Yes, you can often convert shower to steam shower without tearing out the whole bathroom, but only if the existing stall can be sealed tight. The generator is the easy part: it hides nearby and pipes steam to a small head in the wall. The hard part is the enclosure, which has to trap steam at the ceiling, the door and behind the walls. Below is a suitability checklist, the steps in order, what a “conversion kit” includes, and when another route makes more sense.
If you are still deciding on budget or size, start with our steam shower generator sizing guide and our steam shower cost breakdown. We will not repeat the price tables or the cubic foot math here.
Can you convert shower to steam shower? The suitability checklist
Every “no” below is either a fix you add to the project or a sign you need a different plan.
- Fully enclosed space. Ferguson’s steam shower buying guide says the steam should be contained in a completely enclosed space, typically with glass doors that extend from floor to ceiling.
- Ceiling height and slope. A flat ceiling drips condensation on you. A JLC (Journal of Light Construction) article on steam showers notes the Tile Council of North America recommends a ceiling slope of 2 inches per foot. Adding slope usually means reframing.
- Vapor control behind the walls. The same JLC article says the enclosure should be vapor controlled on all sides, including the ceiling. The SteamSpa installation manual also warns that steam must be prevented from escaping into the wall cavity. Most regular showers were built to shed water, not stop vapor.
- Wall material. Ferguson notes that marble takes longer to heat than ceramic tile and may need a larger generator. If your stall is acrylic or fiberglass, the SteamSpa manual says the steam pipe must be centered so it does not touch materials not rated for 240°F or higher. Check your surround maker’s rating before you drill.
- Door and transom. You need a door and fixed glass that run to the ceiling, or an operable transom above the door. Look for a sweep and a tight threshold.
- Bench. The SteamSpa manual says not to install the steam head near a bench or where steam or drips can reach the user, a scald hazard.
- Window or fan inside the stall. A window or fan inside the stall pulls steam out. SteamSpa recommends an exhaust fan outside the steam room to clear excess steam from the bathroom instead.
- A home for the generator. Ferguson lists an attic above, basement below, an adjacent vanity, a linen closet or a built-in bench as typical spots. The SteamSpa manual says the generator should be less than 25 feet from the steam room for best performance, installed outside the steam room, in a dry, ventilated place, with at least 12 inches of space on both sides and the top.
How to add steam to existing shower: the steps in order
- Measure and size. Measure the space, note the wall material and size the generator.
- Get a licensed electrician to check the panel. SteamSpa generators in our store are listed at 240V. For example, the SteamSpa Executive 9 KW QuickStart package ($1,999.00) lists 240V and 38A. Confirm panel capacity for a dedicated circuit.
- Pick the generator location within the distance your manual allows, with a service clearance and a path to a drain.
- Open what you need to open. One wall for the steam line, or the whole stall if vapor control is missing.
- Rough in plumbing. The SteamSpa manual calls for a 1/2 inch water supply, a 3/4 inch copper or brass steam line, no shutoff valve in the steam line, a steam line that slopes so condensation drains, no dips, and no PEX or PVC. A licensed plumber does this work.
- Waterproof and vapor seal the walls and ceiling, then tile.
- Install the steam head, control panel and door.
- Test, then register. SteamSpa’s warranty requires registration within 90 days of delivery.
What a steam shower conversion kit really includes
A “steam shower conversion kit” is really a generator package: generator, control panel and steam head. It does not include glass, framing or waterproofing.
| Product | Price | What the listing says is included |
|---|---|---|
| SteamSpa Oasis Series Package | $1,559.00 | Generator, control panel, steamhead(s), pressure relief valve, auto drain, aroma sample |
| SteamSpa Royal Series Package | $1,799.00 | Generator, dual control panels, steamhead, LED light, filter, pressure valve, drain pan, aroma oil |
| SteamSpa Oasis Series Wireless Package | $2,149.00 | Wireless control; listing says no control wires to run to the generator |
| SteamSpa Black Series Package | $2,324.99 | Generator, touchscreen, steamhead, WiFi receiver, speakers, lighting, drain pan, aroma oil |
| SteamSpa 12 KW QuickStart Generator D-1200 | $1,559.89 | Generator only; listing notes it requires a SteamSpa control panel and steamhead |
Two add-ons matter for a conversion. The SteamSpa Complete Essentials Installation Kit STMKIT-02 ($249.94) includes an inline water filter, three extra cartridges, a 10 to 15 psi pressure reducing valve with gauge, a shutoff valve, a flex hose and quick release unions. The SteamSpa warranty requires a quick release and pressure reducing valve plus an inline filter. The SteamSpa Stainless Steel Drainage Pan G-DPAN ($119.99) catches water under the generator and has a 0.75 inch fitting. Some packages already include a drain pan, so check before you add one.
Browse the full lineup on our SteamSpa brand page. The SteamSpa Black Series installation manual is worth reading before you buy.
What usually needs a remodel
A tiled stall with glass to the ceiling and a closet behind it can be simple. Expect a partial remodel when:
- The ceiling is flat or drywall, and needs framing for slope plus a vapor sealed finish.
- There is no vapor control behind the tile, which means removing the tile.
- The glass stops short of the ceiling, so you need new glass or a transom.
- The stall is acrylic or fiberglass not rated for steam.
- Your electrical panel has no room for a new 240V circuit.
When another route makes more sense
If several of those apply, compare the rebuild with other options. A sauna gives you heat without the vapor control demands. Our steam shower vs sauna guide covers that tradeoff. Some shoppers also choose a prebuilt steam enclosure with its own walls and ceiling, which Ferguson describes as an all-in-one unit. Either way, plan for upkeep. Our steam shower maintenance guide explains filter and descaling routines.
A note on health: manufacturers describe steam as relaxing, but heat is not for everyone. Ferguson’s guide suggests getting your doctor’s approval first, especially if you are pregnant or have a health condition. Talk with your doctor before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a true steam shower conversion kit?
Not in the sense of a box that turns any shower into a steam room. Packages bundle the generator, controls and steam head. The enclosure, vapor sealing and glass are separate.
Can I add steam to existing shower with an acrylic surround?
Only if the surround is rated for steam. SteamSpa says the steam pipe must not touch materials not rated for 240°F or higher. Ask the surround maker before you proceed.
How far can the generator be from the shower?
Follow your manual. SteamSpa says less than 25 feet for best performance and notes that a shorter run is better.
Can I install it myself?
SteamSpa’s manual says wiring must be done by a licensed electrical contractor and plumbing by a licensed plumber, and its warranty requires professional installation. Local code has the final word.
Get help planning your conversion
Questions? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. We offer free freight shipping on orders of $999 or more and a $200 flat rate below that. See our return and refund policy for details before you order.
