A home bath has long proven its advantages over a variety of medical procedures that we still use the old fashioned way. The Turkish bath has the most gentle regime, allowing you to warm up the muscles and bones almost every day without the risk of getting dermatitis or something similar. But a decent Turkish bath takes up a lot of space in the apartment. If you don’t have time to go to a public steam room and don’t have room to put a normal apartment bathhouse, a good option would be a shower cabin with a Turkish bath function in the bathroom.
How does a shower cabin with Turkish bath function work?
Shower cabins have long ceased to be just showers. Most of even the simplest budget models have long used different types of hydromassage, and recently inexpensive options with a sauna and Turkish bath have appeared.
Chinese companies, releasing inexpensive models of shower cabins with many additional functions onto the market, force domestic manufacturers to improve their products as much as possible. The leaders in creating showers with all sorts of effects remain the Italians, the French and, of course, the Scandinavians.
The design of the simplest shower cabin with the effect of a Turkish bath differs from a simple cabin with a shower, at first glance, insignificantly:
- The cabin received a durable domed roof and more durable plastic body panels with heat-resistant seals;
- An electric steam generator with remote control and functions for controlling the temperature and humidity of the steam supplied inside the steam room is installed;
- A simple fan for forced drying and removal of condensation from the shower space.
For your information!
A slight modification of a conventional shower made it possible for manufacturers to call the device a shower cabin with a Turkish bath and significantly increase the price of a product of this kind. Sometimes the shower tray can be made with a very high side, up to 40-50 cm high, in this case the advertisement calls the shower cabin a bathroom with the function of a Turkish bath or sauna with a shower.
Arguments in favor of a sauna cabin
Modern plumbing fixtures are multifunctional. In the cabins you can not only wash yourself, but also get a lot of pleasure from hydromassage, color and aromatherapy, tropical showers or steam treatments.
When choosing functions, buyers are guided by their own needs and desires.
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Shower cubicle with hydromassage function
Rain shower in the cabin
Chromotherapy: lighting in the booth
Spacious cabin with steam generator
The bathhouse and sauna improve your health. Under the influence of steam, pores open, lymph flow is activated, and blood circulation improves. Therapeutic and hygienic procedures in the sauna effectively help the body resist colds and alleviate the condition of people with respiratory diseases.
Through open pores, the body is cleansed of accumulated waste and toxins, and excess water. Thanks to this, after the procedure a person feels lightness throughout the body. The skin becomes more elastic, and the effect of masks, creams, and anti-cellulite cosmetics is enhanced.
The sauna is an excellent remedy for fatigue. It relaxes muscles, accelerates metabolic processes, and promotes the removal of lactic acid from the body. Hot steam is what you need after hard work or the gym
Not all people are suitable for a sauna. Diabetics, people with serious diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as pregnant women should avoid the procedure.
In addition, during the procedures themselves, you should use common sense: do not overeat, do not drink alcoholic beverages and protect your hair from hot steam. Then the sauna will only bring benefits.
If you don’t want to waste time and money on going to the sauna, it makes sense to install a compact shower stall with a steam generator at home. This is not a cheap plumbing equipment, but the costs are more than worth it
A sauna in your own apartment is very convenient. To enjoy it, you don’t have to go anywhere or risk your health getting home after steam treatments. If you purchase a multifunctional shower stall, you can save time, money and take a steam bath at any time of the day or night.
The advantages of such equipment are obvious:
- Hygiene . Public saunas are a source of potential infection. Even if all precautions are taken, there is no guarantee that you will not have to treat fungus or skin diseases. A private sauna is an option for those who care about their health.
- Compactness . Plumbing takes up minimal space; it can be installed in a medium-sized bathroom or in a combined bathroom.
- Multifunctionality . In addition to the sauna, the shower stall can be equipped with many useful devices: rain shower heads, lighting, etc. After the steam room, it is especially pleasant to pamper yourself with aromatherapy. Properly selected oils combined with steam will bring even more health benefits.
- Efficiency. The steam in the cabin is not much different from that of a traditional sauna. The procedures are almost the same.
- Attractive design . The shower stall looks neat and stylish. It fits perfectly into any bathroom design.
- Reasonable price compared to a regular shower stall. Plumbing with a sauna function is more expensive than traditional ones, but the difference is not so great as to deny yourself the pleasure.
