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WATER FILTER CAST
  • 💧Water Softeners
    • Best Water Softener Systems
      • Whole House Filter + Softener Combos
  • 💦 Water Filtration
    • Well Water
      • Water Softener for Well Water With Iron
      • 🥇Water Pitchers for Well Water
      • Shower Filters For Well Water
    • Best Whole House Water Filters
    • Best Water Filter Pitchers
      • Alkaline Water Pitchers
    • Reverse Osmosis
      • Best Reverse Osmosis Systems
    • Under Sink Water Filters
    • Inline Water Filters
    • Refrigerator Water Filters
      • GE MWF Water Filters
    • By Contaniments
      • Alkaline Water Filters
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      • Sediment Filters for Well Water
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    • For Hard Water
    • For Iron
    • For Low Water Pressure
  • Water Heaters
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    • Fix Water Softener Problems
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Shower Filter Reviews

Best Shower Filters for Hard Water in 2023 – (Buyer’s Guide)

Written ByAndrew Miles Updated onJanuary 19, 2023

There is no substitute for having clean and purified water in your everyday life. If you are dealing with hard water, there are numerous shower filters for hard water that can change your daily life.

best Shower Filter for Hard Water

Not everybody has the luxury of having full-scale water softening and filtering system. Purchasing a simple filtering showerhead can immediately benefit your hair, skin, and nails. On top of that, many water supplies have a chlorine smell that sticks with you all day after a shower; nobody wants that!

In addition to the health benefits from softened water, you will notice an improvement in limescale buildup in your showerhead and an overall cleaner shower experience.

Investing in a new water-filtering shower head will not regret it! In my easy-to-follow guide, I will break down what makes shower filtering water heads so valuable, and hopefully, with our guidance, you can choose the best shower filter for hard water.

Recommended Hard Water Filter

Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Hard Water Filter

Aquasana-AQ-4100
EDITOR’S CHOICE
  • One of the only shower filters that guarantee an enhanced pH level for shower water.
  • The showerhead comes with multiple massage settings and adjustable settings.
  • DIY installation that can be completed only four easy steps.
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Hydroviv Shower Filter for Hard Water

Hydroviv Shower Filter for Hard Water
BEST HIGH OUTPUT
  • Includes activated carbon to filter out organic matter and impurities.
  • Unique 12-step sediment filtration system.
  • Simple and ‘Tool-less’ installation.
View Latest Price

PureAction Head Hard Water Filtered Shower

PureAction
BEST HANDHELD
  • It is specifically designed to removed calcium, lead, and iron from water.
  • Ionic showerhead increases the pH balance of the water.
  • 60″ hose attachment.
View Latest Price

Table of Contents
  • Recommended Hard Water Filter
    • Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Hard Water Filter
    • Hydroviv Shower Filter for Hard Water
    • PureAction Head Hard Water Filtered Shower
  • My Top Shower Filters for Hard Water Reviews
    • 1. Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Filter for Hard Water (Best Overall)
    • 2. Hydroviv Shower Filter (Best In-line)
    • 3. Brondell VivaSpring Filtered Shower Head (Best For Wide Spray)
    • 4. AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter for Hard Water (Best Low Priced In-line)
    • 5. Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Shower Head (Best If You Have a Whole House System)
    • 6. Vitamin C Filter Inline Shower Head for Hard Water (Best For Added Vitamin C)
    • 7. Water Softener Shower Head – (Best Budget)
    • 8. Berkey Shower Filter WITHOUT Shower Head
    • 9. 15 Stage Shower Water Filter to Remove Impurities
    • 10. PureAction Luxury Filtered For Hard Water (Best Luxury)
  • What To Consider Before Buying A  Shower Filter for Hard Water
    • What's in your water?
    • Installation
    • Showerhead Size and Inline Filters
    • Filter Life and Usage
    • Budget and Value
  • Frequently Asked Question And Answered
    • Why do I need to install a shower filter head?
    • What is the difference between a full showerhead unit and an inline assembly?
    • Are inline assemblies better than a full showerhead filter?
    • How does filtering shower water help me?
    • Do water filter showerheads remove bacteria?
  • Conclusion

My Top Shower Filters for Hard Water Reviews

(Tested & Rated by myself and the team)

