Benefits of a Shower Water Filter

Why Cleaner Shower Water Matters

If you have sensitive skin, dry hair, or are trying to live a healthier lifestyle, a simple shower water filter can remove impurities, improve water clarity, and enhance your shower experience.

If you’re a shower person, it’s part of your daily routine. They typically expose your body to gallons and gallons of water each time. In this blog, we’re going over what a shower filter is, its benefits, and commonly asked questions.

What is a Shower Filter?

Many different types of shower filters exist. You can install most shower filters directly onto the shower arm extending from the wall, and they will work with your existing showerhead; these are called inline shower filters. Others come with a filtered showerhead that can also be installed on the shower arm. Depending on your preferences, you can select one that works best for your lifestyle and budget.

Filtered showerheads contain a filter that reduces or removes contaminants. Depending on the type of filter, showerhead filters can filter out chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment.

Common filtration media for shower filters:

• Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF): Contains a copper-zinc formula that uses oxidation-reduction to change free chlorine into harmless water-soluble chlorides and reduce heavy metals, including lead and mercury.
• Activated Carbon: A highly porous material that absorbs chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors.
• Sediment: Uses a physical barrier, such as mesh or ceramic, that blocks larger particles, including rust, sand, and dirt.

You need to choose a shower filter that will reduce or remove the contaminants you are concerned about in your shower water.

What is the difference between filtering shower water and drinking water?

The difference between filtering your shower water and drinking water is not as simple as you may think. You may want to target different contaminants for your shower water and your drinking water.

Removing chlorine from both your shower and drinking water is beneficial. However, make sure your drinking water filters will retain essential minerals.

Not sure where to start? We recommend a Water Test Kit to identify the contaminants in your water that need attention.

What Can Be in Your Shower Water?

Water quality varies by location and source type, so it’s important to know where your water comes from and what is in it. Unfortunately, a variety of contaminants could be lurking in your shower water. Here are a few of the most common ones and what they can cause:

Chlorine

Public water systems in the U.S. will add chlorine as a disinfectant. Sometimes chlorine levels are higher than at other times, which can affect the water’s taste and odor. Chlorine can be harsh on the skin and hair. If you take hot showers, the chlorine can turn into a vapor that you inhale.

Common signs chlorine might be a problem if you experience any of the following after showering:

• Dry, irritated skin
• Eczema flare-ups
• Brittle and dry hair
• Hair color is fading quickly
• Nose, throat, or sinus irritation
• Coughing or chest tightness, if you have asthma

Sediment and Rust

Sediment and rust are often signs of corroding plumbing, buildup in your water heater, or disruptions in your water supply. This may be especially true if you notice that your water is brown or murky when you turn it on.

This is not something to be taken lightly. Sediment and rust can cause skin irritation, worsen conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and even leave your hair discolored, brittle, or dry. It can also put you at risk of bacterial infections if you have an open wound or broken skin.

Dirt and Particulates

Although they are not dangerous in the short term, dirt and particulates can cause skin irritation, clog your plumbing, or even carry harmful bacteria or chemicals if the water source is contaminated.

Minerals or Hard Water

High mineral levels in your water do not pose a serious health risk, but they can take a toll on your skin and hair. Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals associated with hard water in homes. When these minerals interact with soap, they can leave a film on your body and hair, causing irritation, flaking, or eczema flare-ups. They can block the oil glands on your scalp, leaving your skin feeling dull or stiff.

Odors

If your shower water has a strong smell, it’s imperative that you investigate. Here are a few common water odors and what could be the cause:

• Rotten-egg or sulfur stench: This is most likely caused by hydrogen sulfide gas from water heater reactions or by bacteria in well water.
• Musty or earthy odor: If your shower water smells like mildew or wet dirt, it could be due to biofilm, mold, or decaying matter in the showerhead or pipes.
• Chlorine or chemical smell: If your shower water smells like a swimming pool, this could mean that there are high levels of chlorine or chloramines in your water. This is usually common with municipal water treatment plants.
• Metallic odor: If your water smells like old coins or rust, this is often caused by high concentrations of iron, manganese, or copper leaching from pipes or a private well.

