The Best Water Softener Shower Head for a Refreshing Bath

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Municipal water supplies and other water sources can provide you with water that is not safe for your health. Some of the substances in your shower water could be harmful to the health of your skin, hair, and nails.

To avoid such problems, you'll need a high-quality water softener showerhead. However, with the numerous models available on the market, finding the right fit for you could be a challenge. That's why we've assembled a list of the best showerheads for water softening and the buyer's guide to inform your decision.

Let's get straight to business!

Best Water Softener Shower Heads 

1. Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Head

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Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter System with...
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Top of the list is the Aquasana AQ-4100 which is an excellent choice if you are looking to rid your water of harmful chemicals in your water that compromise the wellbeing of your skin, hair, and air. Consistent use of this shower water filter will result in better skin, hair and less chlorine in the steam.

The coconut shell carbon filter decreases the content of chlorine, lead, iron in your water to give you a better pH balance. This will ensure the water is gentle on your body since the adverse acidic and basic effects of various metals will be eliminated.

You might be worried that water softener shower heads can reduce the flow rate of your water as they filter it. However, with the AQ-4100, you don't have to get concerned since it offers maximum water pressure and filtration, ensuring the water flows as you would expect. It is designed to facilitate water movement without clogging, making it a long-lasting option.

This shower water filter will provide fresh water for about six months which is equivalent to 10,000 gallons. As such, the AQ-4100 is a cost-efficient option that can help you cut costs in the long run. It is easy to install this model, and filter replacement is only necessary every six months. You can even use it on the best outdoor showers.

Pros:

  • Easy installation.
  • Quick assembly.
  • Durable.
  • Great for skin and hair.
  • Replaceable filters.

Cons:

  • It might not effectively remove chlorine
  • Pricey

2. AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter

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The next best water softener shower head is the AquaBliss High Output shower head. It should be among the top considerations for a person looking to rejuvenate their skin, hair, and nails. This showerhead has one of the most effective filters and can remove chlorine, chemicals, and water hardness which cause itchy skin, eczema, dry hair, brittle nails, and flaky dandruff.

The multi-stage filter system in this AquaBliss product assures maximum water filtration, enough to remove odors, infuse beneficial nutrients, and balance the PH levels. While most water softener shower heads only remove harmful substances from the water, this shower head filter will reverse the effects of those chemicals to restore the health of your skin, nails, and hair.

You won't need any tools or expertise to install this shower head since it snaps into place without extra effort. It is compatible with multiple shower types, including rain, fixed, and handheld showers. If you need to keep water from spilling all over your bathroom, here are the best shower covers on the market.

Pros:

  • Easy to install.
  • Twelve stages of water filtration.
  • Restores skin, hair, and nail health.
  • Eliminates chemicals and odors.

Cons:

  • Prone to clogging if the water has chloramine.
  • Removes chlorine smell but not the chlorine itself.

3. Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Shower Head

Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Showerhead with...
  • Provide your shower with ideal water for softer and cleaner skin...
  • FEATURES: Included WHR-140 filter cartridge reduces sulfur odor,...
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If you want an instant water filtering solution to hard water, odors, chemicals, and scale, the Culligan WSH-C125 filtered shower head is one of the best options for you. With a filter life of up to 6 months, this showerhead will filter 10,000 gallons of water before you need to make replacements.

It features a WHR-140 filter cartridge that combats sulfur odors, chlorine, and scale deposits. The patented filtration media restricts the movement and growth of bacteria to give you clean water. It works with any standard shower arm, and the water softening system is effective for both cold and hot water.

The Culligan brand is recognized for making exceptional water filtration and softening products, including drinking water filtration systems. This means that the WSH-C125 wall-mounted showerhead is a reliable choice for filtering your water.

This product features multiple massage settings for a customized showering experience. As such, you can choose anything from the maximum water coverage of the full-body spray setting to the invigorating pulse, which provides a relaxing muscle massage.

Pros:

  • Reduces chlorine and scale.
  • Compatible with standard-sized shower arms.
  • 6-month filter life.
  • 5 shower spray settings.

Cons:

  • Lower water pressure

4. PH Energize 15-Stage Shower Filter

pH ENERGIZE 15-Stage Shower Filter – Includes 2...
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Most people only consider the functionality of shower filters. However, if the appearance of the shower head filter is also important to you, then the pH Energize shower filter is the choice for you. It is designed to fit into your bathroom's design flawlessly with its shiny, elegant construction.

