Reviewed: Pelican Shower Water Filter Model PSF-1 (Updated 2021)
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated:
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Contents
- Pelican PSF-1 – Key Features
- PSF-1 Pros
- Installation Instructions
- The Package (Parts)
- Maintenance
- Manual
- PSF-1 Cons
- Pelican PSF-1 Review: Our Verdict
Pelican’s shower filter with the model number PSF-1 might be your solution to dry, flaky skin and brittle hair that’s hard to manage caused by too much chlorine in your shower water!
 Pelican PSF-1 | |
| Price: | $ |
| Flow Rate: | 1.5 gpm |
| Filter Capacity: | 15k gal |
| NSF Certifications: | 177 |
| Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating
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Pelican PSF-1 – Key Features
The Pelican PSF-1 shower filter features 3 filtration stages:
- First, KDF (copper-zinc) oxidation media removes excessive chlorine.
- Next, granular activated carbon eliminates synthetic chemicals as well as unpleasant odors.
- Lastly, Far Infrared balls change the surface tension of your shower water “for better hydration of hair and skin“, says Pelican.
Lab tests according to NSF 177 standards for the reduction of free available chlorine have shown that the total dechlorination is still about 90% even after 15,000 gallons of filtration (approx. 80% reduction after 30,000 gallons).
Pelican also says that the PSF-1 will take care of some of the chloramine + disinfection byproducts that may be present in your water, but does not provide any test data as proof.
Total filtering life: 6 to 9 months for a 2-person household.
What’s more, the product comes in 3 different configurations:
- PSF-1 (standard version) – Includes shower head
- PSF-1NH – Without shower head (use your own); not for wands or heads with shut-off valves
- PSF-1W – With 5-foot hand-held massaging wand
All three are available in a white or chrome finish to match your existing bathroom fixtures.
By the way, the PSF-1 fits ½” standard connections. Due to its design, you should make sure that there is enough space between shower head and ceiling to accommodate the filter.
PSF-1 Pros
Here’s what we like:
- You can choose between a high-flow and a water-conserving spray setting.
- The unit is 100 percent BPA-free.
- It does not lower the height of your shower head for comfortable standing.
- If you register your system with Pelican within 90 days of purchase you get a 1-year limited warranty.
- There’s a handy accessories clip.
- You can use the optional Ocean Breeze aromatherapy scent bar for a spa-like shower experience. Bars last up to 60 days and can be purchased separately.
The Pelican PSF-1 – learn more on pelicanwater.com
Installation Instructions
Don’t worry, the Pelican PSF-1 shower filter is super easy to hook up:
- Remove your existing shower head from the supply pipe.
- Insert the fragrance bar into the free slot (optional).
- Wrap sealing tape around the threaded end of the shower pipe.
- Now attach the shower filter body using the chrome collar. Turn clockwise to tighten.
- Use a pair of pliers to further tighten. Be careful not to overtighten.
- To activate, flush with cold water until it comes out clear. Then adjust to normal temperatures. Wait 30 seconds for the temperature to adjust. Run water until it’s all cleared up.
- Turn water off and back on several times. Repeat this procedure until all initial surge of water is free of any discoloration.
- Attach the pelican shower head or your own.
Video
In case you prefer video over written instructions, watch this:
The Package (Parts)
- Filter body and threaded cartridge
- Washers
- Shower head (PSF-1 only)
- Massaging shower wand (PSF-1W only)
- Hose (PSF-1W only)
- Cradle assembly (PSF-1W only)
Maintenance
Filter changes are fast thanks to the quick connect feature. That’s all you need to do for maintenance.
Manual
Link to the official manual: https://www.pelicanwater.com/pdf/ShowerFilter_PSF-1.pdf
PSF-1 Cons
The main disadvantage of the Pelican PSF-1 is that replacement cartridges are costly. In fact, sometimes they are even more expensive than a brand new unit including shower head + filter. This really doesn’t make any sense.
Our second issue is that the shower pipe to filter connection is prone to leaking, apparently no matter how many wraps of Teflon tape you use. The sheer weight of the unit cannot be handled by the rather flimsy washer so that the whole assembly loosens at the side. The result: Leaks.
Other than that, you should be aware that the filter will reduce your water flow rate to 1.5 gallons per minute (1.0 gpm for water-saving spray setting). On the one hand, this is good for the environment as it saves water. On the other hand, rinsing shampoo out of your hair may become more difficult (although Pelican promises that pressure will be maintained).
Pelican PSF-1 Review: Our Verdict
While the Pelican PSF-1 shower filter has the potential to drastically improve the health of your hair and skin, it does not come without flaws.
More than 90% dechlorination effectiveness, a high filtering capacity and convenience of use are up against issues with leaks and low water flow as well as overpriced replacement cartridges. Our rating: 3 stars!
More Reviews:
- This was not what you were looking for? You can find more Pelican filter reviews on BOS.
- We also have plenty of shower filter reviews for you here.
This completes our review of the Pelican PSF-1 shower filter. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
