Do you have problems with dry skin or an itchy scalp that you think might be caused by your shower water? Or maybe your shower smells like bleach or metal, and you're just tired of it.
One of the best ways to get rid of those odors and protect your skin and hair from harmful contaminants is by using a shower filter. Unlike a whole house filtration system, a shower filter isn't expensive, and it's simple to install. But it can make a huge difference in the way you feel and look!
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I've spent a lot of time researching shower head filters, and narrowed them down to what I think are the nine best ones. I base my rating on technical aspects, user feedback, and price.
After reading this review, you'll understand why I think the shower head filters made by ProOne are the very best. (Check them out at ProOne USA.)
Below you'll find a table that compares some of the important features of the nine best shower filters followed by a detailed description of each.
Best Shower Head Filters Comparison Table
**This table is best viewed in horizontal orientation on mobile devices.**
Product | Filter Life | Contaminants Targeted | Special Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ProOne (Editor's Choice)  | 6-9 months | chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, lead, heavy metals, VOCs, pesticides, & more | Massaging shower head & choice of 3 finishes | |
Berkey KDSF-HEAD  | 12 months | chlorine, scale, rust, hydrogen sulfide, mold, bacteria | Massaging shower head | |
AquaBliss Heavy Duty SF220  | 6-8 months | chlorine, dirt, scale, THMs, odors | Universal design can be used with all shower heads | |
AquaBliss Revitalizing SF100  | 6 months | chlorine, dirt, scale, THMs, odors | Infuses water with Vitamin C & beneficial minerals | |
Aquasana AQ-4100  | 6 months | chlorine, lead, iron, pesticides, VOCs | Unique design for maximum chlorine removal | |
VivaSpring  | 6 months | chlorine | Filter contained in attractive 6.5 inch wide shower head | |
Culligan WSH-C125  | 6 months | chlorine, rust, scale | 5 setting shower head | |
Sonaki 300VPX Inline Filter  | 3-6 months | chlorine & chloramine | Dual system includes 5-stage filter + vitamin C filter |
Best Shower Head Filters - Mini Reviews
ProOne ProMax (best fluoride shower filter)
If you want a shower filter that reduces fluoride, you'll want to consider the ProOne. It's the only one on this list that does.
Using ProMax filter technology, a multi-stage filtration system, it reduces/removes a broad range of 200 + contaminants including VOC’s, lead, fluoride, heavy metals, pesticides, SVC’s, disinfectants, chlorine, chloramines, inorganic non-metallics, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, PFOA, PFOS and micro-organisms.
Shop for the ProOne shower filter in brushed nickel at ProOne USA and get the fluoride out of your shower water.
Please note that ProOne is the new name of Propur USA as of January 2021. There have been a few minor design changes made, but the filter technology is the same great quality it's always been.
The shower filter uses the same technology used in the ProOne countertop water filter and inline refrigerator water filter.
It's far superior to the other brands in terms of the wide range of contaminants that it reduces. You can access the independent lab test results here to see for yourself.
However, you'll want to know that it reduces chlorine by only 57%. This is quite a bit less than the others. But it does remove 71% of chloramine. The Sonaki is the only other filter in this list that removes chloramine.
If you're on well water or another non-chlorinated water source, the ProOne might be just what you need. In fact, because it removes so many contaminants, I'd say that it's the best shower filter for well water that you can buy.
Options include a chrome filter and shower head in the standard style or wand style. Or choose the standard style in antique bronze, chrome or brushed nickel.
You can't buy the filter without a shower head, but you can remove the shower head and replace it with your current one if you like.
Other ProOne Models
ProOne Chrome Plus Handheld Shower Head - available at ProOne USA
Grab a ProOne Chrome Shower Head & Filter at ProOne USA
Comes in antique bronze, too! Get one at ProOne USA
Just like all the other brands, this one is easy to install, and replacing the filter is simple. ProOne recommends changing the filter cartridge every 6 to 9 months.
