If you are on city water, chances are it’s treated with chlorine. These are the best water filtration products to remove it.
SpringWell Water Whole House Water Filter
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Evo E-1000 Whole House Water Filter
If you get your water from a municipal supply, there’s a very high chance that your water contains chlorine.
As a cheap means of disinfection, chlorine is considered safe in small amounts. But even the “safe” 4 PPM of chlorine can significantly affect water’s taste and damage your skin and hair when you’re showering.
No matter what type of drinking water filter you’re looking for, it’s more than likely that it will remove chlorine. But with endless choices in today’s market, how do you choose the best filter for you?
We’ve narrowed down your options to a list of 7 filters that are worth your attention.
Why take our word for it? Well, we’re trusted by 250,000 monthly readers, and we’ve been testing and reviewing water filtration devices for nearly 10 years. We’ve written for publications like HowStuffWorks and Water Quality Products Magazine, and we’ve seen the way the market has evolved in this time. If a product isn’t worth your time or money, we’ll never share it with you.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The 8 best water filters for chlorine
- How a chlorine filter works
- 5 things to keep in mind when buying an inline filter
Table of Contents
- 🥇 Best Water Filters for Chlorine
- 📊 Comparison Chart of Water Filters for Chlorine
- ⭐ Reviews – Best Water Filters That Remove Chlorine 2023
- 🧾 Chlorine Water Filter Buyer’s Guide
- 🤔 What is Chlorine?
- 🚰 Why is Chlorine Added to Drinking Water?
- ☠️ Is Chlorine in Tap Water Safe or Dangerous?
- ⚙️ How a Chlorine Filter Works
- 🔠 Types of Water Treatment Systems That Remove Chlorine
- 💭 Considerations When Purchasing a Filter to Remove Chlorine
- ❔ Frequently Asked Questions
🥇 Best Water Filters for Chlorine
- Best Whole House Filter – SpringWell Water Whole House Water Filter System
- Best Pitcher Filter – Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
- Best Cartridge Based POE – Evo E-1000 Whole House Water Filter
- Best Dispenser – Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
- Best Countertop Filter – Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
- Best Under-Sink Filter – Epic Smart Shield
- Best Faucet Filter – PUR Plus Faucet Filtration System
- Best Shower Filter – AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter
📊 Comparison Chart of Water Filters for Chlorine
| System | SpringWell CF | Clearly Filtered Pitcher | Evo E-1000 | Epic Pure Dispenser | Big Berkey | Epic Smart Shield | PUR Faucet System | AquaBliss Shower Filter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | |
| Ratings | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Price | $$$ | $ | $$ | $ | $$ | $ | $ | $ |
| Contaminants reduced | 10+ | 365+ | 10+ | 200+ | 200+ | 70+ | 70+ | 10+ |
| Certifications or Testing | - | NSF 42, 53, 401 & 473 | - | NSF 42, 53, 401, P473 & P231 | NSF 53 | NSF 42, 53, 401 | NSF 42, 53 & 401 | - |
| Filter Lifespan | 1M gal. | 100 gal. | 80K gal. | 150 gal. | 6K gal. | 651 gal. | 100 gal. | 12K gal. |
| Annual Cost | ~$100 | ~$150 | ~ $120 – $300 | ~$140 | ~$40 | ~$120 | ~$100 | ~$50 |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime (limited) | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 2 years | 1 year |
⭐ Reviews – Best Water Filters That Remove Chlorine 2023
SpringWell Water Whole House Water Filter System
Based on our research, the SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System is the very best whole house water filter for chlorine available today.
Why? Because this filter is one of the best-value whole house carbon-based systems we’ve come across, using a certified KDF and catalytic carbon coconut shell filtration media to remove a broad range of contaminants (including chlorine), and boasting a massive 1,000,000 gallon capacity, so it’s essentially maintenance-free.
