Nearly half of U.S. tap water contains PFAs, or “forever chemicals,” according to research. These substances have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, altered metabolism, and a reduced immune system. This reality has led some people to reconsider their bathing habits.
Braelyn Wood, deputy commerce editor at mindbodygreen, stopped taking baths after learning about contaminants in her water. While her New York City apartment does not have hard water, it is treated with chlorine and other disinfectants. Her building, constructed in the 1940s, likely has lead soldering in the pipes, which can expose residents to heavy metals.
Canopy released a new product called the Bath Tub Filter. The device uses a three-step filtration system to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and some PFAs from tap water. The filter uses activated carbon, calcium sulfite, and KDF-55. Activated carbon has microscopic pores that trap contaminants. Calcium sulfite reacts with chlorine and chloramines, converting them into harmless chloride ions and neutralizing 99% of chlorine. KDF-55 uses a reaction between its copper-zinc alloy and water contaminants to trap heavy metals and inhibit microbial growth.
Water enters through a BPA-free silicone spout and is forced through the filter before entering the tub. The filter costs $89.
The installation does not require tools and takes less than 20 seconds. The kit includes two stretchy silicone bands. Users choose the band that fits their spout and slip it on. The filter has small grips that settle into the band’s grooves to keep it in place and prevent leaking.
The filter comes in five colors: white, butter, jade, lavender, and oat. The jade option, a sage green, adds color to a bathroom. The brand chose to offer colors that appeal to both adults and children.
Water pressure is not affected by the filter. The water flow is separated into a few streams, but the pressure feels the same as without the filter. Filling a tub takes about three minutes, the same pace as without the filter.
Chlorine can damage the skin barrier, causing dryness, redness, and irritation. After using the filter, the writer reported that her skin felt soft and nourished rather than irritated.
A small water temperature indicator is on the side of the filter. It changes from gray to red when the water is hot. This helps users avoid drawing a bath that is too hot and needing a cool-down period.
Maintenance is simple. The silicone is dishwasher-safe. The spout cover has built-in ventilation and an antimicrobial coating to resist mold and mildew. The water filter can be replaced without removing the spout cover and must be replaced every 90 days.
The filter profile is large to fit a variety of spout sizes and shapes. Some users may prefer a slimmer design. The filter is made with silicone. Early research suggests silicone may release nanoplastic over time or under harsh conditions, though it is more durable and less likely to shed than plastic. Silicone is a synthetic polymer and difficult to recycle.
