Is a Shower Filter a Water Softener? – FiltraZen ClearFlow
Share
No — and knowing the difference helps you choose the right water-treatment approach.
Shower filters and water softeners both treat water, but they address different problems and use different processes.
FiltraZen ClearFlow is designed to reduce free chlorine and capture sediment and particulate matter. It is not designed to remove hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Why the confusion?
The terms filtered water and soft water are often used loosely, but filtration and softening are not the same. Start by identifying the water issue you actually want to change.
What is hard water?
Hard water contains higher concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium. Common signs include white scale on taps and shower screens, spotting as water dries, and soap that does not lather as readily.
What does a water softener do?
A water softener is designed to reduce hardness minerals. Many systems use ion exchange and are installed where water enters the home so they can treat the wider household supply.
What does a shower filter do?
A shower filter is installed at the shower and treats only the water used there. ClearFlow's current four-stage cartridge uses a sediment shell, ACF, calcium sulfite and KDF-55. The complete system has been laboratory tested for free chlorine reduction, achieving up to 98% under specified conditions.
Shower filter vs water softener at a glance
| Shower filter (ClearFlow) | Water softener | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Reduce free chlorine and capture sediment | Reduce hardness minerals |
| Typical targets | Free chlorine, sediment and particulate matter | Calcium and magnesium |
| Installed | At the shower | Often at the home's water entry point |
| Removes hardness minerals? | No | Yes |
Which do you need?
- Chlorine odour or visible sediment? A shower filter is designed for this type of issue.
- Scale, chalky marks or high measured hardness? Consider a dedicated softener or hardness-treatment system.
- Both concerns? The technologies address different things and can be considered separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is FiltraZen ClearFlow a water softener?
No. It is a shower filter designed to reduce free chlorine and capture sediment. It does not remove hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Will ClearFlow stop scale on my shower screen?
It is not designed to remove hardness minerals, which are a major cause of scale. For scale, a dedicated hardness-treatment solution may be more appropriate.
Can I use a shower filter and a water softener together?
They address different water-quality issues, so some households use both. Follow the installation guidance for each system.
More from the ClearFlow Knowledge Series
Testing & performance disclaimer. ClearFlow has been evaluated through laboratory testing under controlled conditions. Reported performance figures may vary with water quality, chlorine concentration, temperature, pressure, flow rate, cartridge age and other factors. The up to 98% free-chlorine reduction figure represents a maximum laboratory result under the specified test conditions and is not a guarantee of the same reduction in every household or water supply.
ClearFlow is designed to reduce free chlorine and capture sediment and particulate matter. It is not a water softener and is not designed to remove hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Chloramine performance may differ from free-chlorine performance.
Ready to see ClearFlow in your shower?
The Shower Kit includes a spare capsule: about six months of filtered showers.
Written by Filtrazen Editorial Team