Key Features:
- Removes chlorine and 10+ contaminants – The SpringWell CF is, first and foremost, a chlorine filter, thanks to its carbon-based media. But it doesn’t stop there – it also removes chloramine, pesticides, herbicides, PFOS and PFOA, heavy metals, and more.
- Sediment & catalytic carbon – The primary filter media in the SpringWell CF is an enhanced version of activated carbon known as catalytic carbon. This filter media is better at removing chlorine – and it also reduces chloramine. There’s also a sediment pre-filter that protects the carbon media and reduces sand, silt, and other sediment in water.
- Tank-based filtration – As a tank-based system, the CF requires less maintenance and lasts longer than comparable cartridge filtration systems. You can buy this SpringWell model in three configurations: a 1-3 bathroom unit, a 4-6 bathroom unit, and a 7+ bathroom unit.
Best For:
Folks who want a water filtration system that can remove chlorine from their entire water supply, including the water they drink, shower in, and wash their clothes and dishes with.
Pros:
- If you’re looking for value for money from a brand you can trust, you can’t go wrong with this SpringWell system. Combining KDF with carbon gives this filter a superior chlorine removal performance.
- We appreciate the lack of effort needed to look after this system. The 5-micron sediment filter needs replacing every 6-9 months (which is pretty standard for this type of filter) and the carbon/KDF media has a 1,000,000 gallon capacity, so it should last years before a new media is needed.
- SpringWell knows the value of a good warranty. The CF is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and a 6-month money-back guarantee, so you can make a risk-free investment.
Cons:
- SpringWell doesn’t share test results online, so we don’t know exactly how much chlorine the CF is capable of removing.
- It’s trickier to install this system compared to the POU filters on this list because it needs to be plumbed into your main water line.
Read the full review: SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System Review
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Our research has found that the Clearly Filtered is the best water filter pitcher for chlorine on the market. We’re impressed with this powerful water pitcher’s ability to reduce more than 365 contaminants (including up to 99.9% chlorine) – that’s hundreds more than any other water filter pitcher available today.
Plus, the manufacturer confirms its contaminant reduction claims with independent testing to NSF 42 (for chlorine reduction), as well as 53, 401, and 473 standards.
Key Features:
- Reduces chlorine and 365+ contaminants – The Clearly Filtered offers incredibly thorough contaminant reduction. As well as reducing up to 99.9% of chlorine and chloramine, the filter also reduces 365+ contaminants, including VOCs (99.9%), lead (99.5%), and cysts, bacteria, and other microorganisms (99.9%).
- GAC filtration – This capable water filter pitcher is made from granular activated carbon, which consists of tiny, loose carbon particles and uses adsorption to pull contaminants into the media. Also included in the filter cartridge is a woven mesh screen (which traps sediment and other large particles) and a composite shell (which gives water a longer contact time with the filter media).
- Tested performance – There are several NSF Standards that the Clearly Filtered has been tested to, including 42 (for chlorine reduction), 53, 401 & 473. You can view the test data here.
Best For:
With a 10-cup capacity, the Clearly Filtered pitcher is the ideal portable filtration solution for couples and small families who want the most capable water filter pitcher on the market.
Pros:
- The Clearly Filtered pitcher’s contaminant reduction abilities is its most impressive feature. The average water filter pitcher only reduces a handful of contaminants, so we love that this pitcher reduces hundreds – including nearly 100% chlorine.
- We also appreciate just how easy it is to get started with this filter. You just attach the filter, add water, and you’re good to go. If you’re DIY-adverse, the Clearly Filtered pitcher is a good option for you.
- Clearly Filtered is another manufacturer that understands the importance of a good warranty. The filter is backed by a lifetime warranty – a great indication of the brand’s confidence in its filter quality.
Cons:
- There’s a bit more maintenance involved in owning a filter of this type. The filter only lasts 4 months before it needs to be replaced.