Check the availability and price of replacement cartridges at Amazon here or at ProOne USA here.
ProOne offers a one year warranty on the filter, and a 9 month warranty on the cartridge.
ProOne Shower 3200 Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
Click here to check the price at Amazon. (They might not have the updated version yet, but the technology is the same.)
You can also buy it directly from the manufacturer, ProOne USA. Sometimes they have special sales and free shipping, so it's worth taking a look. Plus they take PayPal, if that's your preferred way to pay.
Berkey KDSF-HEAD (best for filter longevity)
The Berkey shower filter is from the same company that makes the very popular Berkey countertop gravity water filters. The filter technology is different, though.
This filter is made of a proprietary blend of calcium, copper and zinc. It reduces up to 95% of chlorine, plus hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), lime scale, mold, algae, bacteria, and iron oxide (rust). And it works on both hot and cold water.
See the long-lasting Berkey shower filter at BerkeyFilters.com
It comes with a shower head that has three settings: mist, spray and massage. Or, if you prefer, you can buy the filter by itself and use it with your existing shower head.
It's easy to install the Berkey filter, and it's easy to replace the filter.
One big difference, though, is the long filter life. The Berkey is good for 20,000 gallons, or about 1 year. That's twice as long as most of the others.
Berkey also gives you a back flow attachment that you can use to flush out the filter if it gets a buildup of sediment.
Berkey KDSF-HEAD Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
If it's not available at Amazon, another option for you is Berkey Filters, a reputable authorized Berkey distributor. They often run special deals, so you might want to check them out. Shipping is free on orders over $49, and they take PayPal.
Aquabliss SF220 (best budget shower filter)
The SF220 by Aquabliss is one of the most popular shower filters out there. Could be because of the low cost. But, low price doesn't always mean low quality.
This filter is effective at reducing contaminants like chlorine, bacteria and pesticides, plus it inhibits the growth of mold and algae.
A 3-stage filtration system is housed inside a thick durable plastic housing with a chrome finish.
Grab one of these budget friendly Aquabliss shower filters at Amazon
There are 3 materials in the filter cartridge: carbon, calcium sulfite, and KDF-55.
Carbon does great job filtering water at room temperature and lower, but not at higher temperatures. KDF-55 and calcium sulfite help to purify the water when it's hot.
So, by combining all three materials, it filters your shower water whether you like it hot or cold, or somewhere in between.
Aquabliss SF220 filter, installed
Installation is straightforward and easy to do. You just remove your shower head, screw the filter onto the pipe coming out from the wall, then screw your shower head onto the filter.
A roll of plumber's tape comes with the filter. You'll want to use it to ensure a good fit and no leaks.
Most users have reported that the water flow is not slowed down by the filter. If you do notice a decrease in water pressure, it probably means that the filter needs to be replaced.
With normal use, the filter will last about 6 to 8 months, or 10,000 to 12,000 gallons.
Check the price and availability of the replacement filter at Amazon.
Check the price of the SFC220 shower filter replacement cartridge at AquaBliss.
AquaBliss offers a 12-month limited warranty on all their products.
AquaBliss SF220 Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
AquaBliss SF100 (best multistage shower filter)
Here's another top rated shower filter made by AquaBliss. The SF100 Revitalizing 12-Stage Shower Filter reduces chlorine and other impurities, like the SF220. But it does more.
It infuses your shower water with vitamin C and minerals to promote healthier skin and hair.
Treat your skin to a soothing shower with the AquaBliss SF100 from Amazon
To accomplish this, it uses 12 stages of filtration:
- Sand pre-filter captures large particles of sediment.
- Ultra fine stainless steel mesh strains out medium size bits of sediment.
- Microporous PP (polypropylene) fiber collects extremely tiny particles.
- Calcium sulfite removes chlorine from both hot and cold water.
- Redox media (high quality copper-zinc formulation) also removes chlorine.
- Activated carbon reduces chlorine, THMs, and other organic contaminants.
