Shower Filter Comparison Chart

Frequently asked Questions about Shower Filters:

Of the units you offer, which is the best shower filter? 
Hands down, the Aquasana shower filter is the superior filter.   The reason: it contains two filter medias.  The Spriter Filters only contain one media (KDF/Chloragon).  The Aquasana Shower Filter contains KDF (which primarily removes chlorine) and Carbon (which mainly removes synthetic chemicals.).  The Aquasana shower filter will remove more contaminants from your water... Which means a cleaner shower!

What's the difference between the Aquasana Shower Filter and the Jonathan Product Beauty Water Shower Purification System  that was in O - Oprah Magazine?
From what we know, these shower filters are manufacturered by the same manufacturer and both contain a Carbon media and a KDF media.   They are pretty much the same.   The carbon in the Jonathan product is a bit higher quality and will filter out a little more.  The price of the Jonathan Product Shower Purification System is $95, where as we offer the Aquasana Shower Filter for $67.99 including shipping.  We believe in this case, you are mostly paying extra money for the marketing.

Will the shower filter reduce my water pressure? 
Yes and No.  If you have replaced your showerhead within the last few years, you probably have a "low" flow shower head, (water saving showerhead) which usually uses no more than 2.5 GPM (gallons per minute).  The shower head that is included in each of these filters flow at the 2.5 GPM.  So in this case, there would be no water pressure difference.  If your shower has an "older" shower head, it may be flowing a higher water pressure, in which case the filter and showerhead will reduce the pressure.  Besides saving water, which is good for the environment, the 2.5 GPM flow rate slows down the water, so there is a longer contact time with the filter media, so it can the filter can be more effective at filtering.   If you want a high pressure spray while still using a low flow head, we reccomend the Oxygenics brand shower heads.

Can I use a different shower head than the one that comes with the filter? 
On the Aquasana shower filter and the High Output Filter, you can use your own low flow shower head.   If you purchase the hand held filter, you are not able to change the shower head.

Do I really need a shower filter? 
Yes, I personally believe that shower filters are very beneficial. I even travel with one!  Since chlorination is a long established public health practice necessary for the disinfection of drinking water, consumers are aware of the health benefit drinking filtered water can provide. However, it's surprising for some people to learn that 50% of their daily exposure is in the shower. The other 50% comes from their drinking water. Therefore, filtering shower water is equally as important, as filtering drinking water.

Do you sell bath filters? 
I know there is one "bath" filter that attaches to the spout on your tub.  We choose not to offer this item at this time.   I feel it is much better to fill the tub with the shower portion of your tub using a shower filter, and here is why.  When the water is going thru the shower filter, its rate is slowed down to 2.5 gallons a minute.  Since the water is slowed down, there is more contact time of the filter media and the water, to filter the water more effectively.  With the shower ball, the water is coming out full blast, at many more times 2.5 gallons a minute, so the water may not be filtered as well.  The design of the bath filter we saw did not make a tight seal on the tub spout, and may allow some unfiltered to get into the bath tub as well.

Is chlorine really a health risk? 
Documented scientific studies conclude that taking long hot showers is a health risk. In the enclosed shower stall, chlorine vaporizes where it is inhaled. To a lesser degree, dermal absorption also occurs. As chlorine is added to kill pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, the highly reactive chlorine combines with fatty acids and carbon fragments to form a variety of toxic compounds. Medical studies suggest a link between absorption and inhalation of chlorine in the shower environment, with elevated risks for diseases and serious illnesses. Showering in chlorinated water may also cause pre-existing conditions, such as asthma and eczema, to become exacerbated.

Can I install this filter myself or do I need to hire a plumber to install? 
In most cases, installing a shower filter is a "do-it-yourself" type job. It will require some tools, such as a wrench and/or pliers.  In some instances an old shower head can be "stuck" on the pipe nipple that comes out of the wall, and you may need to purchase a new pipe nipple at a local hardware store. If you do not feel comfortable, ask a "handyperson" friend to install the filter for you.  As a last resort, a plumber could easily install this shower filter.

