The refreshing morning shower and soothing bedtime soak rejuvenate our body and soul. But because of environmental pollution, many of our blessings are turning into a curse and that is why the shower that gives us physical and mental soundness can also cause illness if it is contaminated.
So it is high time to be conscious about our shower water. The common contaminants that have been found in shower water include chlorine, sulfur, heavy metals etc. It is hard to find pure shower water, more or less shower water of every home is polluted to some extent.
Thanks to shower filter to resolve the problem of polluted shower water. The best shower filter can protect your hair, skin and overall health from the dangerous effect of contaminated water.
Table of Contents
What is the Shower Filter?
A shower filter is a porous device that separates the harmful chemicals including chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, sulfur, heavy metals and harmful trace minerals from your shower water and gifts you pure shower water to revitalize your body and mind.
Best Shower Filters Review
1. AquaBliss SF300 Multi-Stage Shower Head Filter
AquaBliss SF300 Multi-Stage Shower Head Filter is one of the most effective filters, made by the USA that use the latest filtration technology to eradicate chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, algae, fungi etc.
Filtration System
AquaBliss uses KDF 55 filter in their shower filter of model SF300. This KDF 55 filter is a specially designed filter to remove chlorine and water-soluble heavy metals. It also removes and inhibits the growth of scale, bacteria, and algae. Even at the very low temperature, it will provide you contaminant free pure water.
No Leakage
The new improved design of AquaBliss SF300 Multi-Stage Shower Head Filter allows no leakage.
Installation Process
The installation process of AquaBliss SF300 Multi-Stage Shower Head Filter is very easy and requires no installation tool. If you can twist the lid of peanut butter jar you can install this showerhead filter. I hope you already have understood how easy it is to install this showerhead filter.
Compatibility
You do not have to change your existed shower system to install AquaBliss SF300 Multi-Stage Shower Head Filter as it is compatible with all type of shower system.
Advantages
AquaBliss SF300 Multi-Stage Shower Head Filter frees you from the sufferings of itchy skin, dandruff, dull and dry hair, brittle nails and others health-related problems that are caused by contaminated water.
Only 10 minutes shower under this patented showerhead filter is able to give you glowing, healthy, shiny, soft, smooth, and youngling skin and hair.
2. Shower Filter by GURUWANA
Shower Filter by GURUWANA is designed to eliminate chlorine and chlorine-based chemical from your water and at the same time if your shower water is hard this filter will make it soft.
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Filtration System
GURUWANA has been used KDF-55 filter to purify shower water. This filter includes chrome filter housing, HD stainless steel mesh, PP cotton, coconut activated carbon charcoal, alkaline ceramic ball, germanium ceramic ball and Vitamin C ceramic ball which filtrate chlorine and another harmful chemical to provide you highly pure water.
Bad Smell Neutralization
Sometimes bad smell comes from shower water which is the symptom of the existence of impurity or harmful microorganism in your shower water. Shower filter made by GURUWANA is capable to remove any bad smell from your shower water.
Easy Installation
GURUWANA has been designed their shower filter to be fitted with all standard showerhead and shower arm. Just removing the existed showerhead insert the GURUWANA shower filter and twist the showerhead again and the installation process is completed.
GURUWANA filter cartridges, Teflon tape and silicon seals with their package. Once you buy a set of GURUWANA shower filter you do not have to spend more money for one year.
Get Healthy Skin and Hair
Pure water is beneficial to skin and hair. But GURUWANA wants to provide you some extra benefit and that is why they have included vitamin C ceramic ball in their shower filter which provides you smooth and soft skin to give you a more youngling look. It also increases the smoothness, softness, and shine of your hair.
3. 12 Stage Shower Head Filter by AquaHomeGroup
The 12 stage shower head filter uses an improved filter system that adds exclusive properties to your shower water to give you a refreshing and luxurious shower experience.