Top Benefits of Using a Shower Water Filter

1. May Help Reduce Chlorine Exposure
   Chlorine is added to public water supplies to keep water safe for use and consumption. If you get your water from a municipal plant, it is very likely that chlorine is present.
   Having a shower filter can help reduce your exposure to too much chlorine in your water. Most shower filter media is designed to reduce the amount of chlorine that reaches your shower. Chlorine in your shower water may be more harmful to your health than you realize.
   Not only can chlorine irritate your skin and dry out your hair, but it can also form a vapor in very hot showers, causing respiratory discomfort.
2. Can Help Hair Feel Softer and Easier to Manage
   The presence of chemicals like chlorine and other minerals in water can affect how your hair looks and feels. Chlorine can make your hair feel dry and dull, while calcium and magnesium can weigh it down, leaving it feeling dry, brittle, and dirty even after washing.
   Investing in a shower filter can help reduce higher levels of chemicals and minerals in your shower water. Although results may vary depending on your water quality and the type of shower filter you choose, this is a simple way to improve your hair’s appearance and health.
3. May Leave Skin Feeling Less Dry
   Like hair, your skin can feel dry and dull after exposure to chemicals and minerals in your shower water. Chlorine dries out the skin, while magnesium and calcium, when mixed with soap, can make your skin feel dry and tight.
   Using a shower water filter, you may notice a drastic difference in your skin’s look and feel. Shower filters will help reduce your exposure to chemicals and minerals present in your water.
4. Improves Shower Water Odor
   If you feel like you’re stepping into a swimming pool each time you shower, this could mean there’s too much chlorine in your water.
   Most shower water filters will help reduce and remove high levels of chlorine in your shower water, improving its overall aroma and your experience.
5. Helps Reduce Sediment and Particles
   Depending on where you live and the quality of your water, rust, sand, and other debris can be present. The presence of these particles will not only affect your shower experience but also cause premature wear on the fixtures.
   A filtered showerhead will catch those particles before they reach your shower fixture and your skin. It’s a win-win for your shower and yourself.
6. Easy Home Upgrade
   A filtered showerhead is a simple and affordable way to upgrade your home. Almost anyone can install a shower filter. Installation is usually straightforward and takes under 10 minutes.

A simple shower filter is a great way to enjoy one of the benefits of whole-house filtration without the cost and maintenance.

Do Shower Filters Really Work?

Yes, shower filters can be a super-effective solution for water quality problems in your shower. However, there are a multitude of factors you’ll want to consider before investing in one:

• Filter media: Shower filters are not created equally, so you’ll want to look at the type of filtration media used, any filtration claims, and assess if the shower filter is adequate for your specific filtration needs.
• Water quality: What types of contaminants do you want to reduce in your shower water? Will the filtered showerhead you are looking at be able to tackle them? Especially if you have hard water, you’ll want to ensure that the showerhead you select can handle filtering out what it needs to.
• Contaminants: If you have specific contaminants you want removed from your shower water, make sure the shower filter will reduce or remove them.
• Contact time: Contact time for showerhead filters can be extremely fast, between 0.10 and 0.14 per pass. You’ll want to make sure your showerhead filter contains fast-acting media to effectively reduce contaminants on contact.
• Maintenance: Something that is often overlooked is the time and cost of maintenance. How much does the replacement filter cost? Is it easy to order? How long does it take to change the shower filter? Does it require additional tools? These are all questions you’ll want to ask yourself before making the purchase.

Who Benefits Most from a Shower Water Filter?

The truth is that anyone who showers regularly can benefit from a shower filter. Especially when the following applies:

• Homes with noticeable chlorine odor
• Municipal water users
• People looking to improve their shower experience
• Individuals with color-treated hair
• Areas with sediment issues

Shower Water Filter vs Whole-Home Water Filter

If you’re experiencing contaminant issues in your shower, it most likely means it’s affecting your whole household. The good news is that you’ve got options.

Shower filters are a very affordable way to target contaminants in your shower and may be the type of filtration you need in the short or long term.

To handle filtration for the whole household, whole-house filter systems are most often recommended.

However, there are a few things to consider before investing in a whole-home system.

How Often Should You Replace a Shower Filter?

How often you replace your shower filter depends greatly on your household size, filter type, and water quality. Most manufacturers recommend every 3 to 6 months.