- You won’t get instant access to chlorine-free water. It takes a few minutes for water to flow through all the filtration stages in the Clearly Filtered cartridge because it uses gravity filtration.
Read the full review: Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Review
Evo E-1000 Whole House Water Filter
In our opinion, the best cartridge-based POE carbon filtration system for removing chlorine is the Evo E-1000 Whole House Water Filter. This water filter system is the best of its kind that we’ve found, thanks to its uber-fast flow rate, its long filter life, and its ability to remove more than 150 contaminants – including chlorine.
Key Features:
- Catalytic carbon block media – The Evo E-1000, like the SpringWell CF, uses catalytic carbon as its primary filter media. Catalytic carbon is more capable than normal activated carbon, with the ability to remove up to 99.9% of chlorine with the process of adsorption.
- Removes 150+ contaminants – This Evo model combines its catalytic carbon filter cartridge with a sediment filter (which is washable and reusable), to remove more than 150 contaminants alongside chlorine. These include chloramine, numerous disinfection byproducts, VOCs, and more.
- Fast flow rate – The Evo E-1000 has a very fast flow rate for a carbon filter (up to 15 GPM). That’s faster than the average whole home water flow rate without a filter, which is 6-12 GPM.
Best For:
Folks who prefer to spend a little less upfront on a cartridge-based whole home water filter for chlorine and don’t mind replacing the filter cartridges once a year.
Pros:
- You might have heard that cartridge-based POE filters are more of a hassle to own, but the Evo E-1000 certainly isn’t. We love the sediment filter’s washable, reusable design that gives you more bang for your buck, and the carbon filter lasts a full year, so maintenance is few and far between.
- We think the Evo E-1000’s contaminant removal abilities are really impressive. It doesn’t also remove chlorine, but also chloramine and hundreds more contaminants. Plus, the filter design is solid carbon block, so there’s no way for it to leak black specks of carbon into your water.
- It’s great to see how easy it is to install this system. There are just two connections to install and two filters to be concerned with.
Cons:
- This system has no NSF certification, so we have to take the manufacturer’s claims at face value.
- We also don’t know from the test results exactly how much chlorine the Evo E-1000 can remove, so it’s difficult to pit it against competitors for this performance feature.
Read the Full Review: Evo E-1000 POE Whole Home Filter System Review
Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
The Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser is our top pick for the best countertop dispenser for removing chlorine. This half-gallon dispenser can remove more than 200 contaminants to 99.999% effectiveness (including 98.4% chlorine), making it more capable than any of its competitors – and it’s tested to NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, 401, P473, and P231.
Key Features:
- Removes 98.4% chlorine and hundreds of other tap water contaminants – The Epic Pure filter reduces only slightly less chlorine than the Clearly Filtered pitcher: 98.4%. It also removes more than 200 drinking water contaminants, including 97.87% fluoride, 99.4% lead, and 99.62% microplastics.
- Solid carbon block filter – The filter in this dispenser is made from a packed carbon media known as carbon block. The advantage of this filter type is that it has a larger surface area and contains more carbon particles than GAC filters, so more contaminants can be removed.
- Tested to NSF Standards – The Epic Pure is third-party tested to NSF/ANSI Standards 42 (for chlorine tastes and odors), 53, 401, and P473.
Best For:
Folks looking for a fridge-friendly no-install chlorine filter. This filter dispenser is a close contender to the Clearly Filtered in terms of contaminant removal, with the added bonus that you can dispense cold water straight from your fridge.
Pros:
- It’s good to see independent testing for the Epic Pure, including an actual (and very impressive) percentage for chlorine removal. Check the filter test results here.
- You don’t have to invest blindly in this system. The Epic Pure comes with a lifetime warranty that guarantees you a 100% refund if you’re not satisfied with the filter.
- We love that the Epic Pure is so easy to set up and use. Like the Clearly Filtered pitcher, it doesn’t need to be plumbed into your cold water line or connected to a power supply, so it’s quick to assemble and a good portable chlorine filtration solution.