- Far infrared ceramic balls raise the level of negative ions, which can help to boost energy and deal with stress, according to WebMD.
- Zeolite ceramic balls adsorb heavy metals and ammonia. (More information about zeolite water treatment here.)
- Vitamin C balls infuse the water with vitamin C, improving the health of skin and hair.
- Tourmaline balls make water more alkaline, help deodorize and filter, and benefit skin and hair.
- Magnetic energy balls increase negative air ions and oxygen in water, which promotes healthier skin and hair.
- Microporous PP (polypropylene) fiber prevents any captured particles or bits of filter media from exiting the filter.
- Ultra fine stainless steel mesh keeps the microporous fiber filter in place and blocks medium size particles when the filter cartridge is reversed.
This shower head filter will last for about 6 months, or 10,000 gallons - whichever comes first. (Check the price of the SFC100 replacement filter cartridges at Amazon or at AquaBliss)
If the water flow seems to be slowing down before that, you can try backwashing the cartridge and see if that helps. This can happen if you live where there's a lot of sediment in the water.
It comes with a 12-month limited warranty, which is good for such an inexpensive product, especially considering that the filter cartridge is only designed to last for 6 months.
AquaBliss SF100 vs SF220 - What's the difference?
Two main differences:
So, if you want better chlorine filtration and you don't care about the bells and whistles, you'd be better off with the SF220. And, by the way, last time I checked, they were the same price.
AquaBliss SF100 Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
Aquasana AQ-4100 (best for dry hair and skin)
This filter uses a combination of coconut shell carbon and a KDF-55 copper and zinc media to reduce chlorine and improve the pH balance of your shower water.
You can see that the design of the Aquasana is different from the other brands. Instead of the water going straight through the filter, it's directed to the bottom and then is pushed up through the filter media on its way to the shower head.
This is supposed to keep it from clogging up, and it keeps the water in contact with the filter longer for better filtration.
Another benefit of the design is that it keeps the shower head higher up than the other brands. That's a good thing for tall people.
On the other hand, the position of the shower head in relation to the filter restricts its movement. You can't point it downward quite as far as you can with a normal shower head. So that could be a problem if you have a small shower stall.
You can choose either a regular massaging shower head or a handheld wand-type shower head. The wand shower head comes in white or chrome. Prices vary slightly with the different options.
But, if you love your shower head and want to keep it, you can just get the filter. It attaches to most standard shower heads.
You'll need to replace the filter about every 6 months, or 10,000 gallons. It's simple to do.
Replacement filters are expensive, unfortunately, and can cost as much as the original. But, Aquasana has a subscription program that will save you 15%, plus the shipping is free. Click here to purchase replacement filters at Aquasana.
Aquasana filters come with a one year warranty and 90-day no questions asked money back guarantee.
Aquasana AQ-4100 Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
Click here to check the current price and availability at Amazon.
If you prefer, you can purchase directly from Aquasana. Sometimes they have special pricing, and, remember, they have a filter replacement subscription program that will save you some money.
VivaSpring (best for maintaining water pressure)
The VivaSpring Filtered Shower Head is an affordable offering from Brondell, Inc.
It has a KDF-55 filter that is certified to reduce free available chlorine in your shower water. Along with chlorine, it can reduce some heavy metals, but it hasn't been certified to do so.
Shop for the Brondell VivaSpring at Amazon
That filter is contained inside the shower head, so it doesn't cut down on your head room like most of the other filters do. It also seems to be able to maintain water pressure quite well.
And speaking of the shower head, the VivaSpring has a beautiful 6.5-inch diameter shower head to give you a luxurious wide spray. It has a chrome finish and there are two color choices for the face - black or light gray.
I wrote a separate review of the VivaSpring. So, if you'd like more details on this shower filter, please see VivaSpring Filtered Shower Head: Classy, Effective & Affordable.
Click here to check the current price and availability at Amazon.
VivaSpring Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
Culligan WSH-C125 (best chlorine shower filter)
Culligan is a well known brand that's been in the water softener and filtration business since 1936.
