Yes, there are shower heads available that have built-in filters. Shower filters serve an important purpose – they improve your shower experience by filtering out contaminants and odors from the water before it sprays out of the shower head. Some key benefits of using a filtered shower head include:
- Removing chlorine from shower water, which helps hair and skin feel softer
- Reducing odors from sulfur and metals that can be present in water
- Trapping sediment, rust, and mineral deposits before they clog your shower head
- Helping maintain your plumbing system by reducing buildup
There are a variety of filtered shower heads to choose from. The main types include:
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Carbon filter shower heads
Carbon filters use activated carbon to absorb and neutralize impurities from water. They are effective at removing chlorine and man-made contaminants. Carbon filters need replacing every 6-12 months depending on your water quality and usage.
KDF filter shower heads
KDF (kinetic degradation fluxion) media uses copper and zinc to filter water. KDF filters are excellent at controlling scale buildup and inhibiting bacteria growth. They also remove chlorine and heavy metals like lead and mercury.
Vitamin C filter shower heads
Vitamin C filters neutralize chlorine through a chemical reaction. They help protect hair and skin from damage by removing up to 99% of chlorine. Vitamin C filters last around 6 months before needing replacement.
Multi-stage filter shower heads
Multi-stage shower filters combine different media like KDF, carbon, calcium sulfite, and others. Using several filtration materials allows them to remove a wide range of contaminants for improved water quality and odor reduction.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Filtered Shower Head
There are several factors to take into account when selecting the right filtered shower head:
Filtration Method
Consider your water quality and which contaminants you want to remove – chlorine, heavy metals, scale buildup, etc. This will determine which filtration media is best suited. A multi-stage filter combines different media for broader contaminant reduction.
Filter Capacity
The capacity indicates how long a filter will last before needing replacement. It’s based on the volume of water that can flow through before the filter is depleted. Opt for a higher capacity filter if you shower frequently or have multiple users.
Flow Rate
Standard shower heads have a 2.5 gallon per minute (GPM) flow rate. Some filtered models may restrict water flow slightly. If having an invigorating shower is important, look for one that maintains at least 2 GPM.
Finish and Style
Filtered shower heads come in different finishes like brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, or stainless steel. Consider which style will look best with your existing bathroom decor and fixtures.
Special Features
Some filtered shower heads offer extra features like adjustable spray patterns, massaging streams, pulsating action, easy-clean rubber nozzles, flexible joints, self-cleaning mechanisms, and different flow settings. Decide if any extra features are appealing.
Installation
Make sure to get a filtered shower head designed for standard installation onto existing shower arms. Unless you have plumbing skills, avoid models that require complex retrofitting.
Top Rated Filtered Shower Heads
Based on filtration performance, durability, style, and user reviews, here are 5 top choices:
Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mount Filtered Shower Head
- Filter Type – Multi-stage cartridge with KDF medium and activated carbon
- Filter Life – Up to 10,000 gallons
- Flow Rate – 2 GPM
- Finish – Chrome, white, brushed nickel
- Key Features – 5 spray settings, easy tool-free filter replacement
Aquabliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter
- Filter Type – Multi-stage redox, calcium sulfite, KDF
- Filter Life – Up to 12,000 gallons
- Flow Rate – 2.5 GPM
- Finish – Chrome
- Key Features – Self-cleaning, leak-proof connection, noticeable water pressure
AquaEarth High Pressure Shower Head Filter System
- Filter Type – Vitamin C with activated carbon
- Filter Life – 6-8 months
- Flow Rate – 2.5 GPM
- Finish – Brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, chrome
- Key Features – Easy twist-on filter replacement, mineral balls prevent clogging
Berkeley Springs Filtered Shower Head
- Filter Type – KDF with activated carbon
- Filter Life – Up to 6 months
- Flow Rate – 2.5 GPM
- Finish – Brushed nickel, matte black, chrome, white
- Key Features – Suppresses scale & biofilm buildup, full spray face coverage
Sprite HO2 Shower Head Filter
- Filter Type – KDF copper-zinc oxidative medium
- Filter Life – 6-9 months
- Flow Rate – 2.5 GPM
- Finish – Chrome, brushed, oil rubbed
- Key Features – HO2 odor prevention technology, chlorine & hydrogen sulfide reduction
How to Install & Maintain a Filtered Shower Head
Installing and caring for a filtered shower head is straightforward:
Installation Tips
- First, remove your existing shower head by unscrewing it counter-clockwise.
- Clean any mineral deposits from the shower arm threads.
- Attach the filtered shower head by hand tightening it onto the shower arm. Be careful not to overtighten.
- Turn on the water to check for leaks before using.
Maintenance Tips
- Monitor the filter life indicator if your model has one, and plan to replace the filter per manufacturer recommendations.
- For models without an indicator, mark your calendar to replace the filter around every 6-12 months.
- Quickly rinse the shower head after each use to prevent mineral buildup.
- Periodically clean the shower head nozzle holes from limescale and other deposits to maintain proper water flow.
Conclusion
Installing a filtered shower head is an easy upgrade that can make a noticeable improvement in your shower enjoyment and hair/skin health. The best shower head filters remove chlorine, odors, scale, and other impurities from the water by using filtration media like KDF, carbon, vitamin C, and more. Consider the filter capacity, flow rate, style, and special features when choosing the right model for your needs. With simple tool-free replacement of the filter cartridges every 6-12 months, a filtered shower head provides cleaner, healthier water for showering.
| Shower Head Model | Filtration Type | Filter Life | Flow Rate | Finish | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culligan WSH-C125 | Multi-stage cartridge with KDF medium and activated carbon | Up to 10,000 gallons | 2 GPM | Chrome, white, brushed nickel | 5 spray settings, easy tool-free filter replacement |
| Aquabliss High Output | Multi-stage redox, calcium sulfite, KDF | Up to 12,000 gallons | 2.5 GPM | Chrome | Self-cleaning, leak-proof connection, noticeable water pressure |
| AquaEarth High Pressure | Vitamin C with activated carbon | 6-8 months | 2.5 GPM | Brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, chrome | Easy twist-on filter replacement, mineral balls prevent clogging |
| Berkeley Springs | KDF with activated carbon | Up to 6 months | 2.5 GPM | Brushed nickel, matte black, chrome, white | Suppresses scale & biofilm buildup, full spray face coverage |
| Sprite HO2 | KDF copper-zinc oxidative medium | 6-9 months | 2.5 GPM | Chrome, brushed, oil rubbed | HO2 odor prevention technology, chlorine & hydrogen sulfide reduction |