Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I decided to review this product in detail after seeing four positive reviews and the one bad one. If a product has dozens of reviews and my experiences agree with them I don't bother. I've already installed one of these in the three bathrooms in my home (along with a low-ER flow showerhead to save some money at the same time). Installation took five minutes or less with the right tools, necessary to remove your showerhead from the pipe. For the actual filter installation no tools are needed as you just hand tighten it. They include teflon plumber's tape so you don't need any supplies.
I believe one reviewer wondered whether this would reduce the flow of a showerhead. I went with the 25% less than standard, 25% more than true low-flow Delta model (1.85GPM) that's got 200-plus reviews and a rating above four stars. Users of the previous installed unit really like the combined setup. Looking carefully at the filter though I suppose it may reduce water pressure 'downstream' at the showerhead somewhat, and Gallons Per Minute as result. The literature claims the standard 2.5GPM though.
I'd say the amplifying turbine design of the Delta Faucet model is a better choice than a 1.5GPM ordinary showerhead as 1.5GPM showerheads already draw mixed reviews. Any reduction below 1.5GPM from this filter would probably be noticeable, and while Al Gore would commend you for being so green it could very well negatively impact the quality of your shower. I wonder a little about the 2.5GPM claim as the filter takes up the whole space inside the housing and is densely packed with what looks like copper-ish metal shavings/flecks. And as it gets close to needing the filter replaced will it still put out the same GPM as when newly installed? Note that whatever the stuff is in the filter I seriously doubt it would end up in your water stream as the filter's screen is tightly woven.
For those not in the know, apply the the teflon tape so it will stretch WITH the direction you're tightening the fitting/fixture. I hadn't noticed the product literature in the bottom of the hassle-free-to-open box on the first one I bought as it's brown like the cardboard. Turns out in addition to plumber's tape you get a cling sticker (like an oil change reminder sticker)with a number to call for replacement filters. The enclosed product information is INCREDIBLY DETAILED, and here goes supplying all of it:
It claims this filter removes more chlorine than any other model, reminds you to thread the teflon tape clockwise, and includes an exploded diagram, which shows the optional showerhead this company sells (not that you'd think getting their model gives you an advantage over a well-reviewed alternative). It claims to remove 75% of free chlorine for six months or 5000 gallons, whichever comes first.
It says it removes "Combined Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite) and Hydrogen Sulfide the latter of which they say causes an odor in the water, but they don't give percentages for the last two. They list it as tested and certified by "NSF International" to remove the 75% of free chlorine, whoever NSF is. It says their system removes more chlorine "at a wider temperature range." Maximum operating temperature is 120 degrees and maximum pressure it'll tolerate is 125 lbs per square inch. And a tiny disclaimer that "actual performance may vary." It says NSF International has NOT tested the product's ability to reduce free chlorine "in the presence of chloramines" if this stuff is used to treat your water. There are some "Notes on NFS Test Protocol" but it's quite technical, though a useful data point about NSF standards is a passing test result removes 50% of free chlorine (compared to their 75% result). Lots of useful information for a smallish pamphlet.
The design of the plastic outer housing seems to indicate that when replacing the filter either the whole unit will readily unscrew from the pipe, making it easier to unscrew the two halves of the housing if they've become tight with use, or the showerhead portion will unscrew alone. Either way the filter would then be easily replaced assuming you installed it correctly (and I wonder if the one-star reviewer used installed it right). The filter only fits one way inside the housing so it's a foolproof design, and the housing appears to be high-impact/sturdy plastic. It says 'Slim Line' in raised white letters on the side of the filter facing the showerhead, a minor nuisance for me as I don't like looking at a product label in my house so I installed the filter to face down and not be visible to the user.
The filter needs to be 'activated' upon entering the shower by turning on the water to "Full Hot." The unit only adds the 1.5 inches to your shower pipe length by recessing inward the side facing the shower pipe, and the resultant shape of the unit is what makes the filter impossible to install backwards. By the way their optional showerhead includes a "flow restricter" in the diagram (looks like a washer you'd put on a bolt) that's not included with this unit, though they don't list the GPM of their showerhead in the description.
A lot of detail I know but the description on Amazon doesn't explain all of the features and specs and hopefully this is helpful. The disclaimer about "actual performance may vary" looks like boilerplate their lawyer insisted on, and they have no way of knowing how closely your water matches the NSF test protocl. The one question mark about this unit is "Chloramine" treated water not having been tested for free chlorine reduction. I'll probably ask my water company if they use chloramine, and if so look for one that has been tested and rated for it as free chlorine is apparently the important thing to remove. I'd send my second unit back if I can find a different model that resolves the chloramine issue.
Supposedly you'll notice whether a chlorine filter works by whether your skin doesn't get dried out as much as an unfiltered shower, plus you avoid the health issue of inhaling aerosolized chlorine. Chloramine is a question mark hanging over an otherwise thoroughly impressive product in design, fit and finish, plus detailed explanation and instructions. Haven't priced replacement filters but looks like quite a bargain. If they'd tested it in the presence of chloramine to assure the buyer that it'll still work I'd rate it five stars.
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Sprite White Slim Line Chlorine Removing Shower FilterSprite White Slim Line Chlorine Removing Shower Filter. This filter removes harmful cancer causing chlorine from the water. This filter will improve the quality of your life. Your hair and skin will feel remarkably softer. The Low Profile Slim Line filter provides ample head room. Designed to extend the shower head less than 1.5 inches, the Slim Line is compact but powerful in filtration performance. Use for 6 months before having to be replace filter. High strength construction and triple plated components assure structural integrity. Contemporary designs complement any shower environment. *Shower Head Not Included*
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