Vertical Spas, which incorporate multiple showerheads, water diverters and sophisticated temperature control systems, are perhaps the biggest trend in today's baths. They offer the relaxation and luxury of a whirlpool spa, but without the time required to fill a large tub. And they still function as an ordinary shower for times when functionality is all-important.

Spas create a steamy massage in a relaxing environment and leave you feeling clean and refreshed. No other environment can accomplish that quite like a Vertical Spa. Vertical Spas vary in design and work with standard plumbing. Others require special behind-the-wall modifications to install larger water supply and drainage lines, or an extra hot water heater. These styles may be more suitable to new home construction instead of renovation where entire rooms are gutted and walls rebuilt.

In addition to Vertical Spas, many homeowners also are adding steam units to their showers, or installing a ready-made, self-contained steam unit that fits into the bathroom much the way a pre-fabricated shower stall would. By installing a steam unit into an existing custom shower stall, a homeowner can create a pragmatic shower and a luxurious spa-like steam room in a single package that fulfills either function.

In general, the trend is toward larger showers, often with stylish frameless doors and glass block walls that allow in more light while sealing off the shower stall. With the extra room in the shower stall, homeowners are not only putting in items such as Vertical Spas, they're sometimes installing oversized showerheads or even entire Vertical Spa units on opposing walls, enabling two people to shower simultaneously without having to share a showerhead.