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Shower Head Water Filter

Shower head water filters are compact devices that can be attached to your shower to make the water cleaner and healthier. These units direct water through various mediums that remove various contaminants mechanically or chemically.

If you still feel sticky after a shower, your skin becomes irritable and red or your hair gets brittle without volume, then the time has come for you to install a water filter.

Shower filters are capable of preventing your hair from breaking and being discolored, keep your skin soft and supple, and give you that squeaky-clean, refreshing feeling by eliminating impurities and chemicals in your water supply.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best shower head water filters money can buy, depending on your needs. Also, we have included a guide to help you make the buying process easy and decisive.

There are many various types of shower filters, which employ different mediums and technologies to remove impurities from your water supply.

Types Of Shower Head Water Filters

Multi-level carbon filters

These filters normally direct water through a series of 10-12 different carbon mediums to remove most of the commonly found impurities.

The first step is mechanical and employs the use of tightly woven cotton.

The cotton is made tight enough for particles larger than 0.1 – 0.3 microns to get trapped. This carbon arrangement is capable of eliminating most of the fragments, sediment, and rust.

After the removal of large suspensions, the next step is employed to soften the water. Using ion exchange resins, calcium and magnesium atoms will be eliminated, turning the water from hard to soft.

At this stage, the water is directed through an activated carbon filter. Activated carbon blocks a lot of chemicals, including organic compounds such as algae, mold, and fungi as well as harsh chemicals such as chlorine, and chloramine.

Additional steps are normally incorporated for the removal of the remaining chlorine, toxins, and bacteria in the water.

KDF -55 filters

KDF filters are made from a special mix of zinc and copper. These metals naturally oppose each other, thereby forming a weak electro-chemical charge that goes unnoticed by humans. Nonetheless, this charge affects the various elements dissolved in shower water such as chlorine, changing their structure and making them harmless. Besides chlorine, KDF technology is effective in getting rid of heavy metals.

This technology was developed to replace silver, which was normally used in filters to kill bacteria and other germs. However, besides being expensive, silver is poisonous in large quantities and the risk of leakages was too much. KDF forms a safe and effective alternative.

Vitamin C filters

Vitamin C filters have consistently grown in popularity as one of the most effective chlorine removal systems when hooked to a shower. Some filter models with this technology boast of the ability to remove up to 99.9% of chlorine. These filters will also remove chloramine, but nothing much besides these two chemicals that exist in heavy amounts in tap water.

They are fitted with tubes of vitamin C to eliminate impurities as well as make the water healthier by infusing it with the essential vitamin.

Vitamin C shower head filters have tubes of Vitamin C that neutralizes water and removes chlorine. Most Vitamin C shower head filters remove at least 93% chlorine and trace amounts of other contaminants such as sediment and rust.

Hand Held Shower Head Filter

A handheld shower filter removes chlorine and common water contaminants while adding functionality. They are flexible, making them ideal for kids and older people who need assistance. It ensures you get a shower stream to every part of your body and also makes it easy to wash pets.

Shower head filters for low pressure water

Naturally, low water pressure is the worst especially when in desperate need of a quick shower. Fortunately, there are high-pressure shower head filters that not only remove impurities but also give water a powerful flow for relaxing showers.

Shower filters for chlorine or fluoride

In order to make water fit for drinking, utility companies normally add chlorine to the water supply. Nonetheless, water treated with chlorine comes with its own set of problems.

Chlorine causes the skin to dry and flake and makes hair brittle with less volume. Furthermore, during a hot shower, the chlorine in the water is vaporized and the substance finds its way into our bodies via skin pores and through the lungs.

Continuous exposure to chlorine can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems, skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.

Shower Head Filters for Eczema

There are shower filters specifically made to remove water contaminants that strip your skin of its natural oils, causing skin irritation and dryness. It keeps our bodies hydrated properly and allows the skin to naturally heal from disorders such as eczema and other skin conditions.

Inline filter for shower head

Inline shower filters let you enjoy filtered water without having to give up your existing shower head. They are an inexpensive filtration solution that easily attaches to your shower and effectively reduces water pollutants.

