In your search for a new shower filter, this is one that you will want to take a closer look at. It most certainly is one worth reviewing which is why I am taking the time to do that.
Most shower filters are only designed to remove a few bothersome common household tap water contaminants such as chlorine and this one does exactly that and even a little more.
As I researched this product it became very evident to me that Aquasana put a lot of effort into its design. I am not easily fooled when it comes to water filters either as I worked around them every day for over 26-years during my time as a swimming pool maintenance professional.
In this Aquasana AQ-4100 Shower Filter review, I will go over its pros and cons, talk about the installation of the device and its replacement filters, and even give you a consensus of what the people have said about it in reviews.
When you are done reading, you should know whether or not this particular shower filter is a good fit for you.
Table of Contents
Overview of Aquasana AQ-4100 Shower Filter
Aquasana is a company with a long tradition of producing quality water filtration products. In keeping with that, this shower water filter does not disappoint. I would say it’s among the best shower filters that I reviewed.
That’s because unlike many in its class of filters, this shower filter features a two-stage filter process. That helps it condition water better than many other shower filters. This helps it remove over 90% of the chlorine that passes through it.
It also helps this water enhancement device filter out many contaminants that can lead to having dry hair & skin and that can cause skin irritation.
This shower filter comes with a decent shower head with a massage feature but you can also use your own showerhead as long as it fits its male threading.
The Aquasana AQ-4100 Shower Filter also features a very good filter life for its class and it’s backed up by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The following are some of the characteristics that I do and don’t like about it:
Pros
- Uses coconut shell carbon filtration
- Reduces chlorine, lead, iron, harmful chemicals
- Additional KDF 55 filter media
- 6 months or 10,000 Gallon filter life
- Up-flow design prevents clogging
- Simple DIY installation
- Does not slow water pressure
Cons
- No filter change indicator
- Costly replacement filters
- Not recommended for those with blond hair
- People with small hands may have difficulty replacing the filter
- Does not reduce TDS in tap water
- A little heavy and bulky
What to Consider Before Buying Shower Filter
Although shower filters may not look like there is not much to them, that’s really not the case. They actually have a lot of traits to consider before purchasing one.
This includes:
- Filtration method/types of contaminants removed or reduced
- Construction/Durability
- Ease of installation
- Price of the unit and replacement filters
- Filter useful life/Ease of replacement
- Water flow rate
- Adjustability/Options
When you factor these traits into your shower filter buying decision, you stand the best chance of getting one that you will be extremely satisfied with for a long time.
Main Features and Benefits of Aquasana AQ4100
Here are the best traits of this shower filter:
2-Stage Filtration
It was already mentioned that most shower filters only have a single-stage water filter in them. This one not only has two filter stages but that includes high-performing coconut shell carbon and KDF 55 filter media.
Average or Better Filter Life
Chances are that you and other members of your family shower every day. That adds up to a lot of wear and tear on a shower filter over time. That is not a big concern with the Aquasana AQ-4100 Shower Filter and its estimated long 6-months or 10,000 Gallon filter life.
Excellent Design
There is much to like about this unit’s design. That includes how easy it is to install and maintain. You will also like that it was designed not to clog easily and users claim it does not affect water pressure when in place.
Performance
I would describe the filtration capability of this shower filter as one of the best in its class. That has much to do with the two-stage filtration system that was mentioned above.
The manufacturer claims that it reduces up to 90% of the chlorine that passes through its filter media and it will also remove or reduce iron, lead, and some other harsh water contaminants.
This shower filter also comes with two 3rd party certifications and those are:
- NSF/ANSI 42: Water aesthetic effects certification (chlorine taste, odor, color)
- NSF/ANSI 61: Safe drinking water system components
- NSF/ANSI 177, Shower filtration systems – aesthetic effects
Installation & Maintenance
Rest assured that unless you simply don’t want to be bothered with the process, there is no need to seek help with installing the Aquasana AQ-4100 Shower Filter.
It simply involves a 4-step process that at the most you may need a wrench to get the old showerhead off and a wrap or two of Teflon tape before installing this shower filter in place of the old showerhead. The manufacturer does not recommend anything more than hand tightening.
I also don’t feel that you will have any problems changing out the filter on this unit unless you have small or arthritic hands.
The replacement filters come with attached O-rings in place so nothing more has to be done than unscrewing the old filter from the body by hand and then reversing the process to fit the new filter firmly in place. Don’t forget to flush the filter before taking a shower.
One thing that you will not like about the Aquasana AQ4100 replacement filters is that they only cost slightly less than the unit itself. I hope for this reason that the manufacturer works on bringing this price down at least a little in the future.
Social Proof & Review consensus
The large majority of reviews on the Aquasana AQ-4100 are very favorable. Many of them reiterate that installing this shower filter model is very easy and replacement filter installation is also a snap.
It also seems that more users are impressed with the way it helps with skin issues more than they are satisfied with the way it removes chlorine.
Many indicate it impacts water pressure very slightly and they also like the included showerhead.
A Few Last Thoughts on the Aquasana AQ-4100 Shower Filter
If you are truly convinced that it’s a shower water filter that you want to buy, then this is a purchase that I don’t feel you can go wrong with.
Is it perfect?
The answer is no, but that’s a pretty common answer for products in this class of filter.
I really like the fact that it has not one but two proven filter types inside of it and that gives it a slight edge in filtration over many other shower filter products.
Installation and filter replacements are pretty straight forward and it’s fairly well-built and even comes with a 1-year warranty. This unit’s filter life is also very acceptable.
It will set you back money-wise more than some filters in its class but based on its performance, that would not be a dealbreaker for me.