Any technology has its own disadvantages and limitations. They are also worth taking into account. For a shower stall, this makes it difficult to diagnose in case of malfunctions. If malfunctions begin, you will have to call a specialist, because... It will be difficult to figure out which parts are faulty on your own.
There are models that combine all conceivable functions at the same time. These are complex systems with a large number of different elements, which makes them vulnerable and makes it difficult to find the causes of malfunctions
Another disadvantage is energy dependence. This equipment consumes a lot of electricity, so you will have to pay for bath procedures, but their cost will still be much lower than visiting a public sauna. Otherwise, this plumbing is impeccable. The main thing is to choose a model from a good manufacturer.
Choose a shower cabin option
If you have finally decided that a shower cabin and a Turkish bath, according to reviews from the owners, are a very necessary and useful thing, you should decide how to buy a reliable and inexpensive option for a Turkish bath.
- The simplicity of installing a shower cabin with the function of a Turkish steam room suggests solving the issue in one of the following ways:
- Install a roof and a steam generator with a Turkish bath function on your home shower. This cheapest option is quite suitable if the glass and plastic of your shower cabin can withstand high temperatures of 50-60°C. The main costs will be the purchase of a steam generator, power supply and installation of a good water filter for ultra-fine water purification;
- Buy an inexpensive, high-quality cabin that meets all requirements, and independently equip it for a Turkish bath;
- Choose an option from the list offered by the Chinese manufacturer, which has as options the most necessary things - a sauna, Turkish bath, hydromassage, good ventilation and, most importantly, a strong and durable shower enclosure.
Advice! Any option for purchasing a shower cabin will require your personal participation in a thorough check of the quality of assembly and materials, seals and connections, the operation of doors and shower taps.
Step-by-step installation technology
Step #1 – preparatory stage
Before installing the steam generator, the shower cabin should be properly prepared for this procedure. For the device to work effectively, it is necessary to make the booth airtight. To do this, install a special cap on top. Sometimes such an element is already provided by the manufacturer, but if this is not the case, you will have to purchase and install the necessary part of the appropriate size. After this, you need to check the shower stall for leaks and eliminate any identified deficiencies.
Before installing the steam generator, the shower stall should be sealed by installing a special cap. In addition, several fans are installed inside to circulate air.
The second important point is forced air convection inside the shower stall. A couple of fans are enough for this in a small space. Small devices with a power of about 12 V are suitable. They will ensure the movement of air masses necessary for steam procedures.
When connecting a steam generator, it is important to adhere to safety rules for electrical appliances that operate in conditions of high humidity, typical of a bathroom. Even a small contact of a live electrical wire with water vapor can cause a short circuit or other serious damage.
Therefore, it is worth considering the possibility of installing a steam generator outside the bathroom, and connecting a special steam supply pipe to the shower stall.
Step #2 – prepare tools and materials
To properly install the steam generator, you should prepare the necessary materials, as well as a set of tools. The master will need:
- drill with a set of drills of different sizes;
- a set of dowels and screws;
- adjustable wrench;
- flexible metal hose;
- copper pipe;
- plastic pipes for connecting the device to the drain.
Typically, pipes and hoses with a diameter of half an inch are used to connect the steam generator. However, before starting work, you should carefully study the manufacturer’s instructions that come with such a complex device. It will indicate important points that relate specifically to a specific model.
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Step #3 – choosing a location for installation
To install the steam generator, it is recommended to choose a room located closer to the bathroom. The distance from the steam generator to the shower stall should not exceed 10-15 m. A small pantry may be the best choice, but if there is none, you can install a steam generator in the kitchen.
It should be remembered that the device will have to be connected to the water supply, electrical network and sewerage system, so it is better to choose a mounting location to which these communications can be connected at the lowest cost.
When installing a steam generator, the device must be connected to the water supply and sewerage, as well as to the electrical network. A special tube is installed to supply steam.
Here are some recommendations to help avoid mistakes during installation of a steam generator:
- the distance from the walls and floor to the device must be at least 50 cm;
- the steam pipe should be given a slight slope towards the shower stall so that moisture condensed on the surface of the pipe can flow down;
- the entry point of the steam pipe into the bathroom should be located at the bottom of the wall so that visitors do not get burned if they accidentally touch it;
- in the room chosen for installing the steam generator, there must be good ventilation so that the additional moisture generated during operation of the device evaporates faster;
- To install a steam generator, it is necessary to allocate an area of at least 0.25 square meters. m, but sometimes more space may be needed depending on the chosen model.
