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.
Many reviews rightly focus on attributes like quality and price. However, this in-depth shower filter comparison of five top brands will also delve into service record, guarantees and filtration technology. Figuring out which one is the best can be a lengthy process, but well worth the time. In regards to the specifics of filter performance, the research is based on the manufacturer's own data. The reduction of chlorine, VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals), THMs (Trihalomethane) and both lead and copper, were used to determine each filtering system's effectiveness. One of the first points to mention is that the most expensive filter is definitely not always the one that works the best.
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.
Wellness Shower Filter
The Wellness Filter costs $249. While it only needs a new filter every 18-24 months, the cost for a replacement filter is a steep $189. This averages out to a cost of $16 per month, easily the most expensive filter. Unfortunately, the high price is largely unjustified since its filtering performance is very similar to the much more reasonably priced Aquasana AQ-4100. Furthermore, the Wellness shower system uses only a single KDF filter and is priced at $150 above its nearest competitor. For these reasons, and particularly because of the price, this filter doesn't make the top two spots of this shower filter review.
Aquasana and Jonathan Beauty
The five competitors have been narrowed down to two and it's time to look at the finer points. The Jonathan Beauty shower filter is priced at $95 and a replacement cartridge costing $55 is needed at six-month intervals, for a monthly cost of $9.25. Although most of the top brands won't hurt your wallet too much, the Aquasana AQ-4100 gives you the most bang for the buck. The overall costs are lower than any other system. It is priced at $67.99 and the replacement filter, which lasts up to 6 months, is a very inexpensive $42. Monthly cost is an extremely affordable $7. It represents an amazing deal, but the filter's effectiveness must still be compared with its main rival.
Aquasana's filter performance was excellent. It eliminated over 90% of all chlorine, VOCs, and THMS, while reducing more than 70% of copper and lead. Jonathan Beauty did just as well as Aquasana in all categories but one, where it reduced lead and copper by over 90%. These two leading filters perform a great deal better than Paragon and ShowerWise when it comes to filtering chemicals. One of the main points of differentiation is that Jonathan Beauty is priced over 39% higher than Aquasana and the replacement filter is 23% costlier.
The final area that separates the two companies is service. Aquasana has been in the water treatment industry for over 15 years; utilizes over 17 patents; has sold over 9 million products; provides a 60-day guarantee (90 for some products) and offers a free lifetime warranty when you enroll in their "Water 4 Life" auto-ship program. When viewing the Jonathan Beauty shower filter website, there is no mention of a warranty. You have to search through dozens of hair care and other products to find the "terms and conditions." It says "Every item we sell has an unconditional money back guarantee," but there is no mention of when it might expire, a definite red flag. The Aquasana shower filter gives you more overall value and inspires a lot more consumer confidence.
Summary
Aquasana beat the field when it came to price. Except for one category, its 2-stage filtration process was equal to or outperformed the rest of field. Out of the top five brands examined here, only Aquasana and Jonathan Beauty have won the highly sought after Consumers Digest Magazine's "Best Buy" award, so they have shown that their manufacturing and quality are very high. A good rule of thumb is that if you don't feel safe drinking from your faucets, then what comes out of the showerheads is no safer. Take what you've learned here and select a high-quality shower water filter. - 32406
Many reviews rightly focus on attributes like quality and price. However, this in-depth shower filter comparison of five top brands will also delve into service record, guarantees and filtration technology. Figuring out which one is the best can be a lengthy process, but well worth the time. In regards to the specifics of filter performance, the research is based on the manufacturer's own data. The reduction of chlorine, VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals), THMs (Trihalomethane) and both lead and copper, were used to determine each filtering system's effectiveness. One of the first points to mention is that the most expensive filter is definitely not always the one that works the best.
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.
Wellness Shower Filter
The Wellness Filter costs $249. While it only needs a new filter every 18-24 months, the cost for a replacement filter is a steep $189. This averages out to a cost of $16 per month, easily the most expensive filter. Unfortunately, the high price is largely unjustified since its filtering performance is very similar to the much more reasonably priced Aquasana AQ-4100. Furthermore, the Wellness shower system uses only a single KDF filter and is priced at $150 above its nearest competitor. For these reasons, and particularly because of the price, this filter doesn't make the top two spots of this shower filter review.
Aquasana and Jonathan Beauty
The five competitors have been narrowed down to two and it's time to look at the finer points. The Jonathan Beauty shower filter is priced at $95 and a replacement cartridge costing $55 is needed at six-month intervals, for a monthly cost of $9.25. Although most of the top brands won't hurt your wallet too much, the Aquasana AQ-4100 gives you the most bang for the buck. The overall costs are lower than any other system. It is priced at $67.99 and the replacement filter, which lasts up to 6 months, is a very inexpensive $42. Monthly cost is an extremely affordable $7. It represents an amazing deal, but the filter's effectiveness must still be compared with its main rival.
Aquasana's filter performance was excellent. It eliminated over 90% of all chlorine, VOCs, and THMS, while reducing more than 70% of copper and lead. Jonathan Beauty did just as well as Aquasana in all categories but one, where it reduced lead and copper by over 90%. These two leading filters perform a great deal better than Paragon and ShowerWise when it comes to filtering chemicals. One of the main points of differentiation is that Jonathan Beauty is priced over 39% higher than Aquasana and the replacement filter is 23% costlier.
The final area that separates the two companies is service. Aquasana has been in the water treatment industry for over 15 years; utilizes over 17 patents; has sold over 9 million products; provides a 60-day guarantee (90 for some products) and offers a free lifetime warranty when you enroll in their "Water 4 Life" auto-ship program. When viewing the Jonathan Beauty shower filter website, there is no mention of a warranty. You have to search through dozens of hair care and other products to find the "terms and conditions." It says "Every item we sell has an unconditional money back guarantee," but there is no mention of when it might expire, a definite red flag. The Aquasana shower filter gives you more overall value and inspires a lot more consumer confidence.
Summary
Aquasana beat the field when it came to price. Except for one category, its 2-stage filtration process was equal to or outperformed the rest of field. Out of the top five brands examined here, only Aquasana and Jonathan Beauty have won the highly sought after Consumers Digest Magazine's "Best Buy" award, so they have shown that their manufacturing and quality are very high. A good rule of thumb is that if you don't feel safe drinking from your faucets, then what comes out of the showerheads is no safer. Take what you've learned here and select a high-quality shower water filter. - 32406
About the Author:
Learn more about shower filters from the #1 rated home water filter company in the USA. Visit www.aquasanaforlife.com for the best deal on the top-rated Aquasana shower filter system.
