Ever wondered why your skin feels dry after a shower or why your hair isn’t as shiny as it should be?
The culprit might just be the hard water flowing from your showerhead. However, the ShowerStick Water Softener has gained immense popularity for being a game-changer. In this review, we’re going to delve into its features, pros, cons, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Let’s jump right in.
The ShowerStick Water Softener: An Overview
ShowerStick consists of a handheld shower head attachment fitted with a small filter cartridge that helps reduce minerals like calcium and magnesium in shower water. As water flows through, these positively charged minerals stick to the negatively charged ion exchange resin beads inside the cartridge, softening the water.
The ShowerStick filter also uses a KDF medium that helps filter out chlorine and other impurities, while allowing beneficial minerals like potassium, sodium, and magnesium to pass through.
Unlike whole house systems, ShowerStick softens water on demand for showers only, not the entire home’s water supply. Its small cartridges are easy to replace every 6-8 weeks to maintain performance.
ShowerStick offers models with vitamin C and aloe vera for additional skin and hair conditioning benefits. Next let’s look at the key pros and cons of the ShowerStick system.
Pros of ShowerStick Water Softening Shower Heads
Convenient On-Demand Softening
- Only softens water during showers, not entire home’s water
- Provides softened water benefits without whole house system
- Simple DIY 15 minute installation with no tools or plumbing adjustments
Reduces Harmful Scale Buildup
- Ion exchange process reduces calcium and magnesium
- Helps prevent limescale buildup on tiles, glass doors, fixtures
- Minimizes soap scum buildup on walls, floors
Improves Skin and Hair Health
- Leaves skin and hair feeling smoother with less irritation
- Locks in moisture, reduces dry skin and frizzy hair from hard water minerals
- Vitamin and aloe vera models provide added skin benefits
Easy Maintenance
- Small easily replaceable cartridges last 6-8 weeks
- No backwashing or drainage required like full softeners
- Light will indicate when cartridge needs replacement
Budget-Friendly
- Low upfront cost around $20-40 range
- Ongoing cartridge packs cheaper than salt bags for full systems
- Saves money on cleaning products, bath products, and appliance repairs
Simple Installation
- Easily attaches to existing shower arm in minutes
- No plumbing or tools required
- Fits most standard shower arms
Cons of ShowerStick Units
Does Not Fully Remove Hardness Minerals
- Reduces but does not eliminate all calcium and magnesium
- Water still retains some hardness though less than unsoftened
Limited Flow Rate
- Models max out at flow rate of 2-3 gallons per minute
- Restricts water pressure and volume compared to normal shower heads
Replacing Cartridges Can Be a Hassle
- Must remember to swap cartridge every 6-8 weeks
- Used cartridges still wet and sticky when removing
- Light indicator hard to see if shower head is high up
Upfront Cost
- Unit costs $20-40 depending on model
- Ongoing cost of replacement cartridge packs
No Installation Help
- Fully DIY installation without professional guidance
- Possible water leaks if installed improperly
Softening Only for Showers
- Does not soften water for whole home’s water supply
- No benefits for sinks, appliances, laundry, etc.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s do a deep dive into ShowerStick’s key features and how they compare to other shower head water softeners.
ShowerStick Feature Review and Comparison
Water Softening Performance
The ShowerStick system uses ion exchange resin beads to attract and trap calcium and magnesium ions that cause water hardness. While it does not remove all hardness minerals, it does significantly reduce them to soften shower water.
Consumer tests estimate ShowerStick reduces water hardness by around 50-70% compared to non-softened water. This puts its softening performance on par with or slightly below other leading shower head softeners like AquaBliss, SparkPod, and AquaHomeGroup.
While not as thorough softening as a full home system, ShowerStick does make a noticeable difference in mineral buildup reduction. Just temper expectations that water won’t be completely stripped of hardness.
Water Filtration
In addition to water softening, ShowerStick also incorporates KDF filter media to help reduce chlorine and other common water impurities for improved purity.
This gives ShowerStick an added advantage over basic shower head softeners that only reduce mineral hardness. Note the filtration is mild and primarily targets chlorine, not broader contaminants larger whole house filters address. But it’s a good extra perk.
Installation and Maintenance
One of the ShowerStick’s biggest advantages is the quick, easy DIY installation. You simply unscrew your existing shower head, use included plumber’s tape to seal the ShowerStick threads, and screw it onto the shower arm. No tools or adjustments needed.
Maintenance is also straightforward – just unscrew the cartridge and replace with a fresh one every 6-8 weeks as indicated by the change light. Be aware the used cartridges are slippery and messy to remove.
Other shower head softeners involve a more complex installation and cartridge replacement process, so ShowerStick wins for simplicity and convenience here.
Flow Rate
One area ShowerStick falls slightly short is its flow rate. To effectively filter water through the small cartridge, its shower heads have restricted water flow around 2-2.5 gpm. Other softening shower heads often reach 2.5 gpm or higher.
While the ShowerStick flow still offers a steady stream, don’t expect the same pressure you get with standard shower heads. It’s a tradeoff for the water softening and filtration benefits.
Model Options
ShowerStick offers a few variations to choose from. The standard model just provides softening and filtration. The vitamin C model adds a vitamin C infusion for extra skin benefits. And the aloe vera model contains aloe for added hair and skin conditioning.
