Showerhead Filter: Investing in Your Wellbeing with Filtered Shower Water

Your shower time should be refreshing and relaxing. If you step out of the shower feeling dry, itchy, or like your hair isn’t as soft as it should be, something is definitely not right!

The culprit could be hiding in your water. Unfiltered shower water can contain chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities that can affect your skin, hair, and overall wellbeing.

A showerhead filter is the answer! It reduces harsh impurities, helps keep your skin hydrated, your hair softer, and your shower time soothing—just the way it should be!

Want to know more? Stick around! When it comes to water filtration, UV Guard is a trusted source of knowledge. With years of experience in safe water solutions, we understand the impact of water quality on your health. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing reliable information about clean, healthy water.

A showerhead filter is a simple device that attaches to your shower to clean the water before it
reaches you. It works by trapping, neutralising, or reducing chlorine, heavy metals, and other
unwanted particles in your water supply.

Most showerhead filters simply screw on, and the only maintenance required is
replacing the filter cartridge at least twice a year.

Common showerhead filters include

• Activated Carbon Filters: Carbon absorbs chlorine, chemicals, and some heavy
  metals. Best for reducing unpleasant odours and improving water clarity.
• KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) Filters: Made of copper and zinc to reduce
  chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria.
• Vitamin C Filters: Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) neutralises chlorine and chloramine.
• Multi-Stage Filters: Combining different filtration methods (like carbon, KDF, and
  ceramic balls) to target various contaminants.
• Sediment Filters: Catching larger particles like rust, dirt, and sand. Useful if you
  have older pipes or well water.

Although Australian residential water goes through filtration, disinfection, and other processes
to meet safety standards before reaching homes, some chemicals and minerals remain in the water.

• Chlorine: A disinfectant added to tap water to kill bacteria and other pathogens.
  While it helps keep water safe to drink, it doesn’t just disappear when it reaches your shower.
• Chloramine: A combination of chlorine and ammonia used in some water supplies
  as a longer-lasting disinfectant. It’s more stable than chlorine, meaning it stays in the water
  for longer.
• Hard Water Minerals: Calcium and magnesium, which come from dissolved rock and
  sediment as water moves through natural underground reservoirs and waterways, make water
  “hard”.
• Other Chemicals: Small amounts of pesticides and industrial byproducts can
  sometimes be present, depending on the local water source and treatment process.
• Heavy Metals: Lead and mercury from old plumbing or industrial and agricultural
  runoff can be found in some residential water.

How do those contaminants impact your health and hygiene?

Chlorine strips away natural oils, leaving skin dry and itchy, and worsening
skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It can also weaken hair, making
it brittle and more prone to breakage.

Chloramine is harsher on sensitive skin than chlorine and can cause more irritation and dryness.
It also produces fumes in hot showers that can irritate the eyes and lungs.

Hard water minerals leave residue buildup that makes hair feel dull, lifeless, and weighed down,
and contributes to dandruff and scalp itchiness. These minerals can also make it harder for
soap and shampoo to lather properly, leaving skin feeling less clean.

Pesticides and industrial byproducts may contribute to skin irritation, dryness, and long-term
exposure concerns, such as hormonal imbalances and allergic reactions.

Lead and mercury can be absorbed through the skin in small amounts and may contribute to
scalp and skin issues over time.

Trapping, neutralising, and reducing contaminants in your shower water helps protect your
skin, hair, and overall wellbeing.

What are the benefits you can experience from a showerhead filter?

• Softer, More Hydrated Skin: Removing harsh chemicals reduces dryness, itchiness, and
  irritation.
• Relief for Sensitive Skin Conditions: Reducing chlorine and other irritants helps
  ease flare-ups of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
• Stronger, Healthier Hair: Preventing chlorine and hard water minerals from
  stripping moisture, leaving hair softer, shinier, and more manageable.
• A Healthier Scalp: Reducing buildup that can lead to dandruff and itchiness.
• Better Soap and Shampoo Performance: With fewer minerals and chemicals in the
  water, soap and shampoo lather better and provide a deeper clean.

The answers to the following questions will help you choose the right showerhead filter.

What type of showerhead filter is best for me?

It depends on what’s in your water. Check your local water report online or use a home test kit to
determine the best filter for your home.

An activated carbon or vitamin C filter is an excellent choice for reducing or neutralising
chlorine. If your water has chloramine, a vitamin C filter will also handle this. For hard water
minerals and heavy metals, a multi-stage or KDF filter works best.

Will a showerhead filter fit my shower?

Most showerhead filters are designed to fit standard Australian showers. They usually attach
easily between the shower arm and your existing showerhead. Some models even come as all-in-one
filtered showerheads.

How often do I need to replace the filter?

It depends on the type of filter and how much water you use. Most filters last between three to
six months, but some may need replacing sooner in areas with heavily treated or hard water.

Will a showerhead filter reduce water pressure?

A high-quality showerhead water filter shouldn’t noticeably reduce water pressure. However, if
you have low water pressure to begin with, choosing a filter with a strong flow rate is important.

Typically, a filter with a flow rate of at least 9 litres per minute (L/min) will maintain
consistent water pressure.

Is a showerhead filter enough for my water filtration needs?

You can install a filtration system directly into your home’s main water supply line if you want disinfected water throughout your home. You can pair this with a showerhead water filter for an extra layer of protection against any remaining chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals.