Have you ever left the shower and had dry skin or dull and brittle hair? Most people who said yes would immediately change shampoo, or soap. In the US its estimated that 85% of households receive hard water.
Hard water is water with a higher than average mineral content. These minerals such as calcium and magnesium have an undesirable effect when used in conjunction with shampoo, soap, body wash and any other type of product that you use whilst in the shower.
When the deposits of magnesium and calcium react with the fatty acids found in soaps, they make cleaning products ineffective. You are essentially not leaving the shower clean.
The easiest way to determine if you are showering with hard water is to see how well your soap lathers. If soap doesn’t lather, then you are definitely showering in hard water.
Hard water affects both your skin and hair. Showering in hard water consistently can leave lime scale deposits on your skin and in your hair. Hard water makes your hair dry and brittle whilst your skin will be irritable and lack moisture.
This is a list of great shower filters that will soften the hard water your household receives leaving you to enjoy your showers knowing that you are properly cleaning yourself.
AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter
The AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter is a great all-round hard water softener for your shower. The product is easy to install, great value and will improve your water quality instantly.
Pros
- No tools are required for installation.
- Universal fit. The shower filter works with all types of shower heads from handheld to multi combo shower heads.
- US based customer care team on hand to provide help and guidance every step of the way.
- Easy to replace removable filter.
- Simple design, screw in and screw out.
- Dramatically improves the condition of your skin, hair and nails.
- Installation can be completed in as little as 2 minutes!
- Activated blend of carbon, calcium sulphate and redox media make this filter extremely effective, all of the time.
Cons
- The filter will last between 6-8 months depending on the use age so this filter will not last forever. Be prepared to buy and replace the filter to maintain softer water.
- AquaBliss provide little information with the filter regarding what the filter uses, and how it achieves softer water.
- Occassional water pressure drop may occur when the filter is initially installed.
- This filter will only leave soft water in your shower, the rest of the home will still have hard water.
Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Shower Head
The Culligan WSH-C125 is a stylish wall mounted shower head that filters hard water. It even includes a massage setting. The product is small looking like a standard showerhead and nicely finished in chrome.
Straight out of the box this easy to install shower filter will provide you and household with instantly softer water that will leave you feeling fresh, clean and rejuvenated.
Pros
- Easy to install, the Culligan WSH-C125 includes Teflon tape which wraps around the existing shower head meaning no tools are required.
- Tested and certified by the NSF international to reduce chlorine in your water.
- Five different spray modes to suit your shower experience. Ranging from standard full body to deep tissue massage.
- Anti-clog rubber spray nozzle.
- 100,000 gallons (6 months filter life).
- Includes replacement cartridge, plumbing tape and filter change instructions.
- 5 year warranty.
Cons
- The filter will need replacing which requires further purchases as well as the commitment to change the filter in order to assure long term soft water.
- Difficult to switch shower head modes when the water is actually coming out of the shower head.
- Water pressure can be weaker.
- Narrow spray pattern in comparison with other shower heads.
- Plastic shower head which can discolor quickly.
PureAction Shower Head Filter for Hard Water
The PureAction Shower Head Filter is the ultimate budget shower head filter for anyone wanting to soften their hard water. Buy this shower filter to achieve softer water in your shower straight out of the box.
The PureAction Shower Head Filter is a great budget shower filter for anyone that can be easily installed into any bathroom or shower.
Pros
- Universal fittings, the PureAction Shower Head Filter will work with any shower apart from hose shower heads.
- All metal shower heads for hardwearing sturdy design.
- Tool free installation.
- Includes 2 filter cartridges so you don’t need to buy a replacement filter as soon as the initial filter wears out.
- Will filter your water for between 6-8 months before the filter must be changed.
- Saves you water, saving you money in the long run.
- 5 inch stainless steel face will enhance water pressure without using more water.
Cons
- Difficult to change the shower filter after use.
- Has be known to use up hot water quickly.
- The filter can quickly clog depending on the hardness of your water initially.
- The shower has been known to rust after prolonged use.
- The shower streams water in multiple directions.
- The filter won’t work on all systems, if you have a hose shower don’t purchase this filter.
HotelSpa 7-Setting Handheld Shower with Patented ON/OFF Pause Switch
The HotelSpa 7-setting Handheld Shower head is a great shower head and water filter. The shower head will filter out 99% of chlorine and its vapor from your water.
The HotelSpa 7-Setting Shower Head is also stylish, finished in chrome and includes 7 preset settings for the most enjoyable shower experiences.
- Lifetime hassle free warranty with live customer service representatives in the USA.
- Tool free installation that connects with any overhead shower arm in minutes.
- Eliminates 99% of chlorine in your water.
- Uses copper and zinc media to filter your hard water properly.
- 7 feature shower settings rainfall to massage.
- 4-icnh chrome shower head for wide water coverage.
- Easy Angle adjustment.
- Stainless steel shower hose.
- Start/Pause switch incorporated onto the shower head.
- Light weight design perfect for people of all ages.
- Rub-clean jets make maintaining this shower filter extremely easy.
Cons
- The pause button has issues depending on water pressure ranges with some users reporting that it just slowed the amount of water coming out of the head down and didn’t pause the water flow entirely.
- Water temperature can be difficult to control.
- The shower head is cheaply made.
- Can be loud when filtering extremely heavy water.
- The replacement filters are expensive in comparison with other hard water filters on the market.
- The hose is short for those wanting to use it in the bath as well.
Torti Lia 15 Stage Shower Filter with Vitamin C For Hard Water
The Torti Lia 15 Stage Shower Filter helps purify your water without the need for you to replace your existing shower head. You will receive purified, soft water immediately with the Torti Lia which is compatible will all shower systems.
Pros
- Each filter cartridge will last for up to 6 months.
- Clean water is great for bathing pets and children.
- Cheaper alternative to whole house water filtration systems.
- Great for well water since it also removes metal contamination.
- Offer consistent water pressure so it will not impact your shower experience.
- Offers complete purified water leaving your skin, hair and nails both healthier and happier.
- The standard ½ inch thread type will fit all shower heads.
- No knowledge or tools are required for quick and easy installation.
- Great customer service team on hand to help with any issues.
Cons
- Large in size. When used in a standalone shower a shower head riser might be needed to incorporate the Torti Lia Shower Head Filter.
- Dirty filters can produce black water when carbon is exposed to dust. Easily resolved by running your shower for 20-30 minutes.
- Poor quality metal exterior.
- The filter can become easily clogged dependent on how hard your water is.
Conclusion
We have reviewed 5 of the best water filters currently on the market for households suffering with hard water problems. All of these filters will leave you with a more effective showering experience.
Notice healthier hair, skin and nails after consistent use for you and your family. If you don’t want to spend lots of money on a whole house water filtration system then considering a hard water shower filter which will dramatically improve your showering experience.