How to Install a Steam Shower

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

A steam shower is a luxurious addition to any bathroom, but you might be surprised to learn that you can actually do much of the installation yourself. Our how-to guide will walk you through everything from prepping the space to finishing the walls around the shower unit, so keep reading!

Steps

1
If you are replacing a bathtub with a steam shower unit, remove the bathtub before installing the steam shower unit.^{[1]
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Research source} A steam shower unit is designed much like a refrigerator in that it is a sealed unit and you slide it into place and it requires no silicone seams.
2
Ensure that the room containing the steam shower unit is built from mold resistant drywall, and provides necessary ventilation in order to prevent buildup of moisture in the room. Excess moisture can grow molds, mildews, and other structural damages. A single exhaust fan is sufficient for almost all residential steam shower installations.^{[2]
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3
Ensure that the electrical supply for the steam shower unit is GFCI protected, due to the proximity of electricity and water in the unit. The size of the line will depend mostly on the size of your steam generator. Typical sizes of steam generators range from 3000 Watt to 6000 Watt. These would require 240 Volt, 40 Amp line, or 30 Amp for smaller steam generators. Electrician services may be needed in this step, in order to prevent electric shocks.
4
Follow assembly instructions that came with your steam shower. Typical assembly time for a two person steam shower unit should be 2-4 hours for two people.^{[3]
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5
Connect a hot water supply and a cold water supply to the steam shower unit. Steam shower units will require a hot water supply and a cold water supply to feed the shower heads and jets as well as the steam generator. The steam generator uses cold water to generate steam. These connections will be 1/2" flexible line connections in most cases. These flexible connections allow you to slide the steam shower to access the components and also for servicing.^{[4]
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6
Also connect the drain for the steam shower unit. Steam shower units have a 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) flexible hose connection for a drain. This simplifies the drain connection as the existing location of your drain can be used so long as it is within the footprint of your steam shower unit.
7
Level the steam shower unit by adjusting the leveling legs. Typically seven to ten legs can be individually adjusted to provide a stable and level base.
8
If required and/or desired, finish around the steam shower unit to integrate the unit seamlessly with its environment. Any construction material that you use to finish around the steam shower must be mold resistant and suitable for wet conditions.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I need a water heater when installing a steam bath tub?

Community Answer

Either your tub has a steam generator built in or, yes, you need a specialized steam generator for the bath (a water heater will not create steam). Make sure the door to the bath is air tight, and the attached room is very water resilient. Install a fan that pushes fresh air into the steam room from the attached room or outside source, and provide an exit vent low to the exterior of the structure. It will vent the cool, moist air, but leave as much steam and heat high as possible.
Question

What size should the water heater be for the shower?

Community Answer

A steam generator is needed, not a water heater. The size is determined by the cubic footage of the steam room multiplied by a multiplier for the room's wall materials. There is also a multiplier if a wall is an exterior wall. Figure out your cubic footage (length x width x height) and then add half again to that figure (300+150 = 450 ft3). For example, my 300 ft3 room needs a 450 ft3 generator, which is about a 10kW generator. Your manufacturer can best recommend the unit you'll need for your space.
Question

Where can l get a manual for the j-2006 steam shower?

Community Answer

The manufacturer of that shower is long gone (2009). I had no luck locating a manual for it.