Conscious Choice: Shower Head Filters

December 1999 | Sensible Home

Shower Head Filters

by James Dulley

Dear Jim: I was at my home center store looking for a water-saving showerhead and I saw some that had built-in shower water filters. What dangerous chemicals are these shower filters supposed to remove? — Carol D.

Dear Carol: The usage of shower water filters is becoming increasingly popular in homes. They are available with a money-saving low-flow showerhead attached or separately to use with your existing showerhead. I can actually feel the difference when showering with filtered water.

There are a variety of potentially hazardous chemicals in shower water; chlorine is the most common. Chlorine in shower water can cause dry skin and hair, itchy skin, and eye irritation. Free chlorine and its combined forms in compounds are known carcinogens.

Shower water with chlorine is particularly bad. Since the water is very warm and in small, fast-moving droplets, more free chlorine is given off to the air which you inhale. It is then absorbed directly into your blood stream. It can also be absorbed by the entire skin surface of your body.

When you search the store shelves for shower water filters, ones that use KDF filter elements are generally the most effective. KDF filters are made of very pure copper and zinc. They are very effective at removing chlorine and other chemicals at shower water temperatures and high water flow rates.

Standard lower-cost carbon filters are effective for filtering relatively cool tap water. At the higher shower water temperatures, carbon filters are not as effective. Also, carbon filters lose their effectiveness at the higher water flow rate of showers as compared to a standard faucet.

If your existing showerhead is not a low-flow design, you should select a combination filter showerhead. The savings on your water bills and electric/gas bills (for heating the water) from using a low-flow showerhead will pay back the cost of the unit. You will still have a forceful shower.

If you like to take baths instead of showers, consider using a Shower Ball by CuZn. It has a small strap to hang it under the faucet. The water flows into the top of the ball, through a KDF filter, and out into your bathtub.

Although it may cost a little more initially, select a model with a replaceable filter element. It is a good idea to replace the element every three to six months, especially if the shower gets a lot of use. If you tend to forget things, some Rio Vita models have a built-in LED reminder light.

All filters are designed to screw onto a standard shower arm. It takes about five minutes to install one. Some of the newest models are hand-held with a massaging showerhead. A long filter element is hidden in the handle.

Write for (or instantly download) Update Bulletin No. 874 — buyer’s guide of efficient shower filters, filter type, element life, features, and prices. Please include $3.00 and a business-size SASE. James Dulley, Conscious Choice, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244

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