10 Best Water Softener Shower Heads of 2021 Compared & Reviewed

Best Water Softener Shower Head
Photo: youtube.com

If you are cautious enough to install a filtration system to purify drinking water, then it’s not unusual to do the same for shower head.

The best water softener shower head is the one with maximum filtration stages, decent life, great water pressure, and more.

The chemicals in hard water can potentially deter one’s health and skin. A water softener shower head will filter the water that reaches you while showering.

This review will focus on all the essential details about water softener shower head and how you can select the right one. Without further ado, let’s explore some of the greatest options.

What To Check Before Buying Water Softener Shower Head?

How to Buy the Best Water Softener Shower Heads
Photo: Aquasana

1. Filtration System

There are three factors that enhance the entire filtration system of the water softener shower head:

– Filtration Levels

The shower filters that remove large particles like sand or gravel increases shower head’s life. When all the substantial solid dirt that can scrape, clog, scratch, or degrade your plumbing is removed, the life of hardware automatically increases.

Next are the contaminants that dissolve in the water. Such contaminants are chlorine, calcites, and fluorine. This is the second level of cleanliness required from the best water filtration shower head that it can sieve these dissolved contaminants.

Some of the greatest water softener shower heads also ensure to prevent dirt, dust, and limescale from reaching the showerhead. As a result, the water is softer and you have less soap scum as well.

– Filtration Periods

The water softener shower heads need replacement as the hardware is not permanent. The main focus goes on the filter inside.

Some of the best filters have tendency to last for up to 20,000-gallons. If you want to measure by duration then these can last for up to 8-months, before needing replacement.  

Filters with longer lifespan cost more than the conventional models. It’s up to you if you want to buy a cheaper model and replace frequently or invest in a long-lasting filter and prevent regular replacements.

The PureAction SH388 has filter life up to 8-months and will be extremely helpful in preventing repeat purchases.

If you ask for a suggestion, one-time purchase with a high-quality filter is far better than a cheap purchase as there is more hassle in that case.

– Filtration Method

There are all kinds of water softeners available on the market. While the cheaper substitute will only focus on the dissolved chemicals, the high-end models will show their potential in capturing the microorganisms as well.

Such filters prove their metal in cleansing water from bacteria, viruses, and other waterborne organisms.

Most filters use carbon, Kinetic Degradation Fluxion, or vitamin C. The KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) method works through reducing and oxidation.

It efficiently reduces harmful and toxic chemicals like lead, iron, chlorine, mercury, and while exchanging its electrons, it reduces to the safer components.

2. Water Pressure

The water pressure of a shower head matters a lot. It is measured in GPM (Gallons per Minute). The high-end models have GPM as good as 2.5 – 3, whereas, the basic ones come with a minimum of 1.5 GPM.

As the GPM rating increases, the flow gets better. For showering, you need unhindered flow of water and thus, this is the best way to identify the water pressure.

3. Quality & Style of Water Softener Shower Head

The easiest way to install a shower head is through the shower arm. This way, before reaching the user, the water is automatically purified.

However, if you are of the opinion that these models are very conventional and might not suit the ambience of your bathroom then check out the Aquasana AQ-4100 for its unique and modish looks to go with any bathroom settings.

Most of these models are available with chrome finish that prevents rusting and corrosion. Also, it enhances the overall look of the product manifolds.

As far as the quality is concerned, there are two materials primarily put to use while making shower heads – plastic or steel.

As per the basic traits of both the materials, steel is many times stronger than plastic. However, the disruption of oxidization is solved with the top-layer coating.

You can find a lot of variability in quality but the Culligan S-W100-BN with nickel coating is the best among all.

4. Size & Fit of Water Softener Shower Head

It’s a sheer waste if you purchase a misfit accessory. If you don’t know about the compatible size then go with the adjustable head as these are easier to fit.

For smaller shower arms, you need filters that snugly twist into place. Also, there are filters with universal size.

Therefore, you must make sure not to purchase a model that might not fit the shower head. So, try double checking the size before buying.