Step #4 – installation itself
Steam generators are available in floor-mounted or wall-mounted versions. Small models are more convenient to hang on the wall. To install a wall-mounted steam generator, you must perform the following operations:
- Mark the wall, indicating the locations for installing fasteners.
- Drill holes for dowels in the required places.
- Install the dowels and screw the screws into them.
- Hang the device on the fasteners.
- Connect the ball valve to the water supply using a flexible metal hose.
- Connect the steam line to the device using a copper pipe.
- Install a plastic pipe and connect it to the drain.
- Place the temperature sensor in a suitable location using a special wire to adjust its position.
- Install and connect the control panel.
- Connect the steam generator to the electrical network.
- Fill the device with water, turn it on and check its operation.
Floor-standing models are not hung on the wall, but simply installed on the floor. Otherwise, the installation procedure is practically no different from the actions provided for wall-mounted models. Typically, the inputs for connecting communications are located on the left side, but if necessary, this point can be corrected by changing the position of the longitudinal box of the steam generator so that the connection points are on the right.
1 – steam output; 2 – steam line; 3 – drain valve; 4 – filter; 5 – temperature sensor; 6 – wall; 7 – sensor wire; 8 – steam line outlet from the steam generator; 9 – plug; 10 – remote control unit; 11 – automatic device for turning on the control unit; 12 – temperature regulator; 13 – water level sensor; 14 – connection to the network; 15 – water level sensor connector; 16 – heating connection
An interesting option for connecting a steam generator to a water supply and sewerage system is presented in the following material. It clearly demonstrates a number of errors, as well as ways to eliminate them.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0r5Uqlvt8I4
When the steam generator is turned on, a magnetic valve is automatically activated, which controls the flow of water into the evaporator tank. Steam appears approximately three to five minutes after the device starts operating.
When you turn it on for the first time after steam starts flowing, it is recommended to turn off the device and then turn it on again. If steam flows normally through the steam line, it means the installation was completed correctly. If there is water left in the tank after using the steam generator, it is recommended to drain it. This will reduce the likelihood of corrosion processes and increase the service life of the device.
What does the market offer?
Most often, the first purchase of a shower cabin with hydromassage and Turkish bath function is truly budget-friendly. In this segment of models there are most Chinese products. Despite a certain prejudice, Chinese shower cabins have a very good reputation if they are manufactured industrially at an enterprise and not assembled from second-rate components and spare parts.
Such models are more expensive and are often brought by sellers upon order and prepayment. A typical representative of the Chinese high-quality shower cabin range is Appollo A-0812.
This corner model has a hydromassage and steam generator to create the atmosphere of a Turkish bath. The dimensions of the sides of the base are 123 cm, the height of the entire structure is 220 cm. A salient feature is the simplicity and reliability of the body, doors, drainage systems and shower taps.
In addition to corner options, you can consider a cabin with a rectangular body similar to the Appollo A-238. The equipment and configuration option corresponds to the previous one, but the overall dimensions are smaller - an area of 142x93 cm, with a height of 216 cm.
A cheaper option may be the NG-908-01S model. This corner model is smaller in size - 90x90 cm, has a hydromassage and a Turkish bath. This bathhouse costs half as much as the previous options. In addition, the manufacturer has provided a folding seat, which in most cases is very useful in practical use.
Imported showers and baths on the market are represented by Italian and German models. For example, the Am.Pm Sense Deep 6 has an angled acrylic design. The dimensions of the shower cabin with a Turkish bath are standard - 90x90x220 cm. The model is equipped with external and internal touch controls, hydromassage and a steam generator with a Turkish bath function. Unlike other models, there is quite powerful forced ventilation not only for the shower, but also for all niches and cavities of the shower stall.
An interesting model is the Russian-made shower cabin Radomir Elis 2.
This is a box-type structure with dimensions of 168x86 cm and a height of 226 cm. The equipment includes a hydromassage and a Turkish bath. But the hydromassage system is divided into sectors with different levels of direction and power of water jets. In the lower sector, the nozzles are aimed at the lower leg and foot area; in the upper sector, the hydromassage is aimed at the lumbar region and back. The model provides precise regulation of the air temperature inside the box.
As a system for the prevention and protection against fungal formations, Alice 2 has an ozonation system for the internal space of the bathhouse. This is the safest and most effective way to combat pathogenic microflora. The model is heavy, powerful and reliable in operation, but it cannot be called cheap.
