FIND A LOCATION NEAR ME 
Edit Location or Service
What Are Shower Filters and Do They Really Work?
Turn Your Well Water Into Swell Water with Culligan Water
Read More
Take the next step
Additional Support
What to Expect at Your Culligan Water Test and Consultation
Discover More
Updated: February 24, 2023 September 30, 2022
Dry, itchy skin? Dry, weak hair? Chlorine smells coming from your showerhead? If these things are ruining your shower experience, it’s no wonder you’re searching for an answer. You might opt to try a shower water filter as a simple DIY solution — or you could explore a more long-term, comprehensive approach.
Let’s take a closer look at shower filters and compare them with other home filtration systems that might address your needs more thoroughly.
Some tap water from municipal sources retains a small amount of chlorine in it following the disinfection process. Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect water and kill germs that may cause salmonella, norovirus and other health concerns. This means that, in some ways, chlorine in your water is a good thing.
However, this chemical element can also cause a few problems, especially when it’s coming from your showerhead. If you regularly shower under chlorine water, you might notice some of these issues:
You probably want a fast, simple solution to improve your shower experience and eliminate these irritating effects. That’s why many people turn to shower water filters — but the results might not be all that you’re hoping for.
Shower water filters come in a variety of sizes and styles; all fit directly onto your showerhead. These DIY solutions can:
However, shower filters have their limits when it comes to chlorine issues. You’ll need to frequently replace the filter or filter cartridge — usually every six months. Even then, the relatively simple design can’t address all contaminants or water quality issues, including hard water.*
Filtering vs. Softening
Although most water solutions offer some degree of filtration, they don’t all address hard water. That’s called “softening,” and it’s a separate process. A filter generally traps or otherwise removes impurities, contaminants or particles; meanwhile, a softening system focuses on attracting and removing the excess minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause hard water, which aren’t addressed by filtration solutions alone.
So, do shower filters soften water? Unfortunately, the answer is no: Shower head filters are generally designed to address chlorine problems, not minerals. If you’re looking for hard-water solutions, you’ll need a water softening system.
What Else Do Shower Filters Miss?
Shower-head filters don’t just miss minerals such as calcium and magnesium. They also don’t address other common water-quality issues, , including potential contamination from iron and sulfur. Iron water contamination can lead to red or brown stains on your faucets and tub, while sulfur creates an unpleasant smell that might remind you of rotten eggs.
That means that you could spend significant time researching and selecting a shower filter, only to still end up with a frustrating shower experience because your filtration isn’t comprehensive enough.
Shower Filter Lifespan
Another thing to consider when it comes to shower filters is their lifespan. Because these filters last only about six months depending on the amount of water you use, they’re temporary solutions at best. More comprehensive systems, like whole-home filtration systems or water softeners, last much longer (sometimes even decades) when installed and maintained properly.
As with most home-improvement options, shower filters have pros and cons. Here’s an honest look at what you can expect from these filters:
Advantages of Shower Filters
Disadvantages of Shower Filters
Are Shower Filters Worth It?
Although they might be a decent choice for managing chlorine-related issues, shower filters generally aren’t worth the time, effort and money required for regular filter replacement. They also don’t treat all of the water quality problems that could affect your shower experience. That means they’re generally best used as a temporary solution until you can have a more-comprehensive system professionally installed.
If you already have a shower head filter and are questioning whether it’s the most effective solution for your home, know that there are ways to fix your water-quality woes, and the process starts with a water test and consultation. You can have your water tested once without the filter and once with it — that way, you can directly compare the results. You’ll be able to see important information, like:
Your local Culligan Water® expert can perform these tests for you and help you interpret the results. Better yet, they’ll give you advice on which filtration solutions can fill the gaps left by your shower head filter (and whether it’s time to say goodbye to it once and for all).
Schedule your free in-home water test and consultation today.
Whether you’re looking for your first filtration system or want to replace your shower-head filter, there’s good news: You have options. Although a shower water filter is a relatively quick DIY solution to your problem, it’s not a comprehensive one — and there are long-term solutions that may provide a more effective, longer-lasting result in your whole home instead of just your shower.
Whole-Home Filtration
Installing a whole-house water filtration system will mean cleaner water everywhere. Plus, whole-house filtration addresses issues far beyond chlorine, helping minimize the presence of contaminants like iron, sulfur and more. That means you can be happier drinking, cleaning and bathing in your home’s water.
Water Softening
Another way to improve your shower experience is to install a water softener. A water softening system is designed to attract and remove calcium and magnesium, softening your water in the process. Hard water can create a variety of issues and annoyances, from dry skin and hair to soap-scum buildup, spotty dishes and even reduced efficiency or a shorter lifespan for water-using appliances. Water softening will help you avoid all of these.
Mix and Match
Remember, you don’t have to choose between filtration and water softening; these solutions actually complement one another. The important thing is to choose systems and solutions that work well together — something your local Culligan Water expert can help with.
Explore whole-home water filtration systems and water softening systems you can count on.
A shower head filter might seem like an easy, inexpensive choice at first glance, but it’s not a good substitute for more-comprehensive solutions. That’s because shower filters generally only handle chlorine, leaving the rest of your water quality unaddressed. Additionally, these systems require filter replacement as often as every six months — so they might not be a cheap option after all.
For long-term peace of mind, it’s important to think beyond the shower and beyond limited filtration options. A whole-home filtration system and water softener will improve your water quality and give you confidence in what’s coming out of any faucet in your home.
It all starts with a free water test and consultation — so schedule yours today.
*Contaminants may not be present in your water.
Get better water in your home by scheduling an appointment with your local Culligan Water Expert.
Be prepared - review these important tips to navigate an emergency that could impact your water.
Here are a few approaches that work — and a few that don’t.
With any of our soft water systems, get more out of your water-using appliances while spending less on energy and detergent.
See Water Softeners
There’s never been a better time to enjoy the convenience of scheduled bottled water deliveries from the Culligan® Water Experts
See Water Delivery Options
Culligan’s water filtration systems have improved water quality for thousands of families worldwide.
See Water Filtration Systems