Buying a Steam Shower: Eight Things to Watch For
Ray Dobson A steam shower can transform an ordinary bathroom into a luxury retreat. But not all steam showers are as great as they seem. Before you buy, here are a few things to look for. All-in-one vs. conversion kit. You can convert a regular overhead shower into a steam shower by buying equipment piecemeal, but don't try to install it yourself. If you buy an all-in-one model, make sure it's high quality. A good-quality frame. The frame that holds the glass panels in place should be made of thick, sturdy aluminum--not plastic. Metal fixtures. Watch out for fixtures made of chrome-plated plastic. Instead, choose showers that have fixtures made of chrome-plated metals. Good testing practices. When buying a steam shower, ask the company whether they do product tests, and how rigorous they are. Quality acrylics. Low-quality acrylics are less fire-resistant, and they usually have a bright white color. Choose a safe shower. The electronics should be certified by a third-party electronics assessment firm, such as UL, ETL, or CE, depending on your country. Your shower should be heavy and sturdy. All-metal frames and fixtures, thick glass and acrylic all add to considerable weight. If your new steam shower feels flimsy, it probably is made from low-quality materials. Get a warranty. When buying a steam shower, choose a vendor that offers a warranty. Discuss how long the warranty will be active, and what it will cover, before purchasing a shower. If you buy a cheap steam shower with a lightweight frame, low-quality acrylics, substandard fixtures, and no safety assessment, you're not doing yourself any favors. Take your time when choosing a steam shower, and you're sure to find a good one. About the Author
R Dobson is director of the online showers and bathrooms company http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk For a range of bathrooms and corner shower enclosures visit http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk/acatalog/Corner_Shower_Enclosures.html Ray Dobson may be contacted at http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk/acatalog/Corner_Shower_Enclosures.html . Click here to view more articles by Ray Dobson. Reprinted with Permission from IdeaMarketers.com
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