subject: Why Obtain A Good Shower Water Filter [print this page] When moving into a new or different house people very seldom check the showers to see if there is a shower water filter. They assume that, as long as everything is working, there is no cause for concern. This is in error. One of the first things that should be attended to is a filter for every shower in the home.
Chlorine, a chemical commonly used in public water systems and swimming pools, is a very strong disinfecting chemical. It is not only used for this purpose but also for making very strong solvents used in disinfectants, dry cleaning, metal degreasing and other processes that require an extra strong bleach agent. It is actually a form of toxic gas that can cause many health problems including irritating the respiratory system if a person is accidentally exposed in certain situations.
Although Chlorine is added, in a very measured amount, to the water supply it flows through the entire house, including the shower. Contact between this chemical and the human body has shown to cause problems and should be avoided whenever possible. Since the most water contact occurs in a shower, shower filters are an excellent way to prevent this unwanted exposure.
As a very strong chemical chlorine can change other materials present in the water to an unnatural state. This changes the chemical makeup of the water and can cause problems from these other materials as well. These problems occur not just in the drinking water but also in the shower itself. The body is more exposed to chemicals while bathing than it is in actually drinking the water.
As a person is enjoying a long hot shower and taking long, satisfying breaths, the water vaporizes. This vapor, containing chlorine, enters the nose, lungs, throat and pores of the skin. The result is often irritation of these areas and, on occasion, headaches and other problems follow. Often this situation is not associated with taking a shower.
People have complained about dry and brittle hair, dry skin and other problems. This is caused because the chlorine in the water 'bleaches' out the oil. This natural body oil is what keeps the hair shiny, the fingernails limber and the skin soft to the touch. Some people with dyed hair have seen it change to a very strange color because of the chlorine.
Shower filters are designed to filter out the chlorine and other impurities from the water. There are several different methods that can be used for this filter process. The majority of the shower filters have an activated carbon filter, a carbon resin or filtration membranes. Some combine two of them to make the final product. These allow the water to filter and remove not just Chlorine but of all impurities without interfering with the water flow.
Placing a filter in the shower head is relatively easy and can be done by the average homeowner. When these filters wear out they are very easily replaced. Replacement of a water shower filter should be as often as one changes the batteries in their smoke alarm system. Both are essential for safety of all family members.
