Shower Water Softener vs. Shower Filter: What Actually Works

Soft water is what we all really want in the shower. We want water so fresh it feels like we’re standing under a (warm) waterfall, but many of us get hard water instead. Hardness means the water carries dissolved calcium and magnesium.

A shower filter can cut chlorine and odors, but most don't remove much of the calcium and magnesium that make water hard. True softening usually takes a whole-house ion-exchange water softener.

These filters work to make sure you are showering in the cleanest, safest water available to you so you feel as clean and comfortable as possible when you’re done.

With so many choices out there, we've helped narrow them down. Below are popular shower filters, plus what they can and can't do.

Main Benefits of softening your shower-head

Hard water is not a health risk. The USGS explains that hardness is a nuisance rather than a health concern, but it does cause soap scum and scale.

Calcium reacts with soap, so hard water can leave a film on your skin and hair and on shower glass. Many people find their skin and hair feel better with softer water.

City water is disinfected with chlorine or chloramine. The CDC says levels up to 4 mg/L are considered safe in drinking water, but some people dislike the smell or find it drying.

A filter that reduces chlorine may help if you have sensitive skin or dislike the chlorine smell. If you have eczema or another skin condition, ask a dermatologist what will help.

Shower filters can also cut some odors, such as a sulfur or chlorine smell.

Different types of shower filters

Carbon filters use activated carbon to trap chlorine and some other chemicals.

Carbon works less well in hot, fast-flowing water, so a carbon-only shower filter may not do much if you like very hot showers.

KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) filters use a copper-zinc medium. A chemical reaction converts chlorine into harmless chloride and can reduce some dissolved metals.

KDF holds up better in hot water than carbon. Like any shower filter, it works less well at very high flow rates.

Multi-stage filters combine media, such as KDF, activated carbon and calcium sulfite. Calcium sulfite reduces chlorine well in hot water.

None of these media remove much calcium or magnesium, so they reduce chlorine and odors rather than softening the water.

Showerhead softener installation tips

If you’re looking to install a shower-head softener, don’t feel overwhelmed! It’s much easier than it looks…

Goes without saying, but read the instructions on whichever filter you go for! In general, it’s very easy to install a shower-head softener yourself. Turn off the water while you’re attaching it and get it on as tightly as possible. This will prevent any potential leaks.

Some filters simply attach to the shower-head, while others need to be plugged in a little bit more with various hoses and pipes.

Wrap the shower arm threads with plumber's tape so the connection doesn't leak, and hand-tighten unless the instructions say otherwise.

When you first turn the water on, run it for a few minutes. New filter media often releases fine dust until it runs clear.

A whole-house water softener is a different job. It is plumbed into your main line with a drain connection, so most people hire a plumber for it.

Now that all of that is out the way, carry on as usual and enjoy a clean shower.

5 Best Shower Water Softeners

Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mount 10,000 Gallon Capacity Filtered Showerhead

This hard water filter is easy to install and will install on any standard ½” threaded shower arm.

It also offers an anti-clog rubber spray nozzle with a high filter capacity, reaching 10,000 gallons.

The maker says the filter reduces chlorine and sulfur odors.

The shower head has 5 spray settings, so you won’t be sacrificing any comfort for this filter.

Check the current listing for warranty terms and any independent certification for chlorine reduction.

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AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Filter

The maker says this filter reduces chlorine and some metals and helps limit scale. Those claims aren't independently verified, so don't rely on a shower filter to make unsafe water safe.

This level of filtration is done by a 3-stage filtration system with a blend of KDF 55, calcium sulfite, and activated carbon.

The blend is meant to keep working in both hot and cold water.

The system also installs easily on almost all showers form fixed showers to rain showers and even handheld showers.

This filtration system also features replaceable filters. It’s more economical than having to change the entire shower head when the filter has reached its lifespan.

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3 Setting Shower Filter

This shower filter is marketed to reduce chlorine and some metals.

This process is carried out by a filtration system made of three vital parts including an ion box, filter sponge, and calcium sulfite stones.

The filter cartridge is replaceable; how long it lasts depends on your water use.

The shower head is designed to keep a normal flow.

It has three settings including rain, non-pulsating massage, and a combination of the two.

Check the listing for current return terms.

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Shower Filter By QwenchPure

This system is dedicated to making sure you have the best shower possible.

It’s made for maximum chlorine reduction to reduce any damage to your hair and skin.

The maker says it also helps with hydrogen sulfide odor and staining.

The system is simple as well, since it just twists on without the need for extra tools or modifications.

The inner cartridge is easy to replace; change it as often as the maker recommends.

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Shower Filter For Removing Chlorine And Heavy Metals

This system also uses 3 stages, including KDF 55 and calcium sulfite, to reduce chlorine and odors.

This system also boasts easy installation without extra tools or extravagant modifications.

It easily screws on to most standard showers with a ½” threaded shower connections whether it’s a fixed, rain, or handheld shower.

This product also comes with the rubber O-rings you’ll need to ensure there are no leaks after the product is installed.

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Conclusion

A shower filter is an easy way to cut chlorine and odors, which some people find gentler on skin and colored hair. For truly soft water, look at a whole-house softener.

With this review guide, finding the perfect water filter for your shower is easy! Any one of these filters can leave your showers smelling and feeling cleaner.

Sources

• Hardness of Water, U.S. Geological Survey
• About Water Disinfection with Chlorine and Chloramine, CDC