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This product review features the Aquasana AQ-4100 and AQ-4105 shower filters.
While most people only primarily care about the quality of their drinking water, it’s equally important to ensure your shower water is clean. Otherwise, the contaminants, such as chlorine and dirt, will wreak havoc on the health of your skin and hair.
Fortunately, Aquasana shower filters are made to remove impurities from shower water, keeping you safe from unwanted conditions. The manufacturer claims that installing these filters in your shower will result in more radiant hair and softer skin.
But can Aquasana shower filters live up to these claims? Let’s find out.
Contents
Aquasana Shower Filter Review – Main Specs
See More Product Images at aquasana.com
- Shower head type depends on which filter version you choose
- Aquasana AQ-4100: Shower filter + shower head
- Aquasana AQ-4105CHR: Shower filter with handheld chrome wand
- Aquasana AQ-4105: Shower filter with handheld wand (white)
- Aquasana AQ-4100NSH: Shower filter without shower head
- Filtering capacity: 10,000 gallons
- Flow rate: 2.5 gallons per minute
- NSF: 177
Highlights
At the beginning of our Aquasana AQ-4100/Aquasana AQ-4105 shower filter review, a few highlights:
Lifesaver
Since chlorine is significantly detrimental to your hair and skin health, the Aquasana shower filter is a lifesaver for both.
Long Filter Life
Each new filter cartridges provides 10,000 gallons of filtered water. This helps keep ongoing expenses low and it’s convenient.
Relaxing Shower Experience
The 2.5 gpm flow rate is ideal for relaxing showers.
Activated Carbon + KDF
The two types of filter media remove chlorine (NSF-certified), pesticides, hydrogen sulfide, lead, iron and mercury. Healthy shower water incoming!
Simple Installation
The clever design and ½” standard connector provide for a fast and easy filter installation.
Pros
- The Aquasana shower filter comes in four versions, depending on the model you’re getting; AQ-4100 or AQ-4105. These include the filter with a massaging chrome wand, a simple handheld massaging wand, a massaging head, and just the filter without the head.
- Since there are so many different versions, you can choose the one best for your shower needs. The variant without the head is compatible with a shower head that has a standard ½” connector.
- Irrespective of the version you choose, you’ll enjoy the same filtering capacity, which is 10,000 gallons of water. As compared to most other shower filters, the Aquasana lasts quite long, ensuring you don’t have to spend money on replacement cartridges too often.
- Additionally, the flow rate is 2.5 gallons per minute, which is just enough for a pleasant and relaxing shower experience.
- The filters use KDF-55 media made of zinc blended with copper to stabilize the water’s pH and remove chlorine from it. Moreover, the filter also has a layer of activated carbon that helps remove even more chlorine from your shower water.
- Along with chlorine, the Aquasana shower filter is also equipped to remove pesticides, which means your hair will be spared the chemical damage that it normally sustains from showering in unclean water.
- According to the company, the filters also remove hydrogen sulfide, lead, iron, and mercury. Do note that there are no tests to back these claims on the company’s website.
- NSF testing was performed in accordance to the NSF’s chlorine reduction standard 177. The filter could reduce up to 87% of chlorine even after reaching the 10,000-gallon mark.
- We’re all aware of the hazardous impact of Bisphenol A on the human body. Luckily, the Aquasana AQ-4100 and AQ4105 are BPA-free, so you do not have to worry about any such hazard.
- Additionally, the filtered water you get from an Aquasana shower filter enhances lathering. Therefore, you will use less soap and shampoo than before.
- Another thing to like about these filters is the upflow design that prevents any clogging in the showerhead.
- Installing the unit is easy.
- The filter won’t take up much room in the shower, allowing you to stand comfortably.
- The company also offers a limited 12-month warranty for defective materials. Meanwhile, there’s a 6-month warranty for replacement cartridges and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- The most notable shortcoming is the expensive replacement filters. In fact, they cost nearly as much as the new unit with a wand and head.
- Some users reported premature filter clogging, which means early replacements are likely in some cases.
- Additionally, some people reported leaks. However, if that happens to you, make sure to get in touch with the company’s customer support to get replacement parts for free.
- Another downside of the Aquasana shower filter is the short nozzle that might not be accommodating for all showerheads.
Installation
Installing an Aquasana shower filter is very easy as you just need to follow these steps as laid out in the manual.
- Start by removing the black plastic caps. Make sure the white washer is where it should be.
- Then, remove your previous shower head.
- Wrap the pipe’s threaded end using plumber’s tape to ensure a good seal.
- Attach the inlet collar by hand-tightening it to the pipe. Then, tighten it a bit more using a wrench.
- Flush cold water for a minute or two and then switch to normal temperature.
- Turn the water off and back on again. Do this multiple times to ensure clear water flow.
- Then, attach the massaging showerhead – if you’ve bought this version.
- To install the wand, hand-tighten the cradle assembly to the filter unit. Then, insert a washer into the hose nut to assemble the hose. Screw it into place – in the bracket – and insert another washer into the nut hand and screw it to the shower wand.
If you do better with visual instructions, follow this video:
Maintenance
Maintaining Aquasana shower filters is pretty simple as you don’t need any tools or specific cleaning solutions. Just make sure you replace the old cartridge when you have used up the 10,000 gallons of water. Alternatively, you can replace it every six months.
Apart from that, keep the filter safe from physical damage, or it might start leaking. If you have any additional concerns, consult customer support as they are always happy to help.
What’s Included
You’ll find the following components in the package:
- Filter cap
- Filter cartridge
- Washers
- Massaging shower wand in the AQ-4105 version
- Hose in the AQ-4105 version
- Cradle assembly in the AQ-4105 version
- Massaging shower head in the AQ-4100 version
Aquasana AQ4100 & 4105 Review – Conclusion & Best For
Both Aquasana AQ-4100 and AQ-4105 have exceptional functionality and quality since they can reduce many impurities in water – chlorine being the most noticeable one – best to make sure your hair and skin don’t have to suffer at the hands of contaminated water.
If you currently have an over-the-counter filter for your kitchen and can’t invest in a whole-house filtration system yet, try the Aquasana AQ-4100 or AQ-4105 filter for your shower because it does the job perfectly.
If you have questions about our Aquasana shower filter review please leave a comment below!
Further Reading
- Aquasana OptimH2O Under Sink Reverse Osmosis System Review 2023
- Aquasana Rhino Review: How Good is the Whole House Water Filter?
- Aquasana AQ-4000 Countertop Drinking Water Filter Review
- Aquasana Water Softener Review
Resources
Outside of his writing work, Rory enjoys photographing the Irish landscape and making music!
