In the last decade, the sale of shower filters has risen dramatically. Part of that trend may have a lot to do with the knowledge that herbicides, pharmaceutical drugs and other chemicals are showing up in the water we use in our homes. Another possibility is that the link between showering in filtered water and positive health and cosmetic benefits is steadily growing. One thing that does seem certain is that when the health risks become known, many people view a chlorine shower filter as a need and not just an amenity. Once people become aware of the hidden dangers of chlorine and other chemicals, the issue becomes which product is right for you.
Like other reviews, this one will look at the all-important aspects like price and quality. However, this shower filter comparison of five leading brands will also address less talked about matters like guarantees, filtration performance and service. Although it can be a time consuming process, you can save yourself money and gain peace of mind by choosing carefully. With regard to filter performance, the research is based on the manufacturer’s literature. Each system’s effectiveness is measured by how much it reduces chlorine, VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals), THMs (Trihalomethane), and both lead and copper. An important idea to spell out right away is that a high price does not equal high value.
ShowerWise and Paragon
When considering the price, it is crucial to factor in the yearly cost and the filter’s performance. The Paragon filter has an inexpensive initial cost of $69.99. Yet, when you take into account that a new filter must be bought at three month intervals for $39.99, the startup price is somewhat deceiving. Likewise, the ShowerWise system costs $79.99 and a replacement filter, which is needed after three months, is $39. Each system costs $13 a month.
Their prices are reasonable, however, neither one uses a carbon filter. The Paragon uses a KDF filter, while ShowerWise relies on a combination of KDF and Chlorgon. Unfortunately, they miss out on the benefits of a high-end carbon filter, which is extremely effective at filtering out synthetic chemicals, THMs and VOCs. Although the cost for both systems is low, the need to change the filter every three months and the absence of a carbon filter are two major reasons these filters get consistently low marks. Furthermore, both filtration systems were the only ones in the group that reduced shower head height and had flow rates of less than 2.5 Gallons Per Minute (GPM). Let’s rule them out for now.
The Wellness Shower System
The Wellness Filter is the priciest at $249. Even though the filter lasts between 18 and 24 months, a replacement filter costs $189. This works out to be $16 a month and the highest price tag in the group. Yet, the filtration performance does not validate the high dollar amount since the much less expensive Aquasana AQ-4100 performs almost identically. Another negative for the Wellness shower filter is that it utilizes KDF media but not carbon. It also sells for $150 more than the next highest system. In the end, the above factors disqualify it from the final two positions in this shower filter review.
Jonathan Beauty and Aquasana
With three of the five leading brands being eliminated because of price or performance, that leaves two. The Jonathan Beauty system is $95 and a replacement filter, which needs changing every six months, costs $55; the monthly cost is $9.25. Most of the top brands may not break the bank, but the Aquasana AQ-4100 beats them all when it comes to price. It has the lowest start-up and yearly cost. The shower filter system is priced at $67.99 and a new filter, which will last as long as six months, is just $42. Total monthly cost is $7! An awesome price for sure, but now it’s time to compare the performance of the two standout brands.
Aquasana scored very high, as it removed over 90% of all chlorine, VOCs, and THMS, while also removing over 70% of all lead and copper. Jonathan Beauty equaled Aquasana in three out of four categories, though when it came to lead and copper, it removed over 90%. These top-rated filters are clearly much better than Paragon and ShowerWise at filtering out chemicals. While not much separates them at this point, Jonathan Beauty does cost over 39% more than Aquasana and the replacement cartridge is 23% more expensive.
The last point to consider about the two leading brands is service. Aquasana has more than 17 patents and has been involved in the home water treatment industry for more than 15 years. They have sold over 9 million water filter products, which are backed by an amazing 60-day guarantee (90 for some products). Furthermore, when you enroll in their auto-ship program called “Water 4 Life,” you get a lifetime warranty on your system. On the other hand, the Jonathan Beauty shower filter webpage does not even mention a shower filter warranty. Only after you look through lots of salon products will you find the terms and conditions. While each item comes with a money-back guarantee, there are no details about how long it lasts, so buyers beware. Given the consistent marks of the Aquasana shower filter in all categories, especially service, it wins the top spot.
Summary
Aquasana had the lowest price of the bunch. With one exception, its patented two-stage filtration system performed equal to or better than its competitors. Of the five top brands, only Aquasana and Jonathan Beauty have earned the coveted Consumers Digest Magazine’s “Best Buy” award. This is reassuring because it means that they are held to a higher standard when it comes to manufacturing and overall quality. If your water isn’t safe to drink, then you can probably assume it’s unhealthy to be showering in it, unless you buy a quality shower water filter.
Visit www.aquasanaforlife.com if you would like to find out more about shower filters like the top-rated Aquasana AQ-4100. You’ll find the perfect two-stage Aquasana shower filter at the best price and value.