10 Best Water Softener Shower Heads Reviewed

IMAGE

​PRODUCT

​FEATURES

AquaHomeGroup AHG123

1. AquaHomeGroup AHG123 (Best Overall)

  • 15 filtration stages
  • Comes with vitamin C & E cartridge
  • Quick installation in minutes
  • Comes with 5 shower caps
Sprite H02-WH-M

2. Sprite H02-WH-M (Best Budget)

  • Most affordably priced
  • Reversible filter cartridge
  • Comes with massaging shower head
  • Effective chlorine removal
G-Promise 8541794743

3. G-Promise 8541794743 (Best Warranty)

  • Comes with enhanced 10-year warranty
  • 10 filtration stages
  • 6 functions shower head
  • Very durable
Culligan S-W100-BN

4. Culligan S-W100-BN (Best Durability)

  • Durable brushed nickel finish
  • Very stylish
  • Comes with Watersense certification
Aquasana AQ-4100

5. Aquasana AQ-4100 (Best Stylish Design)

  • Wonderful looks
  • Adjustable showerhead
  • Premium NSF certified filtration media
  • 6-month filter life
PureAction SH388

6. PureAction SH388 (Best Filter Life)

  • Up to 8 months of filter life
  • Suitably priced
  • Comes with 2 replaceable filters
  • Comes with 3 settings
Luxsego FSH-001

7. Luxsego FSH-001 (With Special Mineral Balls)

  • Comes with infrared mineral balls
  • Decently priced
  • Stunning looks
  • 3 spray settings
Culligan WSH-C125

8. Culligan WSH-C125 (Most Promising)

  • Comes with multiple certifications
  • 6-month filter life
  • Decently priced
  • Variable temperature range compatibility
Aquasana AQ-4105CHR

9. Aquasana AQ-4105CHR (Great for pH Enhancement)

  • Effectively enhances water’s pH level
  • Deeply cleanses the water
  • Easy installation
  • 6-month filter life
Hotel Spa 1131

10. Hotel Spa 1131 (Standard Product)

  • 2-stage filtration system
  • 7 spray settings
  • Decently priced
  • Oversized chrome face

1. AquaHomeGroup AHG123 – Best Overall

AquaHomeGroup AHG123

Photo: AquaHomeGroup

  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Finish: Chrome

The feature that makes this product the best overall water softener shower head is the 15 filtration stages that deeply cleanses the water before it reaches the user.

It has KDM 55 filtration, alkaline ceramic balls, calcium sulfite, and other filtering materials to ensure the superior water quality. It effectively reduces chlorine, filter heavy metal, sand, and other sediments that contaminate the water.

During the first few uses; the shower might generate black water. However, it is because of the activated carbon inside the filter cartridge.

The water is absolutely safe for you and promotes good skin. This is also because of the vitamin C & E cartridge that further enhances the water quality and make it suitable for all kinds of usage.

As far as the installation is concerned, this model is quick to install and does not require any tools. Also, you get a lot of accessories like 5 shower caps, additional O-rings, and Teflon tape. Plus, you get a full-fledge manual for installation and usability assistance.

While this model has exceptional features, its looks are too ordinary for a contemporary bathroom.

Pros:

  • 15 filtration stages
  • Quick installation
  • Promotes healthy skin
  • Comes with a manual

Cons:

  • Looks are too ordinary

2. Sprite H02-WH-M – Best Budget

Sprite H02-WH-M

Photo: Sprite

  • Finish: White

For someone looking for a budget-friendly water softener shower head, the Sprite H02-WH-M is the most affordable choice to make. It has stunning looks and comes with white finish to coordinate with your bathroom’s appeal.

One of the biggest strengths of this model is the patented Chlorgon non-carbon media that effectively removes chlorine in water and softens it. This means that there won’t be skin problems anymore that are usually caused by chlorine in the water.

The 1.12-pounds plastic shower head is decent in quality. It has cutting diameter of 3.13-inches will require 1/2-inch pipe threading wall pipe or shower arm for installation. The installation is a bit tricky so you will have to follow the instructions thoroughly.

Furthermore, this model is equipped with reversible filter cartridge that increases its overall life. The shower head has massaging feature that gives an amazing experience to the user.

This is a great product except that the coating is not scratch-resistant.

