What is a Shower Filter?How Does a Shower Filter Work?What Are the Benefits of a Shower Filter?Shower Filter BrandsWhat is the Best Shower Filter?
When it comes to water filtration, most consumers automatically associate filters and water treatment products with drinking water. This connection is natural - the water we drink every day should be properly filtered and free of contaminants so we drink pure, refreshing water without any unwanted side effects or health problems.
But did you know your body also absorbs water while you shower? The water you bathe in affects the overall quality of your skin and hair. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and if you shower for 10 minutes per day the potential chemicals in your shower water could irritate your skin and damage your hair.
Most homeowners aren’t aware of the dangerous chemicals present in their shower water. Quite frankly, our drinking water tends to get all of the attention! But in order to fully filter the water in your home, you should consider investing in a shower filter. A shower filter is installed right at the shower head, so the water is treated before it reaches your skin. Most shower filter systems come with their own shower head, but some systems only include the filters.
How Does a Shower Filter Work?
The first stage, indicated in the goldish hue in the diagram, Includes a patented blend of media like copper and zinc to filter chlorine and other contaminants from your shower water. Removing chlorine, as we’ll discuss below, benefits your hair and skin in numerous ways.
The second stage, illustrated in the diagram as the blackish-grey section, incorporates a special blend of steam activated carbon media. You may have heard of carbon filters in relation to drinking water filters, and in fact many brands of shower filters are solely carbon filtration systems. The carbon media in this stage is designed to filter out chloramines and synthetic chemicals as well as unpleasant odors. Your water will smell fresh and clean after passing through the carbon media. Only some brands of shower filters include carbon filtering: check specific products for more details.
The third stage, indicated in red in the diagram, consists of far-infrared emitting volcanic media that induces reduced or negative ions into the water. This results in a lower surface tension in the water allowing for better hydration. Changing the surface tension in the water also makes the water feel softer on your hair and skin, leaving you with a feeling of having just left a spa.
Like all systems, as more and more water is filtered through your shower filter it will require minimal maintenance. Some shower filters have individual cartridges that require replacing. With shower filters like the Pelican Premium Shower Filter, users replace the self-contained filter system approximately once every 9 months.
What Are the Benefits of a Shower Filter?
Shower filters reduces several contaminants, and treat the water in numerous ways.
Most homeowners invest in a shower filter because of its ability to reduce chlorine from shower water.
If you’re a swimmer or have simply gone to a water park, you’re probably familiar with the drying effect that chlorine has on your skin. Without knowing it, the vast majority of Americans expose themselves to some levels of chlorine on a daily basis, when they take a shower.
Besides irritating the skin and drying out the hair, chlorine also poses potential health risks, which have raised concern among medical professionals. Like other disinfectants, chlorine reacts with naturally-occurring materials within water to form haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes, which have been linked to liver, kidney, central nervous system problems and an increased risk of cancer. Because chlorine has a much lower boiling point than water, it can vaporize in the shower and enter a person’s lungs. This is a noteworthy problem, since this type of absorption allows the chemical to bypass the body’s filtration organs.
Chlorine is not the only chemical that shower filters effectively reduce: chloramines are filtered out as well. Chloramine is essentially a synthetic combination of chlorine and ammonia. Appropriately, chloramines give off a distinct and unpleasant odor that can greatly affect the overall smell of your shower water in large amounts.
Water that is treated with monochloramine can potentially have high concentrations of chemical byproducts. It’s better to shower in water that can not cause any long term health problems. Thankfully, the Pelican Premium Shower Filter greatly reduces the amount of chloramines in your shower water, keeping you safe and ensuring that your showers are odor-free.
As illustrated with chloramines, there are many byproducts of chlorine treatment that can prove just as (or more) dangerous than chlorine itself. THMs, or trihalomethanes, are associated with many health risks. At elevated levels they are linked to an increased risk of cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes like birth defects.
According to the Environ Health Prespect, “a study by government and academic researchers adds to previous evidence that dermal absorption and inhalation of THMs associated with everyday tap water use can result in significantly higher blood THM concentrations than simply drinking the water does.” Thus, THMs absorbed in the shower are even more dangerous than those in your tap water.
Luckily, shower filters remove many chlorine byproducts, including THMs. Choose a shower filter that protects your family from harmful byproducts.
There are many reputable brands that carry similar shower filters for your home. Considering the damaging effects that chlorine and other chemicals have on your skin and hair, it’s important to take the time to compare brands and determine which shower filter is right for you.
Luckily, you don’t need to comb through reviews and research product specifications on your own. We have compiled a quick and comprehensive comparison chart that you can view here to see how Pelican’s Premium Shower Filter measures up against shower filters from T3, Aquasana, and Culligan.
While we have full confidence that our shower filter is the best option for your long-term health, the environment, and your wallet, see how it stacks up to the competition to decide for yourself.
What is the Best Shower Filter?
Choosing the best shower filter for you and your family is a combination of research and preference. After comparing brands, it’s easy to see that the Pelican Premium Shower Filter provides the most protection, offers the best shower experience, and boasts the most modern and sleek design. However, we carry multiple styles and types of shower filters to match your specific needs.
All three of our shower filter models are available in a standard white and in an all-new chrome design to match any decor and bathroom style. The Premium Shower Filter with Head, like our other options, reduces chlorine by 96%, filter chloramines, lasts approximately 6 months (or 15,000 gallons), and incorporates relaxing aromatherapy for a true spa experience. If you’re drawn to the traditional shower head style, this model is the way to go.
Providing all of the benefits of the previous model, this variation comes with a 5-foot wand instead of the typical shower head. Deciding between a wand and a shower head is largely a choice of preference and shower type. If you choose the wand, the spray of the water goes precisely where you like it. Providing unparalleled comfort and precision, a wand also can reduce your water bill. It’s as easy to install as any other shower filter, and is just as beneficial for your health and wellbeing.
Do you already have a shower head that you’re particularly fond of? Does your shower head contain multiple spray styles and options that you would otherwise miss? You’re not required to replace your shower head when you purchase a shower filter. This model simply comes with the numerous benefits of our leading shower filter system. Connect your shower head or wand to the filter and immediately enjoy softer skin, healthier hair, and an odor-free shower.
Contact a Pelican Water professional today to discuss which shower filter is right for you.