09-07-2025
Okay, Do I Really Need a Bath Water Filter?
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Many of us filter our tap water for better health, safety reasons, or because we prefer the taste. But it may surprise you that some people use a filter for their bath water, especially when they have young kids who take frequent baths. Using a bath water filter isn't for everyone but experts say it may have benefits, especially for little ones with sensitive skin.
Let's take a close look at bath water filters—what they are, how they work, and whether using one is a good idea for your family.
So, how exactly do you filter the water that goes into your bath? Most bath water filters on the market are quite simple, actually. They are small devices that you hang on your bathtub faucet, so that the water gets filtered as it flows into your bathtub.
'Bath water filters are devices designed to remove or reduce contaminants from tap water used in bathtubs,' explains David T. Dyjack, CIH, chief executive director at National Environmental Health Association. 'They typically attach to the faucet or sit in the tub and filter out unwanted biological and chemical contaminants.'
Bath water filters are relatively easy to use, says Kelly Russum, owner of KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning, and a plumber with 46+ years experience. 'You just attach the filter to your tub spout every time you're going to use it, and before the water fills the bathtub, it passes through the media, becoming gentler and lower on chlorine on the output.'
There are several different contaminants that bath water filters can potentially filter. While not all bath filters work the same, according to Dr. Dyjack, bath water filters may be able to filter out unwanted biological and chemical contaminants, including:
Chlorine, a chemical added by public water facilities to disinfect water
Chloramines, used to disinfect drinking water
Heavy metals, such as lead
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, toluene. and xylene
Sediment and rust
Some bacteria and other impurities, though this depends on the filtering type
Bath water filters aren't for everyone, but they may have benefits for certain children, and for other members of the family, says Joshua R. Resa, MD, pediatrician at Hoag Medical Group.
'For children, especially those with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema, using a bath filter may help reduce irritation or dryness,' he explains. Filtered bath water can also be helpful for children with allergies, or whose skin is just generally sensitive.
On a broader note, using bath water filters can potentially improve water quality and reduce your exposure to certain unwanted chemicals. 'While not essential for every home, it's a simple step that may help support skin health and comfort,' Dr. Resa says.
According to Dr. Dyjack, other potential benefits are that bath water filters may limit the inhalation of chlorine vapors during a warm bath or shower. Additionally, though there isn't hard evidence for this, manufacturers of bath filters say their customers report softer skin and hair, Dr. Dyjack notes. Finally, bath water filters may offer peace of mind for families who live with older plumbing or who live in areas with questionable water infrastructure, says Dr. Dyjack.
Bath water filters aren't perfect, and they aren't for everyone.
One downside of using one is that it will end up taking longer to draw your child's bath. "The drawbacks of using bath water filters are more about inconvenience—and the main one is time,' Russum says. 'If you use a bath water filter, you need to reduce the flow, meaning it might now take two times as long to fill your tub.'
As Dr. Dyjack shares, other potential drawback include:
Their effectiveness is limited. 'Bath filters don't purify water to the same extent as whole-house or drinking water systems/filters do,' Dr. Dyjack explains. 'They typically reduce (not eliminate) contaminants.'
They require maintenance, as the filters need to be replaced every two or three months.
Many aren't effective against microbial contaminants.
Okay, so what's the bottom line here? Should you run out and buy a bath filter for your family? Is it actually necessary?
Bath water filters may be a good idea if you have a child with sensitive skin or a skin condition like eczema, says Dr. Resa. Reducing exposure to irritants like chlorine can be helpful there. 'That said, they're not essential for every household,' Dr. Resa emphasizes. 'Prioritizing regular skin care and hydration remains key to keeping children's skin healthy, whether or not a filter is used.'
If serious larger-scale filtering is what you are looking for, you might want to consider alternatives like a full-house or RO water purification system, says Russum. These are much more thorough and effective than bath water filters that you attach to your faucet. But they are also much more expensive.
A bath water filter might be something to try if you or your child takes frequent baths and has sensitive skin. 'Filters can be particularly helpful for children with eczema, sensitive, or easily irritated skin, especially if you notice dryness or irritation after bathing,' Dr. Resa shares. 'If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to consult a pediatrician or dermatologist who can provide personalized guidance based on your child's specific needs.'
Keep in mind that not all bath filters are the same. These are Dr. Dyjack's tips for selecting a reliable bath water filter:
Pick a filter that's NSF-certified (the gold standard)
Choose a filter that clearly states it removes chlorine and chloramines
Select one that offers easy installation and filter replacement
Make sure filter replacements are easy to purchase, as they'll need to be replaced every few months
Read the original article on Parents