Pros:

  • Most affordable
  • Stunning looks
  • Equipped with reversible filter
  • Exceptional in removing chlorine

Cons:

  • Top coat is not scratch resistant
  • A bit difficult to install

3. G-Promise 8541794743 – Best Warranty

G-Promise 8541794743

Photo: G-Promise

  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Finish: Chrome

The G-Promise 8541794743 has prolonged 10-year warranty. This will satisfy a lot of customers and give them a peace of mind that within these 10-years if anything goes wrong with the shower, they get it fixed from the manufacturer itself.

Speaking of efficiency, this model has 10 filtration stages that reduce heavy metals, chlorine, rust, and sediments. The cartridge has the tendency to filter up to 12,000-gallons of water. This means that you can expect large filter life.

The durability of the product comes from 100% solid brass construction and chrome finish, making it better than countless products on the market.

Furthermore, there are 6 functions of shower head such as rainfall, power massage, rainfall + power massage, circular massage, rainfall + circular massage, and water save trickle mode. This is an interesting product except that it is a bit difficult to install.

Pros:

  • Comes with 10-year warranty
  • Deep filtration
  • 6 shower head functions
  • Long filter life

Cons:

  • Difficult to install

4. Culligan S-W100-BN – Best Durability

Culligan S-W100-BN

Photo: Culligan

  • Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
  • Finish: Brushed Nickel

Most of the time, we have to replace a shower head because due to constant exposure to water, the top-coat wears off and shower is exposed to corrosion. If this is the concern then the Culligan S-W100-BN is the product to satisfy your needs.

This model has got exceptional and robust construction and with brushed nickel coating, you can expect it to last longer than competitive models in preventing rust and corrosion. This is one of the best water softening shower heads as far as durability is concerned.

Furthermore, this is extremely lightweight and stylish product to suit the ambience of your bathroom. It reduces sulphur odor, chlorine, and scale and leaves the water in best of the conditions.

The installation of the product is pretty simple. What you may not like is the lack of warranty on the product. Other than that, this is among the finest models on the market.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable
  • Reduces sulfur, chlorine, and scale
  • Lightweight and stylish
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Lacks in warranty

5. Aquasana AQ-4100 – Best Stylish

Aquasana AQ-4100

Photo: Aquasana

  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM

It is difficult to find an extremely stylish design in showerheads. However, to match the ambience of your bathroom, the Aquasana AQ-4100 is the most stylish product online.

Beautifully designed in white color and stunning design, you will instantly fall in love with this model. Among other greatest things, its adjustable fitting is definitely one of the best features. It is compatible with all kinds of bathroom hardware.

The water quality is superior due to the Premium NSF certified filter media. You get natural coconut shell carbon to reduce chlorine, lead, iron, and other harmful contaminants. The copper and zinc present in the filter increase water’s pH balance.

You get DIY installation and filter replacement in merely 4 steps. Also, there is 6-month filter life before it will demand a replacement.

The drawback is that there are shower functions or settings with this model.

Pros:

  • Very stylish in looks
  • Premium NSF certified filter media
  • Compatible with all kinds of bathroom hardware
  • DIY installation and filter replacement

Cons:

  • No shower functions in this model

6. PureAction SH388 – Best Filter Life

PureAction SH388

Photo: PureAction

  • Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM
  • Finish: Chrome

If you are not such a big fan of frequent filter replacement then the PureAction SH388 with up to 8-months filter life will satisfy your needs. While most of the filters live for up to 6-months, this one goes on and on for 2 more months.

It is a suitably priced model and has high efficiency to remove chlorine, fluoride, chloramine, heavy metal, calcium, and sediments. As a result, you will experience fewer skin problems.

There are 3 filter head settings including rain, power rain, and massage. It easily connects with any wall-mounted or fixed showers.

Furthermore, it comes with 2 replaceable filters for exceptional usability and a Teflon tape for quick installation. The sad thing is that the ABS plastic components of this model might hamper its durability.

