Captain Eco Shower Filter Review (2023)

🧾 Overview

The Captain Eco Shower Filter is a showerhead water filter that comes with a free bonus cartridge and a shower curtain. The filter’s manufacturer is so certain that customers will be happy with the product that they offer a 120% refund if customers aren’t satisfied, which is pretty reassuring – but let’s take a look at exactly what the showerhead offers.

For starters, the filter is designed to remove chlorine and heavy metals, and can reduce algae, bacteria and scale in both hot and cold water. The filter itself is a unique calcium sulfite design, which, according to the manufacturer, is “100 times more effective” than activated carbon at removing chlorine and heavy metals. With easy installation, you can set the Captain Eco showrhead filter up and get it ready for use in a matter of minutes.

💡 Features

Filter unit

The Captain Eco’s filter body is silver chrome in design, and fits on any standard US shower pipe. It is designed to blend in with the rest of your bathroom appliances, and doesn’t look bulky or cheap, like some standalone showerhead filters can.

Filter cartridge

There are two filter cartridges included with the Captain Eco: the original pre-installed filter and the replacement filter to use in the future. The filter can last between 6 and 8 months, though exact times may vary depending on usage.

Shower curtain

As a slightly random (but fairly useful add-on), the Captain Eco comes with a shower curtain for installing around your bath or shower unit. It doesn’t really add much to the overall package, but it may be useful if you were on the market for a new curtain anyway.

Rubber washers for installation

You can find everything you need for installation of the Captain Eco in the box, including rubber washers and installation instructions. The unit itself is already pre-assembled, so your only job is to attach it to your shower arm and shower head.

🚦 Performance

The Captain Eco shower filter has a fairly unique filter option that sets it apart from its competitors. As well as using activated carbon filter media, it uses calcium sulfite, which the manufacturer claims to be 100 times more effective. Our research has found that calcium sulfite has strong de-chlorine capabilities and can remove chlorine from both hot and water.

Additionally, if you’re worried about the calcium in the filter leading to scale and hard water, there’s no need, as only very small (and virtually undetectable) amounts of the mineral actually make it into water from the filter per shower.

So while there is evidence to suggest that a calcium sulfite filter performs well, there’s none to suggest that it’s better than activated carbon. It’s more than likely that you’d get a similar performance from both. Calcium sulfite filters last for as long as activated carbon filters too (roughly 6 to 8 months), so it seems that both are as durable and efficient as each other.

🔧 Installation & Maintenance

The Captain Eco showerhead filter is just a filter in itself, and not a showerhead. This means you can use it with any showerhead and shower arm of your choice, which is great news if you’re particular about having a certain showerhead that performs well. Just make sure that your showerhead and shower arm have standard US fittings, as the Captain Eco isn’t a match for non-standard appliances.

To get started with installation, you just need your washers and your filter unit. The filter cartridge comes already pre-installed, saving you the fuss of having to install it yourself. You can put the spare filter to the side for use in around half a year’s time.

Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to attach the filter unit to your shower arm. After installing it, you just need to flush it with water before attaching the showerhead. The filters need changing every 6 months, perhaps sooner if you shower more frequently than average or if your water contaminant content is particularly heavy.

📝 Filter Info

The Captain Eco’s filter is designed to block chlorine and other sediments and soften water, helping to improve respiration and protect sensitive skin and hair. It is made from KDF processed media, a blend of copper and zinc alloys that target chlorine, heavy metals, and scale-causing minerals.

There are a number of stages to this filter, including a calcium sulfite stage, which works to remove chlorine; a granulated activated carbon stage for removing iodine, chlorine, VOCs and other compounds; biocera ceramic balls, which adsorb heavy metals and impurities; polypropylene cotton, which removes rust, microorganisms and sediment; and maifan balls for adding beneficial minerals to water. This is certainly an impressive offering from one filter, but you’ll have to trust the manufacturer’s word on this one, as we can’t find evidence of an ANSI/NSF industry-level certification.

🔔 Pros & Cons

❔ Frequently Asked Questions

How much do replacement filters cost?

Replacement filters cost between $10 and $15 per filter depending on the manufacturer you go for. If you love Captain Eco’s filter, you’ll want to make sure you opt for one of theirs – but be aware that filters aren’t always available, so stocking up in advance is advisable.

How do I prevent this filter from bursting like some showerhead filters do?

The filter housing should never burst, as it’s made from high quality chrome material. But there are things you can do to prevent leaks, such as using plumbing tape to shut off any gaps during installation, and tightening the connections properly.

Does this filter remove fluoride?

To some extent, yes. If you’re looking for pure fluoride removal, this filter isn’t for you, but it can reduce fluoride on some level.

Can I use this with a handheld shower?

Yes, but you may want to install the filter at the bottom end of the shower, before the hose. This will prevent the inconvenience of having to hold up the weight of the filter with the showerhead. It will work just as effectively when installed at the bottom of the hose, though water may pick up some scale when traveling through to the showerhead.

How can I be reassured that this filter works?

You can’t ever be fully reassured, as the filter isn’t third-party certified. With that said, the manufacturer offers a 30-day trial period, where you’re welcome to a full refund if you find that the product doesn’t work. That would be an expensive move by the manufacturer if the product was known to be faulty.

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