The Aquasana AQ-4100 is a trusted shower filter that removes up to 90% of the chlorine from your water. With such effective performance, Aquasana claims that their shower filter will result in softer and smoother skin and hair and help to eliminate dryness, itchiness, and flakiness.
They even state that reducing chlorine can help those suffering from asthma and other respiratory problems.
This guide will take an in-depth look at the Aquasana AQ-4100 shower filter to determine if it is the right choice for you and your home. We’ll also look at some alternatives and what other customers have had to say about their experience with the product.
Filtration Media
Like most shower filters, the Aquasana multi-stage filtration system relies on a combination of different filtration media to achieve its chlorine reduction claims.
Specifically, they rely on copper-zinc media (KDF-55) along with coconut shell carbon media. The carbon media is responsible for removing the chlorine from the water, while the copper-zinc media provides further chlorine reduction while also balancing the pH balance of the water.
The filter adheres to NSF/ANSI 177 standards, meaning that they self-certify that their filter will reduce chlorine. Noticeably absent from this filter is any other media or additives including vitamin C pellets, activated carbon block, and sediment pads common in many shower filters.
Related: Best Vitamin C Shower Filters
Compatibility
The AQ-4100 is compatible with all standard shower arms and shower heads with a 1/2″ threading.
Recommended Reading: What is a Shower Arm
Installation
Shower filters, by their very nature, are sold on the idea that they are easy to install and require no special tools or skills. And for the most part, that is true.
The AQ-4100 is no different in this respect. The entire process should take no more than a few minutes, and you will only need a wrench and some plumber’s tape (Teflon tape), as neither is included.
To install the AQ-4100, remove your current shower head, remove the old plumber’s tape from the shower arm (if any), apply the new plumber’s tape to the shower arm, and then screw on the shower filter. Once it is hand-tightened, use your wrench to give it a final snug. That’s it!
Initial Cost
The AQ-4100 is somewhat expensive at $69.99, given that it does not reduce a wide variety of contaminants but is still in line with similar shower filters on the market.
Maintenance Costs
The initial cost is only one part of the equation when determining a product’s actual cost of ownership. The other part is the cost of replacement filters, which in this case is $59.99. As we discussed in our recent post about replacing shower filter cartridges, the AQ-4100 will need to be replaced every 6 to 9 months, depending on the water quality in your area and how often you use your shower. Aquasana rates each cartridge good for 10,000 gallons.
You can purchase directly on the Aquasana website or at large retailers like Amazon.com.
In total, expect to pay approximately $190.00 (excluding tax) each year after owning this filter and $120.00 each subsequent year.
Here’s how you can change the filter:
Design
Given the unique shape of this shower filter, especially when compared to the AquaBliss SF100, the Aquasana AQ-4100 will have both its advantages and disadvantages in terms of design.
Perhaps the most significant advantage is that the height difference between the entry of the shower arm and the exit to the shower head is minimal. This means that the height of your shower head will not be affected, which is a common complaint amongst owners of other similar shower filters. So if you or someone you share your shower stall with is taller, they will not have any issues.
However, two disadvantages are worth mentioning. First, because of the unique design, it can only work with shower heads that are 4.5″ or smaller in diameter. So if you have a larger rain shower head, this filter will not work.
Secondly, the filter is made from a white plastic material, which may or may not work with your bathroom’s decor.
Warranty
Aquasana scores high on standing by their product as they offer a full 1-year limited warranty on the AQ-4100. That’s twice as long as many of their competitors. Additionally, they offer an industry-leading 90-day “Pure Satisfaction” guarantee, so you can always return it if you are unhappy:
Alternative Aquasana Models
While we are only reviewing their filter, Aquasana makes a few modified versions of this product. Two include a handheld wand in either chrome or white plastic finish, and the other is the same filter we reviewed today with a fixed shower head (as opposed to handheld).
We recommend that you consider these other models only if you are also thinking about changing your shower head simultaneously, as they will match the finish. However, if you are happy with your current shower head, we recommend sticking with the AQ-4100.
Other Brands
Aquasana has plenty of competitors in the shower filter market, but they are among the few with such a positive rating across many different marketplaces.
Some of their main competitors come from brands that include the following:
- AquaBliss: We’ve reviewed their top model, the SF100, and it’s a very similar product to the AQ-4100. AquaBliss is a bit more affordable and features multi-stage filtration.
- Sprite: Sprite is one of the market’s most popular shower filter brands, with several different models to choose from. We recommend their “HOC” version, which is their top-of-the-line model.
- Culligan: Culligan is a large water filtration company with many products. Their WSH-C125 is a sleek, all-in-one design that works well for any shower.
- Speakman: Their “Anystream” series is one of the most popular on the market. The all-in-one design gives you a filtered and luxury showering experience without the fuss of bulky attachments.
Overall
To summarize, the Aquasana AQ-4100 is an excellent shower filter that is well worth the investment, especially if you want to improve your skin and hair health.
Here’s our rating:
| Dimension | Summary | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration Media | The two filtration media of copper-zinc and coconut shell carbon provide excellent chlorine filtering. However, it would be nice if other contaminants could be filtered as well. | 90 |
| Compatibility | The 1/2″ NPT threading is standard for most shower heads, but the 4.5″ maximum width may limit those with larger rain shower heads. | 85 |
| Installation | Adding this to your existing shower is a breeze and can be done in minutes without any tools. | 100 |
| Initial Cost | It’s a bit pricey given only two filtration media, but it’s well-made. | 95 |
| Maintenance Costs | Cartridge prices will add up over a year. However, it still only equates to approximately $0.25 a day. | 92 |
| Design | The design will either work for you or not; the size is a bit large, making it incompatible with all bathrooms. However, the slight difference in shower head height is a nice touch. | 90 |
| Warranty | It’s great to see a 1-year warranty as it shows that Aquasana is confident in its product. Additionally, the 90-day satisfaction guarantee gives you some peace of mind. | 100 |
| Overall | It’s a good shower filter that will work for some but not all. It effectively removes chlorine, adheres to NSF standards, and has a solid warranty. However, the price is a bit high, and it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing design. | 93.1 |