Cons:
- A few customers complained that the water flow rate gets really slow before the end of the filter’s lifespan.
- Again, as a gravity filter, the Epic Pure Dispenser takes longer to produce a batch of filtered water compared to systems plumbed into your water line.
Read the Full Review: Epic Pure Dispenser Reviewed for 2023
Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
In our opinion, the best countertop water filter for removing chlorine is the Big Berkey. It’s hard to believe that this 2.25-gallon stainless steel countertop filter uses just a regular carbon filter – it can remove more than 200 drinking water contaminants, including up to 99.9% chlorine and chloramine, so it rivals countertop RO units with its performance.
This gravity water filtration system is suitable for 1-4 people and comes with 2 Black Berkey elements, with a combined lifespan of 6,000 gallons.
Key Features:
- Removes more than 99.99% of chlorine – Berkey has various lab results that prove its contaminant removal abilities. As well as reducing almost 100% chlorine and chloramine, the Big Berkey reduces contaminants including sediment, lead, mercury, pathogenic bacteria, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, chromium, and more.
- Long filter life – The Big Berkey holds two Black Berkey elements, with a totallifespan of 6,000 gallons (or around 10 years).
- Coconut shell carbon media – There are numerous media blends in the Black Berkey elements, but the key player for chlorine reduction is the coconut shell carbon media, which pulls chlorine, tastes, and odors out of water using adsorption.
Best For:
Folks looking for superior filtration and guaranteed chlorine removal from a countertop filter that doesn’t need to be hooked up to plumbing, and provides bigger batches of filtered water than a pitcher.
Pros:
- There’s a reason why the Big Berkey is still the most popular countertop water filter: it’s the best of its kind. It removes more contaminants and lasts longer than any other non-RO countertop water filter sold today.
- We’ve reviewed the Big Berkey here, but the Black Berkey elements fit in 6 different countertop unit sizes, so you can choose the most suitable size for you.
- Like all the best water filters for chlorine in this list, the Big Berkey comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can feel comfortable spending your money.
Cons:
- We’d love to see an official NSF certification for Berkey products, and it’s worth noting that Berkey filters are banned in California and other states.
- There are a few design flaws with the Berkey unit, many of which can only be remedied by upgrading some of the included parts to better alternatives.
Read the full review: Berkey Water Filter Review
Epic Smart Shield
We’ve found that the best under-sink water filter for chlorine is the Epic Smart Shield. This filtration system removes more contaminants than any other under-sink non-RO system – more than 70, including 95.5% chlorine – and offers a high filtration performance for more than 650 gallons. The Smart Shield is 100% made in the USA and uses BPA-free materials.
Key Features:
- IAPMO certified for chlorine removal & 70+ other contaminants – The Epic Smart Shield is IAPMO certified to NSF Standard 42 (for up to 95.5% chlorine removal), as well as NSF 53 and 401, for the reduction of 99.99% of 70+ contaminants.
- Coconut shell carbon filtration – There’s just a single filter cartridge in this Epic system, made from 100% recyclable activated coconut carbon. This filter media uses adsorption to trap contaminants like chlorine, improving water’s taste and smell.
- Good filter life – The filter in the Epic Smart Shield has an average lifespan of 1 year.
Best For:
People looking for the best under-sink water filter to remove chlorine, who prefer to spend less and perform less maintenance on a non-RO system with just a single filter cartridge.
Pros:
- While the Smart Shield doesn’t remove as many contaminants as other filtration systems on this list, it has a major advantage over many of its competitors: an official IAPMO certification to NSF Standards for its chlorine removal.
- Under-sink chlorine water filters don’t have to be bulky or difficult to install, as proven by the Epic Smart Shield. This filter is compact, easy to set up, and a fantastic value for money, requiring only 1 cartridge replacement per year.
- This unit is great for small budgets, costing under $150 – fantastic value for money when you consider its contaminant removal abilities.
