Shower filters work similar to other water filtration methods around your home. Except we are not trying to reduce pharmaceuticals or heavy metals because those elements are more of a health risk if consumed. Instead we want to remove chlorine from water to prevent drying of skin and hair, offering relief from itchy scalps, and helps to keep color-treated hair from fading. If you never knew about shower filters or are interested in their benefits, read on!

Why is there chlorine in 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 were common in people who drank from polluted rivers and streams in urban areas.

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.

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. ”

What makes chlorine such 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.

As we note above, chlorine dissolves in water. 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 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?

Research from the New York Health Department indicates, “the severity of health effects depend upon the route of exposure, the dose and the duration of exposure to chlorine. Breathing high levels of chlorine causes fluid build-up in the lungs, a condition 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 has a negative impact on your shower and bath. In this regard, water filters can help.

I want 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 electro-chemical process that results in chlorine changing to soluble chloride that won’t cause excessive damage hair and skin.

Filtersfast.com understands the importance of a good shower. That is why we carry many of the best shower filter products and bath dechlorinators. Below are some of products we love.

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 hand held shower head, 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 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 water. Plus you can enjoy the special crystalline quartz taken from the Earth and built into the filter for an invigorating shower experience.

The easy to install kit includes shower head with spray, massage, and pause position settings. Enjoy healthier, younger looking skin, and softer hair today!

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 you mind and body relaxed like never before!

Culligan Shower Head Filter with Massage WSH-C125

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.

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 existing plumbing for a better shower experience.