Shower Filters
A shower filter mainly reduces chlorine from city water, which some people find drying to skin and hair. Look for certification to NSF/ANSI 177, the standard for shower filters' free chlorine reduction. Shower filters do not soften hard water, and most do little against chloramine.
What to compare
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 177 for free available chlorine. Other claims should have a test report.
- Media: KDF-55 and calcium sulfite handle hot water better than plain carbon. Vitamin C reduces chlorine and chloramine but is used up quickly.
- Filter life: often 3 to 6 months or a set number of gallons.
- Flow: check that the filtered head still meets your desired flow, and note that federal limits cap showerheads at 2.5 GPM.
- Format: a filtered shower head replaces your head, while an inline filter sits between arm and head.
Shop Filtered Shower Heads and Shower Filters for Hard Water, which explains what helps with scale.
FAQs
Do shower filters really work?
Shower filters certified to NSF/ANSI 177 have been tested to reduce free chlorine in hot shower water. Many others make broader claims without certification. They generally do not remove hardness minerals or significantly reduce chloramine. For whole-home chlorine reduction, a whole house carbon filter is more effective.
Do shower filters help with hair and skin?
Some people notice softer-feeling hair and less dry skin after reducing chlorine, but evidence is mostly anecdotal. If your problem is hard water causing dull hair or soap scum, a shower filter will not soften it. A water softener addresses hardness for the whole home.
How often should I change a shower filter?
Most manufacturers recommend every 3 to 6 months, or after a rated number of gallons, depending on use and water quality. Hot water and high chlorine use up media faster. A return of chlorine smell or reduced flow are signs it is time to replace the cartridge.