"What components do I need to build a ThermaSol steamhead system?"
There are basically three parts: The generator, the control unit, and the steamhead. That's all the system requires, although of course there are many accessories (such as the Serenity Light and Music System and beautifully scented aromatherapy oils) that can be used to upgrade and enhance your steam experience.

"What warranty does ThermaSol offer on their steam generators?"
ThermaSol is so confident of their steam generator systems' dependability, they offer a LIFETIME WARRANTY against manufacturer's defects. This Lifetime Warranty is a factory warranty, meaning you would send the unit back to the factory for repair. However, ThermaSol even goes a step further: The Classic Series and the AF Series also have a two-year IN-HOME warranty prior to the Lifetime Warranty. (The Pro Series has a three-year IN-HOME warranty.) This means, if any manufacturer's defects show within the first two years from the date you purchased your ThermaSol generator (or three years for a Pro Series generator), ThermaSol will send someone right to your home to repair the unit.

"What are ThermaSol's control units made out of? Are they plastic?"
ThermaSol timer/temperature control units AND their remote controls are made out of metal, and are PVD-coated. "PVD" is an abbreviation for "physical vapor deposition", which is a modern plating process that results in a very durable plated surface. The PVD coating prevents the finishes from tarnishing or discoloring.

"How many lines are plumbed to these ThermaSol steam generators?"
There are three basic connections, which is why plumbers tend to love to install ThermaSol generators: There's the 240V electrical line; the incoming cold water line; and the hot water line that's supplying the steamhead. (All Thermasol generators include an electrical plug and cord, but you can remove the plug if you need to hardwire the unit.) Also, note that the generators do also have a temperature and pressure relief valve that has a line that must be plumbed outside; additionally, if your generator is sitting in a drip pan (which is Code in most areas), there should be a drip pan drainage line plumbed out, too. (A drip pan is included with the Pro Series generators, and drip pans can be purchased separately for the Classic Series and AF Series generators.)

"Does my ThermaSol generator need to sit in a drip pan?"
A drip pan comes with the Pro Series generators. The Classic Series generators and the AF Series generators do not include a drip pan, and as far as we know a drip pan is require by Code in most areas. (You can check with your local authorities to see if a drip pan is required in your area, but it's always a smart idea to use a drip pan in any generator system, which will safely allow any water leakage to drain without damaging the floor.) We do sell a drip pan separately that's sized for ThermaSol's Classic and AF Series' generators.

"How many steamheads can I use with my residential ThermaSol unit?"
One. The residential systems are not designed (and cannot be plumbed) for more than one steamhead. However, ThermaSol generators are designed to produce the perfect amount of steam through their single steamhead, as long as the generator has been sized correctly for the steamroom.

"How do I know which ThermaSol steam generator is suitable for my particular steam room? How do I select the correct size?"
To determine the appropriate ThermaSol generator for your needs, calculate the cubic feet of the steam room its to be used in. Cubic footage is determined by multiplying the length x width x height of the room. HOWEVER, when selecting a ThermaSol generator, it's important to be aware that for every foot of ceiling height over 8 feet you have in your steamroom, you'll need to move up to the next largest steam generator. FOR INSTANCE:

• If your steamroom is 8'L x 6'W x 8'H, that would mean the room is 384 cubic feet; therefore, you would select a steam generator such as the PRO-395, which has a cubic foot capacity of 395 cubic feet.
• Now, if your room was 7'L x 6'W x 9'H, that would be a measurement of 378 cubic feet, and it would appear as if the same generator would also be sufficient. However, because in this second example the room is one foot over 8 feet in height, it would be necessary for you to move up one generator size, from the PRO-395 to the PRO-500, in order to compensate for that extra foot of height.

"Will the type of wall material I'm using have any effect on sizing?"
No, the wall material is not relevant. As long as you size the generator accurately as outlined above, you will be fine.

"What happens if a steam generator is used that's sized too small for the steamroom?"
When a generator is too small for a steamroom, no matter the manufacturer, it will not provide sufficient heat. Steam rises, and the generator won't be producing adequate steam for the larger room. The steam will pool at the top of the room, and the lower part of the room won't have nearly as much steam.

"Where do I mount the controls for the steam room? Can I mount them either inside OR outside the room?"
The main control unit MUST be installed inside the steam room, because it has a built-in thermostat that controls the temperature of the room. If you also have the Serenity Light and Music System installed in your steam unit, however, you will be able to use the ThermaSol remote control, which you can mount inside OR outside the steam room and provides complete control of the steam system.

