Why You Should Filter Your Shower Water: The Hidden Dangers of Chlorine and Hard Water

Understanding chlorine in shower water

Chlorine is commonly added to municipal water supplies to disinfect and kill harmful bacteria. While it’s great for keeping water clean and safe to drink, it can have less desirable effects on skin and hair, especially in a hot shower, where it's more easily absorbed through the skin and inhaled.

Exposure to chlorine in shower water can dry out your skin, making it feel tight, flaky, or irritated. If you’ve ever stepped out of the shower with dry, frizzy hair, chlorine could be the culprit. Chlorine strips away natural oils and damages the hair shaft, leading to split ends and dull, lifeless hair. Over time, this can make your hair look tired and unhealthy.

Chlorine can be absorbed through the skin, and prolonged exposure has been linked to respiratory issues, especially in individuals with asthma or other lung conditions. When you inhale steam containing chlorine, it can irritate your respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

The dangers of hard water in the shower

Hard water contains high dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. This happens when water flows through limestone, chalk, or gypsum deposits, picking up these minerals along the way.

Hard water is known to cause a buildup of minerals on your skin, making it feel rough or sticky. Mineral buildup from hard water can also make your hair look dull and lifeless. If you have curly or textured hair, hard water can increase frizz and dryness, making it difficult to manage your locks.

Hard water can also prevent soap and shampoo from lathering properly, so you're using more products to get the same result. Even when you think you've washed it all out, a layer of soap scum can be left behind on both your hair and skin, leaving a residue that can further contribute to irritation and dryness.

Over time, the minerals in hard water can build up in pipes, water heaters, and showerheads, leading to clogged pipes and reduced water flow. This buildup can damage your plumbing and lead to costly repairs. If you notice your showerhead has a slower flow or your water pressure is decreasing, hard water might be the reason.

Benefits of filtering your shower water

Healthier skin

A shower filter helps maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance by removing chlorine and other impurities. People with dry or sensitive skin can benefit the most from filtered water, as it helps prevent irritation and flare-ups of conditions like eczema or acne.

Shinier, healthier hair

Filtering your shower water can help restore shine and softness to your hair. By removing chlorine and mineral buildup, your hair will retain its natural oils and moisture, making it more manageable and less prone to frizz or breakage.

Improved breathing and reduced irritation

By removing chlorine, you can reduce the risk of respiratory irritation from inhaling chlorine vapors during your shower. This is especially beneficial for individuals with asthma or allergies. Showering with filtered water reduces the chlorine you absorb through your skin and lungs, making your daily routine healthier.

Long-term protection for your bathroom

Shower filters also help protect your bathroom. By removing chlorine and minerals, you’ll prevent buildup on your tiles, grout, and showerhead, extending the life of your bathroom surfaces and keeping them clean and fresh.

How do shower water filters work?

Types of Shower Filters

There are several types of shower filters, each designed to remove different contaminants from your water. The most common types include:

• Activated carbon filters: These filters are great at removing chlorine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• KDF filters (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion): These filters effectively remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities through a chemical reaction.
• Vitamin C filters: Known for neutralizing chlorine and chloramine, these filters are ideal for those with sensitive skin.

What they remove

A good shower filter can remove chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, sediments, and even minerals that contribute to hard water. Your filter type will depend on your specific water quality and needs.

Filter installation and maintenance

Installing a shower filter is typically easy and can be done without the help of a plumber. Most filters simply screw onto your existing showerhead or the pipe leading to it. Maintenance is also simple—most filters must be replaced every six months to a year, depending on your water usage and the filter’s capacity.

How to choose the right shower water filter?

When choosing a shower filter, consider the following factors:

• Water quality in your area: Check whether your water contains high chlorine, chloramine, or minerals.
• Type of filter: Choose a filter based on your specific needs—removing chlorine, hard water, or both.
• Price and lifespan: Higher-end filters may cost more, but they often last longer and offer better filtration.

FAQs

Do shower filters remove all chlorine from water?

Most shower filters can remove up to 99% of chlorine, but it is important to check the product specifications for specific removal rates.

How often should I replace my shower filter?

Depending on water quality and usage, most shower filters need replacement every six months to a year. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations regularly.

Conclusion

You wouldn’t drink unfiltered water, so why let your skin and hair absorb it daily in the shower? Chlorine and hard water can seriously affect your health, comfort, and home. Installing a shower filter is a simple yet effective way to protect yourself from these hidden dangers, ensuring you enjoy healthier skin, shinier hair, and a cleaner bathroom. Don’t wait—switch to filtered shower water today and experience the difference for yourself. Follow Glacier Fresh to find more water filtration solutions.