Steam Shower Project Planning Guide

Installing a steam shower lets you enjoy the benefits of steam any time you want—all from the comfort of your home. But adding a steam shower is more than a simple DIY project. So where should you start? These tips will help you plan ahead and budget for your steam shower project—one that creates the shower of your dreams. 

Installing a steam shower is an investment in your home—and your wellbeing. To create a space you’ll enjoy and that performs beautifully, check out our “How Steam Shower Systems Work” blog to learn the basics about steam showers. At a minimum, your steam shower should include these key elements:

• A steam system with a generator that’s appropriately sized and easy to access
• A water line and dedicated power line
• A waterproof, sealed, and insulated shower enclosure to contain the steam
• A seat that allows you to relax and enjoy your steam shower
• Adequate ventilation to dry out the space after your steam shower

Beyond these fundamentals, a variety of factors impact the durability and comfort of your steam shower. From the selection of materials to placement of the steam head and controls, thoughtful planning is essential. We’ve compiled dos and don’ts as well as industry best practices in our “How to Build a Steam Shower” blog to get your ideas flowing.

Once you know what it takes to create a great steam shower, you’ll be able to determine if modifying your existing shower is an option or if you need a complete remodel. 
 

Installing a steam shower requires both plumbing and electrical expertise. Unless you’re planning to do all the work yourself, you’ll want to get help from professional contractors.

Whether you’re making minor modifications or completely remodeling your shower, you may want to consult a designer or general contractor. They can help you design a comfortable space and pick the right materials. These pros may also be able to purchase materials at a discount and manage any subcontractors for plumbing, tile installation, and electrical work.

A plumbing contractor can help you determine the best location for your steam generator and other steam system components. In addition to installing your steam system, they can also install the necessary water supply and drainage piping. If you need help finding a qualified installer, visit our Pro Directory.

An electrician can provide advice about the electrical requirements for your steam system. They can also install a dedicated power line to your steam shower generator and connect the internal and optional external controls. As noted in our “How Steam Shower Systems Work” blog, the voltage for your generator must match the electrical service to your home for the best steam shower performance. Single-family, suburban homes commonly have 240V service, whereas multifamily homes, like high-rise condos or apartments, typically have 208V service. If you’re uncertain about the electrical service to your home, ask your electrician to ensure you purchase the right generator.

When consulting these professionals, be sure to request estimates. In addition to your steam system and materials, labor is likely to be one of the primary costs for your steam shower project. 
 

Once you know the location, size, and materials for your steam shower, you can design your preferred steam shower system.

Step 1: Determine what size generator you’ll need. Generators are available in a variety of sizes (measured in kilowatts) to provide the power needed to heat the shower space. Multiple factors impact the size required, such as wall material, the number of exterior walls, windows, and the height of your shower. With our Delta^® steam shower system configurator, you can enter the specs for your shower and it’ll calculate the appropriate size for your space.

Step 2: Select your steam package or pick individual components. Depending on what size generator you need, you can select a kit that includes the 3 essential elements—a generator, steam head, and internal control—or you can purchase individual components. Steam heads and controls are available in different styles and finishes to complement your shower design. 

Step 3: Customize your steam system. Although you only need the basics (generator, steam head, and internal control) to create a comfortable steam experience, you can personalize your steam shower with optional accessories, such as an audio speaker system, lighting, and aromatherapy. Here are a few additional options to consider:

• An external control allows you to turn the steam on and off without stepping into your shower space
• A tilt-up seat conserves precious space in the shower and may be more cost effective than building a custom bench 
• A generator pan is placed under the generator to provide protection from potential generator leaks or condensation buildup 
• An auto drain purges water from the system after each use to help minimize the potential for mineral buildup inside the generator

When creating your steam system budget, steam system pricing is typically available on manufacturer and retailer websites. Keep in mind, however, that discounts may be available through your preferred purchase location and/or your installer.

To avoid surprises, be sure to include a complete list of costs in your budget. Some of the major budget items include:

• Design and/or general contractor services (e.g., shower design, permitting, and project management)
• Shower enclosure renovation or construction (e.g., carpentry work “behind-the-wall”, including framing and waterproofing)
• Shower enclosure finish materials (e.g., tile or stone, shower door, and transom) 
• Plumbing services and fixtures (e.g., installation, piping, steam system, and shower fixtures if needed)
• Electrical services and materials (e.g., installation and wiring)

If you’re using professional contractors, you should be able to get cost estimates for materials and labor directly from them.

While building a custom steam shower lets you design a space that perfectly fits your needs, prefabricated units are also available online and at various retailers. The appeal of these units is their all-in-one, compact design, which simplifies the selection process. To assist with installation of a prefab model, you may need help from a professional plumbing and/or electrical contractor. They can also offer advice about any drawbacks, such as ease of repair. Please note, however, that Delta steam generators are not designed for use with prefabricated units (as the wall material may not be rated for steam use).

Get Help from Our Customer Solutions Team

Throughout your steam shower project, our Delta customer solutions team is here to help. Call us at 1-800-345-DELTA (3358) or send an email to steam-order@deltafaucet.com. Our team of plumbing experts can address any questions you or your contractors have about our Delta steam systems, including installation and maintenance.

Like most home improvement projects, adding a steam shower to your bathroom can run the gamut in terms of cost. As long as you research and plan carefully, you can create a steam shower that not only fits your budget but also lets you enjoy the benefits of steam comfortably.