Showering is an indispensable part of our hygiene. It is through showering that we get rid of the sweat, gunk, dead skin cells and dirt clinging to our skin. A few minutes of shower also helps improve our mood, especially when you are showering with warm water.
Invest in a good shower system that can deliver a lot of features such as massage and efficiency. But in addition to that, you might also want to invest in a good shower filter. There are a lot of shower filters today that are easy to install and can last for a long time. Find out below which of the shower filters today are the best.
In This Guide
Is Installing a Shower Filter Really Necessary?
If you don’t want to experience the following benefits, then it isn’t necessary:
1. Your skin will be softer, and you can avoid eczema attacks.
Do you have eczema? Millions of people in the US are afflicted with eczema. It is a condition that can be triggered by external elements such as hard minerals in water. When your skin gets in contact with hard minerals, eczema flare-up can happen a lot. It is also bad for people suffering from psoriasis. Skin dryness often happens due to exposure to these hard minerals.
2. Your hair can become shinier.
Hard minerals are not just bad for your skin, they are bad for your hair as well. There are oxidizers in the water that can make your hair feel rougher. It is also the culprit to dryness and frizziness. Once you incorporate a filter in your shower, you can enjoy softer and shinier hair.
3. You can minimize exposure to chlorine.
You probably know that drinking water with chlorine is bad for your health. But did you also know it is bad to expose yourself to chlorine when you shower? That can be absorbed by the skin easily, especially when you are showering using warm water as warm water opens up your pores.
4. You can make the air in your home cleaner.
Much has been said about the bad effects of indoor air pollution. Not all people know though that their shower could be one of the contributing factors to indoor air pollution. When you shower, the hot steam that contains chemicals such as THM will then go into the air. You can inhale these chemicals.
Types of Shower Head Filters You Can Find Today
There are various types of shower filters today. Here are those you might have to choose from:
1. Built-in Filtration Systems
These shower heads are those that already come with a built-in filtration system. That means you will have to replace your existing shower head and install this one. This might be more difficult to maintain, and it might only be compatible with the filter made by the manufacturing company.
2. Portable Shower Filter
If you already have an existing shower head, get this type of filter. It is installed in between your water supply source and the shower head. They require very little effort and expert knowledge to install. They are also compact, making them an easy choice for homeowners who don’t want something that might be too complicated.
These filters also come with different functionalities. Chlorine filter is a type of filter that gets rid specifically of chlorine. It makes use of GAC, KDF or Calcium Sulfite. Another option is the Chloramine filter that gets rid of chloramine, a chemical compound that is found in water that is not as harmful as chlorine but can still post a health risk. Fluoride filters can also be a good choice if you think your water source has a lot of chlorine content.
Best Shower Filter Reviews
Here are the shower filters that are worth buying:
- AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Replaceable Multi Stage Filter
- Freshflow Water Shower Filter Hard Water Softener
- SITAFL 15 Stage Universal Vitamin C Shower Filter
- Select Filters Premium Shower Filter
These are the benefits you can get:
1. AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Replaceable Multi Stage Filter
This is a multistage filtration system that will ensure the removal of different kinds of metals such as lead, chromium, nickel and mercury in addition to minerals such as chlorine. It also prevents fungi and bacteria from growing excessively. You can immediately feel the difference in how soft your hair and skin feel.
The filtration system makes use of a mix of KDF-55, Calcium Sulfite and Active Carbon filters in order to effectively remove metals, minerals and impurities, even when using water with a higher temperature. You can filter out hot and cold water.
Pros:
- Effectively removes impurities, minerals and metals in water through its multi-stage filtration system.
- It can work even when using hot and cold water.
- It features quick installation process. You don’t need to hire a professional.
- The filters can be replaced by simply removing the cartridge.
- A lot said their skin condition has improved.
- It comes with everything you need for installation as well.
Cons:
- You might have to move the shower head down a little bit, depending on the set-up you have.
2. Freshflow Water Shower Filter Hard Water Softener
If you want to get rid of chlorine and fluoride from your water source, get this shower filter. It also has a water softening effect that truly works in improving your hair and skin condition. You can also rely on its 12-stage filtered cartridge softener system to remove iron in your water source. It also incorporates vitamin C to your water to keep the skin and hair healthy.
Pros:
- This is one of the most affordable water filters out there.
- It even comes with an extra 12 stage replacement cartridge.
- It can be installed easily and works with a standard size of shower head.
- The manufacturing company offers a 30-day full refund if you are not satisfied with it.
- This shower filter is capable of removing chlorine and fluoride from your water source.
