When and how to change your aquabliss SF100/SF220 filter cartridge
Regular cartridge replacement is the most important maintenance step for keeping your shower filter working at its best. Here's everything you need to know about when to change and how to do it correctly.
When to change the cartridge
Your aquabliss shower filter works by running water through filtration media — activated carbon, calcium sulfite, redox media and others — that reduce chlorine, sediment and organic impurities. Over time, this media becomes saturated and less effective.
The signs that a cartridge change is due:
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The chlorine smell in your shower water has returned, or is stronger than it was when you first installed the filter.
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Your hair and skin don't feel as soft after showering as they did previously.
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Hair products and soap aren't lathering as well as they were.
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It has been 6 months or more since you last changed the cartridge.
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We recommend changing the cartridge at least every 6 months. In households with multiple users or high chlorine levels, you may need to change it more frequently.
How to change the SF100/SF220 cartridge
Watch the full demonstration first: How to change the filter cartridge
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Turn off the water and unscrew the shower head or mount from the bottom outlet of the shower filter.
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Unscrew the shower filter from the shower arm.
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Open the filter casing by gripping the lower half and rotating the upper cap counter-clockwise. If the casing is stiff, see our guide on How to Open a Stiff Shower Filter.
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Remove the old cartridge and set it aside.
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Insert the new cartridge into the housing with the mesh end facing upwards — toward the shower arm/water inlet end of the filter. The cartridge should sit snugly inside the casing.
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Close the filter casing by rotating the cap clockwise until firm.
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Reconnect the shower filter to the shower arm.
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Before reattaching the shower head, run water through the filter for at least 1 minute. This flushes out any carbon dust from the new cartridge. You may see black or grey water — this is normal and will clear quickly.
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Reattach the shower head or mount.
Debris inside the casing
If you notice any grit, mineral deposits or debris inside the filter housing after removing the old cartridge, rinse the inside of the casing thoroughly with clean water before inserting the new cartridge. Debris left in the casing can reduce the effectiveness of the new cartridge or contribute to blockages.
Checking the internal seals and washers
Your shower filter has three internal seals — one at the top, one at the bottom, and one near the centre of the cartridge cavity. These seals prevent water from bypassing the cartridge and leaking out of the casing. When changing the cartridge, check that all three seals are sitting flat in their grooves. If any of them have shifted, reseat them before closing the filter. A shifted seal will cause the filter to leak from the body — if this happens after a cartridge change, see our Leaking Shower Filter guide.
Discolouration inside the casing
The inside of the aquabliss shower filter may appear discoloured or patchy in places. This is caused by the plating process used during manufacturing and is entirely normal — it does not mean the coating is degrading or washing into your water. It won't affect performance.
Discoloured water after the cartridge change
A small amount of black or grey water when you first run the new cartridge is completely normal. It's caused by carbon dust that settles inside the new cartridge during transit. The water will return to clear after 30–60 seconds of running. For more detail, see our Discolored Water guide.