Shower HeadPriceContaminants RemovedTypeFilter LifeFlow RateWarranty
Aquasana AQ-4100$89.99Chlorine, lead, and other pollutantsIn-Line & Head6 months2.5 GPM90 days
Hydroviv$64.99Chlorine, sediment, and other pollutantsIn-Line12 months2.5 GPM180 days
Joile$149.99Chlorine and other pollutantsFiltered Showerhead6 months2.5 GPM90 days
Culligan WSH-C125$44.99Chlorine, sediment, and other pollutantsFiltered10,000 gallons2.5 GPM1 year

1. Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Filter for Hard Water (Best Overall)

Aquasana AQ-4100
Buy It Direct
Get It on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • NSF-certified filtration technology.
  • The shell of the filter showerhead is made of natural coconut that reduces chlorine, lead, and iron.
  • DIY installation can be completed in only four easy steps.
  • Long-lasting filters only need to be replaced twice a year on average.
  • Operating pressure of 80 psi
  • Max flow rate 2.5 gallons per minute

Aquasana is a household name in water filter products, and this shower head filter is no exception. The easy installation is a breeze for anyone who can reach the showerhead.

It has a standard operating pressure of 80 psi, which is above average for filtering showerheads. Combining that with its maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute, the shower experience, even without the filtering component, is an immediate step up from the hard water environment I was in before installing.

Coming with a one-year warranty, this plastic-based filter showerhead focuses on chlorine removal, one of the biggest issues most people report with their water. Chlorine can cause itchy scalps, skin, and dry fingernails, but thanks to Aquasana, you have the option to rid yourself of these things.

aquasana spray
aquasana spray1
aquasana spray2

What I Like:

  • Softer skin is immediately noticeable right off the bat.
  • One of the only shower filters that guarantee an enhanced pH level for shower water.
  • Uses a patented copper/zinc blend to further reduce chlorine.
  • The showerhead comes with multiple massage settings and adjustable settings.
  • It can be installed with no tools.

What I Didn’t Like:

  • The surface area of the showerhead is noticeably smaller than other models we have reviewed.
  • The filtering compartment on the showerhead could be considered big and heavy to some people. (But it serves a purpose)
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2. Hydroviv Shower Filter (Best In-line)

hydroviv shower filter for hard water(1)
Check Lowest Price (direct)

Highlighted Features

  • Customized filter based on local water table.
  • Easy install
  • 9-Month Filter Life
  • Removes lead, chlorine, and other major containments
  • Softer hair and skin after use
  • An inline water filter lets you keep your current showerhead but with cleaner water.

Inline water filters are becoming increasingly popular, and the Hydroviv model is one of the better ones on the market. 15 distinct and unique stages of filtration and softening can make even the hardest water immediately healthier and purer.

If you are looking for a high-quality in-line filter that is tailored for your local water, then this ‘As Seen On SharkTank’ filter is the one you want. The flow rate is 2.5 gal/minute, which is standard during my testing plus, this runs your water through multiple stages that removes all the hard chemicals your local water source may have.

Hydroviv shower filters are designed to remove chlorine, chloramines, and other contaminants from your shower water.

It is an excellent option for people living in apartments or condo buildings since it is very rare for apartment units to have designated water softening systems, so adding a simple showerhead is smart.

Some of the benefits I experienced with using the Hydroviv shower filter included:

  1. Improved skin and hair health: Chlorine and other contaminants can strip your skin and hair of their natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. The Hydroviv filter can help keep your skin and hair moisturized and healthy by removing these contaminants from your shower water.
  2. Reduced chlorine exposure: Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent that can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health problems when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
  3. Improved water quality: In addition to chlorine and chloramines, Hydroviv filters can also remove other contaminants such as heavy metals and bacteria from your shower water. This can lead to a more pleasant and refreshing shower experience overall.
  4. Enhanced lathering and sudsing: Chlorine can interfere with the performance of soap and shampoo, making it difficult to lather and suds. By removing chlorine and other contaminants from your shower water, a Hydroviv filter can help improve the lathering and sudsing of your soap and shampoo.

Installation is as simple as any installation could be. Simply screw off your existing shower head, add some plumber tape and screw on the filter. Once snug, then screw on your shower head to the filter.

What I Like:

  • Longest standard filter life of any showerhead filter we’ve reviewed.
  • Includes activated carbon to filter out organic matter and impurities.
  • Customized or your local water
  • Easy Installation
  • Longest standard filter life of any showerhead filter we’ve reviewed.