Filtration System
It uses KDF-55 filter to remove chlorine, chloramine, radioactive iodine-131, heavy metals and volatile organic chemicals from shower water. The polypropylene in KDF-55 filter has 3-8 times bigger surface area than conventional shower filter and that is why this shower head filter can provide highly pure shower water.
The function of Ceramic Balls and Stones
The shower head filter contains different types of ceramic balls and stones which play versatile functions to improve your shower experience.
- The alkaline ceramic ball has antioxidant properties which boost your immune system by enhancing the quality of your shower water.
- A set of natural tourmaline, germanium natural stone called energy ceramic balls are contained in the shower head filter to provide infrared therapy, healthy skin and hair, drain toxin and waste drain from the body and help to increase oxygen content in blood.
- The Maifan stones help to keep a balance in the pH level of shower water.
- Ceramic balls with ions prevent the growth of staphylococcus and colibacillus in your shower water.
High Water Pressure
According to the design, this is an in-line shower head filter which maintains the consistency of water pressure.
Easy Installation and Versatile Compatibility
Everything that is needed to install the showerhead filter is provided by AquaHomeGroup. It is easy to install and compatible with all standard shower system.
4. Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter with Adjustable Showerhead
Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter is a premium quality product. It has multiple modes of massaging to provide you a comfortable and soothing shower experience.
Filtering Process
Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter uses KDF-55 filter with a double stage up flow coconut shell design. The copper and zinc contained in the KDF-55 filter remove harsh chemicals such as –chlorine, lead, mercury hydrogen sulfides etc. by the oxidation process.
It also eliminates harmful microorganisms from your shower water. The coconut shell helps to remove any bad smell from water and enhances its quality.
High Water Pressure
It helps to flow water stream at high pressure. A low water pressure during shower makes your mood worse. So if you are suffering from low water pressure you can add Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter with your shower head.
Health Care
The pure water provided by this shower filter takes care of your skin and hair, removing all the volatile contaminants it lets you breathe safely.
Durability
You can use an Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter for a long time. You have to change only the cartridge after filtering 10000 gallons of water which generally requires 6 months for a normal rate of the shower.
5. High Output Luxury Shower Filter by Aqua Elegante
High Output Luxury Shower Filter made by Aqua Elegante is an eco-friendly shower filter provides fresh and soft water to invigorate your body and mind.
Filtration System
Aqua Elegante has been used a KDF-55 filter in their Luxury Shower Filter that uses granulated activated carbon to neutralize chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, lead, mercury, arsenic, and other metals through a chemical redox reaction. Harmful herbicides and pesticides are also removed by this KDF-55 filter through the adsorption process.
Easy and Quick Installation
It does not need a long time and to follow critical steps to set up this shower filter. Just take out the product from the box and adjoin it with your existed shower system by twisting.
Durability
The durability of the shower filter mainly depends on the frequency of taking shower and the density of impurities in your water. Generally, the Luxury Shower Filter can filtrate 12000 gallons water with one cartridge. After filtering 12000 gallons of water you should change the cartridge.
As it is not possible to measure the amount of filtrated water we recommend you to change cartridge after every 6 months.
Aesthetic Beauty
The chrome finished outer part of luxury shower filter brings an elegant look in your bathroom.
6. Berkey Shower Filter
Berkey shower filter is a high quality long lasting shower filter made by China. It is a long-lasting shower water filter that is capable to provide you with highly pure water with invigorating shower experience.
Filter Type
KDF-55 filter is used to filter out lead, mercury, iron, bacteria, fungi etc. from your shower water.
Compatibility
It is designed to be compatible with all type of standard shower head. It is effective to purify both hot and cold water. So, no matter whether it is winter or summer you can use Berkey Shower Filter.
Hard Water Softening
The problem with typical shower water filter is that it can remove only chlorine and chlorine-based chemical by-product. But, it cannot breaks down the calcium and magnesium compound to soften the hard water.
Berkey shower filter is capable to break down the compound of calcium and magnesium and in this way, it can soften your shower water.