"How is it that I can mount or keep the remote control inside the steam room? Won't the heat and steam hurt the remote? And won't it be too hot to touch?
The ThermaSol remote control is manufactured to withstand the elements inside your steam shower; it's completely sealed to protect the internal components from the heat and steam, and even the easy-to-open battery compartment seals with an o-ring to make it watertight. The handset also has a special coating, which keeps the remote control cool enough to pick up and handle.

"I just want to start off with a generator and a control system. Can I add the remote control later?"
Because the Serenity Light and Music SoundSystem is the receiver for the remote control's signal, the Serenity SoundSystem is required for the remote control to work. However, if you want to start with a simple system and think you may decide to upgrade later, you can always design your steamroom so that you can add the Serenity SoundSystem at a later date. As long as you leave yourself space for the Serenity System above your steamroom ceiling, the SoundSystem can be installed and wired later. There are many different accessory packages available on our site that allow you to purchase the Serenity System and remote control by themselves, or together as part of a larger package.

"What kind of features will the Serenity Light and Music System provide?"
The Serenity Light and Music System brings soothing light and beautiful sound to your steam experience. There's an FM receiver built into the Serenity unit, but the system also has two additional input ports to allow you to connect your own music source. The unit is also a self-amplified speaker, which surrounds you with sound that can be modulated through the control pad (or via the remote control); additional speakers are available, but are not necessary. The system even has a "voice response" system, which verbally confirms your settings through the speaker. The Serenity's three sets of LED lights give you a full spectrum of red, blue, and green, right at your fingertips; all three colors are fully adjustable, to provide soothing shades of color for home chromatherapy. Additionally, the Serenity System also provides white light, the brightness of which can be adjusted to your liking. Also, with this system installed, you will have the ability to use ThermaSol's optional remote control to control all of your steamroom settings.

"What is the Serenity Light and Music System's "voice control" all about?"
With the Serenity system, your control inputs are automated through the music speakers. For example, if you press the Steam button, you'll hear, "Steam session beginning, please sit down". There are a number of different audible responses included in the system; the voice notification system can also be turned off for complete solitude, if you wish.

"You mention the lights in the Serenity Light and Music System allow for "home chromatherapy". What is "chromatherapy"?"
Chromatherapy is an alternative healing method, which uses color and light to balance energy wherever the body is lacking, whether it's physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental. It (along with steam therapy and aromatherapy) is one of the three very important elements that will enable you to get the most out of your steam experience. Your ThermaSol generator and the aromatherapy wells in your steamhead have already provided you two of elements; with the addition of the Serenity Light and Music System, you will enjoy the benefit of all three. ThermaSol has based their chromatherapy treatments on the chakras; each of the seven chakras is associated with an organ or system in the body, as follows:

• Red - Lower Body: Red is the color of life and desire, and is associated with courage, loyalty and perseverance. Red is said to improve blood pressure and circulation.
• Orange - Pelvis: Orange evokes compassion. It symbolizes the sun and makes us alert and cheerful, and is believed to treat depression, discontent, and pessimism.
• Yellow - Stomach: Yellow promotes feelings of freedom, and is believed to have effects that greatly assist the metabolism, strengthen the nervous system, and combat glandular disease.
• Green - Heart: Green creates a harmonizing effect, and promotes relaxation and detoxification.
• Blue - Throat: Blue is the color of peace and infinity, and is often used to aid in the relief of headaches, migraines, stomach pains, and muscle cramps.
• Indigo - Forehead: Indgio promotes perception and intuition; it is often applied in health treatments for the eyes, ears, and nose, and is commonly used to treat addiction.
• Violet - Top of the head: Violet is the most meditative color, and is used to soothe organs, relax muscles, and calm the nervous system.

"What is the purpose of the PowerFlush^™ systems? What do they do? "
The PowerFlush^™ systems purge the build-up of minerals that can build up inside the steam generator. Think of a teapot, after boiling multiple pots of water; if you look inside the teapot, you'll see residue beginning to accumulate in the pot. The same thing will happen in a steam generator, except that the excess build-up in your steam generator can damage the generator and result in costly repairs. Both the automatic and the manual PowerFlush^™ systems correct this problem by cleaning the generator's water reservoir; the waste drains through the steam lines, out the steamhead, and down the drain in the steam room. The PowerFlush^™ feature should be run after every 40 steam showers or so, and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

"What is the difference between the Auto PowerFlush^™ system that's included with the Pro Series and AF Series generators, and the Manual PowerFlush^™ system that's used in Classic Series generators?"
With the Auto PowerFlush^™ system, you can initiate the generator cleansing process at your steamroom control panel; the system controls everything, from start to finish, so you can activate the PowerFlush^™ and walk away. The Manual PowerFlush^™ system still cleans the generator as thoroughly; however, the flushing system is activated by turning a ball valve on the generator itself, and is not controlled through the control panel. The purging process itself is still automatic, so once initiated, the PowerFlush^™ system handles the rest and will complete the process automatically.