Cons:
- The Smart Shield is great at chlorine removal, but if you want a chlorine filter that can remove hundreds of other contaminants, you might want to look at another option.
- Some customers said they had to replace the filter before its predicted end of lifespan.
Read the full review: Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Filter Review (2023)
PUR Plus Faucet Filtration System
Our top recommended choice for the best faucet filter for chlorine is the PUR Plus Faucet Filtration System. This simple, affordable system uses coconut shell activated carbon to remove or reduce more than 70 contaminants, including chlorine (with an official NSF 42 certification to prove it) – an incredibly impressive figure for a filter of this kind.
Key Features:
- Removes 70+ contaminants – The PUR Plus faucet filter is NSF certified to remove tens of contaminants, including lead, mercury, benzene, asbestos, pesticides and herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and chlorine.
- Budget-friendly option – Costing around $100 upfront, the PUR faucet filter is another great option for small budgets, proving that you don’t have to spend a fortune for reliable, NSF-certified performance.
- Provides filtered water on tap – The filter attaches directly to most kitchen faucets, providing filtered water instantly when you turn on the tap. There are a few included adaptors in case your faucet is too large or small for the filter connection.
Best For:
Anyone looking for a low-cost chlorine tap water filter that they don’t have to manually fill with water themselves. PUR is a winner for both affordability and reliability, proving that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the best results.
Pros:
- We’re impressed with this filter’s ability to remove 70+ contaminants, including chlorine – with official NSF certifications to prove it.
- The PUR faucet filter is ideal for DIY-aphobes. Installation just takes three easy steps: remove your faucet’s aerator and washer, check whether your faucet threading is internal or external, then attach the device to your faucet.
- With its chrome overlay, this PUR filter looks more attractive and should blend in better with a modern kitchen compared to other faucet filters, which are often made from black or white plastic.
Cons:
- The PUR faucet chlorine water filters last approximately 3 months, or 100 gallons. That’s the shortest filter lifespan of any system on this list.
- Installing this filter on the end of your faucet will reduce your flow rate by about half.
Read the full review: PUR Advanced Faucet Filtration System Review
AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter
From our research, we think that the AquaBliss is the best dedicated shower water filtration system that can remove chlorine. We love this filter because not only does it remove chlorine; it also infuses water with minerals with multi-stage filtration – and all for less than $40.
This shower unit can be used as a direct replacement to your existing showerhead and requires no tools for installation. The device has a universal fit, making it suitable for all shower arms.
Key Features:
- Removes chlorine, heavy metals, & more – The AquaBliss shower filter offers highly effective chlorine removal, reducing the health effects of breathing chlorine gas when showering. It also reduces heavy metals, sediment, pharmaceutical drugs, VOCs, and pesticides.
- 12-stage filtration – This shower water filter has an impressive 12 stages of filtration, including stainless steel mesh, calcium sulfite, redox media, activated carbon, and ceramic vitamin C beads.
- 4-6-month filter life – A single filter in the AquaBliss shower unit lasts 4-6 months before a replacement is needed.
Best For:
Anyone whose main priority is to remove chlorine from their shower water with an affordable, effective, dedicated shower filter.
Pros:
- We love that the AquaBliss is designed to sit underneath your existing showerhead, so you don’t have to sacrifice the look or size of your shower to accommodate this chlorine filter.
- You won’t find many other shower filters that reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and VOCs, and add healthy vitamins back into water.
- It’s good to know that this filter is quick and easy to install. No need to hire a plumber for the job – it’ll take you 5 minutes to do yourself.
Cons:
- This filter is for your shower only, so if you also want to remove chlorine from your tap water, you’ll need a separate system.
- Despite its universal fit, the unit won’t fit on some specialist shower units.
Read the full review: AquaBliss High Output Shower Filter Review
🧾 Chlorine Water Filter Buyer’s Guide
Keen to learn more about chlorine filtration before you spend your money? You’ll find the answers to all your questions in this buyer’s guide.