Life Span
This is a durable shower water filter that can be used for a long time. It is capable to filter 10000 gallons of water which typically takes 6 months before replacing the existed cartridge. There is a back-flush attachment to prevent premature clogging.
7. Shower Head Chlorine Filter by tranquility
Shower Head Chlorine Filter made by Go Tranquility is one of the leading showerhead filters prevailing in the market. It is an environmentally friendly shower head filter that provides you with highly pure water for your shower.
Filtering System
The main filtering system used in this shower head filter is a KDF-55 filter. But before passing through the KDF-55 filter this shower filter has to pass through the layer of PP cotton, high-density stainless steel mesh, and calcium sulfite. Then the water passes through the KDF-55 filter. Most of the chlorine is already removed after passing this 4th layer.
Then the water has to pass through Silver Ion Balls, coconut activated carbon, Bacteriostatic (Medical) stones, alkaline ceramic ball, PP cotton, and high-density stainless steel mesh. After passing all of this 10 layer the water really becomes highly purified.
High Water Pressure
The shower head filter is designed to maintain the consistency of the pressure of your shower water.
Universal Installation Compatibility
It is designed to be compatible with any type of shower system. You can install it easily and quickly.
Water Temperature
Its ability to purify water does not fluctuate with the temperature of water. It is capable to purify water of – 5℃~ 80℃/41℉~176℉ temperature i.e. both cold and hot water.
Best shower filters review – top 3 in 2022
Here are the top 3 shower filters for 2022, including compatibility with both showerhead and shower wand designs. The main benefit of using these shower filters is that people with skin conditions like eczema have seen noticeable differences in their skin health after installing a filter. We prefer filter cartridges with some form of indicator status as a reminder for replacing the cartridge. Usually, most cartridges last up to 6 months and need to be replaced after that. Otherwise, the filter will not work as efficiently and your shower system will eventually develop leaks. So, filters with indicators are the way to go!
Aquasana Shower Water Filter System w/ Handheld Massaging – Filters Over 90% Of Chlorine – NSF Certified Carbon & KDF Filtration Media – PH Enhancement – 6 Month, 10,000 Gallons – Chrome – AQ-4105CHR
Best features
This is the best shower filter design by Aquasana. It comes with a handheld shower wand, so people who do not want to connect filters to their showerheads will have a great alternative. The wand has a 5-foot-long shower hose and includes multiple spray settings. The filter features a special up-flow design to prevent clogs and buildups. This also gives the flowing water more exposure to the filter for maximum filtration. The cartridge is made of an AquaSorb HX coconut shell carbon combination to filter out chlorine and sediments in the water. It also has a KDF 55 process media with a copper-zinc blend that filters out any remaining chlorine along with lead and mercury.
Such a detailed level of filtration gets rid of various impurities like hydrogen sulfide, pesticides, herbicides, iron, etc. to improve the water quality and enhance its pH level. The result is instant relief from itching as noted and appreciated by satisfied users. It is recommended to only use Aquasana replacement filters for the best filtration quality. You just need to remove the showerhead, twist the filter in place, and reattach the head.
Limitations
Some users experienced loose connections and continuous leakage from the shower filter and spray unit. The brand advises using plumber’s tape here, but this does not prevent leaks, so make sure to get the installation right with a professional before using the filter.
Sprite SL2-CM Slim-Line 2 Universal Shower Filter, 1.5 pounds, Chrome
Best features
Sprite’s universal-fit, slimline shower filter is available as a standalone piece and does not include a showerhead. This low-profile design extends the showerhead by only 1.5 inches, so it is the perfect choice for good filtration with the least obstruction. The SLC cartridge can last for up to 6 months and features NSF-certified performance for ideal water filtration. Its Extend-A-Path Baffle System makes sure that the flowing water passes through the filter for a long time to provide as much of a chlorine-free result as possible. The filter includes a Dial-A-Date filter replacement indicator, which allows you to simply turn the knob to the correct month in which you have to replace the cartridge.