"You refer to the ThermaSol steamheads as being "NoTouch^™" steamheads. What does that mean exactly?"
ThermaSol's NoTouch^™ steamheads open and close automatically, both during the steam bath and when your steam generator is using its PowerFlush^™ system to clean and drain itself. At its "resting" position, the steamhead is flush within its wall base, and only extends when its internal thermostat detects sufficient heat behind it from either the steam or the drainage waste during the cleaning process; when not in use, the steamhead retracts discreetly back into the base. Of course, no steamhead should ever be touched when the steam system is in use, as they're extremely hot.

"our page states ThermaSol's steamheads have aromatherapy wells for the aromatherapy oils. Where are the wells? How do I add the aromatherapy oil?"
If you'll look at the design of ThermaSol's steam heads, you'll see there are three curved grooves on the top of the steamhead's base. These grooves lead directly down into the aromatherapy well within the head; the oil is dripped into these tracks to add more to the system. To avoid the danger of scalding yourself, please be sure that you only add oil to the head BEFORE activating the steam system (when the head is closed), and preferably when the head is entirely cool to the touch.

"The ThermaSol generators are described as having a feature called FastStart^™. What is FastStart^™?"
Many generators made by other manufacturers often take a few minutes to finally introduce steam into the steamroom, which can be frustrating. The FastStart^™ feature is a revolutionary advancement ThermaSol devised for their steam systems, which enables their generators to produce steam in the steamroom within less than one minute. ThermaSol steam generators use a split tank system, which keeps the incoming cold water in a separate reservoir from the heated water on the outgoing side; when the steam generator is off, ThermaSol units use thick insulation and a small-wattage bulb to keep the water in the outgoing reservoir warm. (The electricity required to keep the small bulb lit is less than most alarm clocks use.)

"What is the benefit of having two separate water chambers in the generator?"
ThermaSol generators provide constant steam; there's no cycling on and off (steam, then no steam) as can happen with many other steam generators. Most steam generators have a single chamber of water that's used to produce steam; once the water has been used up, that type of steam generator has to refill and then reheat the cold water, which causes a lag in the steam supplied to your steamroom. ThermaSol's generators, on the other hand, keep the cold water in one chamber and the heated water in another chamber; there's a barrier between the two tanks with a number of holes along the bottom, which allows new water to be introduced into the heated tank as the hot water is converted into steam and exits to your steamroom. As the cold water level gets lower, a float ball valve system permits more cold water to trickle into the cold chamber. This keeps both chambers full, and enables the ThermaSol steam generator to provide constant steam at a constant rate. Because of the split tank, ThermaSol generators don't have to fully heat a large reservoir of water repeatedly during each steam, and this greatly extends the life of these generators.

"The Pro Series of ThermaSol generators is listed as having "SmartSteam^™"; what's that?"
ThermaSol's SmartSteam^™ technology is a proportional heating system that produces the precise amount of steam required to keep the room at the optimum temperature, all while conserving energy and maintaining the relaxing environment. The AF Series and Classic Series of generators still produce constant steam, but there can be slight fluctuations in temperature; with the Pro Series and its SmartSteam^™ feature, there are no temperature fluctuations, just constant steam at a constant rate.

"There isn't a lot of room available near my steamroom for a generator. How close does my ThermaSol steam generator have to be to my steam room?"
Your ThermaSol steam generator can be as far as fifty feet away from your steam shower, no matter which ThermaSol generator model you're using. The cables that are used to connect the generator to the control unit are very durable, and have special pin-type, watertight connectors on each end instead of the less-reliable phone-cord-style connectors that are commonly used with other generators.

"You offer fog-free mirrors made by ThermaSol, as well; can they be installed inside my steamroom?"
Yes, they can. Not only that, ThermaSol's mirrors can be connected to your steam system's control unit, as well, for convenient control of the mirror, too.