DO FILTERED SHOWERHEADS ACTUALLY WORK? HERE'S WHAT EXPERTS SAY

Pros say filtered showerheads do work, but they have some limitations.

Whether you have a walk-in shower or a tight bathroom space, swapping out your showerhead can make an instant impact—especially if you reach for a filtered model. Showering with unfiltered water can expose you to harmful chemicals and contaminants, so a filtered showerhead is a smart option.

Hard water can leave soap residue on skin and hair. For some people, this can lead to preventable allergic reactions and discomfort. Chlorine and other chemicals in municipal water can strip the skin and hair of their natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Filtered showerheads are gaining popularity due to their ability to reduce water impurities that may cause dry skin and hair—but do they actually work? Experts share their best tips for installing filtered showerheads, along with factors to be cautious of.

Related: How to Choose the Right Showerhead for Your Bathroom

What Is a Filtered Showerhead, and Why Is It Better Than a Normal One?

“A filtered showerhead is a type of showerhead designed to reduce impurities in the water, such as chlorine and other contaminants. It incorporates a filtration system within the showerhead itself," says Mike Sale, director of home water systems at Delta Faucet. "Another alternative is a shower filtration attachment, which attaches in between your current showerhead and water supply line.”

When choosing between different types of filtered showerheads, you should consider factors like the filter type, flow rate, spray settings, replacement filters, and finishes.

"Depending on your local watershed, minerals, disinfectants, and additives, your water can strip your skin and hair of their natural oils, leading to dryness," says Deon Marecheau, Thumbtack professional and owner of Antillean Restoration. "For instance, chlorine is added to municipal water supplies to control bacteria and other pathogens, but it can interact with our skin and hair, causing dryness and brittleness."

Filtering out some of these chemicals and microbes can help reduce flareups for people with skin conditions. A gentler showering experience can reduce inflammation in and on the body. Thus, filtered showerheads are a worthwhile investment for people looking to improve skin and hair health.

Related: We Tested 36 of the Best Showerheads, and These 11 Are the Best Styles for Your Bathroom

How Do Filtered Showerheads Work?

Filtered showerheads typically have in-built filtration systems to target common tap water impurities. The specific filtration components may vary depending on the products. Still, most models have activated carbon (reduces chlorine), KDF-55 (removes heavy metals like lead and mercury), or calcium sulfate filters (targets chlorine and chloramine).

"Essentially, the water interacts with the showerhead's filtration media, typically activated carbon, to neutralize chlorine and remove some heavy metals and microorganisms by absorbing them into the media," Marecheau says. "This is why the filters in the showerhead require frequent change (typically every 3-6 months)."

Marecheau explains that filtered showerheads can be beneficial in some situations, but it's important to understand the chemical composition of your water and the concentrations of the compounds you want to remove in order to maximize the effectiveness of your showerhead filter. "You can assess this by using water testing strips or by having your water tested at a lab," he says. "Filtered showerheads primarily filter out free chlorine and a few heavy metals at specific concentration levels, so it's important to cross-reference a showerhead's specification or datasheet with the chemicals present in your water that you want to remove."

Marecheau also recommends looking for any National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certifications when you are choosing a showerhead.

Reasons to Consider Installing a Filtered Showerhead

"Filtered showerheads have gained popularity due to their ability to reduce impurities that may cause dry skin and hair," Sale says. They also help improve water quality by eliminating harmful bacteria such as E. Coli and salmonella. They also prevent mold growth, which can aggravate respiratory problems and other infections.

By eliminating heavy minerals and sediments, these filters prevent soap scum from building up on the glass and other surfaces, ensuring you get to enjoy a cleaner shower for longer. Other advantages include easy installation and availability in various designs, sizes, and models. It is easy to find one that best suits your bathroom's aesthetics and function.

Related: How to Replace a Showerhead for a Spa-Worthy Bathroom

Reasons to Be Cautious of Filtered Showerheads

There are no federal regulations for filtered showerheads, which means companies are not required to make products that meet specific standards, leading to vast differences in product quality. "Average municipal water supplies primarily require chlorine removal, and filtered showerheads can do a decent job of this," Marecheau says. "However, not all filtered showerheads are created equal, so choose one from a reputable manufacturer that provides specific testing standards and performance metrics for what you are looking to remove from your water."

While filtered showerheads can reduce some impurities, they are not a full-service solution and may not work on all contaminants. "Filtered showerheads are generally not effective against hard water (calcium and magnesium), microbial contaminants, fluoride, and pesticides. In this case, you might want to look into a more comprehensive water treatment solution like a whole home water treatment," Marecheau says.

Another downside is that most filters require replacement every 3 to 6 months, which can be costly, atop the initial purchase price. Some filters have also been reported to reduce water pressure, so read customer reviews thoroughly before making your selection.

Related: 10 Tips on How to Increase Water Pressure in a Shower

2024-11-21T19:56:11Z