Scale and sediment buildup is the leading cause of steam generator failure — and it is entirely preventable with the right maintenance. ThermaSol is the only steam generator brand in the industry that solves this problem from the inside out with a built-in, automated cleaning system called PowerFlush. Exclusive to ThermaSol PRO Series generators, PowerFlush uses a pressurized inner tank cleaning system to flush calcium and sediment out of the generator automatically — protecting the heating elements, extending the unit's lifespan, and keeping every steam session running exactly as it should. This guide covers how PowerFlush works, why it matters, and how to run it on every ThermaSol control.
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Why scale and sediment matter
Every steam generator heats water to produce steam — and wherever water is heated, dissolved minerals separate and deposit as scale. Over time, calcium and sediment accumulate inside the generator tank, coating the heating elements, restricting water flow, and forcing the unit to work harder than it was designed to. The consequences are measurable: reduced efficiency, inconsistent steam output, premature wear on components, and ultimately generator failure.
In hard water areas, this process accelerates significantly. A generator that might run for years without issues in a soft water area can develop serious scale problems within months in an area with high mineral content. The harder the water, the more critical a regular cleaning routine becomes.
Most steam generator brands address this with periodic manual descaling — an external process that requires shutting down the unit, connecting a descaling solution, running it through the system, and flushing. ThermaSol takes a fundamentally different approach.
ThermaSol is the only steam generator brand with a built-in cleaning system. PowerFlush is exclusive to ThermaSol PRO Series generators — no other residential steam generator brand offers an automated inner tank cleaning system built directly into the unit. Every ThermaSol PRO Series III generator includes PowerFlush as a standard feature, not an add-on.
How PowerFlush works
PowerFlush uses household water line pressure and specially designed speed slots inside the inner tank to boost water pressure within the generator. As the pressurized water moves through the tank interior, it sweeps calcium deposits and sediment out of the system and into the drain — without any chemicals, external connections, or manual intervention.
A full PowerFlush cycle runs for 45 minutes. The cycle has two distinct phases:
Phase 1 — flush (first 7 minutes). Water flows from the steamhead into the shower drain, carrying calcium deposits and sediment out of the generator tank. You will notice water draining from the steamhead during this phase — this is normal and expected. Keep the shower enclosure door closed during this phase.
Phase 2 — steam session (remaining ~38 minutes). Once the flush phase is complete, the generator automatically switches to a normal steam session for the remainder of the cycle. The PowerFlush is complete when the cycle ends and the generator returns to standby.
Important safety note: No one should be inside the shower enclosure during the PowerFlush cleaning cycle. Close the enclosure door before starting the cycle and do not enter until the cycle is complete.
When to run PowerFlush
ThermaSol recommends running PowerFlush at least once a month — and at a minimum after every 1,000 minutes (16.66 hours) of usage. The generator tracks usage automatically and will prompt you to run a PowerFlush when the 1,000-minute threshold is reached. Three warning sessions occur before the lockout, giving you notice to schedule the cycle before it becomes overdue.
In hard water areas, running PowerFlush more frequently — every two weeks rather than monthly — provides additional protection and keeps mineral buildup from accumulating between cycles. The more frequent the steam sessions and the harder the water, the more often PowerFlush should be run.
Manual descaling every few years. PowerFlush handles routine maintenance automatically — but ThermaSol also recommends a manual descaling by a licensed plumber or authorized technician every few years to eliminate deep mineral deposits that may accumulate over time. Regular monthly PowerFlush cycles reduce how frequently this is needed, but it is not a substitute for periodic professional service on hard water installations.
How to start PowerFlush on each ThermaSol control
ThermaTouch2 and SignaTouch
Go to Settings on the control. Select Start Power Flush from the menu and confirm. The cycle will begin automatically.
MicroTouch and OneTouch
Press the — and + signs at the same time and hold for 5 seconds. The array LEDs will flash in a clockwise direction to confirm the cycle has started.
TempTouch
Hold the up and down arrows at the same time for 10 seconds to enter the settings. The status bar will go from right to left and light up Music, Steam, and Light icons to confirm the cycle has started.
Signature Series and Elite
Enter Settings by holding the up and down arrows at the same time for 5 seconds. Scroll until you see Power Flush, press Select, then press up or down to select YES and confirm with Select.
For any control not listed here, visit the ThermaSol Support Center for step-by-step instructions specific to your control model.
What PowerFlush protects
Regular PowerFlush cycles protect every critical component inside the ThermaSol PRO Series III generator:
Incoloy heating elements. ThermaSol PRO Series III generators use Incoloy heating elements — chosen specifically for their superior corrosion and scale resistance. PowerFlush keeps scale from accumulating on these elements, maintaining heat transfer efficiency and extending element life.
