When I moved from Los Angeles to Seattle, I assumed my skin would be pretty happy about the change. Between leaving the dry heat behind and switching from hard to softer water, I figured it could only be a good thing for my eczema-prone skin.
And while the change in climate has helped, the occasional flare-up hasn’t exactly disappeared. Over the years, I’ve become pretty particular about what comes into contact with my skin, from the lotion I use and the detergent I wash our clothes with to the fabrics I wear. But one thing I hadn’t really thought about was the water I shower in.
I had assumed Seattle’s softer water was already doing me a favor. It wasn’t until I started looking into shower filtration that I realized there was more to consider. That’s how I came across AquaTru. Known for its water filtration systems, the brand caught my attention with a shower filter that promised an easy installation and a more intentional approach to the water we use every day.
And after my very first shower, I noticed a difference. My skin felt less tight, and both my skin and hair felt noticeably smoother. Naturally, that made me curious to learn more.
Why Pay Attention to Your Shower Water?
Most of us probably don’t give our shower water much thought. We turn on the tap, adjust the temperature, and get on with our morning. But water hardness and water filtration are two different things. Even softer municipal water can contain chlorine and other substances used during treatment. Since we’re drinking water and exposing our skin to it every day, it seemed worth paying a little more attention.
Getting to Know the AquaTru Shower Filter
I’d come across AquaTru before through its countertop reverse-osmosis water purifiers, so I was already familiar with the brand’s focus on water filtration. What caught my attention was seeing that same focus brought into the bathroom.
The AquaTru Shower uses a four-stage filtration system with a blend of copper-zinc alloy, calcium sulfite, and catalytic carbon. Each material plays a role in reducing different substances in the water. Calcium sulfite helps target chlorine, while the copper-zinc media and catalytic carbon provide additional filtration, including reduction of chloramine and other impurities.
What I appreciate is that the filtration isn’t just a vague promise of “cleaner water.” AquaTru’s shower filter is tested and certified by IAPMO to NSF Standard 177 for chlorine reduction. It’s also tested to reduce chloramine and other selected contaminants. That distinction matters: the certification specifically covers chlorine reduction, while the additional reduction claims are based on the brand’s testing.
I also like that the filter works before the water reaches your skin and hair. There’s no extra step to remember or separate product to apply. You simply shower as you normally would, with the filtration built into the showerhead.
| What’s in the water? | What the science says | How AquaTru helps |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | Commonly used to disinfect municipal water. Chlorinated water may contribute to dryness or irritation for some people with sensitive skin. | AquaTru uses filtration media designed to reduce free chlorine. The brand reports IAPMO certification to NSF/ANSI 177 for chlorine reduction. |
| Chloramine | A disinfectant made from chlorine and ammonia that remains stable in water distribution systems. | AquaTru reports testing for chloramine reduction using its filtration system. This is separate from its chlorine certification. |
| Sediment and particles | Tiny particles can enter water through aging pipes and plumbing infrastructure. | Filtration media may capture certain particles, although specific sediment-removal performance has not been established here. |
| Hardness minerals | Calcium and magnesium make water hard, which can affect how soap lathers and rinses. | AquaTru is a shower filter, not a water softener. It is not designed to substantially remove hardness minerals. |
Beyond filtration, the AquaTru has four spray settings: Regular, Mist, Massage, and High Pressure. I like having the option to change the experience depending on what I need, whether that’s a softer rinse in the morning or a stronger stream when washing out shampoo.
One thing I noticed right away was that the water pressure was actually stronger than my original showerhead. That’s a definite plus for me, especially when rinsing shampoo out of my hair. There’s nothing worse than spending extra time in the shower trying to get every last bit of product out, so having that stronger stream is a practical bonus I didn’t expect.
It’s a nice touch because a showerhead should still feel good to use. Filtering the water is the main reason to consider this product, but having different spray options and stronger pressure makes it feel like an everyday shower upgrade rather than just a filter attachment.
Installation: Easy and Simple
One of my biggest hesitations with home upgrades is the installation. I love the idea of improving something around the house, but I’m less enthusiastic when it involves calling a plumber, digging through a toolbox, or watching three different tutorials just to figure out where everything goes.
Fortunately, the AquaTru Shower is designed to fit most standard U.S. shower arms, so installation didn’t require a plumber or permanent bathroom changes. I simply removed my existing shower head, used the included plumber’s tape, and twisted the AquaTru into place. The package also includes a small wrench and installation instructions.
I also appreciate that AquaTru offers four finish options: Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Brushed Gold, and Matte Black. That means you’re not stuck with a filter that clashes with the rest of your bathroom hardware. It’s a small design consideration, but one I appreciate because practical upgrades don’t always have to look purely functional.
And honestly, that’s a big part of what makes this appealing. It’s a relatively simple swap that fits into something you’re already using every day, without turning into a bathroom renovation project.
My First Impressions: The Difference I Noticed Right Away
I wasn’t expecting to notice anything immediately. I figured this would be one of those changes where I’d use it for a few weeks and eventually decide whether it was worth keeping.
Instead, after my first shower, my skin felt noticeably less tight and my hair felt smoother. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes the difference, but that feeling of tightness after showering is something I’m familiar with. It’s usually when I reach for my moisturizer almost immediately. This time, my skin felt more comfortable coming out of the shower, which was enough to get my attention.
Of course, one shower isn’t enough to make any big claims about long-term skin health or eczema. But when you’re someone who pays attention to how your skin reacts to just about everything, you notice when something feels different.
And that’s what made me curious to keep using it. I’m interested to see whether that initial impression holds up over time, particularly through the seasons when my skin tends to be more temperamental.
Filter Changes and Ongoing Maintenance
Another thing worth considering with any shower filter is how often you’ll need to replace the cartridge. AquaTru estimates that its shower filter lasts approximately 90 days, although actual lifespan can vary depending on household size, shower frequency, and local water quality.
The replacement process is designed to be simple, too. The cartridge uses a twist-lock mechanism, so you don’t need tools to swap it out. I appreciate that because the whole point of a product like this is to make an everyday routine easier, not give you another complicated maintenance task to keep track of.
It’s also worth factoring replacement filters into the overall cost of ownership. The initial setup is only part of the investment when you’re using a filter regularly.
Is the AquaTru Shower Filter Worth It?
I think trying the AquaTru Shower was a good reminder of how easily we take water for granted. Whether we’re drinking it throughout the day or using it on our skin every morning, it’s such a constant part of our lives that we rarely stop to think about its quality.
That’s also what makes AquaTru a great place to start. Its approach to water filtration extends beyond drinking water to other parts of everyday life, including the water we shower with. I like the idea of looking at water more holistically rather than treating it as something to think about only when we’re filling a glass.
I’m always drawn to small changes that don’t require much effort but make a difference in something we do every day. Sometimes the most worthwhile upgrades are the ones we wouldn’t have thought to question in the first place. And this was a good reminder that water is one of them.
Another Shower Filter Worth Exploring: SpringWell
If you’re exploring other ways to improve your shower water, SpringWell is another option worth considering. Like AquaTru, SpringWell focuses on reducing unwanted substances in your water, making it an alternative for anyone looking to upgrade their daily shower routine. While the filtration systems differ, both offer an opportunity to be more mindful of the water that comes into contact with your skin and hair.
For a closer look at how SpringWell compares with another shower filtration option, read our SpringWell Water Filter vs. Eskiin review.