Additionally, it is compatible with every type of shower. Whether you have an overhead, tap-based, or wall-mounted shower, the pH Energize will meet all your showering needs. It is a versatile and efficient option that ranks among the best shower head filters.

When it's time to change up the filters, this model will give you an easy time since you can do so by unscrewing the old one and screwing in the new one, which is pretty convenient. This water softener shower head will afford you numerous benefits such as increasing water pH, softening hard water, retaining beneficial minerals and improving the taste and smell of the water.

Pros:

  • Elegant look.
  • Improves water pressure.
  • Retains useful minerals.
  • Eliminates hardness minerals and harmful chemicals.

Cons:

  • Non-effective against chloramine.
  • Short filter life.

5. AquaHomeGroup Luxury Filtered Shower Head

AquaHomeGroup Luxury Filtered Shower Head Set 15 Stage...
  • ★ HEALTH CARE SHOWER SYSTEM: Our top-rated showerhead is...
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Another water softener shower head to consider is the AquaHomeGroup Luxury Filtered Shower Head, made of high-quality metal for maximum longevity. It comes with an internal filter cartridge that can add vitamin C and vitamin E into your shower water.

You can use it to reduce contaminants like chlorine, rust, heavy metals, and sediment to give you a clean bath. Inside this shower head, you'll find multiple filter mediums, including alkaline ceramic balls, calcium sulfite, and an activated carbon filter. As such, it can purify your water without any hassle.

It's easy to install this shower head on standard showers like wall-mounted, handheld, and rainfall types. You won't need any tools to set it up since you only have to tighten the connection by hand.

Pros:

  • Easy to install
  • Durable build
  • Reduces various contaminants
  • Includes five shower caps

Cons:

  • Cartridge lasts only six months

6. FEELSO Shower Head and 15-Stage Shower Filter

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Our next pick is this filter shower head combo by FEELSO, made from premium quality ABS and chrome plating. It comes with the latest shower filtration technology to help you enjoy a refreshing cleaning experience. As water passes through this shower head, it'll remove heavy metals, chlorine, and any harmful contaminants.

Whether you have a cold or hot shower, water will flow freely without any pollutants. You can change the direction the showerhead faces courtesy of the Swivel Ball Joint so that the water sprays to where you'd prefer. This showerhead comes with 5 shower modes to let you select different water jets for your personalized bathing session.

Pros:

  • Quick installation
  • Multiple shower modes
  • Softens hard water
  • Improves water pressure
  • Efficient water usage

Cons:

  • Filter area leaks through the sides

7. ADOVEL High Output Shower Head

ADOVEL High Output Shower Head and Hard Water Filter,...
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You can also get soft water for your showers using the ADOVEL High Output Shower Head filter, built to eliminate chlorine, pesticides, and other contaminants to give you a healthy shower that nourishes your skin and hair.

The showerhead is six inches wide and features 90 nozzles to maintain the ideal water pressure for a relaxing shower. It'll also be a great addition to your interior style, thanks to the chrome finish, which allows it to match different bathroom designs effortlessly.

Pros:

  • Stylish design
  • Removes numerous impurities
  • Filter lasts half a year
  • Rotatable head
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Can drain your hot water tank faster than other shower filters

8. Aqua Earth 15 Stage Shower Filter

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Aqua Earth 15 Stage Shower Filter with Vitamin C Shower...
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Another water softener shower head you can buy is the Aqua Earth 15-Stage Shower Filter which can remove heavy metals, chemicals, and sediment from your bath water quickly. It'll prevent scale growth in your bathtub and piping system.

If you want to maintain healthy skin, you'll be glad to know this showerhead can reduce the risk of eczema, dandruff, and dry, itchy skin. It's the perfect pick for your family since it will make the water safe for your kids and pets.

This model is compatible with different shower types making it excellent for home use. If you want soft water for your needs, this is the best filter shower head for you.

Pros:

  • Versatile
  • Helps improve skin health
  • Efficient for purifying hard water
  • Enhances water pressure

Cons:

  • You'll need to change the filters frequently

9. PureAction Luxury Filtered Shower Head

PureAction Luxury Filtered Shower Head with Handheld...
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  • ★ TOOL FREE INSTALLATION: Our showerhead filter connects to any...
  • ★ PREMIUM GIFT & BONUSES: Our water softener shower head set...