What are some other benefits of using a shower filter? 
In addition to health benefits of filtering water, there are cosmetic benefits. Symptoms of chlorine exposure are dry and/or flaking skin, dry brittle hair and red irritated eyes. Filtering the shower water reduces these symptoms. Skin and hair feel softer and eyes become less red and irritated.    One customer reported she went to her hair salon to get her hair cut, and her long time hairdresser said,"Wow! your hair is so soft, what new conditioner or shampoo are you using?"..  The answer was, "The same as always, but I put a shower filter on my shower"

What is KDF Media and how does it work? 
KDF Media are high-purity, granulated copper and zinc-based alloys that treat water through a process based upon the principle of redox (Oxidation-Reduction).  This process is similiar principle to a Catalytic Converter in an automobile. In shower filtration free-chlorine is converted into a harmless chloride.   Redox reactions can be chemically complex. Simply stated, during a Redox reaction electrons are transferred between molecules, creating new elements. For instance, when free-chlorine comes in contact with the filtration media, it is changed into a benign, water-soluble chloride. This reaction changes free-chlorine to a larger chloride element. Too large to evaporate or be absorbed by the skin. It is then carried harmlessly through the water supply.

What is the difference between KDF Media and Chloragon? 
Chlorgon is one type of Redox filtration media. Researched, developed and patented by David Farley, CEO of Sprite Industries, Inc., Chlorgon converts free chlorine and some combined chlorines, such as sodium hypochlorite (liquid swimming pool chlorine), to a harmless chloride. Chlorgon also works well in a variety of temperatures from hot to cold.  Kinetic Degreadation Fluxion, or KDF, is another type of Redox filtration media. Researched, developed and patented by Don Heskett, founder of KDF fluid treatment, KDF converts free chlorine to a harmless chloride. This media of high-purity copper-zinc formulations is used in pretreatment, primary treatment, and wastewater  applications. Patented KDF process media are 100 percent recyclable and contain no chemical additives. Hospitals, restaurants, municipal water treatment facilities, and homes rely on KDF process media to safely reduce or remove  free chlorine, iron oxides and hydrogen sulfide.

How often do I need to change the filter? 
Each filter has an rated life.  Please see above chart for the actual rating.  Please keep in mind that these rating are manufacturer guidelines based on "normal" usage.  Of course if your water is especially bad, you may need to replace the filter sooner.  In addition, if you have a large family, or take alot of showers, you may need to replace the filter sooner than the reccomended interval.  Of course, if you are single or take few showers, the filter cartridge may last longer.  One sign that the cartridge is on its way out is the smell of chlorine and/or lower water pressure (The filter will start to clog).

Why don't you offer the Vitamin C Shower filter?  
Based on our research, we feel the Vitamin C shower filter is not as effective at filtering water than the KDF and Carbon based shower filters we offer.  Most of the Vitamin C Shower filters are manufacturered in China, which may also mean something.  In addition, the Vitamin C Shower filter creates Hydrochloric acid.  The way it works is that Vitamin C + Chlorine and Water = HC1 (Hydrochloric Acid).  The water out of the filter will test negative for chlorine but will test positive for strong HC1.  Do you want to bathe in Hydrochloric acid?   In addition, the Vit C shower filters only filter the Chlorine in the Water, and may leave other impurities, such as VOCs, other chemicals etc.  That is why we reccomend the Aquasana Shower Filter.  You get the best of both worlds, in their two stage filter, it removes Chlorine as well as Chemicals and VOCs.   

How much is shipping? 
Shipping depends on the weight of the filter and your zip code.  To get an estimate, proceed to the web page of the item and enter your zip code in the space provided and click "go".  We are currently paying for the shipping on the Aquasana Shower Filter.

© Copyright 1998
On the
World Wide Web
Privacy Statement

Home | Juicers | Wheatgrass Juicers | Citrus Juicers | Blenders | Water Purifiers
Dehydrators | Sprouters | Parts | Special | Questions | Contact Us | Online Chat
Shipping Cost | Transit Time | Video Demonstrations | Classifieds | Information