Is it worth making a steam generator yourself?
Some craftsmen successfully make a steam generator on their own. The simplest and most common model is the one made from an old gas cylinder, without gas, of course. A series of holes are made in the container, and heating elements are inserted inside, which serve as heating elements.
Homemade steam generators for shower stalls can be made from available materials, but their use can be dangerous to health and property
It is worth immediately noting that homemade steam generators work less efficiently than industrial models. In addition, it should be borne in mind that a homemade device may pose a danger to surrounding objects, as well as to human health.
It is strongly not recommended to use such devices in multi-storey buildings, since if they break down, they can cause significant damage not only to the owner’s personal property, but also to the apartments of his neighbors living on the lower floor. Sometimes such models explode, then the losses will be much higher.
Of course, the cost of a good industrial steam generator can be quite high, but human life is much more expensive. To save money, you can choose a small model of a simple design, equipped with basic functions without additional options. Another opportunity to reduce costs is to install a steam generator yourself.
Features of the operation of shower cabins with Turkish bath function
First of all, the cabin requires periodic sanitization; the ozonation system copes best with microflora. But in cheap models it is not installed, and in some cases its operation requires special maintenance and adjustment. The acrylic plastic of the shower cabin can and should be washed, but not with any means, but with a specialized one, without deep penetration solvents. The favorite place for accumulation of fungal formations is the silicone seal at the junction of individual parts of the pallet and doors. In this case, it is better to replace the seal and completely process and dry all closed niches with equipment.
In some cases, the problem of high-quality drying of the interior space of the shower arises. Even in imported versions, the built-in fan for forced drying and ventilation is not always enough, so the doors are left open for a long time. In this case, it is easier to replace the standard motor with a more powerful one, because the built-in ventilation system is primarily designed to remove condensate that collects in closed cabin cavities.
Advice! When choosing a shower design with a Turkish bath, pay attention to the door closing system.
In high-quality options, a roller system or a sliding pattern on fluoroplastic liners is installed in the guide grooves. Most often, due to the poor quality of the rollers and liners, scuffing occurs, and the doors begin to jam even with slight contamination.
Brief overview of the best models and manufacturers
The leading positions in shower cabin ratings are occupied by the following brands:
- AM.PM;
- Atlantis;
- Aquapol;
- Eger;
- Niagara;
- AquaStream;
- Luxus;
- Ravak;
- GM;
- Keramac;
- Apollo;
- Radaway;
- Sansa;
- Koller Pool.
These are reliable manufacturing companies whose products rarely have serious complaints. At the same time, there are no universal models that would appeal to all customers without exception. We offer an overview of shower stalls that are in greatest demand:
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AM.PM. Bourgeois - a comfortable model
Equipment of the Niagara NG 908S model
Functions of the shower cabin Luxus 532
Aquapol AKL-900 L – smooth lines and versatility
The lists of the most popular shower stalls include Chinese models. Don't be afraid of the country of origin.
The listed brands do not disappoint customers, and their production facilities monitor the quality of their products. It is among the Chinese models that it is easiest to find a multifunctional cabin at an affordable price.
DIY installation instructions
Installation of the device includes the following steps:
- cabin preparation;
- purchase of materials and tools;
- choosing the location of the device;
- installation work.
Preparation for installation
Before installing the device, you need to ensure that the cabin is completely sealed. To do this, the top cover is equipped with a cap. In some cases the part is included in the kit. If it is missing, it must be purchased separately. For efficient operation of the generator, constant movement of the entire volume of air is required. For this purpose, 12 W fans are installed.
Before installing the device, the cabin must be sealed.
When installing the steam generator, follow safety rules. The live wire must not come into contact with the steam.
It is recommended to place the device outside the premises. In this case, a supply tube is connected to the cabin.
Required tools and materials
To install the device you will need:
- drill with drills;
- screws and dowels;
- adjustable wrench;
- copper tube;
- flexible metal hose;
- polymer pipes for connecting the generator to the drain system.
For installation you will need a drill with drill bits.
Choosing an installation location
At this stage, follow the following tips:
- The equipment is placed in a room located next to the bathroom. The distance from the steam generator to the cabin should not exceed 15 m. The device can be installed in the kitchen or pantry.