While the WSH-C125 filtered shower head isn't the most stylish shower head you'll ever see, it's a reliable workhorse that does the job of removing chlorine. It's also backed by a 5 year warranty, so there's no risk in trying it out.
Enjoy chlorine-free showering with the Culligan WSH-C125 from Amazon
This filter has been tested and certified by NSF to meet the NSF/ANSI Standard 177 for the reduction of free chlorine. It also eliminates sulfur odors and prevents scale build-up on the shower head.
There's also some kind of bacteriostastic substance in the filter that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
The filter cartridge is inside the shower head, so it's not going to take up any extra head space. Installation is as simple as switching out a shower head. It'll fit on any standard 1/2-inch shower arm.
Replacing the filter is just as easy. You'll need to change it about every 6 months, or 10,000 gallons. (Check the price of the WHR-140 replacement filter cartridge at Amazon.)
It has five spray settings, including massage. Changing the settings isn't easy, though. Turning the head can be difficult. You might need one of those non-slip jar opening pads to get a good grip on it. That's probably the biggest complaint that people make about this model.
Chrome is the only color that this model comes in. And although it looks like metal, it's not. It's made of plastic.
Culligan WSH-C125 Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
Sonaki Vitapure VPX-300 (best vitamin C shower filter)
The Sonaki Vitapure VPX-300 6-stage inline shower filter is an interesting model that combines a 5-stage contaminant reducing filter and a vitamin C filter.
This model is big - it's 12 inches long by 4 inches in diameter! You screw it onto the shower arm and then screw your shower head onto it.
Shop for the Sonaki VItapure 6-stage vitamin C shower filter at Amazon
As you can see in the picture, there are two separate parts to the system.
The vitamin C filter is the orange cartridge. According to the manufacturer, it removes up to 99.9% of chlorine and chloramine from shower water. It's made of food grade natural vitamin C and food grade xanthan gum gel.
Because the housing for the cartridge is clear, you can easily see when the vitamin C is gone and needs to be replaced.
Then you've got the Puremax 5-stage filter on the other side:
- 7 micron woven fabric covering to block particles of dirt, rust and sand
- FIR (Far InfraRed) ceramic balls to help soften hard water
- Antibacterial filter
- ACF (Activated Carbon Filter) to reduce heavy metals, THMs, and other organic contaminants
- Second stage antibacterial filter
Here's what Sonaki claims is removed by the Puremax side of the filter:
- rust
- sediment
- bacteria
- phenols
- chromium-6
- THMs (trihalomethanes)
- heavy metals
When you buy the Sonaki shower assembly, you get the housing, one PureMax filter, four vitamin C filters, and two wrenches that you need to install it.
The two filters have different replacement schedules. You'll need to change the vitamin C filter every 2,500 gallons, or about every 6 weeks. Then the PureMax needs to be replaced every 5,000 gallons, or 3 months.
So, it's a little tricky to keep track of when you need to replace each part. Situations like this are when I rely on the reminder app on my cell phone! Fortunately, the replacement filters come in multipacks, so you don't have to buy them that often.
As far as warranty goes, Sonaki offers a 120 day money back guarantee.
Check the Amazon price of the Vitamin C replacement filters here and the PureMax filters here.
Sonaki Vitapure VPX-300 Pros and Cons
What People Like
Don't Like So Much
Why Use a Shower Filter?
Did you know that skin is the largest organ in the human body?
If you're an average size person, your skin covers an area of about 20 square feet! That big area of skin is able to absorb a lot of impurities. So, you want to be careful about what you expose your skin to on a regular basis.
You probably already use a water filter for your drinking water - not just to make it taste better, but because you know it's healthier for you. Shouldn't you do the same for your shower water?
So here are some healthy reasons to use a shower head filter-
1. Shower filters can improve the health of dry skin and hair.
Probably the worst (and most common) contaminant in shower water is chlorine. Chlorine strips your skin and hair of their natural oils, so you feel dry and itchy. A good shower filter can remove the chlorine and cause a noticeable improvement in your hair, skin and nails.