Limitations
The main limitation we found was the product’s misleading advertisement, as some customers did not receive an OEM product. The received filter was not a Sprite product as noted by these users. They complained of stubborn leaks because of the second-hand or aftermarket filter they received. Make sure that you check for originality before using the filter. There were also comments on the filter’s inflexibility to open up easily for cartridge replacements.
T3 – Source Showerhead | Adjustable Chrome Shower Head With Chlorine Filter | Copper, Zinc, And Calcium Water Mineral Filter Reduces Free Chlorine And Hydrogen Sulfide
Best features
T3 has some of the best shower filters in its catalog. This showerhead comes with a built-in filter and offers 7 spray settings. Its cartridge has a clear slot at the front, so when the contents turn black, it is time to replace the cartridge! This usually takes 6 months like most other shower filter cartridges. The showerhead has anti-scaling nozzles that help prevent buildups. These features keep your shower water as clean and skin-safe as possible. The zinc, copper, and calcium sulfide filter removes chlorine as well as other impurities. It is the perfect choice for homes with hard water supplies.
Limitations
The filter is quite expensive and can be prone to leaks – so, sadly, not the best value for all that money. The showerhead is also tough to open for cartridge replacements.
Guide to Buy Best Shower Water Filter
When you see so many same types of products in the market all of which are claiming themselves best it is really very tough to find out the best one for oneself. You can get rid of such confusing situation if you have proper knowledge about that product and also you are aware of your necessity.
Generally, shower water filters differ from each other by their filtration method, design, construction material, availability, lifespan, and cost.
Filtration Method
I already have discussed the filtration method. So here I am not going to repeat the same thing.
Design
- Shower Head filters: Showerhead filters have a great similarity with normal showerheads. You just have to join it to the head of your shower. They are easy to install, effective to reduce harmful particles from your shower water, provides good water pressure to give you an experience of a refreshing
- In-line shower Filters: In-line shower filters are installed between the existing showerhead and water line. They do not come with showerhead but you can add a showerhead if you want to.
- In-line and Showerhead Filters: From the title, you can understand that this design of shower filter is a combination of the above two. The in-line unit is installed directly to the water line and the filter cartridge is contained in this unit. The showerhead is also attached to it which controls the water pressure.
Construction material
Shower filters are generally made of high-quality plastic or rust resistant metal.
Availability
Since you have to change the cartridge of your shower filter after a certain period it is better to check that whether this is available in your area or not. Moreover, during installation the nuts and screws may break down, so also check whether these are available in your area or not.
Life Span
Studying different types of shower water filter we have found that the average lifespan of shower water filter is 6 months, some last a few months more than this average time and some a few months less.
Cost
Cost varies with the quality and service provided by the shower water filter. We all want the best shower water filter that fits our budget. There is much good quality shower water filter that provides good service but costs low.
You can know the real fact only when you will check the reviews provided by the customer.
Understanding the Filtering Methods
Generally Activated carbon filter, KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) filter and Vitamin C filters are most commonly used in a shower filter.
Activated Carbon Filter
Activated carbon filters consist of 10-12 levels through which water is passed and impurities are separated. At first, the water passes through a mechanical impurity separating level made of cotton. This level does not allow particles larger than 0.1-0.3 microns to pass through.
The next level is made of resins which soften the water by ion exchange method. It breaks down calcium and magnesium compound and converts them into calcium and magnesium ions.
Then the water passes through the level made of activated carbon. In this stage volatile organic compounds, chlorine and chloramine are removed to a great extent.
The rest of the levels help to remove remaining chlorine, toxin, and bacteria. Shower filter that uses activated carbon filter is good to eliminate chlorine based impurities but not the other impurities including heavy metals, harmful trace minerals etc. Since activated carbons are comparatively cheap in price shower filter that uses activated carbon filter are also cheaper compared to others.
KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) Filters:
KDF filters can be used alone or in conjunction with an activated carbon filter. The invention of KDF filters replaced silver medium from water filter which was expensive and risk of it to leak into the water was pretty high. KDF filters do not have such risk rather they are safe.
KDF filters purify water using electrochemical charge. Copper and zinc are used to make this filter which creates an electrochemical charge by opposing each other. This electrochemical charge is too small to be felt by a human being but destroy the microorganism of water.
KDF filters make chlorine water soluble and also remove heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, lead, iron, and copper etc. from the water.
Vitamin C Filters
Vitamin C filters are highly effective water filter which removes approximately 93-99 percent chlorine and chlorine-based chemical by-products. It is called vitamin C filter as it uses tubes of vitamin C to make contaminants inert and harmless. You can use it alone or in conjunction with KDF or activated carbon filter.
The problem of Vitamin C filter is that most of the contaminants except chlorine do not interact with vitamin C. But, this type of filter makes your shower water beneficial to your health and skin.
Why I always Use a Shower Filter?
Using a shower filter is not an optional matter; it is an essential matter one must not avoid. I always use a shower filter because of 2 reasons-
- To avoid the risk of showering in unfiltered water
- To enjoy the benefit of showering in filtered pure water
If there were no risk of showering in polluted water and only benefits of showering in filtered water than I would choose a shower filter as an option. But, these two facts are inseparable with each other. So using a shower filter is no more an option for me rather it is essential.
If you know detail about the above-mentioned reason I am pretty much sure you will agree with me.
Risk of Showering in Unfiltered Water
Chlorine is the most common contaminant found in shower water as it is mixed with water from the municipality as a disinfecting agent. Though chlorine has reduced waterborne disease at a significant rate unfortunately as water contains many more contaminants chlorine produce chemical by-products by reacting with these contaminants which are harmful to our health.
If you take shower with contaminated water both external and internal parts of your body can be affected. Dryness and itchiness of skin is the most common symptom of washing your body with contaminated water. Rash and different types of dermatitis may also occur as a result of showering in unfiltered and contaminated water.
If you take a long shower with contaminated water it may cause burning to your eye and blur your vision. It may also cause throat irritation, nausea, nose bleeding, wheezing and shortness of breath.
There are numerous pores in your skin that normally cannot be seen. When you take shower your skin absorbs water through these pores and if the water is contaminated then the contaminants enter into your body and affect the internal parts of your body.
Some contaminants contained in your shower water are volatile in nature. When you take shower these compounds release poisonous gas and turns your bathroom a mini-gas chamber.
So at one side, your skin is absorbing contaminated water and on the other side, you are inhaling these poisonous gas which may lead to lung disease, heart disease, chest pain, and even some form of cancer including colon cancer, renal cancer, bladder cancer, and Glioma.
You will be astonished to know that researchers have found that people absorb 100 times more chlorine in a 10-minute shower with unfiltered chlorinated water than they do from drinking one gallon of water. Can you imagine how risky it is to take shower in unfiltered water?
Your hair and scalp also get affected by unfiltered and contaminated shower water. Your hair will become dry and frizzy; it will lose its shine and become dull; hair fall rate will exceed the normal falling rate, your scalp become dry and dandruff will become a common problem. Even after taking care of your hair you will see no improvement.
If you have such a bad experience then the problem is not with your hair or shampoo and conditioner you are using, the problem is with the unfiltered water that you are using to rinse your hair.
Infants are more susceptible to chlorinated water. If you shower your infant with chlorinated water, the risk of his being attacked by asthma increases to a great extent. Chlorine may also cause damage to their epithelial tissue.
Benefits of Showering in Filtered Water
If you want to protect your skin, hair and overall body from harmful chemical and biological elements there is no alternative to filtered shower water. Besides protecting yourself from the risks mentioned above you can enjoy some extra benefits, such as-
- Your skin becomes soft, healthy and youngling if you take shower with filtered water.
