AquaTru Shower Filter Review (Objective Lab Test & Analysis)

The AquaTru Shower is AquaTru’s take on a water filter designed to improve the quality of your shower water. It’s claimed to address chlorine and chloramine, using a proprietary media blend to make skin and hair “noticeably softer” and “healthier-looking”.

Overall Score: 8.36

How We Test & Score

7.80 Contaminant Reduction

7.80 Design

9.50 Maintenance

10.00 Filtration Rate

9.00 Setup

8.80 Company

What We Like

Completely removed disinfection byproducts

Construction feels more premium than others

Easy to install & replace filters

Has a number of unique, useful design features

What We Don’t Like

Reduced chlorine by less than 50%

Not certified for contaminant reduction or materials safety

High upfront cost

Price	$149.00
Contaminants Reduced	2+
Certifications	None (NSF 177 pending)
Process	KDF + Calcium Sulfite + Catalytic Carbon
Filter Capacity	1,300 gallons
Annual Cost	~$177.45
Warranty	1 year

View at aquatruwater.com

View on Amazon

We wanted to know whether this filter was capable of addressing the problematic shower water contaminants (chlorine, disinfection byproducts, and hardness minerals), as well as how it performed overall. To find out, we conducted our own series of performance tests, scoring the product based on:

• Objective data from our lab and on-site tests
• Our own subjective assessments across a range of performance categories

We’ve shared our observations and scores awarded to the AquaTru Shower filter in this review. 

📊 Scoring Data

The reviews we share on Water Filter Guru are all based on comprehensive data gathered from our own hands-on testing. 

We test 6 different factors that affect the performance and value of a water filter. This includes assessing contaminant reduction, component quality, ease of setup, maintenance requirements, and the manufacturer’s own policies. We then take the results of our analysis and compare them to every water filter we’ve tested to date. 

Check out the performance table to see how the AquaTru Shower ranks against the other shower filters we’ve tested.

🚰 Contaminant Reduction

The AquaTru Shower filter is one of the most expensive shower filters we’ve tested so far. We wanted to learn whether this premium price was reflected by a more capable performance, so we tested our water using two methods:

1. Tap Score lab testing, to evaluate water hardness and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) reduction;
2. On-site testing for chlorine, using a handheld colorimeter.

Our scoring in this category is also influenced by performance certifications to NSF/ANSI Standards, which are awarded by the NSF, IAPMO, or the WQA if a filter is proven capable of reducing select contaminants during comprehensive testing.

Our full lab results:

Our Performance Testing

Score: 8.00

We took two samples of water for our AquaTru Shower test: a baseline sample of unfiltered water from our existing, non-filtering showerhead, and a sample of filtered water directly from the AquaTru Shower. 

These samples were sent to Tap Score for laboratory testing. 

For most water filters, we’re testing their ability to remove contaminants with health effects from an ingestion perspective, and we use Tap Score’s test data algorithm for our contaminant reduction scoring.

But for shower filters, we’re specifically testing their ability to reduce contaminants that are problematic in shower water: 

• Disinfection byproducts, which have been linked to “cancer and non-cancer risks” when inhaled in shower steam
• Disinfection residual (chlorine, chloramine, etc.), associated with dry skin and hair damage  
• Water hardness, which has been found to decrease hair strength and damage the protective skin barrier with exposure in shower water 

So we could fairly measure and compare every shower filter’s performance, we established our own scoring system for these shower specific risks. For each contaminant, the score awarded was based on: 

• Whether the filter reduced any of the DBP groups to below the Health Guideline Level (or to undetectable levels), and how many of the two groups were reduced (DBPs)
• The concentration remaining post-filtration (for disinfection residual)
• The % reduction (for hardness).

Scores were also weighted based on the possible health effects of the contaminant in question. DBPs had the biggest impact on the overall contaminant reduction score (50%) as they’re the most health harmful in shower water.

See our testing process page for more information on how we test and score water filters.

DBPs

Score: 10.00

Disinfection byproducts, or DBPs, are formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with naturally occurring organic matter in the water.

Our baseline water contained 3 DBPs: 8.24 PPB (parts per billion) bromoform, 2.12 PPB bromodichloromethane, and 4.67 PPB dibromochloromethane.

After installing the AquaTru Shower, our post-filtration test showed a complete elimination of all these DBPs, down to below the lab’s reporting limit. This is a great result, and something that has rarely been achieved by the other shower filters we’ve tested so far.

Disinfectant Residual

Score: 6.00

Disinfectant residual refers to any chemical used for drinking water disinfection purposes, including chlorine and chloramine. Our water supply is disinfected with chlorine, so we evaluated the AquaTru Shower’s chlorine reduction capability.

