In recent years, there has been a spike in the sale of shower filters. The increase may be related to the public's awareness of pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides and other chemicals being found in our tap water. The trend may also reflect the growing connection between showering in unfiltered water and negative cosmetic and health consequences. When people learn about the hidden dangers of showering without a filtration system, they often take the stance that a chlorine shower filter is a need more than a luxury. The great dilemma then becomes how do you select the right one.

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.

Although their prices are very affordable, they do not use carbon filtration. The Paragon utilizes a KDF filter, while ShowerWise uses a mixture of Chlorgon and KDF. The absence of a high-quality carbon filter means they can't effectively filter out synthetic chemicals, VOCs and THMs. While they are priced reasonably, having to replace the filter after three months and not having a carbon filter are likely reasons why the two systems rank low among top filters. Moreover, Paragon and ShowerWise have flow rates slower than 2.5 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) and also cause the shower head height to be lower. They don't inspire very much confidence for someone seeking value or a truly healthy shower experience.

Wellness

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 Shower Systems

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 scored very high, as it removed over 90% of all chlorine, VOCs, and THMS, while also removing over 70% of all lead and copper. Jonathan Beauty equaled Aquasana in three out of four categories, though when it came to lead and copper, it removed over 90%. These top-rated filters are clearly much better than Paragon and ShowerWise at filtering out chemicals. While not much separates them at this point, Jonathan Beauty does cost over 39% more than Aquasana and the replacement cartridge is 23% more expensive.

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.

Final Thoughts

Aquasana beat every competitor on price, and with one exception, its patented two-stage system performed equal to or better than the other shower filter brands. It's worth mentioning that out of these five leading brands, only the Aquasana and Jonathan Beauty have been awarded the prestigious Consumers Digest Magazine's "Best Buy" award, so they do have to live up to some high manufacturing standards. If you live in an area where it is not safe to drink from the faucet, then it is probably not safe to be taking a shower, unless you invest in a high-quality shower water filter.

Searching for the best shower filters? Then check out www.aquasanaforlife.com where you'll find the Aquasana shower filter that earned Consumers Digest Magazine's "Best Buy" award 2006-2008!