2. Shower filters can reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Another problem with chlorine is that it can react with other substances in the water to for THMs (trihalomethanes). This is bad news because THMs are known carcinogens. You don't want to risk absorbing that stuff through the pores of your skin!
3. Shower filters can improve indoor air quality.
By eliminating chlorine, metals, and other contaminants from your water, a filter can eliminate the bad odors that assault your senses every time you shower. Plus, those contaminants are removed before they have a chance to vaporize and spread into the air you're breathing in.
For Further Reading: Why You Need to Use a Shower Head Filter
Common Types of Shower Filters
All shower filters are not the same. There are different methods of removing contaminants, using different filtration media. The three most common types are activated carbon, KDF-55, and vitamin C.
One brand of shower filter might use one medium or a combination of two or more. And some manufacturers use a “proprietary” medium, so you can’t always know exactly what’s in it. But, generally you can assume it uses at least one of the three main types, possibly along with something else
Each filtration medium has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s good to educate yourself about the different types before you buy a shower filter.
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon in any kind of water filter is usually made from coconut shells. It’s most effective for removing chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, and bad tastes and odors. It does not work for chloramine.
There are two types: carbon block and GAC (granular activated carbon).
GAC isn’t as effective as carbon block because the tiny particles can easily form channels and allow contaminants through.
Carbon blocks are able to remove more toxins than GAC, including metals like lead.
Because activated carbon doesn’t work well in hot water, it’s not a good choice for shower filters. That is, unless you like taking cool or cold showers! It's much better suited for drinking water filters.
Suggested Reading: The Science Behind Activated Carbon Water Filters (CB Tech)
KDF-55
KDF stands for Kinetic Degradation Fluxion. There are a few different types of KDF, but KDF-55 is what you find most often in water filters. It’s designed to remove chlorine and water soluble heavy metals from water. It also serves to control the growth of bacteria, algae, and scale.
KDF-55 works well in hot water, so it’s ideal for showers. It’s very effective for chlorine, but not for chloramine.
Suggested Reading: KDF Process Media Aid in Chlorine, Algae, Bacteria and Iron Removal from Water (KDF Fluid Treatment, Inc.)
Vitamin C
It might surprise you to learn that vitamin C is effective for removing both chlorine and chloramine. I was a bit skeptical myself about vitamin C filters until I did some research.
Vitamin C added to chlorinated water causes a chemical reaction that neutralizes the chlorine and chloramine. You may have heard of people using vitamin C as a quick way to dechlorinate water for their aquarium. It does the same for your bath or shower water.
An article published by the USDA states:
"Vitamin C effectively neutralizes chlorine and is safer to handle than sulfur-based dechlorination chemicals...If passive dechlorination [letting it stand until the chlorine dissipates] is not practical, we recommend a form of vitamin C."
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission confirmed that vitamin C is effective for removing chlorine and chloramine from bath and shower water:
Based on personal preference, some individuals may choose to reduce exposure to chlorine or chloramine. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has recently been included in AWWA Standard (AWWA, 2005b) as one of the methods for dechlorination of disinfected water mains.
The removal of chloramine is not necessary from a public health perspective; however, some customers may choose to remove either chlorine or chloramine for bathing purposes...SFPUC determined that 1000 mg of Vitamin C (tablets purchased in a grocery store, crushed and mixed in with the bath water) removes chloramine completely in a medium size bathtub without significantly depressing pH. Shower attachments containing Vitamin C can be purchased on the Internet...
Some shower attachments with Vitamin C marketed on the Internet are effective in removing chloramine; however, the claims posted on the Internet as to their replacement frequency appear to overestimate the duration when the shower attachment is effective.
How to Choose a Shower Filter
When you're shopping for a new shower head filter, there are a few important details you'll want to pay attention to.
