Water Filtration Systems

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Countertop Water Filters

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Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System NU Aqua Countertop Main

NU Aqua 4-Stage Countertop Reverse Osmosis System with Hot Water

From $359.95 $449.95

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NU Aqua 8 Stage Alkaline Mineral Countertop Water Filter

From $92.95 $115.95

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NU Aqua 1 Stage Countertop Water Filtration System

From $41.95 $52.95

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NU Aqua Handheld Filtered Shower Head

Elevate your shower experience with the NU Aqua Handheld Filtered Showerhead, designed to deliver purified water for healthier skin and hair. Featuring advanced filtration technology and innovative accessories, this shower head transforms your daily routine into a refreshing and rejuvenating ritu...

Improves Skin and Nails

starting from $111.95

21 reviews

Worth Every Penny!

I wasn’t sure if a filtered showerhead would make a difference, but it absolutely does. My hair, skin, and overall shower experience are so much better. Totally worth it!

Barbara Duncan Verified

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NU Aqua Whole House Water Filtration System

Ideal for those who want filtered water throughout their home.

Whole Home Water Purifier NU Aqua 3 Stage Whole House Water Filtration System - front of system

High efficiency
Alkaline & UV Filters available
Quick-Change Filters

starting from $359.95

37 reviews

Easy to install, works great

Very easy to install and works very well. Better than my other system costing 3 times as much. Highly recommend

Derek Dashnaw Verified

Undersink Water Filters

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NU Aqua 1/4" Quick Connect High Capacity Inline Alkaline Remineralization Filter

$47.66 $52.95

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NU Aqua Undersink 3/8" Quick Change 1 Stage Filtration System

From $57.95 $71.95

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Water Filter NU Aqua UV Filter Add-On Main

NU Aqua Ultraviolet (UV) 1140 GPD LED Water Sterilizer

$134.96 $149.95

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Water Filter Buyers Guide

Clean water isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining good health, enjoying great-tasting food and beverages, and protecting your home’s appliances. A water filter is a device designed to remove impurities from your tap water through a variety of methods, including mechanical filtration, adsorption, and sometimes even disinfection. Even in communities where municipal water is treated to meet strict safety standards, water can pick up contaminants from aging pipes, environmental pollutants, or residual disinfectants. A properly chosen water filter helps ensure that every drop of water you use is as pure and safe as possible.

reverse osmosis system installed under kitchen sink

Why do we need a water filter?

Water filters are crucial for enhancing the safety and quality of your home's water supply. They remove contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, and potentially harmful bacteria, improving both health outcomes and the taste of water for drinking and cooking. This guide focuses on four common types—countertop, undersink, whole house, and shower filters—each serving distinct purposes. Whether you're looking to improve drinking water, protect your skin and hair during showers, or ensure all household water is clean, this guide will help you navigate your options.

The importance of water filtration cannot be overstated, especially given regional variations in water quality. For instance, municipal water might contain chlorine for disinfection, while well water could have higher sediment levels. Testing your water, as suggested by resources like the CDC, can help identify specific contaminants, guiding your filter choice.

Understanding Your Options: Detailed Breakdown of Each Filter Type
To make an informed decision, it's essential to understand the characteristics, pros, and cons of each filter type. Below, we explore countertop, undersink, whole house, and shower filters, providing a clear picture of what each offers.

Countertop Water Filters

These are small, portable units typically placed on your kitchen counter, designed primarily for filtering drinking water. They often use activated carbon or other media to remove chlorine, bad taste, and odors, and may include additional filters for other contaminants like lead. Examples include pitcher filters and small faucet-mounted units.

Pros:

Affordable, with costs ranging from $20 to $100, making them accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
No installation required, ideal for renters or those who prefer DIY solutions.
Portable, allowing easy movement or storage when not in use.

Cons:

Limited capacity, often requiring frequent refills or filter changes, which can be inconvenient for larger households.
May not remove all contaminants, such as heavy metals or bacteria, depending on the filter media.
Takes up counter space, which could be a concern in small kitchens.

Best For: Small households, renters, or individuals seeking filtered drinking water without permanent installation. For example, if you live in an apartment and want better-tasting water for coffee, a countertop filter like a pitcher might be perfect.

Undersink Water Filters

Installed under the kitchen sink and connected to the water line, these filters provide filtered water directly from the tap. They can range from simple activated carbon filters to more advanced systems like reverse osmosis, which remove a broader range of contaminants, including heavy metals and some bacteria.

Pros:

Out of sight, maintaining kitchen aesthetics without clutter.
Higher filtration capacity compared to countertop units, suitable for regular use.
Can offer comprehensive filtration, especially with reverse osmosis, improving both taste and safety.