- Your hair becomes shiny, soft and silky with the touch of filtered water.
- After a long tiring day taking shower in filtered water will invigorate your body and mind.
- If you spend some money on shower filter it will save your money to a great extent. For example, you will be less affected by water-borne diseases and so you do not have to pay the fees of medicine.
- The aging process decelerates when you take shower with filtered water.
How to Clean Shower Filter
Shower filter separates contaminants from shower water and accumulates these contaminants inside it. So you have to clean it periodically otherwise it will be blocked and cannot filter water properly. It is an easy task and anyone can do this if he knows the steps properly.
7 Easy and Simple Steps to Clean Shower Filter
Step 1: Separate Your Shower Filter from Shower Head
Take a screwdriver and untighten the filter from the showerhead and shower arm. If you feel it difficult to untighten the shower filter from shower head using only screwdriver use pliers and separate the shower filter from the shower head.
Step 2: Wipe the Shower Filter
Soak a sponge in water and wipe the filter thoroughly with it.
Step 3: Prepare a Cleansing Solution
Take a bowl and fill it with water. Mix cleanser with the water to prepare a mild cleaning solution.
Step 4: Deep the Filter in the cleansing solution
Now you have to soak the shower filter in this solution for 10 minutes so if there is any dirt that you cannot reach is removed.
Step 5: Rinse the Shower Filter with Normal Water
Then take out the shower filter and rinse it thoroughly with normal water. Now you can install new cartridge to the filter.
Step 6: Clean the Shower Head and Shower Arm
Take vinegar in a bowl and soak the showerhead into the vinegar for a few minutes. Then take out the shower head from vinegar solution and wipe it with a sponge soaked in normal water.
In another bowl take a mixture of shower cleaner and water and keep the shower arm into it for a few minutes. Then take it out and rinse properly with normal water so that the arm becomes clean.
Step 7: Reinstall the Shower Filter
Now everything is clean, so reassemble the shower filter and shower head. Tighten all the nuts properly with the aid of a screwdriver and pliers. But, be alert that the nuts and screws do not get damaged, otherwise, you have to buy a new complete set of shower filter.
Then let the water run for a few minutes so that you can check that everything is installed and tightened properly and there is no leak.
How to Replace Shower Filter Cartridge
Every 6-8 months you must change the cartridge of your shower filter. It is an easy and simple task that one can do it by himself within a short time. Here is a video demonstrating the process of replacing shower filter cartridge. Once you watch it you can understand the whole process clearly.
What is Hard Water Shower Filter?
When water contains a compound of magnesium and calcium as bicarbonates, chloride, and sulfates it is called hard water which is very harmful to your health and also causes stains on your dress and utensils.
Shower filters that break down these compounds and frees up calcium and magnesium as ion are called hard water shower filter. All of the shower water filters shortlisted in this article as best shower filter is capable to filter and soften your shower water.
FAQ
1. What is KDF?
Ans: The elaboration of KDF is Kinetic Degradation Fluxion. The high purity copper and zinc formulation of KDF donate two negatively charged electrons to each molecule of chlorine and reduce it to the lower oxidation state of chloride.
2. Is Vitamin C shower filter safe?
Ans: Vitamin C has a strong effect to neutralize contaminants. Its antioxidant property is not only safe but also beneficial to rejuvenate your dry skin.
3. Is it essential to use a shower filter?
Ans: If your shower water is pure and contaminants free, then you do not have to use a shower filter. But, unfortunately, pure water is really rare to get. Also, you will find some shower head with a filter attached, then you don’t need to buy an extra shower filter.
Conclusion
We take shower to clean our body and refresh ourselves. When a person takes shower with unfiltered water he does not feel refresh after a shower. No matter how much you take care of your skin and hair its condition will not improve if your water is not filtered properly.
So one must be concerned enough to select the best shower filter for his shower room. A proper guideline including the reviews about the best shower filter can be helpful for this purpose and this article is the combination of these two.