- You can notice results instantaneously.
Cons:
- Some said it tends to leak.
3. SITAFL 15 Stage Universal Vitamin C Shower Filter
This 15-stage filtration system guarantees more effective removal of all sorts of metals, minerals and impurities from your water. It also delivers vitamin C into your water to help nourish the skin and keep it young and moisturized. What makes this different from all the others is its Maifan stone layer. This is what can help your skin maintain its natural pH levels. You can immediately notice softening of skin and hair after using this shower filter.
Pros:
- The 15-stage filtration system is one of the most complete stages out there. No limescale deposits, dirt, turpitudes, bacteria, pesticide, metal, chlorine, fluoride and other organic materials will get through it.
- It has magnetic energy balls that is used to energize the water so that it has more oxygen that can help in nourishing your hair and skin.
- The vitamin C in this filtration system works in neutralizing the chloramine and chlorine in your hard water. Additionally, it also brightens and softens up the skin.
- It has a layer of medical stone that draws out impurities and restores your body’s pH balance.
- It includes Teflon tape for installation, 2 filter cartridges and all the other things you need to install it successfully.
- Installation is easy with its screw-in mechanism.
- A lot of people also said they have better air quality at home because there are no more chlorine fumes expelled by their shower.
Cons:
- Might not be as effective in removing chlorine as others.
4. Select Filters Premium Shower Filter
Install your shower filter in mere minutes – that is according to Select Filters who designed this shower filter in such a way that it doesn’t require a lot for installation. It gets rid of chlorine, bacteria, mercury, lead, iron, chromium and nickel from your water source. It prevents the growth of fungi, molds and algae as well, so you are basically getting not just clean but also clear water. This filtration system also effectively softens your water.
Pros:
- Very easy to install. Anyone can do it. Replacement of the cartridge is also easy. You don’t need extra tools to get this in place.
- Water goes through a 12-stage filtration system that ensures it will get rid of all sorts of impurities and contaminants in your water source. It also has a water softening effect.
- An extra cartridge is included in your purchase, which can last for as long as 12,000 gallons of usage.
- Many customers said they felt the difference in the way their hair and skin felt.
- It prevents hard water spots from forming on fixtures.
- The filters are quite easy to change as well.
Cons:
- It can take up some space, so if you are tall, you might want to consider installing your shower higher to accommodate this one.
Which One Should You Get?
Now which of these products are truly ideal for your needs?
Can Improve Skin Condition: AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Replaceable Multi Stage Filter. A lot of customers said this is one of the best shower filters they have ever used. It literally changed their lives, especially those suffering from skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Improves Hair Softness: Freshflow Water Shower Filter Hard Water Softener. You get a noticeable difference in how soft your hair gets with this shower filter. It really removes the chlorine and fluoride that tends to dry the hair out. This is also an inexpensive choice, so if you want something that will not break the bank, get this.
More Filtration Stages: SITAFL 15 Stage Universal Vitamin C Shower Filter. If you want something that has more filtration stages, go for this one. It even includes a stone filter that works in bringing back the pH balance of your skin, something that you can’t find in other filtration systems.
Works Well on Extremely Hard Water: Select Filters Premium Shower Filter. If you have the worst hard water issue at home, this is the best shower filter to get because it can accommodate that need. It works well even when used on extremely hard water and still delivers great results on your hair and skin.
How to Buy the Best Shower Filter
In order to buy the best shower filter, here are some of the things you should keep in mind:
1. Compatibility with our shower head.
Know the type of shower head you have at home and look for shower filters that are compatible with that kind of shower head. This will make it easier to install the filter and also prevent a mismatch that can reduce efficiency.
2. What kind of minerals and substances can it filter out?
Not all filters have the same capability when it comes to the kinds of minerals and sediments it can filter out. Go for those that remove chlorine, as well as heavy metals such as chromium, mercury and lead. If it has the ability to get rid of bacteria and many other impurities, al the better. The more unwanted things it can get rid of, the better.
3. Stages of filtration
Another thing to consider is the stages of filtration it goes through. It should be able to filter out hot and cold water and go through different stages of filtration to completely get rid of minerals and impurities from your filter.
4. Installation should be fast and easy
You don’t want to call a professional to have it installed. Make sure it is something that is easy and quick to install.
5. Check how easy it is to replace filters.
What sort of filters does it use? The filters should be easy to replace on your own. They should also be inexpensive, so you don’t have to break the bank every time you need to replace the filters.
Compare the price as well. Make sure the price justifies its filtering capability. That way, you can truly get your money’s worth.