Why mnot a nice steam shower I like the ones that are all prebuilt they go in quickly no issues with leaking they have all kinds of bells andw hisltes too lik music , color change as much bling as you want.Just google [remade steam showers I use them for clients a lot IMO just abetter choice than one built on site. This one is 6K .

Steam showers and saunas are two different things...one is wet and the other dry. In my market, we do many steam units in primary bath showers but no saunas in primary baths. When we include saunas, they are in or near a workout room.

I've never designed with an all-in-one unit like Patricia posted. Typically we include a unit in a custom shower design. I work with Steamist a lot which now has a nice digital valve that can control not only the steam unit but the shower fittings too which keeps your shower free from multiple controls.

Are saunas typical in the houses in your market? If not, I would image three saunas would be odd to potential buyers. They may not want to see a primary bath designed around one.

I agree with the comment above about a sauna.

Oh! Lol. You’re right! I totally read that the wrong way. No, you don’t need a tub in the primary bath. But I’m still not sure about replacing it with a sauna.

If you really want decent answers? Show the existing condition of the bath, and your bath plan. Pictures, drawings, dimensions ,and ALL.

EVERYTHING LIVES IN THE CONTEXT OF A WHOLE. : )

Our house has a sauna in the master bath and that was a major plus for me when we bought it. It’s not as if I use it every week, but when I do, it is soooo nice NOT to have to go to a gym.

Losing the bathtub is not as much of an issue to me personally (if there is a nice shower) than having a sauna taking up valuable space/rarely used. Could the sauna be placed in the basement (take out 3rd tub if you have to),

https://mysaunaworld.com/blogs/my-sauna-world-blog/6-indoor-saunas?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social

For your ensuite, suggest a steam shower and given it‘s a large space, may have room for a soaker tub; double bonus for you and resale.

http://blog.mrsteam.com/7-essentials-to-creating-a-steam-shower?hs_amp=true&epik=dj0yJnU9M2FUeDdkV3BkWFN2aC1rWEJNSW9WbF9lSm1ZUGNocjEmcD0wJm49TC1WVzBCLWJuQkdUTTA2RmdZV1IyZyZ0PUFBQUFBR1BLclZj

Don't worry about resale. This is your home and I'm assuming that if you're undertaking a large remodel, that you'll be in your home for a very long time. Do what works for you.

I probably wouldn't do both the steam shower and the sauna, so pick which one is most important to you. People pull out tubs in the master bath all the time to put in larger showers, so don't be concerned. If you're doing the sauna for health reasons, I'd consider making the shower a walk-in with full universal design to include grab bars. Make the entrance large enough to accommodate a walker/wheelchair if aging in place is the goal. Include a bench and a handshower, too. This doesn't have to look like a hospital shower. All the big manufacturers are making grab bars that match their faucets and towel bars, so it can actually be very attractive.

Transitional Bathroom walk in shower wood grab bar accessible shower · More Info

A Lifetime of Comfort · More Info

I am wondering where the $25k cost estimate is coming from. Self contained, dry saunas can be built from scratch or bought as self-contained wooden cabins that just need to be assembled by buckling the four sides to the top and bottom and plugging in some wires. With a 220 volt electrical plug (or two free spots in your electric panel so an electrician can install one), it is plug-and-play. Cost is under $5000 for one sized for two or for one to stretch out (get the three person sauna unless you like to touch your partner when they are all sweaty, and if you want to stretch your legs out on the bench seat). Mine is beautiful, clear poplar wood from High Tech Health.

Some thoughts...

• IR is not sauna. Despite what sales and marketing folks say, these are very different and do not have the health benefits of a proper sauna (heated by stones upon which you throw water to create steam).
• In Europe a proper sauna helps resale and in much of northern Europe the lack of a sauna hurts resale. In MN, MI, ME, VT and a few other winter climate areas a good sauna (see Trumpkin's Notes) helps resale, a poorly done sauna not so much. In other parts of the U.S. it may or may not depending on the buyer.
• Sauna is also a social activity. Something to be enjoyed with friends and family.

There is some good info at localmile.org, particularly the Intro to Sauna, and Notes on Building a Sauna that you should read.

As to steam shower or Turkish Bath...

• Most people tend to prefer a proper sauna to a steam room from a purely enjoyment standpoint.
• A sauna, when done properly with hot/cold/hot/cold/hot/cold, is better as an after workout recovery element.
• They both have health benefits but the benefits are somewhat different for each.
• Between the two I would easily choose a proper sauna but ideally have both. I would also much rather have a well done sauna than a poorly done sauna & steam room.