Buying a Steam Shower is certainly a substantial purchase and with the vast amount of models, makes and offers available on the Internet and elsewhere, the old saying "you get what you pay for" has never been more true.
And that's just not in the quality of the product supplied, but also in the level of reliability, service, after sales support and the availability of spare parts, should there ever be a problem in the future.
Whilst price is likely to be at the forefront of many people’s thinking when making a Steam Shower purchase, all these other important factors should be duly considered, to ensure you receive the best in terms of both product value and service.
AquaLusso showers are a quality made product at a very competitive price. Each model has been carefully selected for quality, price and functionality and we constantly seek to expand and improve the range. The AquaLusso shower range has been available in the UK since 2005, and are available from bathroom and plumbing showrooms and throughout the country as well as online.
So although at first glance a particular steam shower may appear good value, do ensure and check that the following is also offered inclusive of the price you are paying:
High specification quality product (value for money).
Comprehensive Fitting and operational instruction manuals.
Technical Support Line - for direct advice on installations.
After Sales Service.
Spare Parts Availability.
Warranty.
GLASS: All AquaLusso Steam Showers comply with ISO 9001, CE and are fitted with tempered safety glass of between 5-6mm in thickness and have passed the necessary testing to ensure that in instances where the glass should break, this will simply shatter into very small pieces with no sharp edges.
The back panels of the shower cabins are made of mirrored, tempered glass that has also undergone the same tests.
FRAMES: The frames on AquaLusso Steam Showers are manufactured in 1.2mm aluminium, which provides excellent structural support, stability and finish. On cheaper models, frames may be plastic and sprayed to look like aluminium and thus not as sturdy or long lasting.
TUB/BASE: All AquaLusso shower tub bases and steam whirlpool cabins, are fitted with a fully supporting, steel framework bonded to the tub, which affords both a stable footing and assists in offering overall structural stability. Do be aware that if a shower base is not supported on a steel frame, it can have a tendency to flex, leading to cracking of the base or unbalancing the occupant(s) whilst in use.
In general, we would always recommend your Steam Shower be installed by a professional plumber or installer. Ask your retailer if they offer an installation service, as many do. Alternatively they may be able to provide you with details of a competent fitter who has built an AquaLusso shower before.
If you have some knowledge and familiarity with the water supply to your property, the information below should be sufficient for you to determine what your individual plumbing requirements are likely to be. If this is a subject totally alien to you, the information should at least enable you to discuss this with an installer, with some degree of confidence.
CONNECTIONS: All our Showers are designed to be free standing and are connected in much the same way as a washing machine or dishwasher (2 x 15mm compression fittings). Connections for hot and cold water, are at the rear of the shower and if the shower needs an electricity supply, then this is also at the rear. Depending on the model and size, the water connects at the diverter which is positioned about 1.3m from the floor at the rear, so ideally, pipe work finished in this location will be required.
Each shower comes supplied with hoses of approximately 1m length for both hot and cold water feeds. The 13a power supply is typically from under the base and has a cable approximately 1.5m in length.
WATER PRESSURE: All our showers require between 1 and 3 bar of water pressure to function successfully. For optimum results, 2-3 bar is recommended and a flow rate of at least 7.5 litres per minute is required. The water supply must also be balanced (both of equal pressure). Be aware that our showers do not have independent means of heating water for showering - this comes direct from your existing hot water installation.
WATER SUPPLY: If you already have a modern Combi Boiler fitted, this will be fine because most will output a water pressure between 1 - 3 bar. However, because they typically use mains pressure cold water, you must have a Pressure Equalising Valve (PEV) fitted, to ensure that water pressures to the steam shower unit, are always balanced. These are available from most AquaLusso suppliers.
If you have a Gravity fed hot water system, this alone may not produce sufficient pressure to the shower cabin. Although this can be easily overcome, it is an important issue when considering your steam shower purchase. In these circumstances, we would recommend the fitting of a Twin Impeller Pump, so that the hot and cold water are supplied to the shower at a higher and equal pressure. Shower pumps can also be obtained from your AquaLusso supplier.
Ensure that you choose a pump that is rated OVER 2 bar pressure and seek the services of a professional fitter to install it. Pumps MUST be sited in the optimum location in relation to your water tank/s and shower and use the correct diameter pipe work to enable you to get the true benefit from it. We would also recommend that you choose a reputable brand shower pump such as Salamander, who have years of experience in manufacturing them and will provide a long, trouble free and typically silent use - your relaxing shower does not want to be hampered by a noisy pump!
HOSES: AquaLusso shower come with all the pipe work needed to connect your shower to the household water supply and also a flexible waste. You will need to purchase a trap, and the type you choose will depend upon the model and installation location.
The pipes to supply the various services on the shower are all connected to the back of the shower in the central diverter block assembly. These will all be labeled as to which service they should be connected to; foot massage, hand shower, steam generator etc, and all have 15mm fittings.
ELECTRICITY: Our steam showers require a 13amp power supply and the whirlpool baths require 2 x 13amp electricity supplies. All come ready supplied with a cable approximately 1.5m in length, which is typically found under the base. Each cable is pre-fitted with a plug that will enable TESTING of the shower. The electricity supply to the shower or whirlpool MUST be made in accordance with current Legislation on the safe and proper use of electricity with the location you are installing the shower.
Our steam showers and whirlpool baths are supplied with an RCD (Residual Circuit Device) fitted. This safety feature offers you protection in case of a fault with the electricity supply; electrical spike, electricity storm or short. If your Consumer unit (mains electricity board) has a built in RCD, then you should remove the one fitted to the shower as two RCD’s together often false trip each other.
The lights, radio and control pad etc all operate on a much safer 12v (volts) supply that is provided our of the electronics box on your steam shower.
Water and electricity are a deadly combination, please ensure that any work or investigation is carried out with care. Do not tamper with the main electricity supply or electronics box behind or under the product with wet hands. If any investigation of the shower is to take place, disconnect the electricity supply first.
