimeo by clicking on How to install Steam Generator, or watch it below.

Note: This video is for promotional purposes only. For complete installation and operation information, please refer to the MrSteam residential steam bath Installation and Operation Manual provided with the product and available at mrsteam.com. Failure to follow instructions in the manual may result in an inoperable or hazardous installation. The diagrams are for illustrative purposes only.

Now that you've read the notes and watched the MrSteam How to Install a Steam Generator video, what questions do you or your licensed professionals have for us at MrSteam?

Additional Steam Shower Generator Installation Resources

You'll discover valuable insight in the comments and questions that readers like you have already left for this article.

You may also find these additional resources helpful: 

>> How to Size a Steam Shower Generator? Try Our Virtual Spa System

>> Top 3 Maintenance Tips for Your Steam Generator

>> Why Bother with Steam Shower AutoFlush Technology?

Note: This article was originally published on September 25, 2013 and has been updated.