Why the effects of the shower filter may have reduced
If your shower filter was working well but the effects seem to have diminished over time, there are two likely explanations: your water may contain chloramine rather than chlorine, or the filter cartridge is reaching the end of its useful life. Here's how to identify which applies to your situation.
Your water may contain chloramine, not chlorine
Chloramine (a compound of chlorine and ammonia) is used by some municipal water suppliers as an alternative to chlorine for water disinfection. It has a similar smell to chlorine and can cause similar skin and hair effects, but it requires a different filtration approach to reduce it — our standard shower filters are not designed to target chloramine.
Some customers in chloramine-treated areas notice improved water quality for the first 1–2 months of filter use. This short-term benefit is likely caused by the Vitamin C or other filter media providing some initial relief, but once the active media is depleted, the filter will no longer have any meaningful effect on chloramine.
If you suspect your water uses chloramine, check your city's water quality report. Search for 'CITY NAME water quality report' online, or contact us and we'll help you locate the relevant report for your area. If the report confirms chloramine, please get in touch — we can advise on the best approach for your specific water supply.
For additional information, see our article: I cannot feel any difference in my water after using the aquabliss shower filter.
Cartridge lifespan
Our shower filter cartridges are designed to last 3–6 months under normal use. After this point, the filtration media inside becomes depleted and the filter will no longer reduce chlorine, sediment or other contaminants as effectively.
How long your cartridge lasts within that range depends on how heavily the shower is used. A single-person household with shorter, less frequent showers will typically get closer to 6 months from each cartridge. A busier household with multiple daily showers may find the cartridge needs replacing closer to the 3-month mark.
Higher chlorine levels in your local water supply will also shorten cartridge life — the filtration media depletes faster when there is more to remove.
We recommend checking in on filter performance at 3 months and replacing the cartridge if you notice any of the signs that the effects are reducing: a returning chlorine smell, less soft skin and hair after showering, or reduced lathering from soap and shampoo.