Selection Criteria |
Mercola Pure & Clear Shower Filter? |
Other manufacturers? |
Filters out chlorine - at least 90%? |
Yes - This filtration system filters out greater than 90% of the chlorine in your tap water. |
Not all filtration systems reduce chlorine to such high levels. Some manufacturers may only achieve around 50%. |
Filters out chlorine DBPs (THMs) - at least 90%? |
Yes - The Pure & Clear Shower Filter reduces THMs by greater than 90%. |
While some systems reduce THMs, a surprising number of manufacturers don’t address these risky DBPs at all. |
Removes other VOCs - 90% or greater? |
Yes - Achieves reductions at greater than 90% of volatile organic compounds. |
As with other DBPs, not all shower filter systems in the marketplace even address VOCs. |
Reduces heavy metals? |
Yes - Significant amounts of lead and copper are reduced by this system. |
Many manufacturers do a good job here, but there still are some popular brands that come up short. |
Employs a multi-stage filtering system? |
Yes - System uses a patented 2-stage filtering process to promote a healthy shower for you and your family. |
Some manufacturers use multi-stage filtering systems while others still do not. |
Delivers smooth water flow? |
Yes - Filtration system designed with special ‘upflow’ feature to prevent clogging and to keep pressure flowing. Comes with 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) shower head to help save on water usage. |
Not all filtration systems are designed well enough to prevent clogging and to provide adequate water pressure. Many do conform to 2.5 gpm to conserve water and energy. |
Easy to install? |
Yes - System installs in minutes without special tools and plumber requirements. The unit is relatively small to conform with most existing shower installations and maintains current shower head height. |
Some filtration systems are not only larger, but also may involve more complex installations. Plus, not all manufacturers designed their units to maintain current shower head height and may require height reduction. |
Attractive and practical to maintain? |
Yes - The shower filter comes in an attractive high-gloss finish. Filter replacement is very practical at every 6 months. |
Many units are attractive, but some are not mainly due to their size. Filter replacement requirements can be as frequent as 3 months on some systems and as less-frequent as 12 months on others (but cost of filter replacement is high). |
Reasonably priced? |
Yes - The Pure & Clear Shower Filter is priced at $149.99 (with filter cartridge) and the cost of ownership quite reasonable. |
Some comparable systems can retail as high as $249. |
Proof of high quality standards backed by the manufacturer? |
Yes - With certifications from UL and California Dept. of Public Health this manufacturer makes quality a top priority. |
Not all comparative shower filters in the marketplace follow as stringent quality practices and are as well-backed by the manufacturer. |