If your shower head gets clogged from calcium and magnesium molecule accumulation, you can use the PureAction Luxury Filtered Shower Head to solve this problem. Unlike typical showerheads, this one can get rid of heavy metals, dissolved solids, and sediment to give you clean bathing water.

It's built with stainless steel making it a durable option for your bathroom. The shower head filter is designed to deliver a luxurious spa experience by revitalizing your body. You won't need any tools to install this shower head since it can connect to various shower arms without hassle.

Pros:

  • Quick installation
  • Lightweight filter
  • Sturdy build
  • Softens hard water

Cons:

  • A bit pricey

10. Berkey Shower Filter

Berkey Easy-Replace Shower Filter Replacement Cartridge
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The Berkey Shower Filter is one of the best shower water filters on the market. It has a KDF filter that removes over 90% of chlorine from your shower water. It provides a neat way of decreasing chemical absorption and vapor inhalation as you shower.

This product will filter up to 20,000 gallons of water, which can last a year before changing is necessary. As a result, you can rest easy after installing this showerhead filter since it will be a while before you need to look for replacement filters.

This shower filter works against lime, mold, fungi, and scale to ensure you have a safe and refreshing shower experience. The backflush attachment that this filter comes with will prevent clogging, eliminating the need for a shut-off valve.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Doesn't come with a showerhead.
  • Susceptible to clogging from chloramine.

Factors To Consider When Buying A Water Softener Shower Head

1. Types Of Shower Water Softeners

There are three forms of showerhead filters which we discuss below.

  • Standard Showerhead Filter

This type of showerhead looks somewhat bulkier than your standard showerhead and effectively removes the harmful pollutants in your water supply at decent pressure.

  • In-line Shower Filters

These shower water filters don't come with a showerhead and can be installed between your current showerhead and the waterline. The main advantage these models provide is keeping using your existing showerhead while still using the filter. It is one of the most inconspicuous options on the market.

  • In-Line and Showerhead Filter

These water filters are the largest and have to be installed directly into the waterlines and the showerhead they come with. The in-line unit contains the filter cartridge, and the showerhead manages the water pressure.

2. Types Of Filters

  • Multi-Level Carbon Filters

They are the most common filters used in many water filtration systems. Carbon filters move water through various mediums, each designed to remove specific contaminants. Carbon block filters are a great option to filter hard water minerals.

  • KDF Filters

These filters work well alongside carbon filters but can also work alone. They are made from copper and zinc, which makes them effective against viruses and bacteria. KDF filters are also great for removing contaminants commonly found in a municipal or city water source.

  • Vitamin C Filters

Vitamin C filters can work together with KDF or carbon filters and are great for removing chlorine and chloramine from water. A vitamin C filter is not the best filter for hard water but is great at improving the overall condition of your skin and hair.

3. Filter Longevity

Unfortunately, water softener shower filters are not permanent. Eventually, you'll need to switch out the filter for a new one according to your model. Every water softener showerhead uses a specific type of filter, which could last as short as a few weeks to as long as 8 months.

Depending on the amount of water you use and the contamination level, you might need to replace your filters sooner or later. Nevertheless, you should select an option that lasts as long as possible. Sometimes, the longevity is measured based on the amount of water the model can filter.

In such a scenario, those with a capacity of 20,000 gallons will last the longest. You should consider the price of frequent replacement against the length of time the filter should cover.

4. Compatibility

The showerhead filter you select should fit nicely into your current shower system without requiring many adjustments. Not only should they be compatible, but you should ensure they seamlessly match the theme and style of your bathroom.

Plastic filters are the most versatile option since they are affordable and come in various colors and designs. As a result, it'll be easy to integrate such a showerhead filter into your interior. Unfortunately, while plastic might agree with your decorative choices, they are not long-lasting. They could easily crack or break, which will cause leaking.

If you'd prefer a more durable option, you can go for a metal filter. However, you must ensure they are waterproof, rustproof, and corrosion-proof. Additionally, it should be easy to clean and shouldn't show dirt and watermarks.

5. Water Pressure

Ideally, a shower water softener shouldn't affect the water pressure. However, some models contain water flow restrictors that reduce water flow leading to a low-pressure output. So, as you select your shower head, you should ensure it won't reduce the water pressure.

If the water flows slower than it usually should, you probably won't enjoy your time in the shower. So, you'll want to select a showerhead that can increase water pressure even if the flow rate is low. If the water pressure is low, the showerhead can't increase it to higher levels.