Pros:

  • Up to 8-months filter life
  • High efficiency
  • Highly compatible
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Not as durable

7. Luxsego FSH-001 – Special Mineral Balls

Luxsego FSH-001

Photo: Luxsego

  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Finish: Brushed Chrome

The strongest feature of this model is the infrared mineral balls and negative ion mineral stone that acts as 2-stage filter process. These help in reducing chlorine content and absorbing harmful substances to soften the water.

The water flow of this model is exceptional due to the micro nozzle technology that makes outlet holes denser and smaller and increases the flow rate.

With transparent plastic body, it looks stunning and complimenting to modular bathroom spaces. Its general G1/2” size will easily fit any standard shower, without needing a plumber.

There are 3 spray settings including rainfall, jetting, and massage. The product is pretty useful and suitably priced, except that it does not have warranty for the customers.

Pros:

  • Comes with infrared mineral balls
  • High water flow
  • Decently priced
  • Stunning design

Cons:

  • No warranty

8. Culligan WSH-C125 – Most Promising

Culligan WSH-C125

Photo: Culligan

  • Flow Rate: 2 GPM
  • Finish: Chrome

The Culligan WSH-C125 is the most promising product on the list as it comes with multiple certifications including IAPMO, ANSI standard 177, and EPA Watersense certification for high-quality results.

The filtration system installed in the shower head effectively removes sulfur odor, chlorine, and scale. It has patented filter media bacteriostatic that limits passage and bacteria growth.

Unlike various other shower heads, this one is compatible with variable temperatures as well, ranging from 40 – 120-degrees F. It has 6-month filter life, suitable pricing, and all the basic features you expect from a decent quality water softener shower head.

The components you get with this model are Teflon tape, cartridge reminder sticker, and installation manual. As far as drawbacks are concerned, the lack of spray settings might disappoint some buyers.

Pros:

  • Comes with multiple certifications
  • Manual for easy installation
  • Comes with multiple accessories
  • Variable temperature range

Cons:

  • No spray settings

9. Aquasana AQ-4105CHR – Great for pH Enhancement

Aquasana AQ-4105CHR

Photo: Aquasana

  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Finish: Chrome

For many buyers, enhancing the pH level of the water is of utmost priority. Well, if your requirements resemble then you are in luck because the Aquasana AQ-4105CHR purifies the water and increases its pH level.

The coconut shells carbon and copper zinc mix reduces chlorine, lead, mercury, iron, hydrogen, sulfide, pesticides, herbicides, and other volatile organic compounds.

The high flow rate ensures that you get unhindered supply of water while bathing. Its construction is robust and has 6-month filter life. Plus, the installation is pretty simple.

The one thing that most buyers won’t approve is the high cost of the product.

Pros:

  • Suitable for pH enhancement
  • High flow rate
  • Kill volatile organic compounds

Cons:

  • Highly priced

10. Hotel Spa 1131 – Standard Water Softener Shower Head

Hotel Spa 1131

Photo: Hotel Spa

  • Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM
  • Finish: Chrome

This is a standard handheld shower with 2-stage filtration system with copper and zinc media to remove 99% chlorine from the water. Plus, there is active carbon filter that further enhances water quality.

The high-power shower has a 4-inches wide chrome face. It does not rust or corrodes. Plus, a 5-inches super flexible stainless-steel hose increases the reach.

You get 7 full settings like 3-zone precision SpiralFlo, click lever dial, rub-clean jets, angle adjustable overhead bracket, and convenient pause switch on the handle.

The installation of this model is pretty simple. However, if any time you have a query, the company offers live customer service round the clock.

The only thing that you might not like is the exceptionally ordinary design of the showerhead.

Pros:

  • 2-stage filtration system
  • Highly effective in removing chlorine
  • Convenient pause switch
  • Live support

Cons:

  • Design is very ordinary

Conclusion

This water softener shower head review will help you determine the strongest traits of all the products. Depending on your needs, you can purchase so that there is no wrong buying.

The AquaHomeGroup AHG123 is the best overall model with 15 filtration stages, great water flow, exceptional durability, and decent looks to coordinate with any kitchen setting.

If your focus is on buying a product with maximum efficiency then consider the Luxsego FSH-00 as the choicest purchase because of the special mineral balls that purify the water before releasing it for use.