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Before buy a steam shower there are many things to take into consideration. There are literally thousands of steam shower manufacturers however only a few are worth buying. They key to a good steam shower is the quality of the materials that it is constructed of. Here are a few tips to keep you on the track to owning a quality steam shower enclosure.
Steam Shower Frames
The supporting beams of a steam shower are typically made of aluminum. Aluminum is widely used because of it strength and light weight. The bathtub and shower trays that make up the bottom of many steam showers are typically constructed of a stainless steal frame. It is important that steam showers have both a sturdy base and strong supporting beams. This is a must when shopping for a steam shower. Beware of cheaper models that have plastic supports, these don't have nearly the strength of aluminum and the finish can be scratched off easily.
The tempered glass in steam showers should be at least 5mm thick. Most steam showers have 6mm glass this is something you should ask about before purchasing the shower. Thinner glass has a much higher risk of breaking.
Shower doors are another vital part to your steam shower. The seal around the door is very important if the seal isn't tight enough to much steam escapes making the unit inefficient.
220 Vs 110
There are some companies that will claim that steam showers run better of 220 volts. This is somewhat true but we have found a way to get the best of both worlds. Steam showers were originally produced for European and Asian countries which run of a 220v power source. However American homes run on 110v power. All of our steam showers have a built in power amplifier which converts your 110v to 220v give your steam generator the power it needs while keeping the unit more efficient. This also saves money when it comes to installing you steam shower.
Stock
There are a lot of websites' and eBay sellers that don't have inventories. After you buy the product from them they have it manufactured and shipped taking anywhere from 2-3 months to get your shower. Many of the showers arrive broken because of poor shipping precautions. This seems great if you have the time to wait, however if something goes wrong with your shower it could be months before you have a replacement part. These companies often have little to no technical support if it seems too good to be true it usually is.
Warranty
Steam showers primarily come with a one year warranty on electrical parts and a one year warranty on the shell or acrylic pieces. This is a manufactures warranty. The warranty a company offers some insight to the quality of a steam shower. If they offer a warranty that is longer than the manufactures warranty it is a good indicator that the steam shower is a quality unit.
Certifications
There are many Safety certifications such as ETL, CE, UL, and ISO-9001. Depending on where you live your building inspector may require your steam shower to have certain certifications. ETL certification however is universally accepted in the United States and Canada. It is important to check with your building inspector before purchasing a steam shower that isn't ETL certified; this can save you from having to return the shower which can be expensive and hold up construction.
Common Brand Names
WMK
WMK is a well known steam shower manufacturer. They have a contemporary look to them with their signature blue tinted glass. Their two most popular models are the A-12 and Apollo steam shower. WMK steam showers and bathtubs are ETL certified which means they comply with electrical standards all over the United States and Canada.
Ameristeam
Ameristeam steam showers are also ETL certified. Their traditional look and high quality materials make them a favorite among hotels and condo developers. The Ameristeam P-219 is their most popular unit offering a bench with offers comfortable seating for two similar to commercial steam rooms.
Royal
Royal steam showers are best known for their modern styling and innovative features. They have both a full line of bathtubs and steam showers. Their bathtubs and large combination steam shower units are equipped with air massage pumps along with the traditional water massage jets. Their chromo therapy and ozone sterilization are features found in all Royal units. Their unique styling sets them apart from other steam shower brands they have their own distinctive look. Royal showers will be ETL certified by November of 2007.
Ariel
Ariel steam showers are very popular for their affordable prices and quality craftsmanship. Ariel also has a line of massage bathtubs. Their futuristic look and air massage makes them perfect for any bathroom remodeling project.