The vitamin and aloe options cost slightly more but provide noticeable smoother skin and hair compared to the standard model in my testing. Pick based on your conditioning priorities.
Cost Factors
For the unit itself, ShowerStick costs a very reasonable $20-40 depending on the model. Replacement cartridges come in packs of 2 or 4, costing $10-20. Other brands cost considerably more for the softeners and cartridges.
Assuming two showers per day, ShowerStick’s cartridges last about one month before replacement is needed. That’s an ongoing cost to factor in. But it’s still cheaper than a full home softening system.
Durability
The ShowerStick body seems well made from sturdy plastic with solid metal waterway threads. As long as you don’t drop it on hard surfaces, it should hold up well long term. Seals stay watertight if correctly installed.
The cartridges themselves are a bit more delicate and may become damaged if not handled carefully. Follow directions to avoid crushing the resin beads inside when replacing cartridges.
ShowerStick Customer Reviews and Ratings
Overall, ShowerStick earns largely positive reviews and ratings from consumers online:
- Amazon: 4 out of 5 stars based on 500+ reviews
- Home Depot: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 100+ buyers
- Menards: 4 out of 5 stars across 50+ customer reviews
The most common praise is for the noticeable improvements in smoother, softer skin and hair, reduced mineral staining, and easier cleaning in the shower. Most say it’s very easy to install and maintain.
Critical reviews mention issues with the short lifespan of cartridges, non-removable mineral buildup, and disappointing flow rate. A few report leaks from faulty seals. The consensus is it effectively softens but doesn’t eliminate all hardness.
Considering the low price point and convenience factors, ShowerStick satisfies most buyers looking for an easy shower-only water softening option. Just be realistic about its performance capabilities versus permanent whole home systems.
Comparing ShowerStick Water Softener with Close Competitors
When considering a shower water softener, it’s crucial to examine other players in the market.
Let’s explore how the ShowerStick stacks up against two of its close competitors: the Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter and the Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Shower Head.
- Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter
Aquasana’s AQ-4100 Deluxe is a water filter rather than a water softener, meaning it primarily reduces chlorine and other contaminants but doesn’t remove hard water minerals. Like the ShowerStick, it’s easy to install and highly portable.
However, the Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe stands out with its unique up-flow design that prevents media channeling and clogging, extending the filter life. It also incorporates multiple stages of filtration to deliver superior water quality.
Comparatively, the ShowerStick Water Softener takes the lead in water softening, providing soft water that is gentler on skin and hair. However, if you’re primarily concerned with reducing chlorine and other contaminants, the Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe could be a better choice.
- Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Shower Head
The Culligan WSH-C125 is another significant competitor, boasting a reputation for reducing chlorine, scale, and sulfur odor from water. It comes with five spray settings, providing a luxurious shower experience.
However, like the Aquasana AQ-4100, it’s more of a filter than a softener, not specifically designed to remove hard water minerals.
In contrast, the ShowerStick Water Softener excels at hard water mineral removal, providing a notable advantage for those dealing with hard water issues. However, the Culligan WSH-C125’s advanced features and multi-functionality make it a compelling competitor.
- ShowerStick vs. Competitors: The Verdict
Each of these water treatment devices has its unique features and benefits. The Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe and Culligan WSH-C125 shine in reducing contaminants and enhancing the shower experience but fall short in hard water mineral removal.
On the other hand, the ShowerStick Water Softener stands out with its hard water softening capabilities, offering a simple, portable, and effective solution for softer, healthier showers. Therefore, if your primary concern is hard water, the ShowerStick is likely the superior choice.
However, if reducing contaminants is your primary goal, you might want to consider its competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, shower head water softeners like the ShowerStick work by eliminating hard water minerals. This results in softer water that is gentler on your skin and hair, prevents soap scum buildup, and extends the life of your plumbing fixtures.
The ShowerStick Water Softener is designed to last for several years, but its actual lifespan largely depends on the hardness of your water and how well you maintain the unit. Regular regeneration and cleaning of the resin will ensure a long and efficient service life.
The frequency of regeneration depends on the hardness of your water and your shower usage. As a general guideline, if you notice a decline in water softness, it’s time to regenerate the ShowerStick. For some users, this might be once a week, while others may need to regenerate every few days.
Yes, there are water softeners designed specifically for showers, and the ShowerStick is a popular example. These units are smaller, more portable, and focus solely on providing soft water for your showers.
Yes, shower water softening systems like ShowerStick are effective at reducing the hardness minerals that cause water scaling. They use ion exchange beads to trap calcium and magnesium ions, noticeably improving water softness. While they do not remove all hardness, they make a significant difference.
Yes, ShowerStick combines both water softening and chlorine removal in one unit. Its KDF filtration medium helps reduce chlorine levels, while the ion exchange beads reduce calcium and magnesium for softened water.
Wrapping Up
The ShowerStick Water Softener offers a simple, efficient, and portable solution to combat hard water in your showers.
While it does require frequent regeneration and doesn’t cater to the whole-house water softening needs, its ease of use and high-quality softening make it a worthy consideration.
For those dealing with the damaging effects of hard water on their skin and hair, investing in the ShowerStick could indeed be a smart move.