🤔 What is Chlorine?
Chlorine is a chemical element that is used for a variety of disinfection and protection purposes. We use chlorine in our drinking water, certain medicines, household disinfectants, and much more.
🚰 Why is Chlorine Added to Drinking Water?
Chlorine is used as a major disinfectant in public water systems, and can remove pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
Chlorine prevents water from microbiological contamination as it travels through underground systems into our homes. You can learn more about why chlorine is added to drinking water here.
☠️ Is Chlorine in Tap Water Safe or Dangerous?
The Environmental Protection Agency says that a maximum of 4 PPM (parts per million) of chlorine is safe in drinking water.
Water would actually be less safe if it didn’t contain chlorine, as there would be nothing to kill dangerous, disease-causing pathogens like bacteria.
However, even if low levels of chlorine are considered safe in water, that doesn’t mean that chlorine is necessarily healthy or enjoyable to drink.
Chlorine can give water a chemical taste and smell that many people find unpleasant.
There are also some studies that suggest that chlorine might be more dangerous than we think it is, such as this study, which found that chlorine in drinking water can produce cancer-causing toxins.
Chlorine Effects on Skin and Hair
While the dangers of drinking chlorine in water are widely disputed, there is more evidence to suggest that chlorine can have effects on our skin and hair.
Chlorine can be damaging to the skin, especially if it lingers on our skin after a shower or bath. Chlorine strips the natural oils from the skin’s surface, causing dryness and irritation.
One study even found that a combination of water hardness and chlorine could cause atopic dermatitis, a painful condition that causes itchy, cracked and sore skin.
Chlorinated water can also have a damaging effect on hair. Chlorine interferes with the scalp’s ability to moisturize hair, leaving dry and brittle hair and promoting itching and dandruff. Chlorine can promote fading in dyed hair, and, because it dries out hair, can accelerate hair loss.
⚙️ How a Chlorine Filter Works
There are several types of chlorine water filter, which I’ve covered in more detail below. The type of filter will affect the exact filtration process that takes place.
In a traditional filter, water will pass through a filtration media and certain contaminants, including chlorine, will become trapped in the media’s pores.
Other types of chlorine removal systems may use different techniques to remove chlorine, such as boiling water and treating water with UV light.
🔠 Types of Water Treatment Systems That Remove Chlorine
The most effective types of water treatment systems for removing chlorine are carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, UV lamps, and distillation units.
Carbon Filtration
Activated and catalytic carbon filters are some of the most affordable options for removing chlorine from municipal water.
These filters have large surface areas and trap contaminants in their media, in a process known as adsorption.
Chlorine particles are bigger than water particles. This means that, while water can pass through the filter, chlorine is blocked from passing any further.
While activated carbon filters are still a good choice for removing chlorine, catalytic carbon water filters are better, as they have a larger surface area that can trap more contaminants at once.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is one of the best all-round water treatment options, removing more than 99.9% of all water contaminants, including chlorine.
Reverse osmosis systems may be installed underneath your kitchen sink or on your kitchen countertop, depending on the style of the unit.
There are several filtration stages involved in a reverse osmosis system, including a carbon filter and a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane has tiny pores that allow only water particles to travel through.
This gives reverse osmosis systems the ability to remove a broad range of contaminants, trapping particles that are bigger than 0.0001 microns in size.
No matter what reverse osmosis system you buy, it will waste some water during filtration. This is the biggest downside of the reverse osmosis method of filtering tap water. However, the more modern reverse osmosis systems are far more efficient and less wasteful.
UV Light
Most people don’t know that you can use UV light to remove chlorine from water. UV purification is primarily intended for killing disease-causing microorganisms, like bacteria and viruses. It does so by producing ultraviolet rays with wavelengths of up to 400 nm.
