Are Shower Water Filters Necessary?

June 18, 2025

Why Do You Need a Shower Filter?

Just like drinking water, taking a shower is also an integral part of your daily routine. Chlorine, chemicals, and other contaminants can all be present in your tap water, affecting the appearance and health of your skin and hair. A simple solution to this problem is installing a shower filter.

One of the main benefits of using a shower filter is improving your skin’s overall appearance and health. Chlorine gas in tap water can strip natural oils from our skin, leading to dryness, itching, and irritation. By removing chlorine with a shower filter, you can maintain healthy levels of hydration in your skin which results in softer, smoother, and clearer-looking skin. Here is a list of the best shower filters that you can check out. 

skin eczema looking good after using a shower filter

Do Shower Filters Work?

Shower filters effectively remove harmful chemicals and other impurities from the water. Several studies have shown that shower filters can significantly reduce chlorine levels in the water by up to 99%, which is known to cause dryness, flakiness of skin & scalp irritation.

There are different types of shower filters like activated carbon filters and KDF shower filters which purify the water while removing impurities such as chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants. You can also even find Vitamin C filters on the market. 

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Shower Filter

Shower filters can remove harmful substances from your water supply. But before you choose a shower filter, there are some essential factors you need to consider.

Water Quality

Water quality is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a shower head filter. The water from our taps may contain harmful chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants that can affect the appearance and health of our skin and hair. Knowing what kind of contaminants are found in your water supply can help you choose the best shower filter for your needs. 

Water Usage

Your water usage is another factor you should consider before choosing a shower filter. Different filters are designed to cater to different water usage levels.

If you have a large family and use a lot of water for hot showers or for any other reason, you will need a filter that can handle high volumes of water flow. On the other hand, if you live alone or only use small amounts of water for showers, you may not require such high-capacity filters.

Certification or Performance Data Sheet

Another factor that should be considered is certification or performance data sheet. Many shower filter companies provide certified water filters. Having certified filtered shower heads will give you peace of mind that the products have been tested and meet certain standards for quality and safety. Look for certifications from organizations like NSF International or Water Quality Association. These certifications ensure the filter removes contaminants from your water supply without introducing harmful chemicals or byproducts.

Performance data sheets can also help make an informed decision about which shower filter to choose. These documents provide detailed information about how effective the filter is at removing different types of contaminants and how long it will last before needing replacement.

working shower filter

Customer Reviews

When purchasing a shower filter, customer reviews should be the main factor you consider. This is because past customer reviews provide insight into a product’s quality and effectiveness. By reading through these reviews, you can learn about any issues or problems that users may have faced with a particular filter and the benefits they have experienced.

When reviewing customer reviews for shower filters, consider common themes or complaints. If multiple people are experiencing similar issues with a certain product, there’s likely a flaw in the design or functionality of the filter. On the other hand, if most customers are raving about how great a particular filter is and how much it has improved their showers, you can feel more confident in your decision to purchase it.

Can a Shower Filter Remove Chlorine?

Yes, shower filters are designed to purify water by removing impurities such as chlorine, heavy metals, and other harmful contaminants. They work by using different types of filtration technology, such as KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) or activated carbon. These materials react with the chemicals in the water to create a chemical reaction that removes impurities from the water.

By removing chlorine from your shower water, you can experience many benefits, such as softer hair and skin, reduced risk of respiratory problems caused by inhaling chlorinated steam during showers, and improved overall health.

chlorine from water

Do Shower Filters Remove Hardness in Water?

Shower filters can effectively remove hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium from your water supply. Shower filter technology typically relies on a combination of activated carbon and KDF media to reduce impurities in the water, including mineral content that causes hard water. These two filtration media work together to break down and remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants commonly found in tap water.

You can expect softer-feeling skin and hair after bathing when using a shower filter containing activated carbon and KDF media.

Conclusion

Shower water filters can be a beneficial addition to any bathroom. Not only do they provide peace of mind, but they also reduce the number of harmful pollutants that may be present in tap water. Some areas may have more contaminants in their public water supply than others, so it is important to research what is in your local water and make an informed decision about whether a filter is necessary.

About the author
Jodie Calhoun
A stay-at-home mum with two young kids and an experienced researcher and writer passionate about household products, particularly water filtration systems.

shower filter

About the author
Rose