Cons:

Requires installation, which may involve some plumbing knowledge or hiring a professional, with costs potentially adding to the initial $50 to $500 price range.
Not easily moved, making it less ideal for renters or those who relocate frequently.
May affect water pressure if not properly maintained.

Best For: Homeowners who want a dedicated, high-quality filtered drinking water solution and are comfortable with or can afford installation. For instance, if you notice a metallic taste in your tap water, an undersink filter could be a sleek, effective choice.

Whole House Water Filters

These systems are installed at the main water line entering the home, treating all water used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry. They can include sediment filters, activated carbon filters, water softeners, or a combination, depending on the water quality issues.

Pros:

Comprehensive coverage, ensuring all water in the house is filtered, which is ideal for families or those with widespread contamination concerns.
Protects plumbing and appliances from sediment and scale buildup, potentially extending their lifespan.
Can address specific issues like hard water, improving overall water quality for all uses.

Cons:

Expensive, with initial costs ranging from $400 to $5000, and ongoing maintenance costs for filter replacements (typically $20 to $100 per filter).
Often requires professional installation, adding to the overall cost and complexity.
May reduce water pressure, especially in larger homes with high water demand.

Best For: Families or homeowners with serious water quality issues affecting the entire house, such as high levels of sediment or hard water. For example, if you live in a rural area with well water, a whole house filter might be necessary to protect your health and home systems.

Shower Filters

Attached to the showerhead, these filters are designed specifically for bathing water, typically using activated carbon or other media to remove chlorine and other chemicals that can be harsh on skin and hair. The NU Aqua handheld filtered showerhead, for instance, is an example that focuses on improving skin, hair, and nail health.

Pros:

Improves skin and hair health by removing chlorine, which can dry out skin and damage hair, making it ideal for beauty-conscious users.
Easy to install, often requiring no tools, with costs ranging from $20 to $100.
Affordable and low maintenance, with filter replacements typically needed every few months.

Cons:

Limited to shower water, not suitable for drinking or other uses, so it’s not a comprehensive solution.
May reduce water pressure if the filter gets clogged, affecting the shower experience.
Filter lifespan can vary, requiring regular checks to ensure effectiveness.

Individuals concerned about the effects of chlorine or chemicals on their skin and hair during showers. For example, if you’ve noticed dry skin or brittle hair after showers, a shower filter could be a game-changer.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Filter

Water Quality Needs:

Identify the specific contaminants in your water. For instance, if your water has high chlorine levels, most filters (especially activated carbon-based) will help, but for heavy metals, you might need reverse osmosis (common in undersink or whole house systems). Testing your water, as recommended by the CDC, or checking local water quality reports can guide your choice. For example, if you have well water, you might need a whole house filter to address sediment and bacteria.

Budget:

Consider both initial costs and ongoing maintenance. Countertop filters are the most budget-friendly, typically $20 to $100, with filter replacements costing $10 to $50. Undersink filters range from $50 to $500, with maintenance costs varying by system complexity. Whole house filters are the priciest, $500 to $5000 initially, with filter replacements potentially costing $50 to $200. Shower filters are affordable, $20 to $100, with low maintenance costs. Balance your budget with your filtration goals to avoid overspending.

Installation & Space:

Assess whether you’re comfortable with DIY installation or need professional help. Countertop and shower filters are generally DIY-friendly, requiring no tools, while undersink and whole house filters may need plumbing expertise, especially for whole house systems, which often require a professional. Space is another factor: countertop filters take up kitchen counter space, undersink filters fit under the sink, whole house filters might need space in a basement or utility room, and shower filters attach directly to the showerhead, requiring minimal space.

Filtration Goals:

Determine what you want to achieve. If you only need better-tasting drinking water, a countertop or undersink filter might suffice. For shower water to improve skin and hair, a shower filter is ideal. If you want all water in your home filtered—for drinking, bathing, and laundry—a whole house filter is the way to go. Some households might benefit from multiple types, like a whole house filter for general coverage and a shower filter for extra protection.

Countertop

Undersink

Whole House

Shower

Cost Range

$20-100

$50-500

$400-$5000

$20-$100

Installation Difficulty

Easy, DIY

Moderate, may need pro

Hard, usually pro required

Easy, DIY

Coverage

Drinking water only

All water in home

Shower water only

Maintenance Requirements

Frequent filter changes, low cost

Periodic filter changes, moderate cost

Infrequent but costly replacements

Regular filter changes, low cost

This table highlights the trade-offs, such as cost versus coverage, and installation ease versus comprehensive filtration, helping you weigh your options.

