Steam Baths: essential guide to types and benefits

Steam baths are just one of the many wellness solutions available to clients of a wellness centre or gym. Their main characteristic is that temperatures do not exceed 60ºC, while humidity is maintained very high (around 100%).

In practice, you will find a steam bath as part of a built-in or prefabricated room that uses steam from hot water to obtain the warm and humid atmosphere characteristic of it. Steam baths are also known as Turkish baths or hammam, wet saunas, steam rooms, steam cabins, etc.

They have a wide history of being used for relaxation and detoxification ever since the arrival of the Turks in Anatolia. Merging their own traditions with those of the Romans (who are known to have enjoyed the Roman baths or thermae ) and of the Byzantines, Turkish baths became part of everyday life.

Inside the steam bath, there is normally plenty of sitting room for users to relax in. They could also lie down on the stone, wood or marble benches. The lights are normally dimmed and users relax by inhaling warm steam. It is a quiet, tension-free area with high humidity levels.

Historically, steam baths have always been associated with relaxation and health benefits. According to ancient tradition, the steam helps purify the body and soul. As a result, we now associate these spaces with health benefits that include:

• Detoxifying the body;
• Clearing pores;
• Relaxing muscles;
• Improving blood circulation;
• Increasing oxygen levels in the body;
• Reducing stress;
• Relieving mental fatigue.

While saunas also provide some benefits, the added steam from the steam rooms can be extremely beneficial. It helps relieve joint stiffness and also does wonders for an aching body after hard workouts. Moreover, steam helps release mucus and nasal congestion. This is great during allergy seasons or for those recovering from a cold.

Note: Although these benefits sound amazing, it is worth acknowledging that steam baths are not for everyone. Some people may find the temperature and humidity levels uncomfortable, which would lead to an uneasy experience. Besides, those with certain health conditions could experience a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or palpitations around their temples. This is why steam baths should come with a warning around these aspects.

The different types of steam rooms fall into categories related to the building materials and finishes.

Solid surface

To ensure a steam bath is attractive and sleek, a solid surface design is at the same time minimalist and valuable. These baths are made of elegant, high-quality materials. They are durable in time, which makes them an ideal long-term investment. They are also easy to maintain and keep clean.

Stone line

An irregularly shaped stone finish gives elegance and a natural appearance to a steam room. This is also a long-lasting style. It fits easily into a bigger wellness centre, and other solutions like a hydrotherapy shower can be added to it.

Ceramic coating

Steam baths with a ceramic coating use extruded polystyrene panels with a fibre cement cement finish. This allows for cladding with the coating that can have various types of colours and textures, such as mosaics, which provide a stylish look.

These steam rooms are somewhere in between prefabricated cabins and a built-in room. They are perfectly insulated, retaining the advantages of a prefabricated booth, but with a lower cost than a bespoke built cabin.

Acrylic

Cabins made from acrylic are spacious and bright. These steam baths will suit public swimming pools and other high-use commercial spaces. They are very hygienic, easy to clean and durable.

Wood

For a more rustic, nordic appeal, you can opt for wooden steam baths. These need to be made of soft wood, which can soak up the steam and withstand heat absorption without long-term damage. Such types include: eucalyptus, basswood, cedar, and thermo-spruce.

Bespoke built-in steam baths

In addition to the above, steam rooms can be built to measure from scratch. They can be recessed in an existing building wall or erected on their own as a stand-alone module. They can even be installed outdoors, like outdoor saunas, emulating Finnish saunas.

Regardless of the type of steam bath finally chosen, the steam generator is an essential element in it. It’s the heart of a Turkish bath, capable of turning spaces into wellness experiences.

Depending on the space and the needs of the facility’s users, there are steam generators of different sizes and functionalities. This includes small sizes designed for domestic shower use, as well as complex systems that can allow operators to carry out maintenance work without having to shut the steam bath.

Design and manufacture state-of-the-art steam generators is of key importance. A generator meeting the highest standards of safety and quality should work well regardless of the water types used. It also needs to integrate seamlessly with other solutions and systems as required.

Finally, there are several accessories that can be integrated in a steam bath to achieve a holistic experience for the five senses. These enhance the benefits of relaxation and purification, and include:

• Chromatic therapy functionality;
• Starry skies;
• Music therapy;
• Aromatherapy;
• Innovative touch control panels.

Steam baths are wonderful wellness solutions to be included in a wellness centre or swimming facility. They help users relax and provide a host of health benefits.

In order to perform properly, however, it’s important to find the right balance between the volume of steam and the temperature in these rooms. You should also consider a good-quality steam generator and pick one of the various types of construction materials and finishes that will ensure your steam bath is a total hit.