Split tank design. The PRO Series III uses a split tank design that separates the heating function from the water feed function — an exclusive ThermaSol feature. PowerFlush works in conjunction with this design to flush the water feed section while the heating section maintains integrity.
CAN BUS digital communication system. The PRO Series III uses CAN BUS technology for seamless digital communication between the generator and ThermaSol controls — another exclusive ThermaSol feature. Keeping the generator clean and running as designed protects this communication system and ensures reliable Smart Steam performance.
Water inlet and flow paths. Scale buildup restricts water flow through the generator, reducing steam output and causing the unit to run longer to achieve the same result. Regular PowerFlush cycles keep the flow paths clear and steam output consistent.
Smart Steam sensors. Scale on sensors causes inaccurate temperature readings and inconsistent steam output. PowerFlush keeps sensors clean and ensures ThermaSol's patented Smart Steam technology can do its job — delivering steam at a constant rate without spikes, lags, or temperature fluctuations.
PRO Series III — what PowerFlush is part of
PowerFlush does not exist in isolation — it is one of several exclusive ThermaSol features that together make the PRO Series III the most advanced residential steam generator available:
- Smart Steam (patented) — delivers constant steam at a constant rate, eliminating temperature fluctuations and vapor bursts
- FastStart — produces steam in seconds, not minutes
- PowerFlush (exclusive) — built-in pressurized inner tank cleaning system
- Split Tank Technology (exclusive) — separates heating and water feed functions for superior efficiency and longevity
- CAN BUS Technology (exclusive) — digital communication system for seamless control integration
- Incoloy heating elements — superior corrosion and scale resistance
- Stainless steel drain pan included — simplifies installation and maintenance
- ThermaSol Lifetime Warranty (exclusive) — the strongest warranty in the steam generator industry
The PRO Series III can be installed up to 50 feet from the shower and must be placed in a finished, climate-controlled space with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides. The unit must remain accessible at all times — do not enclose it behind walls or inside a bench.
PowerFlush and ThermaSol's Lifetime Warranty
Every ThermaSol PRO Series III generator is backed by ThermaSol's Lifetime Warranty — the strongest warranty in the steam generator industry. Running PowerFlush regularly as ThermaSol recommends keeps the generator performing as designed and ensures the warranty remains valid. Neglecting PowerFlush is not just a maintenance oversight — it is the kind of preventable issue that shortens generator life and can affect warranty coverage.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I run PowerFlush?
ThermaSol recommends at least once a month, and at a minimum after every 1,000 minutes of usage. In hard water areas, run it more frequently — every two weeks is a good practice if you use your steam shower daily.
Can I be in the shower during PowerFlush?
No — no one should be inside the shower enclosure during the PowerFlush cycle. Close the shower door before starting and do not enter until the cycle is complete.
How long does a PowerFlush cycle take?
45 minutes total — approximately 7 minutes of active flushing followed by approximately 38 minutes of steam session. The generator returns to standby automatically when the cycle is complete.
Is water draining from the steamhead during PowerFlush normal?
Yes — during the first 7 minutes of the cycle, water flows from the steamhead into the shower drain. This is the flush phase working correctly, carrying calcium and sediment out of the generator tank. It is not a malfunction.
Do other steam generator brands have PowerFlush?
No — PowerFlush is exclusive to ThermaSol PRO Series generators. No other residential steam generator brand includes a built-in automated inner tank cleaning system. Competing generators require periodic external manual descaling — a process that takes more time, requires chemicals, and depends on the owner remembering to do it.
What happens if I skip PowerFlush?
Calcium and sediment accumulate inside the generator tank, reducing efficiency, restricting water flow, and accelerating wear on heating elements and sensors. The generator will eventually prompt a PowerFlush lockout — requiring a cycle before normal operation can resume. Long-term neglect of PowerFlush is the leading cause of preventable steam generator failure.
Does the PRO Series III need manual descaling too?
Yes — ThermaSol recommends a manual descaling by a licensed plumber or authorized technician every few years to eliminate deep mineral deposits that regular PowerFlush cycles may not fully remove. Monthly PowerFlush reduces how often this is needed but does not eliminate the need entirely on hard water installations.
Which ThermaSol generators include PowerFlush?
All ThermaSol PRO Series III generators include PowerFlush as a standard built-in feature. It is exclusive to ThermaSol — no other brand offers an equivalent built-in cleaning system.
Shop ThermaSol PRO Series III at TheSteamStore.com
Browse the full ThermaSol PRO Series III lineup at TheSteamStore.com — every PRO Series III generator includes PowerFlush, Smart Steam, FastStart, Split Tank Technology, CAN BUS Technology, Incoloy heating elements, and ThermaSol's Lifetime Warranty. Contact our team or call 877-881-5501 Monday through Friday for help selecting the right generator for your steam shower.