What Do You Need In A Hard Water Shower Filter?
If you’re considering
purchasing a
hard water shower filter it is advantageous to have a little knowledge
about the subject beforehand.
When water sits in the ground for a certain length
of time it absorbs some minerals which
makes it hard. To get rid of that hardness takes a certain
kind of water filter.
There are some very technologically advanced
filters available claiming to give our water health-giving qualities.
There are filters that simply soften the water without eliminating
harmful contaminants. And there are filters that both soften and eliminate- which
is what you want.
So you’ll need to be a smart shopper to get what
is most effective. Since chlorine and other impurities are found in our
waters you will need a filter that
effectively eliminates these. But beware that some systems do this but don’t
effectively soften the water.
Why is it necessary to eliminate chlorine and
other chemicals? Researchers have proven that chemicals are absorbed through
the skin and inhaled while showering. Long-term some of these are very
harmful, even causing cancer.
Chlorine also vaporizes and is irritating to the
sinuses as well as the entire respiratory system. The chemical vapors are
known to trigger asthma attacks.
The best filters also remove copper.
Copper isn’t dangerous but it can stain- both your tub and your
hair! If your hair is color-treated it can turn various colors depending
on the chemical reaction.
The best shower filters for hard water combine ion
exchange to balance mineral content and soften. This step also removes
traces of metals like lead and copper that seep
in from the pipes. Metallic traces dull the hair and exposure to
lead is never safe.
With ion exchange, hard water shower
filters
balance mineral content, so you bathe in the softest waters available
without adding chemicals.
You can spend about as much as you want to
for a filter (or system). But you don’t need
the most expensive one on the market. Costs can vary from under
$100 to nearly $500.
Whole house filters are something to consider but
are very expensive. And really you only need filters for your showerheads
and your kitchen faucets. There's no particular reason to filter the waters
for the toilet or even the laundry. You can always add water
softeners to the laundry.
Not only are you looking for filters that soften
the water and eliminate hazards, but you also need to consider how easy
they are to install. Also consider the price and ease of replacement
filters. Some companies offer an automatic shipment of replacement filters
when it’s time to change the old one.
Consumer guides such as
Consumer Reports and Consumer Digest can give some great information concerning
pricing and quality. The best filters provide a sufficient flow rate and have
been rated A by Consumer's Digest. |
