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 most comparisons, this review of five top brands will look at the basic attributes like cost and quality. However, it will also closely examine factors like service, filter performance and guarantees. Figuring out the best system for your needs can take some time, but it will save you headaches and money in the end. The filter performance is drawn from the manufacturer's documentation. The effectiveness of each system is based on how well it filters out chlorine, THMs (Trihalomethane), VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals) and both lead and copper. What becomes very clear is that a filter with a steep price tag does not translate to the best product.
Paragon and ShowerWise Shower Systems
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 among the lowest of the top brands, but neither system utilizes a carbon filter. The Paragon has a KDF filter and ShowerWise relies on both KDF and Chlorgon. However, both shower filters fail to take advantage of carbon filtration, which is highly effective at removing synthetic chemicals, THMs and VOCs. Though their prices are low, the lack of a carbon filter and having to replace the filter every three months, helps explain why neither are at the top of many comparisons. Additionally, Paragon and ShowerWise reduced the height of the shower and have flow rates that are less than 2.5 Gallons Per Minute (GPM). Therefore, let's shelve them until we look at the elite of the comparison.
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.
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's performance was impressive. It removes over 90% of all VOCs, THMs and chlorine. It also reduces more than 70% of copper and lead. Aquasana scored the same as Jonathan Beauty in all performance categories except one. Jonathan Beauty was able to remove 90% or more of lead and copper. Both brands easily outperformed ShowerWise and Paragon. Overall they are very comparable, but Jonathan Beauty has a steeper price; it is over 39% more expensive than Aquasana and the replacement filter costs 23% more.
At this juncture, it makes sense to distinguish the service of the top two companies. Something that might cause concern is that the Jonathan Beauty shower filter webpage does not mention a guarantee or warranty. The terms are on a separate page. An unconditional money-back guarantee is offered, but how long it lasts is not stated. Compare that with Aquasana's more than 15 years in the home water filter business; over 17 patents; more than 9 million products sold; 60-day guarantee (90 for certain products) and even a lifetime warranty when you sign up for their free "Water 4 Life" auto-ship program. The Aquasana shower filter gets consistently high marks in every category and has the service and proven track record to back up its reputation.
Conclusion
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. - 30517
Like most comparisons, this review of five top brands will look at the basic attributes like cost and quality. However, it will also closely examine factors like service, filter performance and guarantees. Figuring out the best system for your needs can take some time, but it will save you headaches and money in the end. The filter performance is drawn from the manufacturer's documentation. The effectiveness of each system is based on how well it filters out chlorine, THMs (Trihalomethane), VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals) and both lead and copper. What becomes very clear is that a filter with a steep price tag does not translate to the best product.
Paragon and ShowerWise Shower Systems
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 among the lowest of the top brands, but neither system utilizes a carbon filter. The Paragon has a KDF filter and ShowerWise relies on both KDF and Chlorgon. However, both shower filters fail to take advantage of carbon filtration, which is highly effective at removing synthetic chemicals, THMs and VOCs. Though their prices are low, the lack of a carbon filter and having to replace the filter every three months, helps explain why neither are at the top of many comparisons. Additionally, Paragon and ShowerWise reduced the height of the shower and have flow rates that are less than 2.5 Gallons Per Minute (GPM). Therefore, let's shelve them until we look at the elite of the comparison.
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.
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's performance was impressive. It removes over 90% of all VOCs, THMs and chlorine. It also reduces more than 70% of copper and lead. Aquasana scored the same as Jonathan Beauty in all performance categories except one. Jonathan Beauty was able to remove 90% or more of lead and copper. Both brands easily outperformed ShowerWise and Paragon. Overall they are very comparable, but Jonathan Beauty has a steeper price; it is over 39% more expensive than Aquasana and the replacement filter costs 23% more.
At this juncture, it makes sense to distinguish the service of the top two companies. Something that might cause concern is that the Jonathan Beauty shower filter webpage does not mention a guarantee or warranty. The terms are on a separate page. An unconditional money-back guarantee is offered, but how long it lasts is not stated. Compare that with Aquasana's more than 15 years in the home water filter business; over 17 patents; more than 9 million products sold; 60-day guarantee (90 for certain products) and even a lifetime warranty when you sign up for their free "Water 4 Life" auto-ship program. The Aquasana shower filter gets consistently high marks in every category and has the service and proven track record to back up its reputation.
Conclusion
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. - 30517
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.