- The devices are connected to the electrical network, water supply and sewerage systems. The insertion points must be freely accessible.
- The wall-mounted generator is mounted at a height of at least 50 cm from the floor.
- The pipe should run at an angle directed towards the shower stall. This allows condensation to drain down.
- The pipe insertion point should be located at the bottom of the wall. This eliminates accidental touching of a heated element when visiting the cabin.
- The generator installation site must be well ventilated. This ensures rapid evaporation of moisture generated during operation of the device.
- The installation area is selected taking into account the model.
Steam generator diagram and installation
There are floor and wall mounting methods.
Steam generator installation diagram.
In the second case, perform the following steps:
- Mark the wall, indicating the location of the fasteners. Form holes for dowels. After placing these elements, screws are inserted.
- Hang the generator on the prepared mounts.
- Using a flexible metal tube, the device is connected to the water supply system. A ball valve is installed to help stop the water supply.
- Connect the steam line to the device with a copper tube. Connect the generator to the drain system.
- Place the temperature sensor in a convenient place. For this, a wire is used to help change the position of the part.
- Install the control panel. Connect the generator to the electrical network.
- Fill the tank with water.
Floor options are placed on horizontal surfaces. The connection procedure is similar to that of the previous model.
It is possible to select the position of the steam generator box. In this case, the outlets for connecting to communications will be located on the right, and not on the left.
Reviews
True connoisseurs of the Russian bathhouse clearly call shower cabins with steam generators useless pampering. But many users who have such devices speak very positively about them: warming up in cold weather or at the onset of a cold is pleasant and useful.
Among the opponents were buyers who took the risk of purchasing cheap products: the steam escapes and they did not receive any positive effect from the procedure. But owners of high-quality steam rooms (insanely expensive) rate them highly.
Making your own steam generator
Home craftsmen assemble devices with their own hands. The easiest way is to make a generator from an empty gas cylinder. Several holes are made in it into which heating elements are inserted. Homemade generators are also made from pots or metal buckets. The use of such devices may be dangerous. In addition, they are less efficient than factory models.
A steam generator can be made from an empty gas cylinder.
A home-made structure can injure a person or damage property. It is not recommended to install it at home. A homemade product can explode, causing damage not only to the owner of the apartment, but also to the neighbors.
Control
The control unit communicates with the steam generator. Turning on, turning off, setting the operating mode - all these functions are set from the control panel. Professionals advise placing it next to the generator.
The temperature regime is changed by the regulator. This operation can be performed both before turning on the device and during operation.
Installation and configuration completed successfully. This is evidenced by the appearance of steam when turned on and vice versa after turning off the steam disappears. Now you can enjoy the bathhouse right in the shower. Have fun!
Once the temperature has been set and the generator has automatically filled with water, you can wait for the steam to start flowing within a few minutes.
Kinds
There is an opportunity to turn the shower room into something like a sauna. Moreover, the cost looks much more interesting than that of a finished cabin with such a built-in gadget. You just need to purchase a steam generator with a very small list of functions. Nowadays, units are manufactured that differ in the method of heating water and producing steam.
- Electrode steam generators. Water is heated using electrodes. When current passes, water is converted into steam. Scale does not appear on the electrodes, and therefore they do not burn out. Undoubtedly, a big plus is that their price tag is the lowest among steam generators.
- Heating steam generators. They produce steam using special heating elements. Such generators can operate on distilled water, which allows the remaining condensate to be used in a new circle. But this advantage is offset by a number of disadvantages - the complexity of the design and, as a consequence, a higher price.
- Induction steam generators. As the name implies, heating occurs due to electromagnetic induction. Their great advantage is that they do not contain consumable elements, such as electrodes or heating elements.
How does a steam generator work?
To transform a shower stall into a bathhouse, household steam generators are used. The operating principle is the same for all models. The simple device consists of a water tank, a heating element and 3 solenoid valves.
The first is used to supply water, the second releases steam, and the third drains unused liquid into the sewer system.
The device functions like this:
- The sensor measures the water level in the tank. When it reaches the bottom mark, the first valve opens.
- After collecting liquid, the supply stops, the heating element is activated, thanks to which the water is heated. The user sets the temperature independently.
- Once the desired value is reached, the heating element turns off.
- The control unit monitors the water level in the tank by periodically opening the supply valve.
- After completion of the work, excess liquid begins to be discharged into the sewer.
The steam generator measures the water level and heats it.