Have you ever felt like your skin was becoming slightly dry after a shower or your hair was getting frizzy? Maybe it’s due to hard water. Hard water is regular water, but with more minerals, calcium and magnesium. Although these minerals may sound beneficial, they can be enormously damaging to your skin, hair and even your shower pipes. These particles remain on your skin and hair and can make your skin feel dry and your hair frizzy. However, this is just the beginning of the problem. Within your piping system, these minerals can accumulate into deposits, which can cause obstructions and reduced plumbing efficiency. Water hardness scale is used to ascertain the amount of calcium and magnesium ions dissolved in water. It is usually soft (0-60 mg/L), moderately hard (61-120 mg/L), hard (121-180 mg/L) and very hard (more than 180 mg/L), denoting the quantity of minerals. Shower filter is a small device that work magic and improve your water’s hardness level. It is a strong magnet that can trap those tiny minerals before they get to your skin, hair or pipes.
Shower filter : How to test water hardness?
Soap test
One can easily estimate the water hardness at home by using soap as an indicator. Soap lathering is inhibited by hard water. If suds are insufficient and leave a scum, it indicates the hardness of the water.
Water hardness test strips
The strips are immersed in water, and color changes reveal the hardness. The individual strip is calibrated to a certain range of hardness and enables a quick visual analysis.
Titration test kits
When it comes to precise measurement, titration kits are used. Increasing amounts of reagent drops are added until a color change is observed. The exact water hardness level is determined by the number of drops needed.
Electronic water hardness testers
Testing water hardness through portable electronic devices is faster and more precise. These electrically conductive tests generate quick digital readings.
Shower filter: BenefitsÂ
Improved skin and hair health
Shower filters make the effects of hard water less harsh on your skin and hair, reducing dryness and creating a healthier environment for your body.
Reduced irritation
The use of a shower filter is essential in removing harsh minerals that are associated with hard water and cause itchy and irritated skin when one takes a bath.
Extended plumbing longevity
Installing a shower filter can reduce the minerals’ accumulation in the plumbing and the showerhead, lengthening their lifespan and limiting maintenance costs.
Shower filter: Types
Activated carbon filters
These filters use activated carbon to remove impurities, chemicals and some minerals giving a basic but effective way of improving water quality.
Reverse osmosis filters
Using a more advanced technique called reverse osmosis, these filters force water through a semipermeable membrane and are highly efficient in removing a wide range of contaminants for the complete purification of water.
Ion exchange filters
A softener filter type trades calcium and magnesium in hard water with sodium, greatly reducing water hardness, inhibiting mineral scale and fostering a softer water feeling.
Vitamin-c filters
These filters neutralise chlorine with Vitamin C. They serve as a natural, chemical-free way to eliminate chlorine, which is harmful for your skin and hair.
Shower filter: How to choose?
Identify water quality concerns
Start by pinpointing what exactly is wrong with your water. Such concerns may include hardness, chlorine content, sediment and others. Knowing your water’s composition is critical and will help you choose a filter designed to solve this problem.
Filtration efficiency
Compare the filtration efficiency of each filter type regarding the particular contaminants in your water. However, if you are mainly concerned with hardness, ion exchange filters may work better. The reverse osmosis filters are very effective in complete purification.
Evaluate maintenance requirements
Check the number of times the filter gets changed. Not all filters are going to need a replacement as frequently as others. Check if the replacement schedule suits your maintenance preferences. Determine the ease of replacing the filter. The design interface of some systems may be user-friendly, while others may require professional help.
Assess budget and installation
The first cost involves purchasing and installing the filter. It’s important to remember that some advanced filtration systems like reverse osmosis may have a higher initial cost. Consider the ongoing replacement costs of filters. Look for replacement filters with longer affordability at lower prices for various brands and types. Rate the ease of installation. Some filters are meant to be DIY installed whereas others may require professional help. Ensure you select a filter that is comfortable for you and suits your technical ability.
Shower filter: Environmental impact
Sustainable water usage requires considering the environmental impact of using shower filters. Shower filters are also very important in minimising the environmental impact of water-related activities. These filters serve to reduce the effects of hard water, lengthen the life of plumbing systems and appliances and also reduce wastage, leading to the loss of replacements.
FAQs
What is hard water, and how does it affect skin and hair?
Hard water has increased levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium and causes dry skin and frizzy hair. However, shower filters reduce these effects.
How can I find out whether I have hard water at home?
Simple methods include soap tests or water hardness test strips, titration test kits, or electronic water hardness testers that are more exact.
What are the advantages of a shower filter for hard water?
Shower filters improve the health of the skin and the hair by lessening dryness. They also minimize irritation, increase the longevity of appliances, and deliver a better showering experience.
Are shower filters environmentally friendly?
Yes, shower filters contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of water-related activities, conserving water, and reducing the need for replacements.
When do I have to replace the shower filter?
The frequency of replacement of a particular filter is dependent on the type of filter and the quality of the water. Look at the manufacturers’ recommendations, yet most filters last months before replacement.
Can I do a do-it-yourself installation of the shower filter, or do I need an expert to do it for me?
Almost all shower filters are installed to be simple do-it-yourself. Nevertheless, some intricate systems, such as reverse osmosis filters, may require the assistance of professionals.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
