If you have dry skin or notice a distinctive smell in your shower water, consider installing a shower water filter. Filtering shower water has been proven to reduce dry skin, increase softness and health of hair and eliminate chlorine and sulfur smells that often plague household water systems.

• Step 1: Choose the filter that is right for you. Shower water filters come in three basic styles. An inline filter can be attached to the existing shower arm, allowing for use of a standard shower head. Other shower filters are contained within the shower head and completely replace the existing shower head. These self-contained shower filters are available in both wall-mount and hand-held options.
• Step 2: Consider availability and cost of replacement filter cartridges. Most shower filters come with filter cartridges that will need to be replaced every six months. For households with frequent shower use, these filters may need to be replaced more often. It is a good idea to purchase the shower filter from a source that will stand by the product and offer long-term availability of replacement cartridges.
• Step 3: Read the manufacturer’s instructions before installing the filter. It may be necessary to open the filter and remove the cartridge from its protective packaging before installing the filter. Most filters require pre-soaking or recommend a specific amount of water be run through the shower head to activate the carbon or charcoal filter medium.
• Step 4: With the water turned off in the shower, hold the shower arm firmly with one hand and unscrew the existing shower head, turning the coupling nut (located above the swivel portion of the head) counterclockwise. It may be helpful to use an adjustable wrench or locking pliers to facilitate this process.
• Step 5: Clean the threads of the shower arm and wrap them clockwise, with one or two layers of white Teflon tape.
• Step 6: Hand-tighten the shower filter or filtered shower head onto the shower arm. Do not over tighten the filter or shower head.
• Step 7: If installing a shower filter, rather than a filtered shower head, screw the old shower head onto the open end of the filter housing.
• Step 8: Turn the shower water on and check for leaks. Tighten the shower filter or filtered head further if necessary.
• Step 9: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to activate the shower filter and enjoy!