6. Ease Of Installation

Another factor to consider is how easy it is to install the unit. This is because some filters might require professional plumbing expertise since they are installed in the water line directly from the water lines.

If you want to avoid additional costs of hiring assistance, you should go for showerheads that are easy to install. Most showerheads use a simple mechanism to fit into the shower arm, like screwing or shaping. A model that is easy to install is a sound investment since it will also be easy to swap the filters once they need replacing.

Ensure that the instructions provided are easy to follow to give you a smooth transition from using your current showerhead to the new one. If you can't understand how to do it, you'll run the risk of damaging or compromising the integrity of the filter, which might lead to additional costs of buying a new shower head filter for hard water.

Benefits of Shower Head Water Filters

There are numerous advantages of using soft water for bathing, which we'll discuss in this section.

1. Requires Less Soap

Hard water has compounds that make it hard to form lather when using soap. As a result, you'll need so much soap to clean your body which can be costly in the long run. Soft water dissolves bathing soap much faster, meaning you'll use the soap for longer.

2. Reduced Pipe Damage

Showering with hard water leads to the accumulation of calcium and magnesium molecules in the piping parts. This causes the shower to block, and it can be expensive to hire a plumber to solve this issue.

Alternatively, replacing the showerheads won't do you much good if you don't get one that has a filter. With a shower head filter, you can reduce these expenses and save some money. Fortunately, here's a list of the best detergents for hard water to help you clean your utensils without hassle.

3. Better Hair and Skin

There are minerals in hard water that cause the formation of scum when you use soap to clean your hair. When this scum sits on your skin or hair, it can cause excessive skin dryness and lead to hair breakage.

Soft water is more gentle on the skin and lathers well with soap to let you clean your body as thoroughly as necessary. If you want to maintain skin health, you should use a water softener shower head.

Other Methods of Softening Water

There are several ways of filtering hard water. Let's look at the most common ways below.

1. Reverse Osmosis Filtration Systems

A reverse osmosis filtration system, also called a hyperfiltration system, is a great way of treating all the water in your home. It's the best way to get extremely clean tap water that's safe for your family to drink. A reverse osmosis system can eliminate calcium and magnesium ions as well as foul odors and tastes.

2. Potassium Chloride Water Softeners

In addition to water softener shower heads, you can also use potassium chloride to remove harsh compounds from hard water. It involves an ion exchange process that places potassium into your water. Potassium acts as an electrolyte that helps improve your blood pressure.

Unfortunately, if you have chronic medical conditions like diabetes, you should consult a medical professional before using potassium chloride to soften water. It also improves the taste of the water, which is why some people prefer this method of hard water treatment.

3. Salt-Free Water Softeners

If you don't want to use salt-based water softeners, you can select the salt-free types. Salt-free water softeners are usually connected to the mainline and cause various frequencies. The frequencies will alter the structure of compounds like calcium and magnesium at a molecular level to prevent scale build-up. The downside is that they don't get rid of other contaminants.

4. Sodium Water Softeners

You can also use sodium water softeners for your whole house filtration system. It's great for removing the calcium, magnesium, and harsh chemicals from your water. Sodium water softening systems are affordable and don't require a lot of maintenance, so they are great if you are on a budget.

The only thing you'll need to do is replenish the salt quantities every so often to ensure the resin beads are charged up. Unfortunately, many people don't like sodium water softeners because they make the water taste salty. Additionally, it can be burdensome to keep buying salt sacks to clean the hard water.

5. Magnetic Conditioner

Magnetic conditioners aren't water softeners, but they can help when the water isn't too hard. Once you link it to your water line, they'll produce a magnetic field that'll soften the hard water. The effect prevents the impurities from clogging up your shower water.

Unfortunately, magnetic conditioners can't help if the water is too hard. Plus, they don't get rid of calcium and magnesium, which is why they aren't the most popular option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Best Water Softener Shower Head?

The best water softener shower head you can buy is the Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Head, a long-lasting and easy-to-all install model.

2. How Can A Person Know It’s Time To Replace The Showerhead Filter?

Check the shower head filter; if it's darker than it was when new, it's time to replace it. Typically, you should examine your filter every 4-6 months.

3. Do Shower Head Water Softeners Work?

Yes, shower head water softeners can reduce calcium and magnesium amounts which are the primary water hardness minerals. This means that you will get softer water from your shower if you use a showerhead softener. 

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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