Who needs a shower head filter?

While this may seem obvious at first, answering this question will simplify the buying process and help you narrow down the wide range of options available in the market.

Some of the main reasons that drive people into buying a shower head filter include:

Water supply that has an odor

For water that has a bad smell, there are shower head models that remove elements such as sulfur and iron sulfide which are normally the culprits behind such smells. In this regard, some filters are better than others at the job, with some models incorporating the option of aromatherapy.

Discolored water that leave stain marks in the bathroom

To filter discolored water that stains tubs or tiles, you will want a shower filter that can remove rust, heavy metals, and general scale build-up.

Furthermore, you may want to consider a shower filter that is easy to take apart for easy cleaning and filter replacement since these units are known to clog fast.

Hard water that leads to dry, itchy skin, brittle hair, and unhealthy nails

If you live in a place where water is hard and thereby affects the health of your hair and skin, the best option is to go for a filter that cleans the water and also softens it. Not all filter units can handle this.

You can also for water filters designed to specifically remove the compounds that make water hard such as chlorine and heavy metals.

Health-related issues such as skin conditions, respiratory issues and allergies

In case you want to purchase a shower head filter due to health issues, it will depend solely on the type of problem you want to improve. For instance, if you want to get rid of dry and flaky skin, go for filters that focus on removing harmful chemicals such as fluoride from water.

Apart from improving the health of your hair and skin, a shower head filter can also improve the health of your lungs. This is ideal for those with respiratory issues such as asthma. There are shower models built to remove breathable impurities such as vaporized chlorine.

Shower head water filter buying guide

Before going out to buy yourself a new shower head filtration system, there are numerous details that you need to be aware of. These will help you increase the chances of finding the perfect fit for you.

What is the current condition of your water?

One of the most important things to consider before buying a shower head filter is the current condition of the water running in your taps. This will be different from person to person, depending on your location and a simple water test can be done at home.

The point is to have a rough idea of the impurities in your water supply so you can buy a shower filter with a matching filtration system.

For instance, say your water has high levels of heavy metals and trace amounts of chlorine. In such a case, buying a filter designed to remove mostly chlorine may not produce the results you were hoping for.

What does your old shower head look like?

You will want to consider the current condition of your shower head, both in terms of design and aesthetics.

Most shower head filters are built to be compatible with standard 1/2 -inch shower heads and pipes. However, confirm the size of your pipes as well as the height of your shower head. Know that most water filters tend to push the shower head lower by a couple of inches. Lastly, make sure that the water pressure is going to remain comfortable for your needs.

How to get the most of your shower head filter

Height

If your shower head is already as low as it can get, consider a water filter that can be mounted on top. You can also opt for a filter and showerhead combination that does not eat into your shower’s height.

Water pressure

There are water filters that can increase your water pressure. In the same breath, some are designed to reduce the rate of flow while some do not interfere. Depending on your current water pressure, you can pick a filter that will suit you best.

Hand-held shower head models

If you have children and pets, having a handheld shower filter can dramatically improve the quality of their showers and reduce the effort on your part. Look for models that provide long and flexible cords that will not get in the way. Some models have elastic cords that can stretch that can go from 5 to 7 feet when needed.

Filter life

If you can calculate how many showers you take in a year or 6 months, then you will have an easy time approximating how long your filter will last.

If you are a family that uses a lot of water, look for a model that filters more gallons before getting depleted. Some models offer bonus filter cartridges.

Replacement time

Most shower filters come with a sticker that reminds you when it’s time for a replacement. Some modern models have an in-built display that lets you know when to make the change.

Alternatively, note that most filters tend to drop the water pressure when they get depleted. So, if you notice that your pressure is getting low, that may be your cue to change the filter.

Conclusion

At first glance, choosing the right shower head water filter may seem overwhelming. The available options are pretty much endless and specific needs and won’t easily get drowned in the sea of product features and promises.

However, knowing all the features you want to be included in your shower filter and what to expect after installing it makes the whole thing easy, even fun.

The models listed in this review are some of the best in their various categories and choosing any one of them will surely serve you well.