What I Didn’t Like:

  • The size of the filter showerhead is smaller than many others on the list.
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3. Brondell VivaSpring Filtered Shower Head (Best For Wide Spray)

Brondell Shower Filter Review
Check Latest Price (Typically under $30 at Amazon)

Highlighted Features

  • Excellent filtering for hard water
  • Rainfall shower technology is almost a necessity in every home now.
  • Revitalizes the body using activated carbon and calcium sulfite purification methods.
  • Fits any standard shower type and can be connected in minutes with no tools needed.

The Luxuryfiltering showerhead does make you feel like a luxury. It feels like your opening a Rolex box when you open this for the first time. In terms of performance, they did not leave anything behind either. 15 stages of water filtering and purification are unheard of in the water filtering industry, and you can tell the difference from the first shower.

vivaspring
vivaspring filter
vivaspring wide spray
vivaspring

Starting with an ultra-fine mesh stainless steel trap, the water goes from there through several tried and proven filtering techniques including Maifan stone, germanium balls, and coconut-activated carbon.

Coming standard with a 2.5 gallons per minute flow rate, you will see little to no water pressure issues with this showerhead filter. Everyone tends to like the feel of a classic rain shower, and this luxury showerhead provides just that, without compromising water quality.

What We Like:

  • Premium packaging resembling a gift box gives you a real luxury upon opening the water filter showerhead.
  • The package includes additional Teflon tape for multiple installations in case of moving or shower remodeling.
  • A lot of hard water will have a distinct smell of chlorine or sulfur; after 30 seconds of running this Luxury showerhead, all smells were gone!
  • I noticed immediately that my hair and skin feel much softer after installing this filtering showerhead.
  • The filters this showerhead uses are long-lasting, and when the time finally comes to update them, it takes mere seconds.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Plastic filters have a cheap feel to them.
  • There is not a ton of range of motion with this showerhead.
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4. AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter for Hard Water (Best Low Priced In-line)

AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing
Check Latest Price (Typically under $40 at Amazon)

Highlighted Features

  • Unique 12-step sediment filtration system.
  • On average, it costs $.09 per day with the AquaBliss model.
  • Maximized water filtration to neutralize odors associated with hard water.
  • Boasts a sand filter at the beginning of the filtration stage to ward off large sediment.

If you are looking for an affordable filter that will soften your shower water and filter out impurities, then the AquaBliss may be the one you want. While there is not much information about the flow rate on the market, we do know that the 12-step filtration process that the AquaBliss runs through has multiple stages that inject your water with beneficial elements to help with your hair, skin, and nails.

Installation is a breeze with this filtering head, and the AquaBliss SF100 will show cleaner, clearer water results immediately. An advanced revitalizing filter adds numerous stages for your water to pass through that boosts water oxygen and adds revitalizing minerals to the water. (This is a great filter for basically any shower, just add it to your existing showerhead).

It starts with an ultra-fine stainless-steel fine mesh that rids the water of larger impurities and ends with another mesh layer combined with micro-porous PP cotton to capture any sediment that may have squeaked through.

What I Like:

  • Within the 12-step filtering and purification process, there are vitamin C additives to give your water healthier minerals.
  • Includes activated carbon to filter out organic matter and impurities.
  • Affordable at under $$.
  • Clean metal finish that looks nice and luxurious.
  • Filters last approximately six months.
  • Simple and ‘Tool-less’ installation.

What I Didn’t Like:

  • The size of the filter showerhead is smaller than many others on the list.
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5. Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Shower Head (Best If You Have a Whole House System)

Culligan WSH-C125
Check Latest Price (Typically under $45 at Amazon)

Highlighted Features

  • Meets EPA water sense certification of 2 gallons per minute maximum.
  • No-tool installation and installs on any ½” threaded shower arm.
  • Includes a patented WHR-140 filter cartridge.
  • Five different showerhead spray settings.

Culligan is one of the most trusted names in water products worldwide. From water cooler technology to full house water softening products, they have been providing the world with quality products for years, and the WSH-C125 is no exception.

One thing I liked about this one was the rubber coating over the spray nozzle. It provides a seamless water delivery, and the 5 different spray methods are an awesome feature that everyone can customize to their own needs. Combined with the maximum operating temperature of 120 degrees and its ability to filter out 99% of harmful chemicals, the WSH-C125 is a great economical choice.

The stainless-steel fine mesh rids the water of larger impurities and ends with another mesh layer combined with micro-porous PP cotton to capture any sediment that may have squeaked through. This helps with hard water stains.

