Do Shower Filters Work?

Chemical Filtering

• Getting into a hot shower can not only refresh you, but it also opens up your lungs and allows you to inhale warm, moist air. Unfortunately, that air can include some dangerous chemicals. The hot water can turn the chemicals in your water supply into gases that can be detrimental to your health. Chlorine, which is used by the utility company to sanitize your water, is the chemical of most concern in a hot shower. The gaseous form of this chemical is considered a health hazard if inhaled. Many water filters strain out chlorine particles and reduce this type of risk. Well water, which often contains high levels of sulfur, can also pose problems in the shower. The odors from the sulfur can irritate some people and may even cause respiratory problems. Many shower filters also remove sulfur content from the water, making odors and irritation less prevalent.

Sediment Filtering

• In addition to chemical pollution, a water supply may also contain sediment missed by the filtration plant. Scale and sediment gets into the water supply on its way to your home as well, as many pipes are old and contain mineral buildup and other materials that flake off into the water. An additional filter at your shower head can help reduce the amount of sediment that gets on you in the shower. Many of these sediments are too small to be stopped by a filter, however. The shower will only stop larger particles, meaning less sediment will end up in your shower.

Not For Hard Water

• Don’t assume that a shower filter will work as a water softener. It will not. Water softeners are designed to remove hard water minerals like calcium and iron. Shower filters are typically designed with dangerous chemicals and contaminants in mind. They are often effective at removing heavy metals and other dangerous materials, but are not necessarily effective in removing hard water minerals.

Filter Media Types

• Different shower filters are made with various filter media to remove contaminants. Each of these types tends to do a better job at one type of filtering above others. Charcoal or carbon filters are best for removing chlorine, chloramines and other disinfection contaminants used by utility companies. Kinetic Degradation Fluxion, or KDF, filters are available for converting chlorine into harmless soluble calcium chloride. Chlorgon filters are specially designed to work with hot water and are efficient at removing chemicals like chlorine from shower water.