Do you live in an area with a hard water supply and are sorted for drinking water, all thanks to the water purifier for hard water but need a solution for taps? The best and least expensive solution is to opt for softeners for taps and showers.
We have created this guide to help you make the right selection with the overwhelming options available online.
This article covers everything you need to make an informed decision like how hard water affects the human body? what type of tap/shower filters available in the market and the buying guide.
How Does Hard Water Affect the Human Body?
There are certain adverse effects of hard water on the human body and those are as mentioned below:
Skin Irritation – One of the most common effects of hard water on the skin is eczema, acne, and irritation.
Hard water makes your skin dry and also leads to bumpy patches. The skin issues are caused because of excessive minerals like magnesium and calcium present in the water.
Hair Fall – Another adverse effect of hard water is hair fall.
The presence of minerals like silica, calcium can lead to hair thinning and breakage. Apart from this, regular use of hard water on your hair can destroy hair follicles and lead to excessive dandruff.
Derange Internal Health – The consumption of hard water for a long time can even cause kidney dysfunction which may later lead to severe ailments.
Thus, it is wise to check the hardness of water and if the concentration is high then you should use a hard water softener that removes excess minerals.
Best Hard Water Softener for Bathroom Taps & Shower
| Hard Water Softener Filter | Ratings | Best Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1. WaterScience CLEO Shower & Tap Filter | 3.6/5 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2. RIVERSOFT SF-15 PRO abs shower & tap filter for hard water | 3.8/5 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3. CARESMITH ABS SIFT Shower and Tap Filter | 3.5/5 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4. D’Cal Plastic Hard Water Conditioner | 3.5/5 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5. ALTON SHR20170 Filter For Hard Water | 3.5/5 | Buy on Amazon |
| 6. WaterScience Cleo SFA 720 Shower Filter | 4.3/5 | Buy on Amazon |
| 7. KIZHER 15 Stage Shower Filter for Hard Water Set | 3.5/5 | Buy on Amazon |
Popular Tap Filters for Hard Water Softening
1. WaterScience CLEO Shower & Tap Filter
Best Hard Water Shower Filter – It has a unique 4 layer filter with KDF technology to convert hard water into soft.
One of the best hard water filters for shower and taps is this one from WaterScience. It fits most of the taps, showers, and hand-showers.
It has a unique 4 layer filter with KDF technology that converts hard water into soft water to protect your skin and hair.
The first layer is the micro-sieve layer that dissolves impurities and micro-particles. The second layer is the hardness conditioning layer that reduces hard water salts. The third one is the chlorine removal layer and the fourth is the nano-silver carbon layer that eliminates bad smell and also prevents bacteria growth.
The cartridge works well for up to 25000 liters, about 6 months, largely depending on the number of people in your family and the water quality.
It fits 22,24 and 28 mm taps, wall-showers, and hand-showers. It can work effectively in water temperatures between 5 and 60 degrees celsius.
The water filter comes with a 24 mm aerator adapter in the box. It is super simple to install and the steps are mentioned on the pack.
2. RIVERSOFT SF-15 PRO abs shower and tap filter for hard water
The filter contains mineral stones that leave minerals into the water.
Another shower and tap filter for hard water is by Riversoft which is one of the bestsellers.
The water filter features 15 stages through which the water passes and converts into soft water. It is the right combination of KDF, calcium sulphite, Vitamin C, and active carbon. The stages ensure to remove organic matter, dissolves hard salts, and also prevents the formation of bacteria.
The multi-stage filtration process eliminates bad smells. It even contains mineral stones that leave minerals into the water as it flows and the alkaline ball that maintains the right pH.
The filter can be installed in any tap and shower. It has a half-inch inlet and outlet for easy installation. If you wish to install it in your tap, you need to have a connector. The installation process is simple and it takes around 5 minutes.
Every cartridge has a capacity of 40000 liters which can last around 6 months, mainly depending on the water quality and usage.
This water filter is effective for use where the quality is below 1000 TDS.
3. CARESMITH ABS SIFT Shower and Tap Filter for Indian Conditions
It is equipped with 10 layer protection that converts chlorine and other impurities into harmless salts.
This is one of the coolest looking shower and tap water filter on this list and also one of the most affordable filters.
It has a 10 layer protection that converts chlorine as well as other impurities into harmless salts, thus making the water safe and clean.
This water filter is ideal for all kinds of showers, hand showers, and taps. It is super simple to install it, all you need to do is follow the four easy steps mentioned on the package.
The filter cartridge is expected to last 3- 6 months, with a maximum capacity to purify 25000 liters of water. The life of the cartridge depends on the quality of water and the frequency of usage.
It comes with a detailed instruction guide that helps you install the filter in just 10 minutes.
4. D’Cal Plastic Hard Water Conditioner
This conditioner needs to be dropped into the water tank for conversion.
This product is a hard water conditioner and does not work as a water filter but converts hard water into soft water.
The application process of this product is different from the rest mentioned on this list. All you need to do is drop the conditioner in your overhead water tank and it will work its magic. This conditioner does not remove the minerals from the water but makes it lifeless.
With its unique technology, it removes the stickiness of calcium. This conditioner lasts for approximately 10 months for water consumption of 1000 liters every day. If you have a larger house, then you may require more conditioners.
