Recently we remodeled our bathroom and after researching many options we chose the Aquapeutics Computerized Luxury Steam Shower-Whirlpool Sauna Combo Model: Mazatlan BL for $3599 plus $250 for an inline water heater (optional). We purchased this model because it was one of few that would fit in the space we had with dimensions that didn’t cover a floor vent. It was also slightly larger than similar shaped steam showers that included all features. Our final decision to purchase this shower was the overall aesthetics and we believed it to be of better quality. We have used this steam shower for three months and provide more information in my article DIY Small Doublewide Bathroom Remodel to Increase Space and Style. These are my positive and negative experiences with this steam shower.
Positive Features
Once set up this shower is as stunning and visually appealing as in the pictures on Aquapeutics.com. Aquapeutics delivered me a steam shower packaged better than any item I have ever received. It arrived in two solid boxes clearly marked and bubbled wrapped all parts on a strong pallet. I have received many expensive shipped items that arrive poorly packaged and trucking tears them to pieces.
There are minimal pieces to assemble and not too heavy. Very few tools are required for assembly and you could almost guess how it goes together (you almost have to).
All the electronics work and it runs and drains well. The sauna is nicely lit with strong jets and the lights in the shower are bright. The display panel is well placed with simple controls. My favorite part is the rainfall shower because we never used our previous shower due to no pressure. This shower pours out strong over a large area and feels great.
Last, unfortunately I had to contact customer service several times due to shipping delays, instructions, finding and replacing parts. Customer service did a good job contacting by email and phone when needed.
Negative Feature
As much as I like this shower I had issues receiving and constructing. First, we ordered it through Aquapeutics E-Bay listing that stated two Mazatlan BL steam showers for $3599 were available, but after payment it took over a month to receive on backorder. There were no reviews, but luckily I found one buyer on EBay to contact giving positive feedback.
Second, despite being packaged well there were many hairline scratches in the finish. It also has a cheap drain hose that kinked and busted the first use.
Third, this steam shower had very poor instructions. After a month, I never knew of or received a PDF file they were suppose to send with instructions, so I tried to construct it with what was included in the box. I had problems early and contacted customer service that sent me the PDF email. Unfortunately, these instructions were as poorly conceived as the booklet.
In addition to bad instructions, was poorly labeled wires and hardware. You are required to hire an electrician/plumber for this assembly, but they are going to have the same problems. Top screws and panel screws are almost inaccessible in some areas with nothing to screw into. The feet are very hard to access making leveling extremely hard causing doors to not stay open. This could be solved with a small magnet on the back of the sliding doors. This model could also have used a small step, because it is somewhat high to step over.
The sauna has a compression hose that fell out located in front of the motor causing it to not turn off. We solved this problem with information from U-Tube, but should have been provided possible solutions to start.
Fourth, it requires an expensive specialty breaker that you will have locate, electric cords, and other parts that could have shipped with this item for the extra cost.
Last, this luxury steam shower cost twice that of similar steam showers. All hardware on the inside looks to be the exact parts of comparable steam showers. The seat doesn’t allow for two people to sit in the sauna comfortably and some body jets are not practical for use. Finally, the Ozone Sterilization System is somewhat loud and turns on when the shower shuts off instead of with the push of a button. Again, we don’t know if this is intentional, because the steam shower comes with very little information.
We enjoy this shower and it looks nice, but these are some facts I wish I knew going into installation. Total cost for the luxury steam shower was more than the entire bathroom redo.
$3599 shower,
$250 inline heater
$500 plumber/electrician minimum (I did all the shopping and most of the work)
$400 accessories/parts/caulk
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