What We Like:

  • The rubber spray nozzle features anti-clog technology.
  • Filters last 6 months and are easily replaced.
  • 5-year warranty from Culligan.
  • Includes a ton of Teflon tape for multiple installations.
  • Removes up to 99% of chlorine

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Smaller showerhead size compared to many.
  • Upon doing a before and after water reading, the number of total dissolved solids that the filter head picked up was disappointing.
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6. Vitamin C Filter Inline Shower Head for Hard Water (Best For Added Vitamin C)

Vitamin C Filter Inline Shower Head
Check Latest Price (Typically under $70 at Amazon)

Highlighted Features

  • Removes up to 99.9% of chlorine and chloramines from shower water.
  • An addition to your current showerhead, no need to replace your favorite showerhead.
  • Infuses your water with vitamin C.
  • Upgraded filter for 2020 from Sonkai.

The first showerhead add-on on our list is unique to the fact that you simply add it to your already existing showerhead. Without adjusting your current showerhead setup height or angle, you can add this vitamin-C injection showerhead component to help your water with chlorine removal and add valuable minerals to help improve your hair, skin, and nails.

The Sonkai system installs easily with most standard showerheads, and we have yet to see any issues with decreased water pressure or flow rate. In prior models, the housing for the unit had issues, but Sonkai took those user notes and rebuilt the housing to be made of brass, making it highly durable.

If you’re in love with your current shower setup but wish the water was a bit friendlier to your hair, skin, and nails, the Sonkai vitamin C injection model is a great choice for you.

What We Like:

  • The chrome finish is very elegant and can be matched to many existing showerheads.
  • Adding it to your current showerhead setup is beneficial because no height or angle changes are required.
  • It comes with three filters.
  • The resin housing is made of brass, which is extremely durable.
  • Vitamin C additive does wonders for your hair, skin, and nails.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • To change the filter, you need a wrench handy, which isn’t always easy.
  • The filter only lasts roughly 14 showers.
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7. Water Softener Shower Head – (Best Budget)

Water Softener Shower Head
Check Latest Price (Typically under $40 at Amazon)

Highlighted Features

  • Reduces 80-90% of chlorine from water.
  • Filters will last 6-8 months with normal usage.
  • The shower head has three different settings to choose from.

The all-metal construction on this full-filtered showerhead unit is solidly built and easily installed by many homeowners, without the need for tools. For homeowners and renters alike, this small package comes with three spray settings for the user to decide from, which is not a common characteristic.

If you are dealing with hard water, this is one of the better options because it uses bead technology on the very outside layer of filtering. You can see the white beads when looking at the spraying side of the showerhead. The beads are there to filter out impurities within your water.

The filter life on these models is the best we have seen, lasting up to 8 months in some cases. They are also effortless to change in and out. Another reason I love the filtering on this model is because it is extremely easy to see when you need to change the filter. Most of them are guessing games, but with these models, you can see the filter and be able to change it at the perfect time.

What We Like:

  • Easily install onto a ½” shower arm.
  • Fully guaranteed with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
  • Water-saving design, maximizing water pressure while using no more than 2.5 GPM.
  • The ball joint allows for the showerhead to adjust to whatever angle you prefer.
  • Visible filter beads allow you to see when the filter is bogged down.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Small showerhead size, the smallest we have reviewed thus far.
  • Chlorine removal of up to 90% is good but not as high as many others.
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8. Berkey Shower Filter WITHOUT Shower Head

Berkey Shower Filter

Highlighted Features

  • 15-Stage filtering process that includes vitamin C + E internal additives.
  • Filters can last up to a year, or 20,000 gallons.
  • Filter contains KDF 55 granules.
  • Reduces limescale, mold, and fungi.

The Berkey inline shower head is a simple design. You can add it to your existing showerhead set up in no time, and softening water’s benefits will be noticeable immediately.

The 10,000-gallon filter features multiple levels that will remove or reduce several chemicals and contaminants. Using a KDF 55 process with filtration granules will remove water-soluble metals and elements such as hydrogen sulfide and other microorganisms. Just like Berkey water filters, another thing the Berkey water filter showerhead does is reduce chlorine and kill bacteria.

Not every filtering showerhead can remove bacteria, but Berkey’s filtering technology can manage that and a lot more. A cleaner shower was one of the most noticeable things I noticed after installing the Berkey system. There were less limescale, mold, and fungi left over.

What We Like:

  • Reduces chemical absorption and vapor inhalation.
  • Includes a backflush attachment to remove stagnant water from the filter.