These wavelengths don’t only kill microorganisms. They also produce chemical reactions that can remove up to 15 ppm of chlorine or chloramine in water.
A UV lamp may be used alone or as an add-on to a more comprehensive filtration system. UV purification can’t filter out contaminants, so it’s only suitable for targeting chlorine and microorganisms.
While most water filters will become damaged by too much chlorine, UV lights won’t be affected by higher chlorine quantities.
UV lights usually have a lifespan of 1 year. After this, you’ll need to swap out the lamp with a new one.
Distillation
Distillation is another method of purifying water. A distillation system is highly effective in removing almost every contaminant in drinking water, including chlorine.
During the distillation process, water is heated in a boiling tank until it evaporated. This water travels along a cooling corridor, causing the water to condense. Condensing is a lengthy process, and water droplets are formed drop by drop. The condensed water collects in a clean container.
Chlorine can be evaporated by boiling, but it can’t condense at the same temperature as water. This means chlorine particles can be effectively removed by distillation. Any chlorine that manages to condense with water will be filtered out when water passes through a carbon filter in the distiller’s spout.
The majority of other contaminants, such as pesticides, lead, and bacteria, also can’t evaporate with water. These contaminants are left behind in the boiling chamber, and can be washed away during cleaning.
💭 Considerations When Purchasing a Filter to Remove Chlorine
Before buying a chlorine water filter, it’s worth considering the following factors:
Application
Why do you want to buy a chlorine water filter? Do you want to remove chlorine from just your drinking water? Or do you want to eliminate chlorine from your whole home water supply? Perhaps you just don’t want to shower in chlorine?
Your chlorine removal requirements will determine what type of chlorine water filter is suitable for you. There are three types of applications for removing chlorine: a whole home filtration system, a drinking water filter, and a shower water filter.
- Whole home water filters connect to your home’s water supply and provide clean water to your home’s appliances, faucets and showerheads. Your clothes and dishes will be washed in chlorine-free water, and you can shower in water that doesn’t contain chlorine. Your drinking water will also be free from chlorine.
- Chlorine drinking water filters remove chlorine from the water you want to drink. A water filter pitcher, under-sink unit, and faucet filter can all be used to remove chlorine from your drinking water.
- Showerhead filters connect onto your existing shower line, or are installed in place of your shower head, and filter out chlorine from your shower water.
The type of filter application you decide on will depend on why you want to remove chlorine from your water.
Filter Capacity
A filter’s capacity is a measure of how much water it can filter before the media becomes clogged, measured in gallons. The bigger the filter capacity, the more water can be filtered before it needs to be replaced.
Your chosen filter’s capacity should be high enough to provide an on-demand supply of chlorine-free water whenever you need it. Getting a filter with the right capacity is more important for whole-home water filters. A filter capacity that’s too small could mean that the filter can’t keep up with your demands. As a result, your water pressure could drop significantly.
To work out the filter capacity you need, find out how much water your family uses per day. If you have a smart meter, work out a daily average from your readings over a week. Compare your daily water usage to the maximum filter capacity in GPD, and choose a system that provide slightly more water than you need.
Filter capacity is less complicated with point-of-use filters. Showerhead filters are designed to deliver a constant stream of water.
As long as your home’s water pressure is high, you will get enough water from a showerhead filter. However, these filters can have shorter lifespans than whole-home filters.
Drinking water filters may be disconnected from your water supply. In this case, your filter will need refilling with water every time you use up the filtered water supply. The larger the filter’s holding capacity, the fewer times you’ll need to fill it up.
A drinking water filter may be connected to your under-sink water supply. Capacity is more important here – but the majority of filters are capable of delivering enough water for your drinking requirements.
Flow Rate
Flow rate ties into capacity. The more filtered water a system can deliver per day, the higher the flow rate.
Again, flow rate is most important on whole-home water filters. These filters need to deliver water quickly enough to supply multiple appliances at once, such as your shower, your washing machine, and your dishwasher.