1. Contaminant reduction
Which particular contaminant(s) are you most concerned about? Find out exactly what the filter removes, and to what degree. You want one that takes care of your biggest problems. Pay particular attention to whether the filter removes chloramine if your water supplier uses it to disinfect your water.
2. Filter life
Each manufacturer publishes how many gallons of water or how many months a filter is good for. It may last longer or may get used up sooner, depending on your individual situation.
The two biggest factors are the size of your household and the quality - especially the hardness - of your water. Hard water tends to clog up the filter sooner than soft water. And, obviously, the more people using the shower, the faster it will be used up.
3. Replacement filters
This goes along with number 2, filter life. Find out how much the replacement filters are going to cost you over the course of a year and if that is within your budget.
Also, make sure that you will be able to find replacements when you need them. It's always a good idea to stock up ahead of time.
4. Adaptability
Take a good look at the design and the dimensions to determine if the shower filter will work in your shower. Different ways of mounting can affect the height of the shower head or your ability to point it in the direction you want. If you have a handheld shower, make sure the filter will work with it.
5. Shower head design, if applicable
If the filter comes with a shower head, consider features like the material (chrome, plastic, etc.), the number and type of spray settings, and the overall look, if that's important to you. There are plenty of models available, so you should be able to find something that suits you.
Do shower filters work for hard water?
I’ve seen this question a lot. What this question usually means is, “Can shower filters soften hard water?”
In a word - NO.
Hard water is caused by the presence of minerals like calcium and iron. None of the filters that use activated carbon, KDF-55, or vitamin C can remove minerals.
If you put hard water through a shower filter, it’s still going to be hard water. Sure, some of the chemicals will be gone, but that doesn’t make the water soft.
Water softeners remove hard water minerals, not chemicals or metals. The process is completely different, and it takes time. A shower filter can't convert hard water into soft water. That's not what it's designed to do.
Now, don't get me wrong - shower filters can be used with hard water and can do some good. They remove chemicals and metals, which can be harsh on your skin and hair. Filtered shower water can leave your skin and hair feeling softer, but it's not the same as softened water.
So, if you see something touted as a water softening shower filter, don't be fooled. If you want soft water for your shower, you should invest in a whole house water softener instead.
Verdict: ProOne is the best shower filter
There's no doubt that all of these top shower filters will improve the quality of your shower water.
All of them take out the chlorine, which can help your skin and hair to feel better. Plus you won't be breathing in those chlorine fumes.
But I do think the ProOne Shower outshines all the others because it reduces so many more contaminants, plus it removes fluoride. That's why it's my Number One best shower head filter pick. If you're going to invest in a shower filter, you may as well go for the one that does the most good.
Click here to purchase at the ProOne website.
My Number Two pick is the Berkey KDSF-HEAD because it reduces a decent range of contaminants and it has a long filter life.
Click here to purchase at Berkey Filters.
I hope you found this review helpful and that you can find the shower filter that's right for you. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I'll do my best to answer as quickly as possible.
Also, if you have any experience with these or any other shower filters, let us hear about it in the comments!
Last Updated on January 16, 2023
Hi – in your opinion, what is the best shower head filter for Hair loss/ skin? I live in NYC so we have hard water. Thank you …
Hi, Dawn! Hard water is caused by excessive amounts of minerals in the water. Unfortunately, none of these shower filters reduce minerals in the water. You will be hard pressed to find a shower filter that does reduce minerals, because they are usually carbon filters, and carbon filters do not remove minerals. They do, however, remove or reduce chlorine, which can be hard on your hair and skin. And, actually, whether hard water causes hair loss is up for debate. It definitely has an effect on how your hair looks and feels, though. The best solution for hard water is a water softener, and that’s not the same as a water filter. Please see the section in this article: Do shower filters work for hard water?
Greetings Marge!
