I am a about to start a remodel project. The bathroom has a large fixed single pane window (6'w x 4'h) along the back wall where I will be removing an old tub and replacing it with either a steam shower or a regular shower. I would really like to install a steam shower - I'm just not sure if it is possible to do if there is a window.

Any thoughts?

Here are the details:

On concrete slab.
78" w x 120" deep x 96"h
Location: 1 mile from coast - North of San Diego (warm all year with moderate to heavy humidity)

As it is now the bathtub is set against the back wall with a drain in the center of the tub. I would like to remove the tub and have a large two person steam shower. Filling most of the back wall is a large single pane window 6'w x 4'h. I would like to remove the window and replace it with glass block (for privacy) with an inset operable window (probably awning type). It is important to have an operable window to get good airflow. Right now with the fixed window there is no good ventilation (other than a puny little ceiling fan) and this has caused mildew problems.

The problem - Too expensive to reconfigure the bathroom to have the shower anywhere other than along the back wall with the window. Window needs to be operable to allow good ventilation.

The big question - Can I install my dream steam shower and if so how do I waterproof/ vapor proof the window?

Any advice, experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steamed

I don't really know if it could work. I'm from the cold north and in our case that certainly would present some serious condensation issues.

If you replace your window, it would have to be of a vinyl/pvc type or the glass block.
There can't be any wood jamb extensions on the window insert, unless you have enough space that they can be covered with cement board and Kerdi or Noble waterproof membrane.