Top Features to Look For in Water Filters

When shopping for a water filter, certain features can make a significant difference in performance and user experience. Here are the top features to consider:

Filtration Technology: Understand the technology used. Activated carbon is common for removing chlorine and odors, found in most countertop, shower, and some undersink filters. Reverse osmosis, often in undersink or whole house systems, removes a wider range of contaminants, including heavy metals and some bacteria. Sediment filters, typical in whole house systems, tackle larger particles like rust and sand. Choose based on your water quality needs.
Flow Rate: Especially important for shower and whole house filters, as a low flow rate can affect water pressure. Shower filters should maintain a comfortable flow for a pleasant shower experience, while whole house filters need sufficient capacity to handle household demand without slowing down. Check manufacturer specs to ensure it meets your needs.
Filter Lifespan: How long the filter lasts before needing replacement affects both cost and convenience. Countertop filters might need changes every few months, while whole house filters can last a year or more, but replacements can be costly.
Certifications: Look for certifications from reputable organizations like NSF or UL, ensuring the filter meets standards for contaminant removal. This is particularly important for undersink and whole house filters, where comprehensive filtration is critical.
Ease of Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to replace filters or clean the system. Countertop and shower filters are typically user-friendly, while whole house filters might require more effort or professional servicing. Choose a system that fits your maintenance comfort level.

How to Choose the Right Water Filter: Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the right water filter can feel overwhelming, but following these steps can simplify the process:

Identify Water Quality Concerns: Start by determining what contaminants are in your water. Test your water using kits available at hardware stores or check local water quality reports, as suggested by the CDC. For example, if chlorine is your main issue, most filters will help, but for heavy metals, consider reverse osmosis.
Set Your Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend initially and on ongoing maintenance. Countertop filters are the most budget-friendly, while whole house filters are a significant investment. Balance cost with your filtration needs to avoid overspending.
Determine Installation Preferences: Assess whether you’re comfortable with DIY installation or need professional help. Countertop and shower filters are typically easy to set up, while undersink and whole house filters may require plumbing expertise, potentially adding to costs.
Consider Space Available: Evaluate where the filter will go. Countertop filters need kitchen space, undersink filters fit under the sink, whole house filters might need a utility room, and shower filters attach to the showerhead, requiring minimal space. Choose based on your home layout.
Match to the Appropriate Filter Type: Based on the above, select the filter type that best fits. For drinking water only, consider countertop or undersink. For shower water, go for a shower filter. For all water in the house, a whole house filter is ideal. Some may benefit from combining types, like a whole house filter with a shower filter for extra protection.

Maintenance Tips for Peak Performance

To ensure your water filter continues to work effectively, follow these maintenance tips:

Regular Filter Replacements: Replace filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every few months for countertop and shower filters, and annually or as needed for undersink and whole house filters. This prevents clogging and ensures optimal filtration.
System Cleaning: Keep the filter system clean to prevent bacterial growth or debris buildup. For example, rinse countertop filter housings periodically and check undersink systems for leaks. Shower filters may need occasional cleaning to maintain flow rate.
Water Quality Monitoring: Periodically test your water to ensure the filter is still effective. If you notice changes in taste, odor, or pressure, it might be time for maintenance or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of water filters?

The main types are countertop, undersink, whole house, and shower filters. Each serves different purposes, from filtering drinking water to treating all household water or improving shower water quality.

How do I choose the best water filter for my home?

Consider your water quality needs, budget, installation preferences, and space. Test your water to identify contaminants, set a budget, and decide if you need filtered water for drinking, showering, or the entire home.

What contaminants do water filters remove?

Depending on the type, water filters can remove chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, bacteria, and more. Activated carbon filters are good for chlorine and taste, while reverse osmosis can handle heavy metals and some bacteria.

Are water filters effective against bacteria and viruses?

Some filters, like those with reverse osmosis or UV technology, can remove bacteria and viruses. Check the filter’s specifications for effectiveness against microorganisms.

How often should I replace my water filter?

Typically, countertop and shower filters need replacement every few months, while undersink and whole house filters may last a year or more, depending on usage and water quality.

Can I install a water filter myself?

Countertop and shower filters are usually DIY-friendly, requiring no tools. Undersink and whole house filters may need professional installation due to plumbing requirements.

Is a whole house water filter necessary if I have city water?

It depends on your city water quality. While city water is treated, it may still contain chlorine or other contaminants. A whole house filter can provide additional protection, especially for bathing and laundry.

What is the difference between a carbon filter and a reverse osmosis filter?

Carbon filters remove chlorine, taste, and odor, while reverse osmosis filters remove a wider range of contaminants, including heavy metals and some bacteria, using a semi-permeable membrane.

Do shower filters really work for skin and hair?

Yes, by removing chlorine, shower filters can reduce skin dryness and hair damage, improving overall skin and hair health during bathing.

Are there any health benefits to using a water filter?

Yes, filtered water can lead to better hydration, improved skin health, reduced exposure to contaminants, and potentially lower risk of waterborne illnesses, depending on the filter type.