Chlorine is a volatile gas that can dissipate from the water sample before it reaches the lab, leading to a “false low” reading. So, rather than using Tap Score lab data, we tested this chemical on-site with a more precise reagent method, which involved using a handheld colorimeter. 

The process involved filling a vial with the water sample, then capping the vial and putting it inside the handheld device. We then pressed the button to zero out the device, before taking the vial back out and adding the reagent powder to the water. After shaking the vial for 20 seconds, we then re-inserted it back into the colorimeter. The LCD screen then gave a reading after a two-and-a-half-minute wait.

The device detected 1.68 PPM of chlorine in our baseline sample. We then repeated our test with a sample of filtered water from the AquaTru Shower, which detected 0.94 PPM of chlorine: a 44% reduction. 

AquaTru claims the filter delivers “consistent chlorine & chloramine filtration” throughout its entire lifespan, so we were disappointed with this result. 

Hardness

Score: 6.00

Hardness is a measure of scale-causing calcium and magnesium minerals in water. The harder the water, the greater its effects. 

We used our Tap Score lab data to compare water hardness before and after filtering with the AquaTru Shower. 

Initially, our baseline water had a total hardness of around 250 PPM, putting it in the “very hard” category.

Post-filtration, hardness actually increased by 19%. This is likely due to incidental differences in our water quality between our baseline and filtered water tests, simply telling us that the AquaTru Shower filter doesn’t address hardness minerals or offer softening benefits. 

Importantly, AquaTru doesn’t claim that the filter can do this. Most shower filters, in fact, don’t address water hardness. But we’ve found in our testing that some use certain filtration media (like ion exchange) that reduce hardness as an incidental bonus. Since hardness is problematic in shower water, it contributes to our overall contaminant reduction score.

If you’re specifically looking to protect your skin and hair from hardness minerals but you don’t want to (or can’t) invest in a complete water softening system, check out our guide to the best hard water shower filters (rental-friendly). 

Performance Certifications

Score: 6.00

We look for official performance certifications as an extra layer of proof to support a manufacturer’s contaminant claims. 

The only certification that can currently be obtained by shower filter manufacturers is NSF 177, which is specifically awarded to residential shower filtration systems that can reduce free chlorine levels throughout their claimed lifespan.

AquaTru says the Shower filter is “currently being tested to NSF 177 certification standards”, but for now, it isn’t performance certified. 

🚦Filtration Rate

The filtration technology used in shower filters can reduce flow rate slightly, due to resistance from the media as water travels through it. But your shower should still be usable with a filter installed, which is why we measure filtration rate as part of our testing process. 

We used the same process to measure flow rate for all the shower filters we tested. This involved holding a graduated measuring cup beneath the shower, then recording the time it took to fill to the 1-gallon mark. 

We repeated this test three times to take an average time in seconds, which we then converted into gallons per minute:

1. First, we tested three times without the filter installed.
2. Then, we repeated our flow tests with the filter installed.

This allowed us to compare the “normal” flow rate from our existing showerhead with the AquaTru Shower’s flow rate. 

We wanted to get the most precise timings, down to the millisecond. So, we filmed the process and used a video-editing software to measure frame-by-frame, beginning when the cup was fully under the water flow and ending when the 1-gallon mark was reached.

In our own flow rate testing, at a dynamic feed water pressure of 30 PSI and a temperature of 63.5°F*, we recorded an average flow rate of 1.63 GPM for the filter at a dynamic upstream pressure of 34 PSI. This meant it retained 94% of our baseline flow (without the filter installed) of 1.72 GPM. 

We installed a pressure gauge to measure dynamic pressure and recorded a difference of 4 PSI, which may partially explain the slight change in flow.

📐 Design

We awarded the AquaTru Shower’s design score based on two factors: our own interpretation of its component quality and sturdiness, and whether or not it has certifications for materials safety or lead-free construction.

This model is an all-in-one showerhead filter, meaning it’s designed to replace your existing showerhead rather than being installed as an inline filter between the shower arm and the showerhead.

It’s sold in four finishes: brushed nickel, matte black, polished chrome, and brushed gold. The showerhead has four adjustable stream settings: regular, mist, massage, and high pressure. 

Component Quality

Score: 9.00

The AquaTru Shower is made from ABS plastic, which is commonly used in water filters and generally considered safe and non-toxic for everyday general use. 

The filter has a number of small design features that give it an intentional, well-thought-out feel. This includes a built-in locking mechanism, which prevents you from being able to remove the showerhead and filter unless you’ve flipped and hold down the switch. 

