We filter our drinking water and our air, but have you ever thought about filtering your shower water? That’s right! There is such a thing as a shower filter. It may sound silly at first, but did you know that filtered shower heads actually have a lot of health benefits? Believe it or not, our water is riddled with chlorine which can dry out your skin and your hair, cause your scalp to itch and fades color treated hair fast.
Why is there chlorine in our water?
The first cities in the United States to demonstrate the benefits of adding chlorine to the water supply were Chicago in 1908, and New Jersey in 1911. Prior to this point, the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid was common in people who drank from polluted rivers and streams in urban areas.
The Water Research Center writes that “chlorine readily combines with chemicals dissolved in water, microorganisms, small animals, plant material, tastes, odors, and colors.” They continue, “an effective disinfection system kills or neutralizes all pathogens in the water. It is automatic, simply maintained, safe, and inexpensive. An ideal system treats all the water and provides residual (long-term) disinfection. ”In treatment systems, the amount of chlorine added should be offset by what is known as chlorine demand. People, plants, and other organisms absorb chlorine so you need enough to prevent water further along in the system from going untreated.
Why is chlorine a problem?
In order to maintain water quality so people are not getting sick as a result of germs or diseases is to add more chlorine than is needed. As a result, concentrations in water are expected to exceed what is required.
Chlorine dissolves in water, so when this occurs, an equilibrium of chlorine, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and hydrochloric acid (HCI) is reached. Meaning that after a long day at work or a hard workout, when you hop in the shower or draw a bath, you are washing yourself with corrosive acids that damage cells in your body.
Are there any negative effects?
New York Health Department states, “the severity of health effects depend upon the route of exposure, the dose and the duration of exposure to chlorine. Breathing in high levels of chlorine causes fluid build-up in the lungs, a condition is known as pulmonary edema. The development of pulmonary edema may be delayed for several hours after exposure to chlorine. Contact with compressed liquid chlorine may cause frostbite of the skin and eyes.”
Chlorine exposure can have many ill-effects. The severity depends on whether or not it is diluted, consumed or breathed, and for what length of time. When you swim in a pool red and irradiated eyes are common after spending an extended amount of time in the water. This is usually the result of chlorine.
While good as a disinfectant, the water you use to wash is immediately flushed down the drain. So the benefits of chlorine in water have a negative impact on your shower and bath. In this regard, water filters can help.
We have a solution!
There are two common methods for chlorine reduction in water. The first is activated carbon. Through a catalytic process, chlorine becomes a non-oxidative chloride ion that is less able to cause damage to cells.
The second is through the use of granular KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion), a filtration media that uses some combination of alloy, copper, and zinc. Depending on the combination of elements the resulting material can reduce bacteria and organic materials. To reduce chlorine, the KDF-media uses an electrochemical process that results in chlorine changing to soluble chloride that won’t cause excessive damage hair and skin.
Filtersfast.com understands the importance of having clean water in your shower. That is why we carry many of the best shower filter products and bath de-chlorinators.
Here is a list of some of our favorites:
Culligan Hand Held Shower Filter with Massage
The Culligan HSH-C135 features chlorine reduction up to 99%. Enjoy the easy to handle design that comes with 5 massaging spray
settings including full body, soft rain, and
invigorating pulse.
The all-in-one package includes a handheld showerhead, a water filter that reduces chlorine, scale, rust, sediment, sulfur odor, among other impurities, plus a 5-foot stainless steel shower hose and 1 mounting bracket. Pick one up today!
Rainshow’r CQ-1000MS Dechlorinating Shower Filter
The easy to install kit includes showerhead with spray, massage, and pause position settings. Enjoy healthier, younger looking skin, and softer hair today! The Rainshow’r CQ-1000MS refreshes and leaves your skin and hair feeling soft. Using an effective KDF-55 filter media more than 90% of chlorine is reduced from the water. Plus you can enjoy the special crystalline quartz taken from the Earth and built into the filter for an invigorating shower experience.
Rainshow’r 3000 Crystal Ball Bath Dechlorinator
Soak in a hot bath and let the stress of your day melt away. Just don’t forget your dechlorinating crystal ball! No new plumbing or fittings required. Put the ball in the bath and
circulate through the water while the KDF filter media transforms chlorine into harmless chloride.
The dechlorinating crystal ball can remove up to 100% of chlorine in bath water. The replaceable KDF-55 filter lasts up to 200 baths and includes energizing quartz crystals. Skin and hair will feel noticeably softer and your mind and body relaxed like never before!
Culligan Shower Head Filter with Massage WSH-C125
Includes a massage filter head and replacement filter cartridge that reduces chlorine, scale, rust, sediment, the odor of sulfur, and other impurities. No tool required, just hook up to the existing plumbing for a better shower experience. Treat yourself to the Culligan WSH-C125 with its 5 spray settings ranging from full body, soft rain, and invigorating pulse, and more! Don’t put up with chlorine damaging hair and skin.
Having a filtered showerhead is a small step that can lead to a happier, healthier life. So if your health is important to you and you are interested in making small changes that will make a big impact, order a filtered showerhead TODAY! Buy Now.
Katie says
Denise,
Thank you for reaching out to us. The benefits for well water can vary. Most shower head filters will provide a benefit in sediment reduction (sand, silt, rust, and lime scale). Depending on the media type, it may also remove water soluble organics which includes herbicides, pesticides, THMs, and other such harmful contaminants.
Katie says
Margarita,
Can you let us know what product you are referring to?
Denise Zeman says
I have well water and a water softener/whole house filter. There is no chlorine. How would this benefit me?
Margarita Arreola says
I want the price please
Katie says
Gordon,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Shower filters normally last 6 months. The actual capacity will depend on water quality and usage. We show a few different types and models in this blog. Please use the link below the image of the filter you would like. Example: Culligan Hand Held Shower Filter with Massage That will take you to our website. We normally offer the replacement filter as an associated product. Thank you for your consideration!
Katie says
Kurt,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We offer a link under the different units we offer. Example: Culligan Hand Held Shower Filter with Massage. The products that have links available show a flow rate of 2.5 GPM. There are government standards that limit the flow rate to a maximum of 2.5 GPM. Depending on your current water pressure you will most likely not notice any decrease.
Gordon says
How long do the filters last and what is the cost of filters
Kurt Wallschleger says
What is the flow reduction/ flow rates for these items?