What Are Shower Filters and Do They Really Work?

Dry, itchy skin? Dry, weak hair? Chlorine odors wafting from your showerhead?

If these issues are plaguing your showering experience, you're not alone. Many people seek solutions to improve their water quality and overall well-being. A shower water filter is one popular DIY option, but it's important to consider other home filtration systems that might provide more comprehensive solutions.

Why Choose a Shower Head Filter?

While chlorine is essential for water disinfection and public health, it can also have unwanted side effects. Some tap water retains traces of chlorine, which can contribute to dry skin, hair damage, and even unpleasant odors. A shower head filter is designed to remove chlorine and other impurities from your shower water, potentially improving the health and appearance of your skin and hair.

While chlorine is essential for water disinfection, it can also cause several issues, especially when it comes from your shower head. If you regularly shower in chlorinated water, you may experience:

• Chlorine odors
• Weak, dry hair
• Split ends
• Changes in natural or artificial hair color
• Dry, irritated skin

Many people seek a quick and easy solution to improve their showering experience and eliminate these irritating effects. Shower water filters are a popular choice, but their results may not be as comprehensive as you might hope.

How Do Shower Water Filters Work?

Shower water filters, designed to fit directly onto your shower head, come in various sizes and styles. 

These DIY solutions can:

• Address chlorine odors
• Help prevent dry skin
• Limit hair damage

However, shower filters have limitations when it comes to chlorine issues. You'll need to replace the filter or filter cartridge frequently (often every eight to twelve months). Moreover, their relatively simple design cannot address all contaminants or water quality problems, including hard water.

Filtering vs Softening

While most water solutions offer some degree of filtration, they don't all address hard water. Softening is a separate process that removes excess minerals like calcium and magnesium. A filter traps or removes impurities, while a softening system focuses on attracting and removing these minerals.

Unfortunately, most shower head filters do not soften water. They are primarily designed to address chlorine problems, like Everglow Shower Filter. However, the BriskSpring shower head filter is equipped with food-grade scale inhibition materials, which can reach a scale inhibition rate of 99%.

What Else Do Shower Filters Miss?

Shower head filters miss more than just minerals like calcium and magnesium. They also don't address other common water quality issues, such as iron and sulfur contamination. Iron can lead to red or brown stains, while sulfur creates an unpleasant odor.

This means you could invest significant time and money in a shower filter only to find it doesn't provide a comprehensive solution to your water quality problems.

Shower Filter Lifespan

Another factor to consider is the lifespan of shower filters. They typically last about six months, making them temporary solutions at best. More comprehensive systems, like whole-home filtration systems or water softeners, can last much longer (sometimes decades) with proper installation and maintenance.

Pros and Cons of Shower Filters

Like most home improvement options, shower filters have advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

• Size: Compact and fit various shower head shapes and sizes.
• Price: Generally affordable, typically ranging from $20 to $100.
• Simplicity: Easy to install and start using immediately.

Disadvantages:

• Filter replacement: Frequent replacement (every six months) requires time and money.
• Filtration capabilities: Limited to chlorine issues, not addressing other contaminants.
• Other limitations: Only treats water in the shower, not the rest of your home.

Are Shower Filters Worth It?

While shower filters can be a decent choice for managing chlorine-related issues, they often aren't worth the time, effort, and money required for regular filter replacement. They don't address all water quality problems that can affect your shower experience. For a more comprehensive and long-lasting solution, consider whole-home filtration or water-softening systems.

Already Have a Shower Water Filter?

If you're unsure if your shower filter is the most effective solution, consider a water test and consultation. This can help you understand what your filter is and isn't addressing your water's hardness levels, and potential contaminants that may require more comprehensive filtration.

Alternative Solutions to Shower Filters

For a more comprehensive solution, explore:

• Whole-Home Filtration: Addresses various contaminants and provides cleaner water throughout your home.
• Water Softening: Removes calcium and magnesium, improving water quality and addressing issues like hard water spots and dry skin.

Remember: You don't have to choose between filtration and water softening. A combination of systems can provide the best solution for your specific needs. Consult with a BriskSpring water quality expert to determine the ideal solution for your home.

Frank CHENG

WhatsApp: +86 15374233762

Email: srt2@parshun.com