Are shower filters worth it? Let's Break it down together
Are shower filters worth it? Well, I definitely think so! But in full disclosure, I own a shower filter brand called Vida Pura, so I’m not exactly a neutral bystander here. Still, let’s look at this with clear eyes and break it down together.
There’s plenty of evidence showing that reducing chlorine and other common water contaminants can have real, tangible benefits for your skin, hair, and overall wellbeing. Chlorine is fantastic at disinfecting water, but it’s not so fantastic for your body. It strips natural oils, dries out skin, and can leave hair feeling brittle or frizzy. When you remove those harsh chemicals, your skin retains more moisture, your hair behaves better, and irritation tends to calm down.
What’s Actually in Your Shower Water?
Most people assume their water is “clean” because it’s treated (but treatment doesn’t mean gentle!) Common shower water contaminants include:
- Chlorine and chloramines
- Heavy metals (like lead, copper, iron)
- Sediment and rust from old pipes
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
How Shower Filters Improve Skin + Hair
- Helps maintain natural moisture
- Reduces dryness, flakiness, and irritation
- Supports healthier scalp and less frizz
- Helps colour‑treated hair last longer
- Can reduce eczema flare‑ups for some people
So, are shower filters “worth it”? That really depends on how much you value those benefits.
Let’s Talk Cost (Because Yes, It Matters)
A shower filter is an upfront investment. Prices vary wildly:
- Low quality filters: $20 - $50
- Mid‑range filters: $60–$120
- High-range filters: $150–$200+
And then there’s the ongoing cost of replacement cartridges. This is where many people get stuck, because the long‑term cost can matter just as much as the initial purchase.
Cost of replacement cartridges
The costs of replacement cartridges also vary between brands:
Brand A — Budget Amazon‑Style Filter
- Cartridge price: $15–$25
- Replacement frequency: Every 1–2 months
- Why so frequent: smaller, lower‑grade media that clogs or exhausts quickly
- Real‑world cost: looks cheap upfront, but adds up fast over a year
Vida Pura — Mid‑Range price, Premium Build
- Cartridge price: $49
- Replacement frequency: Every 3–5 months
- Why it lasts longer: certified, high quality filtration media
- Real‑world cost: roughly 20–40 cents per shower, depending on usage
Brand C — High Price, Premium build
- Cartridge price: $60–$80+
- Replacement frequency: Every 3–4 months
- Why the higher cost: branding and advertising costs
- Real‑world cost: 30-50 cents per shower, depending on usage
Where Vida Pura Fits In
The Vida Pura shower filter sit in the mid‑range price bracket, but the build quality is placed comfortably in the premium range.
A few things that set it apart:
- Metal housing: Unlike cheap plastic filters, metal doesn’t crack under hot water pressure or degrade over time. That means your filter lasts longer and performs consistently.
- Certified, high‑quality filtration media: This isn’t the generic mixed‑media blend you see in low‑cost filters. Vida Pura uses filtration materials that are tested and certified, so you know exactly what’s being removed.
- Longer‑lasting cartridges: Because the filtration media is higher quality, each cartridge works harder and lasts longer. You’re removing more contaminants for a longer period compared to cheaper models.
- Fair pricing: Replacement cartridges are $49, which is typically 10–20% cheaper than similar premium brands. Recommended replacement is every 3–5 months, depending on water quality and usage.
When you break that down, the cost per shower usually ends up somewhere between 20–40 cents, depending on how many people use the shower and how often. For many people, that’s a small price for softer skin, healthier hair, and fewer irritants.
So… Are Shower Filters Worth It?
If you live in an area that has excellent water quality (like Tassie!) or have a whole house filtration system, or don't value skin and hair health, a shower filter is unlikely to give you enough benefit to be 'worth it'.
But if you live in NSW, QLD, WA and parts of SA and VIC and you care about your skin, hair, or reducing exposure to unnecessary chemicals, then yes, a shower filter is absolutely worth considering. It’s one of those small lifestyle upgrades that quietly improves your daily routine.
And if you want something that balances quality, longevity, and fair pricing, Vida Pura was designed exactly for that sweet spot.
Love, Phoebe xx