Many thanks again for your dedication and thoroughness in reviews. My question about shower filters…we have the issue, like so many others, with having the hot water getting ‘hot’. We have taken up the practice of capturing water in buckets until it’s warm/hot for showering. Might any of these products have a ‘bypass’ of the filter to use for managing the need cited above? Typically, the bucketed water goes to the garden; don’t really need the filtered water for that. Thought to ask.
Many thanks,
Brent
Hi, Brent! I’m not aware of any shower filters that allow you to bypass the filter. It’s a good idea, though!
Hi Marge – do you know if any of these shower filters take out heavy metals, specifically arsenic? I was told that the Propur May remove some. Thank you.
Hi, Maureen! Propur reduces arsenic by 28%, according to their lab test results, which you can view here: https://www.propurusa.com/assets/images/15-133%20(ProMax%20Shower%20Filter).pdf
Thank you so much for compiling filter information and sharing with us. (comment edited by Admin)
I love this info. thank you. Quest I am concerned about VOCs and contaminates from PVC in water pipes (PEX pipes) and also concerned about chloramine. which shower filter would be best for these concerns? thank you.
Hi, Cathy! I would recommend the Propur ProMax. It removes the widest array of contaminants, including chloramine and VOCs. You can see the independent lab test results here: https://www.propurusa.com/assets/images/15-133%20(ProMax%20Shower%20Filter).pdf
I have blond hair and copper will turn it green. Do any of the filters you recommend NOT have copper in their makeup? or have copper in the filtration system? I’m desperate!!! Thank you!!!
Hi, Sherry! I’m not aware of copper in any of the showerhead filters. I suppose it’s possible, though. You could contact the manufacturers and ask them.
Hello Marge,
I want to know VivaSpring Filtered Shower Head can be installed to a hand held shower?
Hi JayaNath! You could put it on a handheld shower, but it’s rather large and might be awkward to use.
Hi Marge. Thank you for all the great reviews of filters, it has helped me tremendously….I am wondering if you have any reviews on whole house filters. Thanks for your help
Hi, Bett! No, I don’t have any reviews on whole house filters. Sorry!
Hi Marge,
Thanks for all the reviewing work, you’re really helping to cut down on our research time, and cut through some of the “selling speak” that companies use.
My partner and I have discovered a lead problem in our water, due to older pipes in our apartment.
In addition to the 2019 water filter pitchers you reviewed, we also saw a model made by DuPont, for a very economical price: DuPontTM MirageTM Water Filter Pitcher – WFPT200 Series.
Wondered if you’ve ever reviewed it?
And/or, any advice for how to do our homework on this model?
We’re on a tight budget, so the low price for both the pitcher and filter refills make the DuPont tempting, but we want to be sure it will filter out the lead.
Many thanks,
J & K
Hi, James! I’m not familiar with the DuPont model. I’d suggest that you look for lab test results on their website, or call/email them and ask them to send the information to you
Hi Marge, thanks so much for these reviews! Q: I noticed Berkey’s filter description on their website doesn’t specifically mention LEAD is filtered, but it says IRON is. Is this the same thing? (we definitely need one that filters lead). https://theberkey.com/products/berkey-shower-filter?variant=19207086663
Many thanks again, for all your good work! -Krista
Hi, Krista! No, lead and iron are not the same thing. The Berkey shower filter does not filter lead, according to the manufacturer’s website. Link: http://berkeywaterkb.com/does-the-berkey-shower-filter-remove-lead-and-heavy-metals/
Dear Marge,
Thanks very much for the Berkey filter info (lead vs iron). Have you come across any other brands that sell JUST the shower filter, without the shower HEAD?
This has mostly to do with budget concerns. (but it’d be quite a nice option to use one’s own preferred showerhead, don’t you think?) 😉
Many thanks,
K
There’s one called Sprite that I believe you can use with any standard shower head. I’m going to take a closer look at it and maybe include it when I update this review for 2020.
Are you certain that the Aquabliss removes heavy metals? I’ve seen this in several web reviews but when I asked Aquabliss about it directly they said that none of their filters do that.