Filter Materials

A lot of the shower filter cartridges we tested had a very similar look and feel, but the AquaTru Shower’s filter is clearly unique. 

According to AquaTru, it’s made from a “proprietary blend of powerful filtration materials” including copper-zinc alloy (KDF), calcium sulfite, and catalytic carbon. KDF and calcium sulfite media are commonly used in shower filters, but catalytic carbon is not. We’ve seen this more commonly used in whole-house filtration systems. Likely, the reason AquaTru has included it here is to target chloramines, which the majority of the other shower filters we’ve tested are unable to do. 

Since the filter contains calcium sulfite and catalytic carbon, which are both designed for chlorine reduction, we’re surprised that it only reduced the chlorine in our water by less than 50%.

Materials Safety Certification

Score: 6.00

The AquaTru Shower filter doesn’t currently have any materials safety certifications. This is disappointing, but not altogether surprising, as it’s a certification not commonly obtained by shower filter manufacturers. 

This is likely because fewer customers are looking to validate the safety of a product’s components when it’s not intended to filter drinking water. 

⚙️ Setup

We were able to get the AquaTru Shower installed and ready to use in less than 5 minutes. The instructions in the user manual were easy to follow and involve just 5 steps, including removing the existing showerhead, wrapping plumbers tape around the shower arm, and screwing on the new showerhead. 

The unit comes with everything you need for the install, including a wrench and a roll of plumbers tape. It’s a DIY-friendly setup that, for a standard shower setup, you shouldn’t struggle with, even if you have minimal plumbing knowledge. 

We identified two potential leak points, but observed no leaks after installing and hand-tightening the filter, and no spray or fit issues. 

AquaTru recommends flushing the filter for 1 minute before use, which removes any loose carbon particles from the filter media. We flushed it for 1 minute and 30 seconds, noting that the washout was slightly gray in color but detecting no unpleasant odors.

🔧 Maintenance

We calculated the AquaTru Shower’s ongoing filter replacement cost and evaluated its ease of servicing to award a score for maintenance. 

Servicing Requirements

9.00

There’s just one filter to replace in this model, and the process is quick and easy. The product manual advises swapping out the filter every 1,300 gallons, or when the filter is clogged and flow from the showerhead is compromised. 

To replace the filter, you push the lock button and turn the showerhead to remove it from the arm, then unscrew the old filter and twist the new filter in its place.

Aside from filter replacements, we recommend regularly cleaning the showerhead as you normally would to prevent a buildup of scale (remember, this will still be an issue as the filter doesn’t soften water).

Costs

Score: 10.00

Despite its high upfront costs, the unit is affordable to maintain, with an ongoing filter replacement cost of $0.031 per gallon. 

Depending on exactly when you replace the filter (which, in turn, depends on your water quality and frequency/length of showers), we calculated that the filter has a 5-year ownership cost of around $1,036. 

🏢 Company

AquaTru’s shipping policy is decent, but there’s still room for improvement with its warranty and returns offerings.

Warranty

Score: 8.50

The AquaTru Shower is backed by a 1-year warranty against any defects in manufacturing and workmanship. This warranty entitles you to a free repair or replacement, depending on the issue you’re dealing with.

There are a few stipulations to be aware of: 

• You’ll be responsible for return shipping fees
• The warranty only covers the product itself, not the filter cartridge
• The warranty also doesn’t cover damage caused by accident or misuse

There’s the option to register for a product warranty on the AquaTru site, but as far as we can tell, this is more to get you on the company’s mailing list than anything else. You don’t need to register to be eligible for the warranty.

You can find warranty information on page 8 of the user manual.

Shipping 

Score: 10.00

AquaTru products are shipped to all addresses within the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories.

Find out more about shipping here.

Returns

Score: 8.00

AquaTru offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can return your product for free for any reason within this period. 

Your refund will be minus any return shipping and handling fees. 

Read AquaTru’s returns T&Cs here. 

💰 Value For Money

In all, the AquaTru Shower filter is a good choice if you’re looking for a basic shower filter that can reduce chlorine and eliminate DBPs. 

It’s more expensive than some similar filters, but so far, it’s only one of two shower filters we’ve tested (along with the Weddell Duo) that can remove disinfection byproducts. For that alone, we think it’s a strong contender and definitely worth considering. 

The unit itself also has a more premium design feel compared to other products, and it was easy to install and didn’t significantly affect our flow rate. That said, it still doesn’t quite compare to the Weddell Duo, which removed 100% of DBPs and chlorine, as well as being certified for chlorine reduction. 

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