Aquasana AQ-4100 & AQ-4105 Shower Filter Review (New 2023)
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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Are you sick of the acrid chlorine smell of your shower water? Is your hair dry and your skin flaky? Then Aquasana’s shower filter might be just what you need.
It is supposed trap chlorine and other impurities lurking in your water, thus reducing your body’s chemical exposure.
The promised results: Noticeably softer and more moisturized hair & skin as well as better air quality inside your shower.
Can the filter keep its promises? You are about to find out!
Aquasana AQ-4100 |
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| Price: | $ |
| Flow Rate: | 2.5 gpm |
| Filter Capacity: | 10,000 gal |
| NSF Testing: | 177 |
| Warranty: | 1 Years |
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Our Rating
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Aquasana AQ-4100 & AQ-4105 – Key Features
Let’s start with the basics:
The product with the model number AQ-4100 or AQ-4105 – depends on which one you choose – comes in 4 different versions:
- With a massaging handheld chrome wand
- With a massaging handheld wand
- With a massaging head
- Without head (use your own) – If you are planning to use your own shower head, remember that it needs to have a standard ½” connector and 2.5 gpm flow rate.
No matter which option you go for, all employ the same filter cartridge that is rated at 10,000 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first.
10k gallons is pretty standard in the realm of shower filters and saves you from the inconvenience of frequent replacements.
The provided water flow rate is 2.5 gpm which again is the standard.
As for the filtration, we have a 2-stage process that first uses KDF-55 media (copper-zinc blend) to reduce chlorine and balance water pH, followed by an activated carbon layer to further eliminate chlorine and other synthetic chemicals. This includes volatile substances like pesticides and herbicides.
Aquasana also claims that the AQ-4100/4105 removes lead, mercury, iron and hydrogen sulfide, however, doesn’t provide any test data for proof.
Speaking of test data, the shower filter was tested against NSF Standard 177 for chlorine reduction (91.61%). Even after 10,000 gallons the reduction rate was above 87%.
Please note: Performance may be impacted by the presence of chloramines in your water supply.
So indeed, you will have almost entirely chlorine-free water for easier breathing. And since chlorine “is extremely drying to the skin” and damages our hair, having it removed from your shower water will likely have a positive impact.
What if your supplier uses chloramine instead of chlorine for water disinfection? Well, according to Aquasana the AQ-4100 or 4105 also takes care of chloramines, but to what extent we do not know.
Alexa’s Video Review
Being an integral member of our team, Alexa has ordered and tested the Aquasana Shower Filter for us, meaning she has installed, primed, and used the filter in her day-to-day life for several weeks to gain some first-hand experience. She shares her findings and personal verdict in the video below:
AQ-4100 & AQ-4105 Pros
What other things we like about the Aquasana AQ-4100 and AQ-4105?
Firstly, they are 100% BPA-free. We all have heard about the severe health effects that Bisphenol A can have.
Secondly, the filtered water they provide improves lathering so that you have to use less soap and shampoo.
We also like that thanks to the clever upflow design that prevents clogging your shower head will remain at its old height. So even after you’ve attached the filter which couldn’t be any easier you will still have enough space to stand comfortably.
Oh, and you get a 90-day satisfaction guarantee + a limited 1-year warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship in manufacturing. Replacement cartridges are warranted for 6 months.
The Aquasana AQ-4100- learn more on aquasana.com
Installation Instructions
Like we said, Aquasana shower units are very easy to install. And you can do this yourself so there is no need to hire a plumbing professional. #Moneysaver
Here is what you need to do:
- Remove the two black plastic caps.
- Double check that the white rubber washer is in place.
- Remove the old head.
- Wrap the threaded end of the pipe with plumber’s tape to prevent leaks.
- Attach the “chrome” inlet collar to the pipe. Hand tighten first. Then use a wrench for an additional ¼ turn.
- Next, flush for about 2 minutes. Start with cold water until it turns clear. Then adjust to normal temperature. Use a bucket to prevent spilling.
- Turn the water on and off several times until it comes out clear.
- Finally, attach your own or Aquasana’s massaging shower head/massaging wand.
- For the wand, first attach the cradle assembly to the filter body (hand tighten only).
- Assemble the hose by inserting a washer into the hose nut. Then screw it onto the bracket. Insert a second washer into the hose nut hand and screw it into the shower wand.
Video
Don’t want to bother reading instructions? We feel you! Here is a short installation video provided by Aquasana:
The Package (Parts)
- Filter body and threaded cartridge
- Washers
- Massaging shower head (AQ-4100 only)
- Massaging shower wand (AQ-4105 only)
- Hose (AQ-4105 only)
- Cradle assembly (AQ-4105 only)
Maintenance
Filter replacements are quick and easy, no tools required.
All you need to do is remove the old cartridge and attach the new. Flush and you are ready to go!
Manual
A manual for all versions of the shower filter can be found here: Manual
AQ-4100 & AQ-4105 Cons
Replacement filters being quite expensive is our main concern with the Aquasana AQ-4100/4105 shower filter. They cost almost the same as a whole new unit including head or wand. Also, taking into account that for some customers the filters clogged prematurely, frequent replacements could start to add up quickly.
Some people complained about the stiff vinyl hose that is always at the edge of jumping out of its plastic mount – better go with the chrome package that comes with a flex hose.
Above that, we found a couple of reviews mentioning leaks due to units falling apart. This shouldn’t happen obviously. The good news is, Aquasana’s customer service is usually reliable and will send out replacements parts without hesitation.
And lastly, one minor drawback is that the nozzle is too short to accommodate larger shower heads.
Aquasana AQ-4100 and AQ-4105 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
Aquasana shower filters are best for getting the chlorine out of your shower water which will make a huge difference to your hair and skin; that’s beyond question. It makes a noticeable difference in water quality.
The majority is happy with their purchase and would recommend the product to anyone. And so do we. Our rating: 4.5 stars!
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More Reviews:
- You can find more Aquasana water filter reviews here if you like. Or do you want more shower filter reviews?
- Aquasana Well Water Filter
- Aquasana Rhino Whole House Filter
- Aquasana Countertop Water Filter
That’s it for Aquasana’s shower filters. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
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