Systems are typically sized between 5 and 14 GPM. The average-sized home with 1-2 bathrooms will be fine with a system with a 7-10 GPM flow rate.
A shower head filter should be designed to filter your water without interrupting flow, though some can be better than others. If you have power shower, you’ll need to read customer reviews and find a chlorine filter that can deliver a high water pressure.
The flow rate of a drinking water filter system depends on what type you opt for. A water filter pitcher, for instance, uses gravity filtration, and will take the longest to filter water.
Filters powered by electricity or water pressure, on the other hand, will have a faster water flow, and will be able to deliver water almost instantly.
Certifications
Water filter manufacturers can apply to get their filters tested and certified by NSF International, an independent certification organization.
If a water filter has an NSF certification, it tells you that the filter lives up to its performance claims regarding the removal of specific contaminants.
There are several certifications you can look for in a chlorine water filter:
- NSF 42 – this is the main certification to look out for, as it indicates that a water filter has been tested and certified to remove chlorine, taste and odor.
- NSF 53 – indicates that a filter is capable of removing health-hazardous contaminants, like lead. Many filters with an NSF 42 certification are also NSF 53 certified.
- NSF 58 – reverse osmosis systems that reduce water’s TDS by at least 75% can obtain an NSF 58 certification.
It’s not essential to look for a water filter system that has an NSF certification, but you may feel more comfortable investing in a certified system. Be aware that filters that are “tested to NSF standards” aren’t actually NSF certified.
Installation & Maintenance
The type of chlorine water filter you buy will determine its installation and maintenance requirements.
Whole-home chlorine filters require the lengthiest, most challenging installation. You’ll need to cut into your water line and install the system so that it intercepts your water flow. You may also need to install a bypass valve to send water around your filter when you’re performing maintenance.
Showerhead chlorine water filters are typically very easy to install: you simply screw the filter in place on your shower line and run water through it to prime the filter.
Installing an under-sink drinking water filter can be slightly more complex, as again, you’ll need to cut into your water line. Standalone filters like water filter pitchers require no installation at all.
To maintain a filtration system, you will need to change its filters. Systems with multiple filters will cost more to maintain than single-filter systems in the long run.
Some systems require more frequent filter changes than others. If you want to avoid maintenance as much as possible, look for units with a filter life of half a year or more, or systems with a filtering media, which tends to last longer.
❔ Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that chlorine evaporates if you leave it long enough?
Yes. If you want to remove chlorine at no cost at all, you can let it sit in a water pitcher overnight. By the morning, the chlorine should have mostly evaporated from your water.
There are a few setbacks to chlorine evaporation. For one, you can’t measure how much chlorine has evaporated from your water, and how effectively the process works. Secondly, if you want immediate access to water that’s free from chlorine, that won’t happen. You’d have to think ahead and plan to store your water at least 8 hours before you wanted to drink it.
Does boiling water remove chlorine?
Yes. Boiling water speeds up the chlorine evaporation process. Chlorine is one of the few impurities that will evaporate from water when boiled.
Again, this process costs nothing. However, boiling your water before drinking can be a chore, and you’ll need to wait for the water to cool before you can drink it. You also can’t determine how long to boil water for effective removal of chlorine.
How much chlorine can a water filter remove?
A typical chlorine water filter can remove between 90 and 99% chlorine from water. It’s rare for a filter to remove 100% chlorine. However, even a filter that removes 90% of chlorine will eliminate the chlorine smell and taste from your water.
Is it safe to remove chlorine from water?
Yes. Although chlorination removes harmful microorganisms from your drinking water, a chlorine water filter will remove chlorine without reintroducing these microorganisms. The chlorine has already done its job, and it is no longer needed by the time you come to drink your water.
Can a water softener remove chlorine?
No. Water softeners use ion exchange to swap out hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) with sodium. Water softeners can’t remove chlorine.