The typical lifespan for shower filters with average water quality and daily usage:

• Carbon filters: 4 to 6 months
• KDF: 6 to 12 months
• Multi-Media: 6 to 12 months
• Vitamin C: 2 to 4 months

Life gets busy, and it’s often hard to remember when to replace your shower water filter cartridge. Here are a few signs it’s time to change your shower filter:

• Decrease in water pressure: Clogged filters will slow water flow.
• Odors: If chlorine or chemical smells return.
• Changes in Skin or Hair: If you start to notice a difference in the appearance or feel of your skin or hair.

Shower filters can be very beneficial to your overall shower experience, helping you achieve softer skin and healthier-looking hair. However, you can only truly enjoy the benefits of a shower water filter if you maintain it regularly.

How to Choose the Right Shower Water Filter

With so many options for shower water filters, it’s tough to decide which shower water filter is right for you. Here are some questions and considerations to help make your selection a bit easier.

Contaminant Coverage

Will it reduce or remove the contaminants you need it to? Probably the most important thing you’ll want to think about is whether it will take care of the contaminants you want to target. If there’s not a single contaminant you’re concerned about, you’ll want to look for filtration capabilities.

Filter Lifespan

How long will the filter last? Do you want to change the filter every 2 months, or something longer lasting? Make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendation for filter changes.

Installation and Compatibility

Most shower water filters are easy to install. However, you’ll want to make sure that your current setup is compatible with the shower filter you want to buy. If additional tools or parts are required, you may want to think twice about the model you’re considering.

Flow Rate

Most showerhead filters are designed to support the U.S. federal maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). If conserving water is a top priority, you’ll want to look for a showerhead filter with a flow rate of 1.75-2.0 GPM. If you live in California, you’ll need to ensure it is at or below the mandatory cap of 1.8 GPM. However, depending on the type of filter media, you may experience lower water pressure.

Replacement Cartridge Cost and Availability

Something people often overlook is the cost and availability of replacement filter cartridges for their shower filter. You’ll want to make sure the replacement cartridges fit within your budget, as you will most likely need to replace them 1-2 times a year. You’ll also want to make sure you can get the replacement filter from a reliable retailer.

Product Reviews

Product reviews for shower head filters are a great resource for making a smart purchase decision. Look for honest customer feedback on the attributes that matter most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shower Water Filters

Do shower filters remove chlorine?

It depends on the filter. Most shower water filters will reduce or remove free chlorine, but you’ll want to look for chlorine specifically if that’s what you’re concerned about.

Do shower filters soften hard water?

A standard shower filter will not soften water. To truly soften water, ion-exchange is required. Be cautious when you see a product labeled “softener,” as it could refer to basic chemical filtration.

How long do shower filters last?

How long a shower filter lasts depends greatly on your individual water quality and the type of filter media. Most will last between 3 and 6 months, depending on water quality.

Can a shower filter improve my hair?

Most shower filters can improve the appearance of your hair by reducing chemicals that can be harmful to it. If the look and feel of your hair are important to you, make sure the shower filter you select offers hair-health benefits.

Are shower filters easy to install?

Most shower filters are easy to install. Some will attach easily to the existing shower arm, while others will come with an adapter.

Will a shower filter reduce water pressure?

Naturally, a shower filter will slightly reduce shower pressure due to the filter’s restriction. It shouldn’t be too noticeable.

Do I need a shower filter if I already have a drinking water filter?

Unless you have a whole-house filtration system, you will also need a shower filter. Most water filters are point-of-use, so a drinking water filter will not affect the water in your shower.

How much do filtered showerheads cost?

Showerhead water filters can range from $40 to $200. If you want cleaner shower water without the high price tag, the Filters Fast® Brand Filtered Shower Head is worth a try. Not only is the showerhead water filter sleek, but it also delivers strong water pressure, 3 spray modes at the touch of a button, and 15-stage filtration.

Plus, we carry the replacement filter cartridge for your convenience at a shockingly low price.

Conclusion

Cleaner shower water will not improve your overall shower experience; it can enhance the health and appearance of your skin and hair. It can also help protect you from lesser-known risks, such as inhalation of chlorine vapor, exposure to rust, and more.

There are a variety of shower water filters out there that offer different benefits. While shower filters will not solve every water quality issue, they can only help improve what you have currently. It’s important to do your due diligence to ensure the shower filter will address the contaminants you’re most concerned about. It’s ultimately up to you to select the one that best meets your needs and our budget.

We know that finding the right filtration solutions for your home can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help along the way. If you have any questions about our products, please reach out to our Customer Care Team at 866-438-3458 or [email protected].