Hi, Rebeccca! I am looking into it and will update here.
Okay, I got a definitive answer from AquaBliss. I will just copy and paste what they told me via email:
So, maybe yes or maybe no, but we should assume that heavy metals are not removed by AquaBliss at this time.
I pointed out to her that in the Q&As in the Amazon listing, someone had asked about heavy metals, and the answer from the Seller (AquaBliss) was that yes, it does remove heavy metals. Here’s what she said:
So, I am updating the information in this post. If and when they get third party certificiation done, I’ll add that, too.
Do any of these remove lead?
Hi, Mieke! Aquabliss, Berkey, and Propur all remove lead, according to the manufacturers.
I’m reading quite widely about this and I’ve seen that not all claims made in relation to chlorine and chloramine are backed up by actual testing, particularly the Berkey. One online reviewer claims to test before and after fitting the Berkey and find no difference in their chlorine and chloramine levels.
I’m going to look further at the Propur now, after reading your review, as I have really hard water. I’d like to know if the vitamin C ones actually work, too.
Thanks for doing this research it’s awesome! I want to buy the promax but I am also concerned about it only filtering half the chlorine. Seattle claims the water at distribution is only .8mg/L. I wonder if chlorine is something I need to worry about much? I know they put fluoride in the water, I think the promax was the only one to remove it??
Hi, Rene! Yes, Promax is the only one I’m aware of that removes fluoride. It’s unfortunate that the chlorine reduction is only 57%. It’s also less than 50% for fluoride. Their explanation is that the water is passing through so quickly when you’re showering that the water isn’t in contact with the filtration media long enough to do a better job. I personally would be more concerned about chlorine than fluoride in my shower. The Clearly Filtered and Berkey shower filters reduce it up to 95%.
I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You.
Do any of these have Vitamin c shower filter cartridges?
Hi, Sophie! No, none of these are a Vitamin C shower.
As of 1/30/19, the Propur filter still only reduces about 50% of the chlorine, which unfortunately is not good enough for me, even if it reduces a wide range of other contaminants. Google to find out all the detrimental effects of chlorine, especially in water touching our body. Filtering out chlorine is one of the main reasons why we should be using shower filters…so what’s the point if it only reduces about 50% of it? Their explanation that the filter isn’t large enough to filter out more doesn’t make sense, when so many other filters out there reduce chlorine by 90% or more.
Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding, Marge!
Thanks so much for getting back to me. It’s been very helpful.
All the best,
Nancy
PS This site isn’t allowing me to reply to your comments, but does allow me to start a new one.
Sorry about that. I’ll see if I need to change something in the settings.
Hi Marge,
Any new info re: above comment/inquiry?
Thank you,
Nancy
Hi, Nancy! I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner. I kinda got sidetracked by my daughter’s wedding. 🙂 Back home now and trying to return to “normal”. I did contact Propur and asked why the shower filter reduces so much less chlorine and chloramine than the countertop filter does. Their answer was that because the shower filter is so much smaller, there is less filter media and surface area. That means that the water is in contact with the filter for a shorter amount of time, so a lower reduction rate. Hope this helps.
Hi Marge,
Thank you for posting this article. I am looking for a filter that best removes chlorine, and also liked the idea of all that Propur ProMax does. However, when I looked at the link to the independent lab test results for Propur ProMax, it states only 57.1% of chlorine is removed. Other company’s claim 90%, even 95% removal. Do you think Propur ProMax just doesn’t do as good a job with chlorine removal or perhaps the other’s don’t do as good a job as they claim? Thanks so much for any additional info.
Best,
Nancy
Hi Nancy! Thanks for pointing that out. I’m going to contact Propur and ask them about this. It seems strange to me that the chlorine reduction numbers would be so low. The same Propur ProMax technology filter in their countertop and under sink drinking water filters reduces chlorine and chloramine by 99.9%. So I wonder, why the big difference? I thought the filter media was the same. I’ll reply here when I get an answer.