5. ALTON SHR20170 Filter For Hard Water
It has a 15 stage filtration process that removes harmful impurities and minerals.
This water filter is ideal for most taps and showers. It comes with an affordable price tag.
It has 15 stage filtration process that removes the harmful impurities and minerals, thus converting it into soft water.
The KDF filter technology eliminates chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, etc and vitamin C includes natural moisturizers. The maifan stone helps maintain the skin’s natural pH.
The filter fits any type of 15 mm male thread and 22 mm female thread. It comes with a 1-year manufacturing defect and 90 days cartridge warranty.
6. WaterScience Cleo SFA 720 Aroma Therapy Shower Filter
It has a cartridge lifetime indicator that notifies you when its time to replace the cartridge.
Another water filter from WaterScience on this list is this unique one with aromatherapy pads with natural essential oils to give you a relaxing feeling.
It has a unique four-layer filtration system that removes the hard water salts and chlorine to make water soft and clean, thus giving your skin and hair the care it needs.
It comes with a cartridge lifetime indicator that notifies you when its time to replace the cartridge.
The water filter also has a mist mode feature that saves 70% water. The aromatherapy shower pads come in different fragrances like rosemary, citrus, ylang-ylang, etc.
This water filter is specially designed for showers only and can fit all shower arms. It comes with a self-installation kit which is simple and takes a few minutes.
7. KIZHER 15 Stage Shower Filter for Hard Water Set
It has a multi-stage filtration process to convert hard water into soft water.
If you are looking for a water filter with low cartridge capacity at pocket-friendly prices, then this one is an ideal choice to opt for.
It works using a 15 stage filtration process with activated carbon, mesh filter, KDF 55, mineralized balls, microporous pp cotton, and other filtering materials that remove impurities, metals, bacteria and prevent the growth of algae.
Its installation does not require any tools and is compatible with handheld, overhead, rainfall, and combo showerheads.
The filter cartridge is effective until 10000 liters of water, which lasts for 6 months for a bachelor and 3 months for a couple. It fits showers and taps of ½ inch thread types.
Types of Tap/Shower Filter
The types of filters are divided into two sub-categories – by design and filtration technology.
According to the design
Here are two types of shower filters that fall into this subcategory:
In-line filter
This type of shower filter does not come with the showerhead and you need to install it between your showerhead and water line.
If you already have a good showerhead, you can opt for this filter as you do not need to change for the filter.
Showerhead or tap filter
This type looks like a showerhead and also works like one. All you need to do is install it the way you install a shower or tap.
They might look bulkier but do a good job at removing harmful particles and also maintain a constant pressure.
According to the filtration technology
KDF Filter
This type of filter can be used in combination with the carbon filters for as is. it is made of zinc and copper and is extremely effective in removing heavy metals, viruses, and bacteria.
Multi-level carbon filter
This one works similarly to other water filtration systems. The water is lead through a number of mediums that are designed to remove a particular type of impurity. A few filters filter the water by flowing through 12 mediums.
Vitamin C filter
This filter can also be used with KDF and carbon filters. this is the best in removing chlorine and chloramine particles.
How to Choose a hard water softener for taps & shower in India?
It is important to consider some essential points before you purchase a hard water filter for your showers and taps.
Here are some factors that you need to consider:
Choose the right type
There are multiple types of hard water softeners away available that you need to consider to ensure you make the right decision.
We have mentioned all the types of filters available in the market like an in-line filter, shower and tap filter, etc. in the above section in detail. You can go through and decide the type that fits your requirements well.
Decide the filtration technology
There are multiple types of filtration technologies in use. The sediment filters and porous PP cotton filters provide basic protection only. Thus, you need multi-level filters that remove all nasty elements in the hard water.
We have mentioned the filters available as per filtration technology that you can consider buying.
Filtration capacity
Before you purchase a hard water softener for taps and shower make sure to check the filtration capacity. actually the filtration capacity also depends on the quality of water.
Usually, these filters last for approximately 6 months, largely based on how you use them. Generally, the filters soften anywhere between 20,000 and 40,000 liters of water. If you do not wish to replace the filters often, then buy the one that has a larger capacity.
Price
Another factor that you need to consider is the price of the product as it is a recurring expense because you need to replace it frequently.
Make sure to check the price and easy availability of the cartridges because the filters cannot be used for its purpose without the cartridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mineral softens hard water?
Water is softened when minerals like magnesium and calcium are trapped by the tiny resin beads through ion exchange.
These resin beads that collect the hardened ions are changed with potassium or sodium ions.
Can hard water softeners reduce the levels of TDS?
No, hard water softeners cannot reduce TDS levels. These softeners work as per the ion exchange principle that replaces magnesium and calcium ions, thus softening the water.
The hard water softeners remove visible sediments and impurities but they do not alter the TDS level of water.
Does adding salt to hard water make it soft?
No, it cannot make hard water soft. Water is hard because it contains minerals like calcium and magnesium and when these elements are removed, it becomes soft.
You need hard water softeners that replace these mineral ions with sodium or potassium ions to make it soft.
Conclusion
We hope this guide on hard water softener for taps and showers helped you understand the basics and also helps you make the right decision.
Before you purchase, ensure to understand the important points that will help you make the right purchase. If you have time constraints, then check out the review we have done on the best hard water softeners for showers and taps available in the market.
